How to Replace Bathroom Faucet 3 Hole: 6 Simple Steps

You want to replace your old 3 hole bathroom faucet but feel unsure where to start. You might be thinking it’s too hard or you need a plumber. The good news is, you can actually do it yourself! In this article, you will learn how to replace a bathroom faucet with 3 holes step by step.

Turn Off the Water and Get Everything Ready

Before doing anything, you need to stop the water from flowing. This is the most important part to make sure you don’t make a mess. Under your sink, there are two knobs or valves. One is for hot water, and one is for cold. Turn both of these knobs to the right to shut off the water. If they are too tight, you can use a small wrench or a cloth to grip and turn them.

After turning off the water, check by turning on the faucet to make sure no water comes out. If water still comes out, then you may need to turn off the main water supply for your home.

Now, get all the things you need. You will need:

• New 3 hole bathroom faucet
• Adjustable wrench
• Basin wrench (helps reach tight spots)
• Plumber’s tape
• Bucket or towel
• Cleaning cloth or sponge
• Flashlight (optional but helpful)

Place a bucket or towel under the sink to catch any drips. Also, make sure the area under your sink is clear so you have space to move and work.

Take a picture of your current faucet setup before removing it. This will help you remember where things go. Unplug anything electric under the sink, like a night light or water heater plug, just to be safe.

In this step, it’s all about preparing the area and having your tools ready. Good prep makes everything easier and smoother.

• Turn off water valves under the sink
• Test to make sure water is off
• Clear out the space under the sink
• Gather all tools and parts
• Place towel or bucket to catch water
• Take a picture of your faucet setup
• Unplug anything electric near the sink

Remove the Old Faucet from the Sink

Now it’s time to take out the old faucet. This part can be a little tricky if it’s been there a long time. Things might be tight or rusty, but take your time and go slow.

First, disconnect the water supply lines. These are the small pipes connected to the faucet underneath the sink. Use your adjustable wrench to loosen the nuts. Turn them slowly and gently. Some water may drip out, so have your towel or bucket ready.

Next, look up toward the bottom of the faucet. You will see nuts holding the faucet to the sink. These can be hard to reach, which is why a basin wrench helps a lot. Use the wrench to loosen and remove these nuts. You may have to twist a few times, and that’s okay.

After the nuts are off, you should be able to lift the faucet right out from the top of the sink. If it doesn’t come out, try wiggling it a little or using a flat tool to loosen it. Sometimes old sealant keeps it stuck.

Now look at the sink holes. There might be old putty or gunk around them. Use a cloth or sponge to clean the area very well. This gives a clean surface for the new faucet to sit on.

Don’t forget to also remove the drain rod if your old faucet has one. This is the stick behind the faucet that pulls up and down to stop water in the sink.

Be gentle with all parts and keep them aside in case you need them later. You’ve just completed a big part!

• Disconnect water supply lines with wrench
• Remove nuts holding faucet with basin wrench
• Lift faucet from top of sink
• Wiggle or loosen if it’s stuck
• Clean sink holes and area around it
• Remove the drain rod if there is one
• Save old parts just in case

Install the New Faucet on the Sink

Now comes the exciting part — putting your new faucet in! This part is fun because you get to see your bathroom starting to change. Your new faucet will have three parts to fit into the three holes on your sink.

Start by reading the instructions that came with your new faucet. Every faucet is a little different, so it helps to look at the guide first. But don’t worry — most 3 hole faucets are easy to install.

Take the faucet and place it down into the holes. Make sure it sits flat and straight. Most faucets have a rubber or plastic base that keeps water from getting underneath. If yours doesn’t, you can add plumber’s putty around the bottom to seal it.

Once the faucet is in place, go back under the sink. You’ll see the long threads sticking down through the holes. Slide the washers and nuts onto these threads, and tighten them with your hands first. Then use the basin wrench to make them snug, but don’t over-tighten.

Now connect the water supply lines. Make sure you connect the hot line to the hot side and the cold line to the cold side. Usually, hot is on the left and cold is on the right. Use your wrench to tighten them gently.

If your faucet has a pop-up drain or pull rod, now is the time to install that too. Follow the steps in your faucet’s manual for this part.

After everything is connected, double-check that it looks right and feels solid.

• Place new faucet into sink holes
• Use plumber’s putty if needed
• Tighten mounting nuts under sink
• Connect hot and cold water lines correctly
• Use wrench to snug all connections
• Install drain rod or pop-up drain if needed
• Check everything for tight fit

Test the Faucet and Check for Leaks

Now you’re almost done. It’s time to see if everything works right. This is a very important part, so take your time and go slowly.

Go under the sink and turn the water supply valves back on. Turn them slowly to the left. You may hear a little noise — that’s normal. Once the water is on, go to the top and turn on the faucet.

Let the water run for a minute and check how it flows. Try both hot and cold sides. Make sure the water pressure feels normal.

Now take a look under the sink. Use your flashlight if you need it. Look very closely at every connection. You want to see if any water is dripping or leaking. Use your fingers to feel around the pipes. Even a small drop of water is a leak that needs fixing.

If you see a leak, turn the water off again and tighten the connection a little more. Use plumber’s tape if needed. This tape helps seal the threads and stops leaks.

Also test the drain if you installed a new one. Fill the sink with water and then let it drain. Check under the sink again to see if water leaks from the drain area.

Once everything looks dry and clean, you’re good to go. You just installed your own bathroom faucet!

• Turn water back on slowly
• Check both hot and cold sides
• Look under sink for leaks
• Use fingers to feel around pipes
• Tighten any leaky connections
• Use plumber’s tape if needed
• Test the sink drain for leaks

Clean Up and Put Everything Back

Now that your new faucet is working, it’s time to clean up the area and put things back. This step is easy but still important so your bathroom looks nice and tidy.

Start by wiping down your sink area. Clean off any fingerprints, smudges, or leftover putty. You can use a soft cloth and some mild cleaner. Make sure the new faucet looks shiny and clean.

Under the sink, remove the bucket or towel you used. Dry the area if there was any dripping. Put back anything you took out earlier, like cleaning supplies or baskets.

Plug back in anything you unplugged earlier, but only if everything is dry and safe.

Check your tools and parts. Make sure you didn’t forget anything or leave any screws behind. You might want to keep the instructions and leftover parts from your new faucet in a small bag or box, just in case you need them later.

Take a moment to look at your new faucet. You did this all by yourself. It looks great, and you didn’t have to pay a plumber.

• Wipe and clean around the new faucet
• Remove towels or buckets from under sink
• Dry the area well
• Put your stuff back under the sink
• Plug things back in only if dry
• Check for extra tools or parts
• Save your instructions and extra pieces

Enjoy Your New Bathroom Faucet

Now that everything is finished, it’s time to enjoy your new faucet. It not only works better but makes your whole bathroom look fresh and clean. Doing this yourself saves money, and it also gives you confidence to try other home projects.

Keep an eye on the faucet for the next few days. Check under the sink once or twice just to be sure there are no leaks. Sometimes a small leak shows up later, but that’s okay — you now know how to fix it.

Use a soft cloth to keep your new faucet shiny. Avoid strong cleaners that might damage the finish.

Tell your friends or family what you did. You’ll be surprised how proud you feel sharing your DIY success. You’ve learned something new and useful today.

• Enjoy the fresh look and feel
• Check for leaks over the next few days
• Wipe faucet with soft cloth to keep it shiny
• Don’t use harsh cleaners
• Share your success with others
• Be proud of your work
• Think about your next home project

Final Thoughts

Replacing a 3 hole bathroom faucet might feel hard at first, but once you start, it becomes easy step by step. You don’t need special tools or experience. Just some patience, basic tools, and a clear guide like this one. You did something great for your home with your own hands. Not only did you save money, but you also learned a new skill. That’s something to be proud of. So next time something breaks or needs changing, you’ll feel more ready to handle it yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it hard to replace a 3 hole bathroom faucet by myself?

No, it’s not too hard if you follow each part step by step. Most people can do it in a few hours with basic tools. You don’t need to be a plumber or have any special skills. The hardest part is removing the old faucet if it’s rusty or stuck, but even that can be done with the right wrench. As long as you turn off the water first and take your time, you will do great.

Can I replace my faucet without turning off the water?

No, you must turn off the water first. If you don’t, water will spray everywhere when you disconnect the faucet, and you might flood your bathroom. The shutoff valves are usually under the sink. Turn both hot and cold valves to the right to close them. Always test by turning on the faucet after closing the valves to make sure the water is really off before you start.

Do I need special tools to replace a bathroom faucet?

You don’t need many special tools. Most people already have what they need at home. You will need an adjustable wrench, a basin wrench (helpful but optional), plumber’s tape, and a soft cloth. Some faucets might also need a screwdriver. A flashlight is also helpful if it’s dark under your sink. Just a few tools can help you get the job done.

Is it okay to use plumber’s tape on water connections?

Yes, plumber’s tape is a good idea. It helps stop leaks at the threaded connections. You wrap it around the threads before tightening the nuts. It makes a better seal and stops water from dripping out. You don’t need to use a lot — just wrap it around two or three times. Make sure you wrap it in the same direction that you will tighten the nut.

Can I install any faucet in my 3 hole sink?

Not all faucets will fit a 3 hole sink. Make sure you buy a faucet that is made for 3 holes. You can find this on the box or in the product description. Some faucets are made for just 1 hole or 2 holes, so always check first. There are also some 3 hole faucets with a base plate that can cover extra holes. Just match your sink and faucet style.

Do I need to use plumber’s putty?

You may not need plumber’s putty if your new faucet comes with a rubber or plastic seal. But if there is no seal, or you want extra protection, you can use plumber’s putty under the faucet base. This keeps water from leaking under the faucet and into the cabinet. Just don’t use too much, and clean off any extra after the faucet is installed.

Is it safe to plug things back in after replacing the faucet?

Yes, but only if everything is dry. If you unplugged things like a nightlight or small heater under the sink, wait until all water is gone. Wipe up all drips, dry the floor, and make sure the wires or outlets are not wet. Water and electricity don’t mix, so be very careful. If you’re not sure, wait a little longer or ask someone for help.

Can I replace my faucet even if I’m a beginner?

Yes, you can! This guide is made for beginners, and many first-time DIYers have replaced their faucets with no problems. Just go slow, follow the steps, and don’t rush. There’s no need to feel scared. If you need help, you can watch a video or ask a friend to be nearby. But with patience and this easy guide, you’ll do just fine.