How to Change Bathroom Faucet: A Step-by-Step Guide

Is your bathroom faucet dripping incessantly, singing a watery song of wasted dollars and mounting frustration? Maybe it’s simply outdated and dragging down the look of your entire bathroom. Whatever the reason, a faulty or unattractive faucet can be a major source of annoyance. Replacing it yourself might seem daunting, but with the right tools and a little guidance, it’s a surprisingly achievable DIY project that can save you a considerable amount of money compared to hiring a plumber.

Beyond the financial savings, tackling a faucet replacement offers a sense of accomplishment and allows you to customize your bathroom to perfectly match your style. A new faucet can instantly elevate the look and feel of your space, transforming it from drab to fab. Plus, understanding the basics of plumbing repairs empowers you to handle similar issues in the future, making you a more confident and self-sufficient homeowner. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to brag about installing their own faucet?

What tools do I need, and what are the key steps involved?

What’s the first step in changing a bathroom faucet?

The absolute first step in changing a bathroom faucet is to shut off the water supply to the faucet. This prevents a potentially messy and damaging flood when you disconnect the old faucet.

Before you even think about touching a wrench, locate the shut-off valves under the sink. There should be two valves, one for hot water and one for cold. Turn both valves clockwise until they are completely closed. Once you’ve shut off the water, it’s a good idea to test that the water is indeed off by turning on the faucet. If only a little water trickles out, or none at all, you’re good to proceed. If water continues to flow strongly, double-check that you’ve fully closed the valves. Sometimes, old valves can fail to completely shut off the water, in which case you may need to shut off the main water supply to your house, which is usually located in the basement or near the water meter. After you’ve confirmed the water is off, the next preparatory step involves protecting the area. Place a towel or bucket under the sink to catch any remaining water in the pipes and to protect the cabinet from drips. Gathering your necessary tools, such as an adjustable wrench, basin wrench (for hard-to-reach nuts), plumbers tape, and a new faucet is also crucial before beginning. This will make the process smoother and help prevent unexpected interruptions.

How do I disconnect the water supply lines safely?

The most important step is to shut off the water supply to the faucet. Locate the shut-off valves under the sink – usually one for hot and one for cold. Turn these valves clockwise until they are fully closed. Then, to relieve any residual pressure, turn on the faucet briefly to drain any remaining water in the lines. Finally, place a bucket or towel under the connections before disconnecting the supply lines to catch any drips or spills.

Disconnecting the water supply lines requires a few specific steps. First, visually confirm that the shut-off valves are completely closed. Even after closing them, a small amount of water may still be present in the lines. This is why opening the faucet briefly to relieve pressure is so crucial. Failing to relieve the pressure can result in a sudden burst of water when you disconnect the lines, causing a mess and potentially damaging your vanity or surrounding areas. Next, carefully use a wrench (typically an adjustable wrench or a basin wrench for tight spaces) to loosen the connections where the supply lines attach to the faucet tailpieces. Be prepared for some water to spill, even after relieving pressure. If the connections are corroded or difficult to loosen, applying a penetrating oil like WD-40 can help. Let the oil sit for 10-15 minutes before attempting to loosen the connections again. Never force the connections, as this could damage the pipes or the faucet.

What tools do I absolutely need for this project?

To successfully change a bathroom faucet, you’ll primarily need an adjustable wrench, a basin wrench (specifically designed for those hard-to-reach nuts under the sink), plumber’s putty, a supply line wrench or pliers, and a container or towel to catch any residual water. Having these on hand will ensure a smoother and less frustrating replacement process.

A basin wrench is arguably the most crucial tool. The confined space under a sink makes it incredibly difficult to access the faucet’s mounting nuts with a standard wrench. The basin wrench’s long handle and swiveling head allow you to reach and loosen these nuts from above. While an adjustable wrench can sometimes substitute, a basin wrench is almost always the better choice for efficiency and accessibility. Beyond the essentials, consider these optional but helpful tools. A flashlight or headlamp significantly improves visibility in the often-dark space under the sink. Penetrating oil or lubricant can assist in loosening corroded connections. A small bucket or towels are essential for capturing any leftover water in the supply lines. Finally, having a set of old rags or paper towels on hand for cleaning and wiping up spills is always a good idea.

How do I remove the old faucet without damaging the sink?

Removing an old faucet without damaging your sink requires patience and the right tools. Begin by disconnecting the water supply lines and clearing the area underneath the sink. Then, carefully loosen and detach the mounting nuts holding the faucet in place, using penetrating oil if they’re stuck. Support the faucet from above as you fully detach the nuts to prevent it from dropping and potentially chipping or scratching the sink surface. Finally, gently lift the faucet out of the sink.

Removing an old faucet can sometimes be challenging, especially if it’s been in place for a long time and the connections are corroded. Before you start, shut off the water supply to the faucet at the shut-off valves located under the sink. If these valves are old or seized, turn off the main water supply to your house. Place a bucket under the sink to catch any residual water. Spray penetrating oil onto any stubborn nuts or bolts and let it sit for at least 15-20 minutes to help loosen them. When working under the sink, be mindful of the limited space and potentially awkward positions. A basin wrench is often invaluable for reaching and loosening the mounting nuts, especially those located in tight spots. Apply steady, controlled pressure rather than brute force to avoid stripping the nuts or damaging the sink. If a nut is severely corroded and won’t budge, consider using a nut splitter to carefully break it apart. Protect the sink surface with a towel or padding during the removal process to prevent accidental scratches.

What if the mounting nuts are corroded and stuck?

If the mounting nuts securing your old bathroom faucet are corroded and stuck, don’t force them. Applying excessive force can damage the sink or even break the faucet shank. Instead, use penetrating oil, heat, or specialized tools to loosen the corrosion and free the nuts.

Corrosion is a common enemy when dealing with plumbing, especially under sinks where moisture is prevalent. Before resorting to brute force, thoroughly soak the corroded nuts with a penetrating oil like WD-40, Liquid Wrench, or PB Blaster. Apply generously and let it sit for at least 15-30 minutes, or even longer for severely corroded nuts. Reapply the oil periodically to keep the area saturated. The oil works by creeping into the threads and breaking down the rust and mineral deposits bonding the nut to the faucet shank. If penetrating oil isn’t enough, apply heat. A heat gun (used carefully) can expand the metal of the nut, potentially breaking the corrosion’s hold. Use low heat settings and move the heat gun around the nut to avoid overheating the surrounding area or damaging the sink. Alternatively, a small butane torch can be used with extreme caution, focusing the flame only on the nut and keeping it away from any flammable materials. After heating, try loosening the nut again with your wrench. Consider using a basin wrench, also known as a faucet wrench. Its long handle and swiveling head are designed to reach and grip those hard-to-access mounting nuts. Finally, as a last resort, carefully cut the nut off with a Dremel or other rotary tool with a cutting disc. Be extremely careful not to damage the sink or the faucet shank threads if you plan to reuse the shank with a new nut.