How to Replace a Bathroom Faucet

Replacing your bathroom faucet is an intermediate DIY project you can complete this weekend to instantly update your space. For this tutorial, choose a faucet assembly with the same hole pattern and style as your existing plumbing fixture unless you replace the sink or countertop. Consider upgrading to a different colour or finish, like black or brushed nickel. Follow these steps to replace your bathroom faucet like a pro: 

1.

Shut off the water supply valves under the sink, then disconnect the hot and cold water lines from the faucet. Turn on the taps to remove any remaining water from the pipes. Unscrew the mounting nuts underneath the sink with an adjustable wrench or basin wrench to loosen the faucet. Disconnect the faucet’s lift rod if you have a pop-up drain, then pull up the old faucet assembly to remove it. Thoroughly clean around the exposed sink holes.

2.

If the faucet replacement kit includes a new drain, you should replace the drain pipe. To do this, locate the p-trap pipe under the sink, and unscrew the slip nut with your adjustable wrench. Have a bucket on hand to catch any water. 

3.

Unscrew the sink drain flange from the tailpiece below the sink and attach the nut and gasket according to the manufacturer's instructions. Once you have added silicon sealant to the underside of the sink flange, place it over the drain hole and screw the tailpiece to the flange from below. Ensure everything is tightened. 

4.

Remove your new faucet from the packaging. Install the rubber or plastic gaskets, which will sit between the bottom of the faucet assembly and the sink holes. Put the new faucet and tapware in position and seal with a thin layer of bathroom caulk. Secure a washer over the mounting nuts to form a watertight seal. 

5.

Reattach the lift rod to the drain tailpiece and reconnect the hot and cold water lines to the faucet assembly. Turn the water supply back on and test the taps. If there are no leaks above or below the sink, congratulations—you’ve successfully replaced your bathroom faucet.  

Visit your local Lyons & Island TIMBER MART to find a replacement bathroom faucet today, or speak with us about our bathroom renovation design and installation services.