Replacing Faucets: What You Should Know

By Rowan Guthrie

April 06, 2018

So, your faucet has seen better days, and you're ready to give your kitchen or bathroom a fresh look. Whether the faucet is a leaky mess or it's just time for an upgrade, replacing the device might sound daunting, but it doesn’t have to be.

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With some knowledge and the right tools, the job will be easier. So, let us take you step by step through the process of how to replace a faucet and your DIY project will go smoothly.

Step by Step: Replacing a Bathroom Faucet

As you probably know, preparation is key to doing any job well. Your first task is to gather the right tools and materials so you can focus on replacing the faucet without delays. You’ll need the following:

  • Adjustable wrench

  • Basin wrench

  • Pliers

  • Towels or rags

  • New faucet assembly

  • Plumber's putty or silicone caulk

Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply

You don’t want to flood the bathroom, so make sure the first thing you do is shut off the faucet’s water supply. You’ll find the shut-off valves under the sink or behind the faucet. Turn them clockwise to stop the water flow.

Step 2: Remove the Old Faucet

Place a towel or rag in the sink basin to catch water drips. Use your adjustable wrench to loosen and remove the mounting nuts that secure the faucet to the sink. You’ll need a basin wrench if the nuts are hard to reach. Once the nuts are loose, gently lift the old faucet assembly off the sink.

Step 3: Clean the Sink Surface

With the old faucet removed, clean the sink surface thoroughly. Remove any old plumber's putty or caulk residue to ensure you can install the new faucet smoothly and securely.

Step 4: Install the New Faucet

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for your new faucet assembly. In most cases, you'll need to apply a thin layer of plumber's putty or silicone caulk to the underside of the faucet base. This will create a watertight seal. Carefully position the faucet and secure it with the mounting nuts, tightening them evenly with your wrench.

Step 5: Connect the Supply Lines

Attach the hot and cold water supply lines to the corresponding faucet inlets, ensuring the connection is tight and secure. This is the perfect time to replace old supply lines if you need to.

Step 6: Turn on the Water Supply

Once everything is connected, turn on the water supply valves and check for leaks. If you notice drips or dampness, tighten the connections or make necessary adjustments.

Congratulations, you’ve successfully replaced your bathroom faucet. Admire your handiwork and revel in the satisfaction of a job well done. Now, let’s move on to your kitchen.

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Step by Step: Replacing a Kitchen Faucet

Except for the type of faucet, the tools you’ll need for the job are the same as in the bathroom. They are:

  • Adjustable wrench

  • Basin wrench (if needed)

  • Pliers

  • Towels or rags

  • New faucet assembly

  • Plumber's putty or silicone caulk

Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply

As with the bathroom faucet, you'll need to shut off the water supply to your kitchen sink. Locate the shut-off valves under the sink or behind the faucet and turn them clockwise to stop the water flow.

Step 2: Disconnect the Supply Lines

Carefully disconnect the hot and cold water supply lines from the old faucet with an adjustable wrench or pliers. Have a towel or rag handy to catch water drips.

Step 3: Remove the Old Faucet

Loosen and remove the mounting nuts that secure the faucet to the sink, using an adjustable or basin wrench if needed. Once you’ve loosened the nuts, gently lift the old faucet assembly off the sink.

Step 4: Clean the Sink Surface

If there’s any old plumber's putty or caulk residue on the sink surface, you’ll need to remove it. A clean surface ensures you can install the new faucet securely.

Step 5: Install the New Faucet

It’s always wise to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and assembling a new faucet is no exception. To secure it to the sink, apply a thin layer of plumber's putty or silicone caulk to the underside of the faucet base. When you’ve done that, carefully position the faucet and secure it with the mounting nuts, using your wrench to tighten them evenly.

Step 6: Connect the Supply Lines

Attach the hot and cold water supply lines to the corresponding faucet inlets, ensuring a tight and secure connection. As with the bathroom faucet process, now is the ideal time to replace old supply lines, if you want.

Step 7: Turn on the Water Supply

Once everything is connected, turn on the water supply valves and check for leaks. Tighten connections or make necessary adjustments if you spot drips or dampness.

Well done, you’ve replaced your kitchen faucet. Now that your confidence and sense of satisfaction are high, what other little jobs need doing around your home?

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