If you type “want to replace faucet” into your web browser, a swarm of YouTube videos and articles will likely pop up about faucet replacements—everything from identifying faucet parts to locating water shutoff valves and water supply lines and more. But the truth is that a faucet replacement, whether in the bathroom or kitchen, can be an easy DIY project you can accomplish in a single afternoon. So let’s get started! But first, the fun stuff...
Choosing a Faucet Design
Faucets have come a long way in terms of designs, features, and finishes. Today, you can choose from a variety of styles and fashions to suit virtually any look, from vintage to modern and everything in between. Looking for a sanitary option? Select a touchless model. Tired of metals? Make a splash in the bathroom with a playful, colored faucet in popular shades like blue, orange, pink, yellow, red, and more, or mix ‘n match colors. There’s also black matte for a sleek look or rustic green for something warmer.
Waterfall faucets are always popular, exuding an irresistible spa-like flair. Want both functionality and elegance for your kitchen? Choose a large gooseneck pull-out design with a sprayer for a striking centerpiece. You can also get faucets featuring LED lights, pre-set water temperatures, and more.
When evaluating possible designs to replace faucets in your kitchen and bathrooms, be sure to consider the faucet hole configuration:
- Widespread: a two-handle, three-hole design with three separate pieces (individual hot and cold levers)
- Single-hole, single-lever design
- Center-set three-hole design all in one faucet piece (individual hot and cold levers)
It’s a good idea to purchase a new faucet that matches the configuration of your existing faucet. But if you’ve fallen in love with something different, all is not lost. You may be able to drill extra holes in your sink to accommodate a new configuration. If you decide to do this, it’s best for a professional to create the holes. On the other hand, if you choose a faucet that uses fewer holes, you can use the leftover holes to accommodate built-in soap and lotion dispensers.
As you can see, the sky’s the limit in terms of style and functionality when it comes to selecting a faucet for your bathroom or kitchen. Fortunately, regardless of what you ultimately select, installation generally follows the same basic procedure.
How to Replace Bathroom Faucets
- The first step in replacing your faucet is to locate the water shutoff valves under the sink and turn them off. There should be two valves: one for cold water and one for hot water. Turn each valve to the right (clockwise) to close the valve and shut off water to the faucet.
- Remove excess water by turning on the faucet to drain the pipes. If you have separate hot and cold handles, turn them both on and let the water drain out.
- Disconnect the supply hoses that connect the faucet to the water supply lines. You can use a wrench to loosen the nuts where the hoses attach to the water supply lines, turning the nuts to the left (counterclockwise).
- Loosen the lock nuts that hold the old faucet in place. Remove the nuts and washers and pull the faucet straight out. Remove the gasket if there is one.
- Scrub clean the sink area with the faucet hole(s) before installing the new faucet. If old sealant or silicone is difficult to remove, try using mineral spirits.
- Wrap the threads of your new faucet’s tailpipe with a thin layer of plumber’s tape, which helps create a better seal between components.
- Set the gasket in place, matching up the faucet hole(s). The gasket is a rubber or plastic piece that lies between the faucet and sink to ensure a proper seal and prevent leaks. If your new faucet doesn’t come with a gasket, apply a thin layer of plumber’s putty underneath the cover plate of the new faucet.
- Set the new faucet into its mounting hole(s). Insert a washer over each tailpipe (if your faucet is multi-piece) and twist the nuts on, tightening them by turning them to the right (clockwise), being careful not to over-tighten.
- Attach the water supply hoses by connecting each hose to the tailpipe of the faucet, and then tightening the nut. Once the hoses are attached, reconnect them to the water supply lines.
- Turn the water back on by turning the water shutoff valves to the left (counterclockwise). Turn on the faucet and check for leaks and drips. It’s a good idea to let the water run for a minute to two for proper flow to return.
How to Replace Kitchen Faucets
- Start by turning off the water shutoff valves under the sink. Turn them perpendicular to close them. If you have a garbage disposal, unplug it and disconnect power at the circuit breaker or main electrical service panel.
- Turn on the faucet to relieve any remaining water, then loosen the nuts attached to the water supply lines. Unscrew the nuts from the hoses and detach all the hoses from your old faucet.
- Remove the nuts from the old faucet by turning them to the left (counterclockwise), then pull the faucet out of the sink.
- Scrub clean the sink faucet area to remove any grime and build-up.
- To install your new faucet, start by wrapping a thin layer of plumber’s tape around the threading of the supply hoses that came with your faucet. Screw the supply tubes onto the faucet fixture.
- Set in place the gasket that came with your new faucet. If you don’t have one, apply a coat of plumber’s putty underneath the cover plate of the new faucet. Insert the supply hoses into the sink hole and position the new faucet in place. Secure it under the sink by tightening the nut. Be careful not to over-tighten.
- Attach the water supply lines to the faucet supply hoses using the nuts. If you have two handles (hot and cold), make sure the hot water and cold water lines are matched up to their correct water supply line.
- Plug in your garbage disposal, and reconnect power at the circuit breaker or main electrical service panel.
- Unscrew the aerator from the end of your new faucet according to the faucet manufacturer’s instructions. The aerator is a thin layer of metal mesh that helps control the water flow.
- Turn on the water shutoff valves by rotating them from the perpendicular position to a parallel position, in line with the supply hoses. Turn on the faucet to ensure proper water flow and to check for leaks and drips—tighten the nuts on the water supply lines if necessary.
- Turn off the faucet and replace the aerator by screwing it back into position.
Consider Home Warranty Coverage
Once you’ve invested in a new faucet replacement (or replacements), be sure that you’re properly covered in case major home appliances and systems, like your garbage disposal, unexpectedly stop working properly. Our coverage is a great way to safeguard your budget from costly repairs and replacements when covered items suddenly break. Learn more about our home warranty coverage and the convenience and peace of mind it provides. You can also get a personalized home warranty quote.
