how to replace a faucet

How to Replace a Bathroom Faucet (Beginner DIY Guide)

Swapping out an old faucet might seem intimidating, but with a little guidance, it’s a project almost any homeowner can handle. This step-by-step guide will walk you through how to replace a bathroom faucet. No prior plumbing experience needed.

We’ll cover everything from shutting off the water supply to installing the new faucet and checking for leaks, all with beginner-friendly tools and simple tips.

  • Difficulty: Beginner
  • Time Required: 60–90 minutes
  • Skill Level: First-time DIYers welcome
  • Tools Needed: Adjustable wrench, basin wrench, pliers, plumber’s tape

Tools & Materials

Tools

  • Adjustable wrench — for loosening and tightening water supply nuts
  • Basin wrench — essential for hard-to-reach mounting nuts under the sink
  • Channel-lock pliers — for extra grip on stubborn connections
  • Screwdriver — depending on your faucet hardware
  • Utility knife — for cutting caulk around the old faucet
  • Flashlight or headlamp — helps you see clearly in tight spaces

Materials

  • New bathroom faucet — choose one that fits your sink configuration
  • Plumber’s tape (Teflon tape) — seals threaded connections to prevent leaks
  • Silicone caulk (optional) — for sealing around the new faucet base
  • Cleaning supplies — rag, mild cleaner, scraper (to clean old caulk or debris)
  • Bucket + towels — to catch water drips when disconnecting lines

→ Faucet Essentials

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Step-by-Step Instructions


1. Turn Off the Water Supply

Look under the sink for two small shutoff valves. One for hot water, one for cold.

  • Turn both valves clockwise until they stop.
  • Once both are off, test the faucet by turning it on. No water should come out.
  • If there are no shutoff valves, turn off the main water supply to the house before starting.

Pro Tip: Place a towel and bucket under the pipes before disconnecting anything, water may still drip out.

2. Disconnect the Water Supply Lines

  • Use an adjustable wrench or channel-lock pliers to loosen the nuts connecting the water supply lines to the faucet.
  • Turn them counterclockwise to remove.
  • Expect a little water to drip when you loosen the connections.

Beginner Tip: Don’t force it. If a nut feels stuck, use gentle pressure and wiggle the wrench slightly as you turn.

3. Remove the Old Faucet

  • Look under the sink for the mounting nuts that hold the faucet to the sink or countertop.
  • Use a basin wrench to loosen them. This tool is designed to reach those tight spots.
  • Once the nuts are off, lift the old faucet straight up from the top of the sink.

If sealed with caulk: Use a utility knife to carefully cut around the base before lifting.

4. Clean the Faucet Area

  • Scrape away any old caulk, plumber’s putty, or grime with a plastic scraper or utility knife.
  • Wipe down the area with a rag and cleaner. A clean surface ensures a good seal for the new faucet.

5. Install the New Faucet

  • Follow the instructions that came with your new faucet. Most have a gasket or putty ring that sits between the faucet and the sink.
  • Insert the faucet into the mounting holes on the sink or countertop.
  • From underneath, secure it with the mounting nuts by hand, then tighten with a basin wrench.

Pro Tip: Don’t overtighten, snug and secure is enough to prevent movement.

6. Reconnect the Water Supply Lines

  • Wrap the faucet’s threaded connections with plumber’s tape (Teflon tape).
  • Reattach the water supply lines by threading the nuts onto the faucet stems by hand, then tightening with a wrench.

Tip: Make sure hot and cold lines are connected to the correct side of the faucet.

7. Turn the Water Back On and Check for Leaks

  • Slowly turn the shutoff valves back on.
  • Open the faucet and let the water run for a minute to flush any air or debris.
  • While the water runs, check underneath for leaks at all connection points.

Tighten gently if you see a slow drip — don’t overdo it.

8. Apply Caulk (Optional)

  • If your faucet doesn’t have a sealing gasket, apply a thin bead of silicone caulk around the base where it meets the sink.
  • Wipe away any excess with a damp rag.

You’re done! Your new faucet is installed, and you’ve officially knocked out a beginner plumbing project!

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Pro Tips

✅ Pro Tips

✅ Take a photo before you disconnect anything
A quick phone picture under the sink can save you time if you forget which line goes where.

✅ Hand-tighten first, wrench-tighten second
Always thread nuts and fittings by hand first to avoid cross-threading. Only use a wrench for the final snug turn.

✅ Use plumber’s tape on every threaded connection
This prevents leaks and makes fittings easier to tighten. Wrap it clockwise around the threads before attaching.

✅ Check for leaks twice
Run the faucet once when you turn the water on, then again a few hours later. Sometimes slow leaks show up after a little use.

✅ Don’t forget the aerator
New faucets often have a removable aerator that needs to be flushed clean after installation. Check your instructions!

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Forgetting to shut off the water
It sounds obvious, but it happens, and creates a mess. Always double-check before loosening any fittings.

❌ Over-tightening nuts or fittings
This can crack fittings, crush gaskets, or strip threads. Tighten until snug, then stop.

❌ Skipping the clean-up step
Leaving old caulk or putty under your new faucet can lead to leaks, uneven mounting, or a sloppy look.

❌ Ignoring the correct tool for the job
A basin wrench may seem like overkill until you try installing a faucet without one. It makes tight spots way easier to handle.

❌ Rushing through leak checks
A slow drip can cause serious damage over time. Always take a few extra minutes to check thoroughly.

Essentials: What You’ll Need

Tools

Adjustable wrench — for tightening supply lines
Basin wrench — makes reaching under the sink easier
Channel-lock pliers — for loosening stubborn fittings
Screwdriver — depends on faucet hardware
Utility knife — to cut old caulk around the faucet
Flashlight or headlamp — helpful for working in tight spaces

Materials

New bathroom faucet — make sure it matches your sink hole configuration
Plumber’s tape (Teflon tape) — prevents leaks at threaded connections
Silicone caulk — for sealing around the faucet base if needed
Cleaning supplies — rag, mild cleaner, scraper
Bucket + towels — to catch water when disconnecting lines

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