How to Install a Bathroom Faucet

Faucets define the character of a bathroom vanity. While it might look like a complex piece of plumbing, swapping a faucet is essentially a game of patience and access. Most projects fail because of cramped spaces under the sink, not because the mechanical work itself is difficult. Getting this job done well means creating a watertight seal at the deck plate and ensuring your supply lines are free of kinks. A professional installation is silent, doesn't leak under pressure, and sits perfectly square to the backsplash. Take your time with the wrench, protect your finish, and don't rush the silicone curing process.

1. Kill the Water First. Locate the shut-off valves under the vanity and turn them clockwise until they stop. Open the faucet handles to bleed out any remaining pressure and ensure the flow has completely ceased.
2. Free the Old Lines. Use an adjustable wrench or basin wrench to loosen the nuts connecting the supply lines to the shut-off valves. Once free, disconnect the supply lines from the tailpiece of the faucet above.
3. Yank the Old Fixture. Unscrew the mounting nuts holding the faucet body to the underside of the sink deck. Pull the old fixture up and away from the vanity, then scrape away any residual plumber's putty or old sealant.
4. Seat the New Faucet. Place the new gasket or a bead of silicone sealant around the base of the new faucet, then lower the supply lines through the holes in the sink. Thread the mounting nuts onto the shanks from underneath and hand-tighten firmly.
5. Hook Up Water Lines. Attach the new supply lines to the shut-off valves, ensuring you use the correct hot and cold designations. Use two wrenches: one to hold the valve steady and one to turn the nut, preventing the pipe from twisting.
6. Hunt for Every Drip. Turn the water supply valves back on slowly. Run the faucet for a few minutes to clear any trapped air and check every connection underneath for drips or moisture.