You may have a single water valve for the entire faucet, or you may have two separate valves for hot and cold water. Make sure you turn all of the valves off so no water is running through them. If you have trouble locating the shutoff valve for your bathroom faucet or if the faucet still runs, turn off the main water supply to your home.
Some new faucet assemblies come with a new stopper and waste pipe, so it’s the perfect opportunity to replace the drain. Many faucets are compatible with your existing drain and stopper. If you don’t want to replace the drain, then you don’t need to disconnect the P-trap. Just find the horizontal metal rod coming out from the drain under your sink and disconnect the rod by sliding off the clip.
If the area under your sink isn’t too cramped, then you can use a regular crescent wrench. You can leave the other ends of the supply lines connected to the valves on your wall. Water supply lines may drip water once you disconnect them, so be sure to hold them over the towel and bucket. Wipe up any water that drips onto the bottom of the vanity immediately to prevent damage or warping.
If you can’t reach the lock nuts, you can easily unscrew them with a basin wrench too. If your faucet nut is stuck or if you have any trouble turning it, try spraying it penetrating oil to cut through the rust. If that still doesn’t work, cut through the nut with a hacksaw. [7] X Research source
You can usually recycle an old sink faucet or take it to a metal scrapyard. Contact your area’s recycling service and ask if they’ll accept your faucet. [9] X Research source
Use a plastic putty knife to scrape off any stubborn residue on your sink. Avoid using metal putty knives since they could scratch your sink’s finish. Your new faucet will create a better waterproof seal if you install it on a clean surface.
Single hole faucets have a spout with a single attached handle. They only require 1 hole in your basin, but you can install them in a 3-hole basin if they have a large decorative escutcheon plate. [12] X Research source Center-set faucets have separate hot and cold handles, but they’re still attached to the main spout. These faucets work great if you have 3 holes in your basin that are close together. Widespread faucets come in 3 separate pieces and work best if the mounting holes are spaced far apart on your sink. Try to get a faucet that matches the finishes and other fixtures that you already have in your bathroom so the styles don’t clash. [13] X Research source
You can apply a bead of silicone caulk around the edge for extra waterproofing, though your gasket will work fine without it. [15] X Expert Source Patrick JohnsHome Improvement Specialist Expert Interview. 5 April 2022.
Avoid tightening the nuts if you feel resistance, or else you could damage your sink or strip the threading.
If the ends of your supply lines have rubber gaskets, then you don’t need to use plumber’s tape.
If you have a center-set or widespread faucet, then each handle will have an additional supply line that connects to the spout.
If the new drain pipe is longer than your old one, you may need to fit and cut the drain pipe down so it fits under your sink.
To fix a leaky faucet handle, try replacing the faucet cartridge. If you see leaks dripping from pipe connections, turn off your water and ensure any plumber’s tape or rubber washers are working properly. Then tighten all the pipe connections and test the water again.
