Installing a faucet can be tricky, but it’s a project you can tackle on your own. But we’re not going to leave you all alone, of course! Here’s our step-by-step guide to installing a new faucet:

1.) Buy the new faucet

Before you take out your old faucet, make sure you have a replacement on hand. Think about what you want the design to look like before you buy, and make sure whatever faucet you buy can fit into your current system. Check to make sure that the faucet you’re eyeing has the right number and location of mounting holes for your bathroom. When in doubt, take your old faucet into the store as a reference.

2.) Turn off the Water Supply

As with most DIY plumbing projects, it’s important to stop the flow of water before you start any work. Valves are typically located under your sink; if you can’t locate them, turn off your water at the main valve.

3.) Disconnect the Drain

Once you’ve removed the old faucet by disconnecting it from the supply lines and disconnecting the lift rod and screws, it’s time to deal with the drain. First, unscrew the slip nut on the p-trap (it’s probably a good idea to have a bucket or pan set up to catch any water that may be in the trap). After that, you can unscrew the drain flange from the tail piece. Before you start fitting in your new faucet, use a simple mineral solution to wipe up the areas around the old drain and faucet holes.

4.) Put in the New Faucet

• Check the manufacturer’s instructions that come with your new faucet. Your new unit could come with specific installation instructions – maybe you’ll need sealant or plumber’s jelly, for example. Maybe your handles are already installed. Before you start tinkering, do your homework!
• On most faucets, you’ll start by installing the gasket on the bottom of the faucet, then slipping the faucet through the mounting holes. Tighten up the mounting nuts.
• To install the handles, slip the guide ring into the bottom of the handle, get it into position on the faucet base, and secure it with the tiny screw on the underside of the handle, also called a setscrew. If your faucet purchase came with a hex wrench, you can use this to tighten up each handle.
• Turn your attention to the drain. Screw the nut down on the drain body and slip the gasket over it to get the faucet into place.
• Apply a bit of silicone jelly or plumber’s putty to the drain flange. Put the drain body in place on the bottom of the sink with the pivot hole facing toward the back, then screw on the flange from the top side. Next, on the underside, tighten the nut and the gasket.
• From here, you’ll want to install the drain rod. To do so, unscrew the pivot nut on the drain body, then insert the horizontal rod through the hole. Put the nut back into place. Next, push the horizontal rod down and secure the lift rod to the strap with the screw.
• Reconnect the supply lines to your new faucet.
• Before you start to use your faucet, it’s important to flush it of any debris or sediment that may have gotten caught inside. To do this, remove the aerator (your faucet may have come with a small tool specifically for this purpose) and run both hot and cold water for about a minute. During this time, check to make sure that all of your connections are secure and that there are no leaks. If everything seems all right, screw your aerator back into place and enjoy your new bathroom faucet!

Do you need guidance with another DIY project? Whether you’re looking for a quick fix or a long-term overhaul of your system, Combat Plumbing is here to help! Drop us a line for all of your plumbing needs, big or small.