How To Install a New Faucet

Perk up your bathroom by swapping out your faucet for a retro-inspired one.

If your bathroom faucet is a remuddled replacement, upgrade to a new assembly with retro appeal. Faucets come a variety of finishes—from brushed nickel to chrome to oil-rubbed bronze—to match every space.

Disconnect the old faucet.

Step 1

To install a widespread faucet, turn off the water supply either at the valves under the sink or the main line, and clear everything out under the sink. Remove the old faucet by loosening the nuts holding it in place with a wrench; clean the area where the faucet sat with vinegar or rubbing alcohol. Run a bead of caulk around the center hole (skip if there is a gasket) and slide the new faucet into it. From beneath the sink, slide a washer onto the faucet stem, and then screw on the nut by hand, using a wrench for the last turn. Check to make sure the faucet is aligned correctly; adjust as needed, and wipe up any excess caulk. Repeat this process for the handles.

Screw in new spout tee.

Step 2

Screw in the three-way spout tee so the bottom opening faces the hot and cold handles, then cover the threads on the spout tee and the handles’ stems with plumber’s tape. Connect the braided water supply tubing to each handle, then gently bend the tubing and attach its nut to the spout tee. Connect the water supply tubing to each valve stem by tightening the nut, and then connect those lines to the shutoff valves. Turn on the valves and check for leaks. Remove the faucet’s aerator, turn on both handles, and run the water for a minute to remove any debris in the line.

Connect water supply tubing.


Tags: bathrooms Jon Lavalley Lynn Elliott OHJ December 2014 Old-House Journal

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