How To Replace a Bathroom Faucet (2024 Guide)

Oct 15, 2024

Rochel Maday is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home improvement topics and is dedicated to providing valuable information that empowers homeowners to tackle their projects with confidence.Her work has been published in Angi, Bob Vila, Forbes and elsewhere. When not writing, Rochel enjoys digging into gardening projects and watching documentaries with her husband and their four kids.

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Replacing a bathroom faucet is a simple DIY project with the right tools and instructions.

Persistent leaks, rust and low water pressure indicate that your faucet needs replacement.

Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the aerator, can help your new faucet last longer.

You can replace a bathroom faucet by turning off the water, disconnecting the old faucet, installing a new faucet and turning the water back on. To complete this DIY project, you’ll need pliers, different wrenches, plumber’s putty and other common plumbing tools.

Like any part of your home, faucets don’t last forever. Over time, leaks, rust and reduced water flow can make even the nicest sink look old and dingy. That’s why knowing when and how to replace a bathroom faucet is key to keeping your bathroom functional and stylish.

Replacing the bathroom faucet can increase water flow. Plus, if you already have a leaking pipe, fixing that along with the faucet can improve your home’s water system. If you feel capable, you can follow the steps below to make these changes — if you run into any issues, you may want to hire a professional.

Before replacing a bathroom faucet, you must have all the necessary tools and materials to ensure a smooth installation.

“The tools and materials needed for replacing a faucet include an adjustable pipe wrench, plumber’s putty, channel lock pliers, a basin wrench and thread seal tape. Having these on hand ensures that the installation process goes smoothly,” said Michael Clarke, founder of Pulled, a platform for managing home projects.

Bathroom faucet replacement tools

Replacing a bathroom faucet doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow this step-by-step guide to swap out your old faucet for a new faucet and give your bathroom sink a fresh look.

Before you start, turn off the water supply at the shut-off valves under the bathroom sink. These valves control both the hot and cold water. If your shut-off valves are stuck or don’t work properly, you may need to turn off the main water supply to the house.

Once the water is off, open the faucet to release any remaining water pressure from the supply lines. This keeps water from spraying when you disconnect the faucet.

Using an adjustable wrench, loosen the mounting nuts under the sink that hold the old faucet in place. Disconnect the supply lines from the faucet. Be careful not to bend or damage the water supply lines. A basin wrench can help get into tight spaces if the mounting nuts are difficult to reach.

Once the old faucet is free, lift it out of the sink and clean up any old plumber’s putty or residue left behind.

Clean the area around the mounting holes on your bathroom sink so that the new faucet fits. Apply plumber’s putty or silicone to the base of the new faucet to create a watertight seal. Place the gasket between the faucet and the countertop.

If your faucet doesn’t come with a gasket, plumber’s putty or silicone sealant will do the job. Smooth everything out with a putty knife to avoid leaks around the faucet base.

Position the new faucet over the mounting holes on top of the sink. From underneath the sink, thread the mounting nuts onto the faucet’s tailpiece, which is what connects to the drain, and tighten them securely. Use an adjustable wrench to get a snug fit, but don’t overtighten.

Next, attach the water supply lines to the faucet handles or spout, depending on your setup. Apply plumber’s tape to the threads to prevent leaks and check that the faucet is aligned correctly before tightening everything.

Now, it’s time to install the drain assembly and lift rod. Apply plumber’s putty around the underside of the drain flange, which is what keeps the drain from leaking. Place the drain flange into the sink drain hole. Tighten the drain assembly underneath the sink using the included gasket and washer.

Then, insert the lift rod into the hole on the faucet and connect it to the stopper. This will allow you to open and close the drain from the faucet.

Turn the water shut-off valves back on slowly and check for leaks around the faucet and supply lines. Open the faucet handles and let the water run to test water flow and pressure. If everything works properly, you’ve successfully completed your faucet replacement.

Double-check for drips or loose connections, and make adjustments as needed.

While some faucet issues can be repaired, there are clear signs that it’s time for a full replacement rather than just a quick fix. Repairing minor problems such as a small leak or tightening loose parts might extend the life of a faucet for a while, but it’s not always a long-term solution.

Let’s look at some specific signs that mean it’s time to consider a new faucet.

Frequent leaks and visible rust are clear signals that your faucet is beyond repair. A leaking pipe or faucet can waste water, increasing utility bills. Persistent leaks often point to deeper issues within the faucet.

Rust weakens the faucet’s structure, leading to corrosion and possible failure. While a small leak can sometimes be fixed, repeated problems and rust around the base or handles are strong indicators that a new faucet is necessary.

Low water pressure is another common issue that may require replacing your faucet. Clogs and mineral buildup inside the faucet or aerator can reduce water flow over time. While cleaning the aerator might provide a temporary fix, if the issue persists, it’s a sign that your faucet is too clogged or damaged to function properly.

“The minerals in hard water build up as sediment,” said David Switalski, CEO and chief plumber at Overall Plumbing & Heating in Oak Ridge, New Jersey. He said this reduces efficiency and can lead to eventual failure. However, replacing the faucet can restore full water flow.

Replacing a bathroom faucet takes about two to three hours for most competent DIYers, according to Hendrik Vandepolle, master plumber at Service Force Plumbing in Rockville, Maryland. However, the timeline can stretch if you encounter common issues such as stuck shut-off valves or older plumbing needing additional attention.

While the process is generally straightforward, be prepared for the occasional challenge.

Yes, most homeowners can successfully tackle a faucet replacement as a DIY project. With the right tools and instructions, it’s a straightforward task. However, there are a few common mistakes you’ll want to avoid.

While replacing a bathroom faucet is a manageable DIY project for many homeowners, some situations require the expertise of a professional plumber. Here are a few scenarios where calling in a pro is your best option:

Regular maintenance will help your faucet last for years to come. “The best way to keep a faucet in good condition is to wipe it down daily to prevent water spots, soap scum and mineral deposits,” Clarke said. This simple step can maintain both the faucet’s appearance and performance.

In addition to daily care, Clarke recommended using a solution of vinegar and water to clean the aerator every few months. Unscrew the aerator, soak it in the solution, rinse it and screw it back on to prevent mineral buildup and keep water flowing smoothly.With these simple maintenance tips, your faucet will stay in top shape. If you’re looking to further improve your water system, try installing a water softener system to boost your home’s efficiency and water quality.

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Rochel Maday is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home improvement topics and is dedicated to providing valuable information that empowers homeowners to tackle their projects with confidence.Her work has been published in Angi, Bob Vila, Forbes and elsewhere. When not writing, Rochel enjoys digging into gardening projects and watching documentaries with her husband and their four kids.

Alyssa Trostle is an editor at USA TODAY Homefront. Having read dozens of warranty booklets from every vehicle manufacturer and over 100 sample contracts from third-party providers, Alyssa is an expert in the auto categories of warranty and shipping categories. Alyssa earned an MFA in creative writing with a concentration in creative nonfiction from Chatham University, which honed her skills in writing and editing both creative and professional content. In her spare time she enjoys reading contemporary fiction and following Pittsburgh sports.

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