How to Install a Bathroom Faucet

By Jenny Rae Armstrong

  • Overview

    Installing a bathroom faucet is a quick and effective way to enhance your bathroom's appeal. Whether you're replacing a leaky faucet that's been annoying you for months or upgrading to a shiny new designer model, a half an hour, a wrench, and a little bit of elbow grease is all it takes to get your new bathroom faucet up and running. Always read the manufacturer's directions before you begin.
    • Step 1

      Pre-assemble the faucet according to the manufacturer's directions, if necessary.
    • Step 2

      Place the plastic gasket between the sink and the faucet. If your faucet did not come with a gasket or a rubber base, apply a generous bead of plumber's putty to the bottom rim of the faucet. Thread the faucet's tailpieces through the holes in the sink, and align the faucet on the sink top.


    • Step 3

      Reach under the sink and screw the washers and nuts onto the tailpieces finger-tight, making sure the faucet stays where it belongs. Tighten the nuts with a basin wrench. Wipe away any plumber's putty that squeezed out around the edges of the faucet with a damp rag.
    • Step 4

      Attach the water-supply tubes to the faucet's tailpieces, using the basin wrench to tighten the nuts. If the water-supply tubes are not already connected to the hot and cold water valves, attach them now. Be careful not to twist the water-supply tubes as you tighten the nuts.
    • Step 5

      Insert the lift rod through the faucet and attach it to the pop-up drain mechanism, working with the lift rod down and the drain open. Open and close the drain with the lift rod to make certain the drain is working correctly.
    • Step 6

      Turn on the hot and cold water valves under the sink, then turn on the faucet and let it run for two or three minutes, watching carefully for leaks. If you spot a leak, turn the water off at the faucet and the shut-off valves. Unscrew the nut at the leaking connection, smear a little plumber's putty around the threads to tighten the seal, and reassemble. Wipe away any plumber's putty that squeezed out around the nut.
    • Skill: Moderately Easy
    • Ingredients:
    • Faucet
    • Plumber's putty
    • Basin wrench
    • Rags for cleaning
    • Tip: You can install a bathroom faucet with an adjustable wrench, but using a basin wrench makes it easier.
    • Warning:
    • Don't forget to check for leaks. Even a tiny leak can cause massive damage over time.

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