How to Install a Bathroom Sink Faucet

Faucets are the focal point of any bathroom vanity, but they endure constant use and inevitably succumb to mineral buildup or leaking seals. Replacing an outdated fixture is a high-impact upgrade that cleans up the sink area and eliminates the persistent drip that plagues your water bill and your patience. Success in this project hinges on workspace management under the sink. You will be working in a cramped, dark environment where visibility is poor and leverage is limited. By clearing the cabinet completely and using the right specialized tools, you can ensure a watertight seal that keeps your vanity cabinet dry and your new hardware functioning perfectly for years.

  1. Stop the water flow. Locate the shut-off valves under the sink and turn them clockwise until they stop. Open the faucet handles to drain the remaining water in the lines.
  2. Detach the water lines. Place a bucket under the connections to catch residual water. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the nuts connecting the supply lines to the shut-off valves and the faucet tails.
  3. Strip the old fixture. Unscrew the mounting nuts holding the faucet body to the underside of the sink deck. Lift the faucet away from the top of the sink and clean the mounting surface of all old caulk and mineral deposits.
  4. Center the gasket seal. Place the new faucet's base gasket or mounting plate over the sink holes. Ensure it is perfectly centered and flat against the sink deck.
  5. Lock down the faucet. Feed the new faucet tails through the sink holes. From underneath, thread the provided mounting washers and nuts onto the tails and tighten them until the faucet is firmly held in place.
  6. Reattach the water supply. Attach the supply lines to the new faucet tails and the shut-off valves. Tighten the nuts snugly with a wrench, but avoid overtightening to prevent cracking the connections.
  7. Verify your watertight seal. Slowly open the shut-off valves and check each connection for moisture. Turn on the faucet to flush out any debris and verify that the flow is consistent.