When replacing a faucet, three things to consider when buying your new one is: How many holes the sink has, the width between the holes, and if you need to replace the drain. Your purchased faucet must match the existing holes in order for replacement to occur.
You will need:
- Faucet
- Drain assembly
- Pipe joint compound
- Teflon tape
- Plumber putty
- Penetrating oil
- Pliers
- Wrench
- Screwdriver
- Putty knife
- Pipe wrench
Step 1: Shut off water to your faucet at the shutoff valve. Simply turn the knobs on both the hot and cold water valves to shut the water off for the time being. Turn on the hot and cold water fully, to remove any pressure on the lines.
Step 2: Remove the hot and cold water supply tubing form the faucet using a wrench. If you are also replacing the drain, remove the trap and linkage to the pop-up drain beneath the sink. This can be done using the wrench.
Step 3: If replacing the drain, unscrew the nut that holds the rubber gasket up to the sink. Use the wrench to unscrew the nuts under the faucet. Unscrew the drain flange from the connector with your screwdriver.
Step 4: Remove the faucet by using the wrench to unscrew the nuts under the bottom of the faucet. Sometimes the nuts get stuck, therefore using some penetrating oil on the nuts will help them to turn. Once the faucet is out, use the putty knife to scrape off any putty or caulk.
Step 5: Use plumber’s putty under the faucet before placing the gaskets that seal the faucet to the sink. Tighten the nuts beneath the sink with the wrench, while making sure of proper alignment with existing holes. Wrap all the inlet fittings for your hot and cold water with the Teflon tape so they seal properly. It is recommended to wrap the tape in the same direction the fittings will attach in.
Step 6: Assemble the new drain by putting pipe joint compound on the tail and screw it onto the T-connector. Screw the nut on the T-connector all the way down, with the gasket and washer. Use a large bead of putty around the drain flange, then push the flange into the drain hole. Coat all threads on the body of the drain with pipe joint compound, and screw the drain body into the flange. Tighten the nut on the body completely.
Step 7: Place the pop-up in the drain hole, and the slot in the bottom should face the rear of the sink. Place the pivot rod inside the T-connector and replace the retaining nut. Put the lift rod back into the faucet from below and then push the rod into the nearest hole on the clevis and spring clip. Check the pop up drain above for proper installation. Place the hot and cold water tubing back into place, and unscrew the aerator from the spout. Turn the faucet on and off, checking for leaks then reinstall the aerator.
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