How to Replace a Bathroom Sink Faucet

How to Replace a Bathroom Sink Faucet DIY

Years ago, if you had a leaking faucet, you went to the hard ware store and got some rubber washers and maybe a new faucet seat. You disassembled the knobs and installed a new seat and washer. Now days, I just replace the whole unit.

Normally you will be working inside a cabinet. Do yourself a favor and make sure every thing is removed form the cabinet so you can move around and get the wrenches in the proper position. Lying on the corner of the cabinet bottom can be very uncomfortable so use some towels to pad the edge or use a work mat.

To remove the old faucet, begin by shutting off the water. Hopefully, there are valves under the counter that shut off the water to just that fixture. If not, you may have to cut off water to the whole house. In the worst case, you may have to shut off the water at the meter. Just be aware that most utility companies don’t like you messing with their equipment. Some are pickier than others about it.

With the water off, open both knobs to let off the residual pressure. The fitting at the faucet is normally ½“ pipe. If there is room, you can use an adjustable wrench to unscrew the feeder tube from the faucet. In most cases, you can leave it attached to the valve at the bottom.

Next remove the hold down washers. These are normally plastic and thread on the valve body stems. Sometimes you can use a large pair of pliers to catch the tabs and turn them off. If they are stuck, like most seem to be, use a hammer and a screwdriver to tap on one of the tabs until it turns. Don’t worry about breaking it if you are replacing the unit. The new one will have new washers.

If this is a bathroom faucet, there will likely be a drain lift. Loosen the clamp screw and lift the plunger out of the fixture. Then lift the old fixture out of the sink.

Clean the area where the old fixture was. Then set the new fixture in place using the new gasket if included.

Put the new hold down washers in place and tighten them until the fixture will not move around in the sink. Slip the drain plunger down the hole and connect it to the drain operating lever. Tighten the screw.

Inspect the water supply tubes and the gaskets that the top. Replace if necessary. Tighten the supply lines on the fixture firmly but not so tight as to damage the plastic threads on the fixture.

Slowly open the water valves and check for leaks. If any are found shut off the water and check the tightness of the connections. If they are tight and still leak, replace the washers or the entire tube assembly. Normally the bottom is 3.8 compression fitting and the top is ½” pipe.

Once you are satisfied there are no leaks, open the faucet knobs slowly to let the air out. The pipes may bounce around as the air purges so check for leaks again after the water runs smooth and clear.

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