How to Replace Bathroom Sink Fixtures? Maybe your old faucet drips, or maybe you’re just hoping to create a new look in your bathroom. Follow these steps to install new fixtures without a hassle.
Step 1: Turn the water off
Turn the water off at the shutoff valves and remove the hot and cold supply lines running from the shutoff valves to the faucet. Unscrew the nuts below the faucet using a basin wrench. Remove the old faucet and scrape any old putty or caulk from the basin.
Step 2: Remove drain
Unscrew the nut that connects the drain to the flange using an adjustable wrench if you are replacing the pop-up drain. Then remove the drain flange from the T-connector.
If you can’t unscrew the drain flange from the T-connector, use a reciprocating saw with a metal-cutting blade and cut the drain assembly away just above the T-connector.
Step 3: Check for a gasket
Check your new fixture for a gasket to seal between the faucet and the sink. If the faucet didn’t come with a gasket, liberally spread plumber’s putty on the bottom of the faucet and press it down until putty squeezes out from between the fixture and sink.
Make sure your new faucet fits your sink. Bring the old faucet to the hardware store when you buy the new one and measure them against each other. Make sure that your sink has enough holes to accommodate the new faucet.
Step 4: Tighten the faucet
Tighten the nuts under the faucet with the basin wrench, making sure the faucet is straight and level. Then wrap the inlet pipes with Teflon tape to ensure a watertight seal.
Step 5: Connect supply lines
Connect the supply lines to the inlet pipes on the faucet, wrap Teflon tape around the shutoff valve connections, and connect the other ends of the supply lines to the shutoff valves.
Step 6: Assemble the new drain
Apply pipe joint compound to the new tailpiece and screw it into the T-connector. Then apply a rope of plumber’s putty to the underside of the drain flange and press it into the drain hole.
Step 7: Connect the drain body
Apply pipe joint compound to the drain body and screw it into the drain flange. Then tighten the nut on the drain body, sealing the gasket and washer against the drain flange.
Make sure the branch of the T-connector faces the wall behind the sink.
Step 8: Install the pop-up
Drop the pop-up into the drain with the hole in the back of the pop-up facing the back of the drain. Thread the pivot rod into the T-connector and through the hole in the pop-up. Then hand-tighten the pivot rod’s retaining nut enough that the rod can still move up and down.
Step 9: Install the lift rod
Insert the pop-up’s lift rod through the hole in the top of the faucet and attach the clevis to the rod from beneath the sink. With the pop-up open, insert the lift rod through the nearest hole in the clevis, and then attach the spring clip to the rod on the other side of the clevis.
Step 10: Check for leaks
Unscrew the aerator from the faucet, turn the water on at the shutoff valves, and open the faucet. Let the water run for several minutes, check for leaks, and then reattach the aerator. If there aren’t any leaks, wash up with your new faucet fixture.
