Are you thinking about sprucing up your bathroom with a new faucet? You may first be intimidated by the thought of replacing the faucet yourself. But, thankfully, installing a new faucet can be an easy task even if you don’t have any plumbing experience. All that is needed to replace your faucet is some preparation, patience, and basic knowledge.
Follow these quick steps to replace your faucet in an afternoon.
Step 1: Identify your old faucet
There are three main faucet types on the market: single hole, 4” triple hole, and 8” triple hole. Your current faucet may be installed to the sink or the countertop. Since you’re replacing the faucet, you can either switch to another type or continue to use the type you already have.
Most bathroom faucets have three parts: a center spout and two valves. Water goes through two separate supply lines, with one for cold water and the other for hot water. These lines are controlled by the valves and mixes in a tee before coming out the spout.
Step 2: Remove the old faucet
Shut off the hot and cold water valves under the sink, then turn on the faucet to drain the residual pressure in the water lines. Next, use the adjustable wrench to loosen and remove the flexible supply lines that transfer water to the faucet. Drain the remaining water into the bucket. Next, unscrew the nuts and washers securing the faucet under the sink where the faucet meets the counter, then disconnect the lift rod and lift the faucet out from the top. Clean all the holes with some household cleaning or rubbing alcohol.
Step 3: Install the new faucet
There are many types of faucets on the market so be sure to consult your faucet’s installation manual. Put your new faucet in place by using a gasket or silicone and press it down firmly. Next, tighten the mounting nut (from under the sink) by hand, and then with a wrench. Repeat for the other valve.
Follow up by re-attaching the supply lines and tighten them with an adjustable wrench and re-attach the lift rod to the drain. Double-check your fittings and turn ON the shut-off valves one at a time. Finally, test and flush the new faucet for two minutes.
In the instance your faucet valves do not sit directly above your water supply lines, you’ll need to make some adjustments and bent the rigid supply line so they can reach the valves and screw onto them straight.
Next, slide a tube bender over the supply line, being careful not to kink the metal, but slightly bending the line. Make another bend in the part of the line that’s facing the other direction, so the pipe can create an S form.
Replacing your bathroom faucet can be a simple, rewarding project. If you’re searching for affordable bathroom faucets, countertops, cabinetry, and more, browse our inventory at McCarren Supply.