How to Change a 3 Hole Bathroom Faucet to 1 Hole: Expert Tips

You want to change your old bathroom faucet that has three holes into a new one that fits just one hole. It might seem hard, but with the right guide, you can do it yourself without calling a plumber. Changing a 3 hole faucet to a 1 hole is possible by using a special adapter called a deck plate. In this article, you will learn how to remove the old faucet, prepare the sink, install the new faucet, and finish the job carefully.

Removing the Old 3 Hole Faucet

The first thing you need to do is take off your old faucet. This part can be tricky if you have never done plumbing before, but don’t worry. You will get it step by step. Start by turning off the water supply under the sink. You usually find two valves, one for hot water and one for cold water. Turn both valves clockwise to close them. This stops water from flowing while you work.

Next, open the faucet to let any water left in the pipes drain out. Now, use a wrench or pliers to disconnect the water supply lines from the faucet. Be careful because some water might drip, so have a towel ready. After the water lines are off, look under the sink and find the nuts holding the faucet in place. Use a basin wrench or an adjustable wrench to loosen and remove these nuts.

Once the nuts are off, the faucet should lift out easily from the top of the sink. If it feels stuck, gently wiggle it to break the old plumber’s putty or silicone seal. Clean the sink surface well, removing any old putty or grime. This will help the new faucet fit nicely and prevent leaks.

• Turn off water valves under sink
• Open faucet to drain water
• Disconnect water supply lines with wrench
• Remove nuts holding faucet with basin wrench
• Lift out old faucet and clean sink surface

Preparing Your Sink for the New Faucet

Your sink now has three holes where the old faucet was. But your new faucet only needs one hole. To cover the other two holes, you need a metal or plastic plate called a deck plate or escutcheon. This plate will cover the extra holes and give a clean look.

Before buying your new faucet and deck plate, measure the space between the holes on your sink. Most standard sinks have holes spaced about 8 inches apart, but it is good to be sure. Also, check the size of the holes themselves.

Clean the sink surface around the holes carefully. Any dirt or old glue can stop the deck plate from sticking well. You can use rubbing alcohol or a cleaner to make the area clean and dry.

When you place the deck plate on the sink, it should sit flat and cover the extra holes completely. Some deck plates come with a rubber or foam gasket to help seal the area. If yours does not, you can apply a thin line of plumber’s putty or silicone caulk under the plate to stop water from leaking underneath.

• Measure distance between sink holes
• Buy deck plate that fits your sink
• Clean and dry sink surface well
• Use gasket or apply putty for sealing
• Place deck plate flat covering extra holes

Installing the New 1 Hole Faucet

Now you are ready to install your new faucet. First, take the deck plate and put it on the sink, covering the two extra holes. Press it down firmly to stick it in place if you used putty or caulk. Make sure it sits straight and clean.

Next, place the faucet into the single hole in the deck plate and sink. From under the sink, screw the mounting nuts onto the faucet tailpieces to hold it tight. Tighten the nuts by hand first, then use a wrench to make sure they are secure but not too tight. Over-tightening can break parts.

Before connecting water lines, check if your new faucet has flexible hoses or if you need to attach supply lines separately. Connect the hot and cold water supply lines to the faucet. Usually, hot is on the left and cold is on the right. Tighten the connections well, but avoid over-tightening.

Wipe away any extra plumber’s putty or caulk from around the deck plate to keep the sink clean. Your faucet should now be firmly in place and ready for testing.

• Place deck plate on sink, seal if needed
• Insert faucet through deck plate hole
• Secure faucet under sink with mounting nuts
• Connect hot and cold water supply lines
• Clean extra putty or caulk from sink

Testing for Leaks and Proper Function

Once your new faucet is installed, it’s time to check if everything works and if there are any leaks. First, turn on the water valves under the sink slowly by turning them counterclockwise.

Watch under the sink carefully while you turn on the faucet. Look for any water dripping from the supply line connections or around the faucet base. If you see leaks, turn off the water immediately and tighten the connections a bit more. Sometimes small leaks stop after tightening slightly.

Next, turn the faucet on and off several times. Check both hot and cold water to make sure the water flows smoothly without dripping or sputtering. If the water pressure seems low, check if the faucet aerator (the small screen at the faucet spout) is clean and not blocked.

If all is good, wipe the faucet and sink dry. You want to keep your new faucet shining and clean.

• Turn on water valves slowly
• Check for leaks around connections
• Tighten connections if leaking
• Test hot and cold water flow
• Clean faucet and sink area

Finishing Touches and Cleanup

After testing your new faucet and confirming there are no leaks, you can focus on making your bathroom neat. Use a clean cloth to wipe away any fingerprints, water spots, or leftover putty around the faucet and sink.

If you used plumber’s putty, wait about 30 minutes to an hour to let it dry before using the sink heavily. Silicone caulk usually takes longer to fully cure, so check the instructions on the package.

Put back any items you removed from under the sink during installation. It’s a good time to organize this space and check if any old plumbing parts need replacing.

If your sink or faucet came with instructions for cleaning or maintenance, follow those tips to keep your new faucet working well for years.

• Clean faucet and sink thoroughly
• Let putty or caulk dry completely
• Organize space under the sink
• Follow maintenance instructions
• Enjoy your new faucet look

Tips for Choosing the Right 1 Hole Faucet

When picking your new faucet, think about style, size, and how easy it is to use. A one hole faucet can be modern and simple or more decorative. Match the finish to other bathroom fixtures like towel racks or shower heads for a nice look.

Make sure the faucet height and spout reach fit your sink well. A faucet that is too tall or short might splash water outside the sink or be hard to use.

Check if the faucet has single or double handles, or a lever. Choose what feels comfortable to you.

Look for faucets with good quality parts to avoid leaks or problems. Some come with water-saving features to help reduce bills.

• Choose style that matches bathroom
• Check faucet height and spout size
• Pick handle type that feels good
• Look for good quality and warranty
• Consider water-saving models

Final Thoughts

Changing a 3 hole bathroom faucet to a 1 hole is easier than it seems. With the right tools and a deck plate, you can do this job at home. The key is to work carefully, follow each part slowly, and check for leaks before finishing. Your bathroom will look cleaner and newer with a fresh faucet. Take your time, and don’t rush. Soon, you will enjoy your new faucet every day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it hard to change a 3 hole faucet to 1 hole myself?

It might seem hard at first, but it is doable with some patience and the right tools. The main trick is using a deck plate to cover the extra holes. If you can turn off water, use a wrench, and follow step-by-step instructions, you can do it. Take your time and don’t force anything to avoid damage.

Can I use any deck plate to cover the extra holes?

Not all deck plates fit every sink. You need to buy one that matches the space between your sink holes and the finish of your faucet. Measure carefully before buying. Deck plates come in different sizes and shapes, so pick one that covers the holes completely and looks good.

Do I need to hire a plumber for this job?

If you feel unsure about plumbing, hiring a plumber can save time and stress. But many people do this themselves by following guides. If your water pipes or sink are old or damaged, a plumber’s help might be better. For a simple faucet change, it is often a good DIY project.

Is it necessary to use plumber’s putty or silicone?

Using plumber’s putty or silicone helps seal the deck plate and faucet base to stop water leaks. Some deck plates come with rubber gaskets that may replace putty. Without a seal, water can drip under the sink and cause damage. So yes, it is important to seal these parts well.

Can I keep using my old water supply lines?

Sometimes old supply lines can be reused if they are in good condition and fit the new faucet. Check if they connect easily and do not leak. If the lines look worn, cracked, or rusty, it is safer to replace them. New supply lines are inexpensive and help prevent future leaks.

Do I need special tools to do this job?

Basic tools like an adjustable wrench, basin wrench, and pliers are usually enough. A basin wrench is very helpful for tight spaces under the sink. You might also need plumber’s putty or silicone, a towel, and a bucket to catch drips. No expensive tools are needed.

Is it okay if the faucet moves a little after installation?

Your faucet should be tight and not move. If it moves, it means the mounting nuts are loose. Tighten them gently but firmly from under the sink. If the faucet still moves, check if the deck plate or sink surface is clean and the gasket or putty is applied well.

Can I change the faucet without turning off the water supply?

No, turning off the water supply is very important to avoid flooding your bathroom. Always close the valves under the sink before starting. Even if you think no water will come out, it can cause a big mess if left on.