When renovating your bathroom, it’s not always necessary to carry out an entire renovation. In some cases, a small improvement such as a new faucet can bring a significant difference to your bathroom both in terms of appearance and usability. And what’s more important, the installation of a bathroom faucet requires just a few hours using a few tools.
In case you’re going to replace your old faucet or to install the new one, you’ll find all necessary information on how to do that here.
Selecting Your Faucet
Prior to starting the faucet installation process, it’s crucial to select the right faucet for your sink.
- For the single-hole sinks – single-hole faucets
- For the sinks having three holes located close to each other – centerset faucets (4 inch spacing)
- For the sinks having three holes located far from each other – widespread faucets (8 inch spacing)
- Also, there are water-saving models you can choose.
Materials You’ll Need
- Adjustable wrench
- Basin wrench (for tight spaces)
- Plumber’s putty or silicone caulk
- Bucket or towel
- Cleaning cloth
- New faucet kit
Step One: Disconnecting the Water Source
- Before beginning the process, turn off the water source first.
- Find the hot and cold water shut-off valves below the sink
- Turn both the valves clockwise
- Turn on the water faucet in order to release any pressure
Step Two: Removing the Old Faucet
Next, remove the current fixture.
- Disconnect the water connections through a wrench
- Loosen the mounting nuts below the sink
- Apply a basin wrench when space is restricted
- Unscrew the lift rod that is attached to the drain stopper
- Remove the old faucet by lifting it from above the hole
In case it is difficult to remove, use a putty knife to loosen it.
Step 3: Clean the Faucet Installation Surface
The third step is to clean the surface where you will install the new faucet.
- Remove any old sealant or putty
- Use rubbing alcohol or other cleaning agents
- The surface should be flat and dry
- This step ensures that the installation surface is prepared correctly to make the necessary seal.
Step 4: Prepare Your New Faucet
- According to the manufacturer’s instructions, prepare the faucet.
- Assemble all parts
- Put a gasket on the bottom of the faucet
- Add plumber’s putty or silicone around the base or sink hole if necessary.
Step 5: Install the Faucet
- Insert the faucet into the holes provided on the sink.
- Position it so that it fits correctly
- Push it into position
- On the underside of the sink:
- Install the washers and mounting nuts
- Tighten them alternately without tightening them completely yet.
Step 6: Alignment and Fixing
- Check the location of the faucet from above.
- Ensure that it is properly centered and aligned.
- When it is in place, screw the mounting nuts tightly.
- Do not over-tighten as it may break the fixture.
Step 7: Installing Drain Parts
In case the faucet comes with a drain assembly,
- Apply silicone under the drain collar.
- Fit it into the drain hole and screw tightly.
- Next, install the pop-up stopper and the lift rod.
Step 8: Hooking up the Water Supply
- Connect the water lines to the newly installed faucet.
- Connect the hot and cold water lines to the valve.
- Use a wrench to tighten the screws but be gentle.
Step 9: Testing the Faucet
- The last step is to test the newly installed faucet.
- Turn on the water supply to the sink
- Remove the aerator from the faucet.
- Switch on the cold and hot water supplies
- Run the water for a minute before checking for leaks.
Advice for a Smooth Faucet Installation
- It is important to follow the installation guidelines supplied with your faucet
- Using the right tools helps to protect parts from damage
- Be careful when tightening connections
- Check alignment before securing connections permanently
When to call a Professional
Though installing a faucet is fairly easy for homeowners, there are cases when hiring professionals will be the better choice:
- Pipes are rusty, worn out, or have leaks
- Shut-off valves are malfunctioning
- Faucet installation involves wall mounting
- Changes to plumbing need to be made
- Connections and fittings make you uncertain
Not comfortable doing it yourself? Or ran into an issue midway?
Leaky’s Plumbing Services is here to make your job easy. Whether it’s faucet installation, leak repairs, or a complete plumbing upgrade, their experienced professionals ensure fast, reliable, and hassle-free service. Call us today!