Introduction

There’s nothing more annoying than having a leaky faucet. The monotonous dripping is enough to drive anyone to madness, and there’s also the problem of the leak raising your water bill. Even if your faucet isn’t losing water, it still might be time to replace it. Perhaps it looks outdated, is permanently stained, or just sticks awkwardly. In many cases, it might simply not match your style or even make you cringe whenever you see it. Whatever the case may be, this guide will teach you the proper way to replace a bathroom sink faucet so you can enjoy a clean, well put together bathroom.

Tools You Need

Before doing any work, make sure you have the proper tools in your possession. You don’t want to have the faucet out of commission only to realize you are missing some crucial pieces. The main tools you will need for this job are an adjustable wrench and pliers. You will also need the new faucet itself as well as plumber’s putty and plumber’s tape. All of these items can be found at local hardware stores and are essential for a proper installation.

Identify Your Current Faucet

When replacing a bathroom sink faucet, you need to know what type you currently have. In the United States, there are three standardized models: the single hole, the 4” triple hole, and the 8” triple hole. The single hole is a faucet that has one central control which works as the mixing valve and the spout at the same time. The 4” triple hole and the 8” triple hole are sink types where there is a spout in the center and then mixing valves either 4 in. or 8 in. away from the spout in the middle.

For those who are unfamiliar, these names refer to whether your faucet comes in one piece or three pieces. Can you adjust the water temperature using a single handle, or do you need to twist handles on either side of the spout? This is what this information says.

Put Together the Pieces

Once you know your faucet type and you’ve bought a replacement, it’s a good idea to put together many of the pieces before attempting installation. This means attaching tubes, making sure the new faucet and its handles fit into place, and that all of the valves are functioning properly. Basically, you want to prep the installation so you don’t waste time with the water off in the bathroom when trying to put the new faucet in the sink. Each faucet will be a little different, so read the instructions with care during assembly. Once completed, you can prepare for the actual installation and replacement.

How to Install a Bathroom Sink Faucet

Now you can install. Before you do anything, you need to shut off the water valve connected to the sink so it doesn’t spray everywhere. Turn on the old faucet to remove any leftover water from the pipes before uninstalling it. You will need to remove the flexible extension line first. Have a bucket handy as it tends to leak excess water. Remove it from the shutoff valve.

Your next focus will be the hardware. Underneath the sink, remove the clamp bolt, nuts, and bolts securing the physical faucet and its handles in place. Set these aside. They might be rusty or tightened too much, so use the wrench and pliers if necessary. Once the hardware is gone, you can gently remove the faucet from the top of the sink. It might be stuck in gunk, so loosen it a little bit but don’t force it – it’s possible to damage the porcelain that way.

Next comes the installation of the new bathroom sink faucet. You need to install the central spout first. This could call for either a gasket or plumber’s putty, which goes around the base of the spout to prevent water from leaking into the cabinet. Next, you need to put the mixing valves in place. Once they and their gaskets or plumber’s putty are in place, go underneath the sink and attach the requisite nuts and bolts to hold the hardware in place. Make sure nothing is too loose or tight before moving on.

You will then thread the trim on the pipes, ensure they fit well together, and hook up the water lines from below to ensure there is a stable connection and flow of water. This should be simple but can take more time than other steps in the installation because everything needs to fit properly. If you’re unsure where a pipe needs to go, check the instructions and diagram that come with the new faucet. Plumber’s tape can be used to hold the trim and lines in place if they flop around too much underneath the sink.

You then will reinstall the drain rod to the extension from the new faucet and tighten the clamp bolt that holds it in place. Once this is done, you can turn on the water valve slowly. Make sure nothing is leaking while testing the new faucet. Most professionals recommend that you keep the water flowing for at least two minutes.

Conclusion

Plumbing can be confusing for individuals who don’t have much experience, but replacing a bathroom sink faucet can be simple. In general, the project takes roughly half a day, including assembling the pieces and performing the necessary checks. Remember to follow any and all instructions that come with your new faucet and make sure pieces fit well together. Don’t force anything, but also make sure the connections aren’t super loose. Once done, you can enjoy your new sink faucet!

What’s Next

Bathroom sink faucets can really bring a bathroom’s decor together or change the entire look of the room. Once it’s installed, you can move on to other projects around your home.

See reviews of the best bathroom sink faucets here!

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