Can You Replace a Centerset Faucet with a Single Hole Faucet?

You might be standing in your bathroom right now, looking at your old centerset faucet, and wondering if you can give your sink a fresh look with a modern single hole faucet. Yes, you can replace a centerset faucet with a single hole faucet, but it does need a few steps to make it work the right way. In this article, you will learn how to do it the easy way, even if you have never done any plumbing before. It may feel scary at first, but you can do it with the right guide.

Check Your Sink and Faucet Type

Before you start removing anything, you need to know exactly what kind of sink and faucet you have. A centerset faucet usually has three holes in the sink. These holes are close together, with one hole for hot water, one for cold, and one in the middle for the faucet spout. A single hole faucet, on the other hand, only needs one hole.

Now here’s the first important thing — if your sink has three holes and you want to use a single hole faucet, you will need to find a cover plate. This cover plate is also called a deck plate or escutcheon. It helps cover the extra two holes that you won’t use. Many single hole faucets already come with this plate, but not all do. So you will need to check the box or ask the store before you buy it.

Next, you need to check how much space is behind the faucet. Some faucets need more room behind them for the handle to move up and down. If the faucet is too close to the wall, it might not work right. So always look at the space around your sink and see if the new faucet can fit.

Also, look under your sink. Check how the water lines are connected and if there is enough space to work. If your sink is really tight or the pipes are very old, you may need to replace some parts or ask someone for help.

Many people forget to measure the distance between the holes or the size of the sink surface. That can cause problems later. If you’re unsure, use a measuring tape and write down the width between the holes and how thick your sink is. That helps you find the right faucet and deck plate.

One more thing — if your sink is very old or damaged, it might be better to change the whole sink instead of just the faucet. But if your sink is still strong and clean, then replacing just the faucet is a smart way to upgrade the look.

So before buying a new faucet, take the time to:

• Look at how many holes your sink has
• Check if a deck plate is needed
• Make sure you have enough room for the new faucet
• Look at the plumbing under the sink
• Measure everything before shopping
• Decide if your sink is in good shape to keep using

Turn Off Water and Remove Old Faucet

Now that you know your sink type and have your new faucet ready, it’s time to get your hands a little dirty — but don’t worry, you can do this. The first thing to always do is turn off the water. You will find shut-off valves under your sink. Turn them all the way to the right (clockwise) to close them. Then, turn on the old faucet to make sure the water has stopped. If water still comes out, the valve might be broken or you didn’t turn it all the way.

Once the water is off, get a towel and a small bucket. There might still be a little water in the pipes when you disconnect them. Place the bucket under the pipes just in case.

Now, you’ll need a wrench to loosen the water supply lines. These are the pipes that go from the shut-off valves to the bottom of the faucet. Turn them slowly and carefully. If they are stuck, try using a little bit of WD-40 or just give it a few gentle tries until it loosens.

After removing the supply lines, you’ll see the nuts that hold the faucet to the sink. These nuts are usually made of plastic or metal. Use a basin wrench or pliers to turn them and take them off. Be careful if you’re working under a tight sink. Take your time and keep your back straight if you can.

Now lift the old faucet from the top of the sink. You might see some gunk or old caulk. Use a scraper or an old knife to clean off any dirt or leftover sealant. This is important to help the new faucet sit flat and not leak.

Make sure to clean everything really well. Wipe it with a wet rag and then dry it. You now have a clean and open sink space, ready for the new faucet.

Remember, if you see any rust or broken parts while removing the old faucet, now is the perfect time to fix them. Don’t skip this chance.

• Turn off water under the sink
• Release pressure by turning on the faucet
• Place a bucket under the pipes
• Remove water supply lines with a wrench
• Unscrew mounting nuts holding the faucet
• Lift out the old faucet from above
• Clean sink surface before moving on

Install Deck Plate (If Needed)

If your sink has three holes and your new faucet only needs one, then this is your next move — installing the deck plate. This small metal or plastic piece will cover the two extra holes on your sink. It also helps give the faucet a clean look.

First, check if your new faucet came with a deck plate. If it did not, you’ll need to buy one that matches your faucet and sink. Most home improvement stores carry these, and they come in colors like chrome, black, or brushed nickel.

Start by placing the rubber or foam gasket that comes with the deck plate onto the sink. This gasket helps keep water from leaking under the faucet. If your deck plate does not have a gasket, you can use plumber’s putty instead. Just roll it in your hands into a thin snake shape and place it around the bottom of the plate.

Now press the deck plate onto the sink, right over the three holes. Make sure it is straight and lines up with the middle hole. Once in place, press it down firmly. Some plates also have screws to hold them tight from underneath. If yours does, use a screwdriver to secure it.

With the deck plate in position, you are now ready to set the new single hole faucet on top. This plate will not just make your sink look better, it also helps keep water from dripping into holes you are no longer using.

Sometimes people skip the gasket or don’t clean under the plate, which can cause water leaks later. Don’t rush this part. Make sure everything is dry, clean, and snug.

• Use a deck plate if your sink has three holes
• Clean the sink surface well before placing it
• Add a rubber gasket or plumber’s putty under the plate
• Press the plate in place and make sure it’s straight
• Use screws if your plate has them to tighten from below

Install the New Single Hole Faucet

Now comes the fun part — placing the new single hole faucet on your sink. This step can feel a bit tricky, but once you do it, you’re almost done. Your new faucet should come with some small parts like washers, nuts, and maybe a tool to help you tighten things.

Start by placing the faucet into the single hole in the sink or in the middle hole if you used a deck plate. Under the faucet, you will usually see a threaded rod or rods that go down through the hole. These rods help you tighten the faucet from below.

On top of the sink, make sure the faucet is straight and lined up with the back of the sink or the wall. Take a step back and look at it. This is your chance to adjust before tightening it all the way.

Now go under the sink and attach the rubber or plastic washer first. After that, screw on the mounting nut or nuts. Tighten them by hand at first, then use a basin wrench or the tool that came with the faucet. Don’t over-tighten, or you might crack the sink or the washer.

Some faucets also come with a support bracket or metal plate that helps hold the faucet steady. If yours does, install that now as well.

Once your faucet is tight and secure, check to make sure it doesn’t wiggle or move. If it does, go back and tighten it a little more.

Now look for the hot and cold water lines on the faucet. These are the thin hoses that come out from underneath. Connect them to the shut-off valves under your sink. The left side is hot and the right side is cold. Use a wrench to tighten them gently.

After connecting everything, take one more look at all the connections to make sure they’re tight but not too tight.

• Drop the faucet into the hole
• Align it straight with your sink or wall
• Attach washer and mounting nut from below
• Use a wrench or included tool to tighten
• Connect hot and cold water lines to shut-off valves
• Make sure everything feels firm and secure

Check for Leaks and Test the Faucet

After the new faucet is in place, now is the time to check for leaks and see if everything works as it should. This step is just as important as putting in the faucet itself.

Start by slowly turning on the shut-off valves under the sink. First turn on the cold, then the hot. Do it slowly to avoid too much water pressure hitting the new connections.

Now, look under the sink carefully. Use a flashlight if needed. Check each connection where the water lines meet the faucet and where the lines connect to the shut-off valves. If you see any dripping, even a small one, tighten that part a little more.

Also check around the base of the faucet on top of the sink. If water leaks there when you turn it on, you may need to take it out and add more plumber’s putty or adjust the gasket.

Next, turn on the faucet itself. Let the water run for a few minutes. Try both hot and cold water. Move the handle back and forth to test the full range. Watch the water pressure and make sure nothing sprays or splashes strangely.

Put your hand under the faucet and check for water that feels too hot or too cold. This helps you know the hot and cold sides are connected correctly.

If you notice the water isn’t coming out strong enough, check the aerator (the small screen at the tip of the faucet). Sometimes it gets blocked during shipping. Unscrew it, clean it out, and try again.

Once everything runs smoothly and there are no leaks, you can clean up and enjoy your new faucet.

• Turn on water valves slowly
• Check all under-sink connections for leaks
• Look at faucet base for drips
• Test hot and cold water fully
• Clean out aerator if needed
• Make sure water pressure is normal

Clean Up and Enjoy Your New Look

After everything works perfectly and there are no leaks, the last thing left is to clean up your work area and enjoy the upgrade.

Take a soft cloth and clean around the new faucet. Wipe off fingerprints, dirt, or water spots. If there’s any leftover plumber’s putty, gently scrape it off.

Put away all your tools. Keep the manual that came with the faucet in case you need it later. You might also want to take a photo of the connections under your sink. It helps if you ever need to fix or replace something in the future.

Throw away the old faucet if you’re not planning to reuse it. Some people keep the old faucet in case they move or want to use it in another place, like a garage or laundry room.

Look at your sink now. Doesn’t it feel more modern and clean? A new faucet can make your whole bathroom or kitchen feel fresh again.

Tell your family or friends what you did. It feels good to complete a DIY project, especially when it saves you money and makes your home nicer.

If you ever want to replace another faucet or even the sink next time, now you have more confidence.

• Wipe and clean the new faucet
• Store tools and extra parts
• Take a photo of the plumbing setup
• Recycle or throw out the old faucet
• Enjoy the fresh new look of your sink

Final Thoughts

Changing from a centerset faucet to a single hole faucet is not only possible, but it’s also a great way to refresh your space. You do need to be careful, take your time, and make sure everything fits. But with the right tools and steps, anyone can do it. This kind of small change can make your whole sink look brand new. It may feel hard at first, but once you’re done, you’ll feel proud of what you did on your own.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it okay to install a single hole faucet in a 3-hole sink?

Yes, it is okay. You just need a deck plate or escutcheon to cover the extra two holes. These plates come with many single hole faucets, but not all. Make sure the deck plate fits your sink size and matches the color or finish of your faucet. It helps your sink look neat and also stops water from leaking into the extra holes. Just place the deck plate over the holes and install the faucet like normal. If your sink is old or uneven, use plumber’s putty to seal it better.

Can I do this without a plumber?

Yes, you can do it yourself even if you are not a plumber. Many people with no plumbing experience have done it. You just need basic tools like a wrench, a bucket, and maybe plumber’s putty. Take your time and follow each step carefully. Turn off the water first, and make sure everything is tight and sealed well. If you ever get stuck, you can watch a video or ask for help. But you don’t need to call a plumber unless you have big leaks or broken pipes.

Do I need new water lines for a new faucet?

Sometimes, yes. If your old water lines are too short or don’t fit the new faucet, you will need to buy new ones. Most new faucets come with lines already attached, but not all. Check the length and the size of the connectors before you install. It’s better to use new lines if the old ones are rusty or look worn out. This will help avoid leaks and keep things safe. You can find water lines at any hardware store, and they are not expensive.

Is it hard to remove an old centerset faucet?

It can be a little hard if the nuts are stuck or if there’s rust. But usually, it’s not too difficult. Use a wrench or a basin wrench to remove the nuts holding the faucet. Spray a little WD-40 if parts are stuck. Also, be careful under the sink because space is tight. Use a towel or cushion to support your back. Once the nuts are off, you can lift the faucet out from above. Clean the sink before putting in the new one.

Can I use my old sink with a new single hole faucet?

Yes, you can use your old sink. Just check if it has three holes. If it does, you will need a deck plate to cover the unused holes. If your sink only has one hole, then you’re good to go. Make sure the surface is smooth and clean before installing the new faucet. If the sink is damaged or cracked, it might be better to replace it. But if it’s still strong, there is no need to change it just for the faucet.

Do I need special tools?

No, you don’t need any special tools. Most of the time, a regular adjustable wrench is enough. A basin wrench can help reach tight spots under the sink. You might also need a screwdriver and some plumber’s putty. Many faucet kits come with the parts and sometimes even tools you need. If you don’t have a tool, most hardware stores sell them cheap. You don’t need anything fancy to get this job done. Just take your time and be patient.

Is it better to hire someone?

Not always. If you are comfortable using simple tools and following steps, you can do it yourself. It saves you money and gives you a sense of pride. But if your plumbing is very old or you see rust, broken pipes, or leaks you can’t fix, then calling someone is a smart idea. It depends on how confident you feel. For most people, this is a job they can finish in a few hours with no problem at all.

Do I have to turn off the main water line?

No, you don’t need to turn off the main water line to the whole house. You only need to turn off the small shut-off valves under the sink. These valves stop water from reaching the faucet, so you can work safely. If the shut-off valves are broken or don’t work, then yes, you might need to turn off the main line. Always test the faucet after turning off the valves to make sure no water comes out before you start working.