How to Replace Bathroom Sink Faucet: 7 Simple Steps

You wake up one day and see your bathroom faucet is leaking or looking old and rusty. It can be super annoying, right? But the good news is, you do not have to call a plumber and spend a lot of money. You can replace your bathroom sink faucet all by yourself! In this article, you will learn exactly how to do it, even if you have never done anything like this before. It is easier than you think, and I will guide you with very simple steps anyone can follow.

Turn Off the Water Supply

The very first thing you need to do is stop the water from running to your bathroom sink. This is very important, because if you don’t, water will splash everywhere once you start removing the faucet. You don’t want a small job to turn into a big mess.

To turn off the water, look under your sink. You will see two small knobs or handles. One is for cold water and the other is for hot water. Turn both of them to the right (clockwise). This will close the water supply. If the knobs are stuck, you can use a cloth or a small wrench to help turn them. Be gentle so you do not break them.

After turning off the knobs, open the faucet. This helps to release any extra water that is still inside the pipes. Wait a few seconds and let the water drip out. Once it stops, you are good to go.

Sometimes, your bathroom might not have knobs under the sink. In that case, you will have to turn off the main water supply for your whole house. That is usually found near your water meter or in the basement. If you are not sure, ask someone in your home or check online with your home’s water layout.

Also, keep a small bucket and a towel under the sink. This will catch any leftover water from the pipes when you start removing the faucet. It will keep your floor dry and clean.

Here is a small tip: Take a picture of your plumbing setup before you start. This can help you later if you forget where anything goes.

• Find the hot and cold water knobs under the sink
• Turn both knobs to the right to stop water flow
• Open the faucet to release leftover water
• Use a towel and bucket for any small leaks
• Take a photo of the setup before starting

Remove the Old Faucet

Now that the water is off, it is time to remove the old faucet. This might take a little time, especially if your faucet has been there for many years. But don’t worry, I’ll help you through it.

First, get under the sink and look at where the faucet is connected. You will see two water supply lines that go from the faucet down to the shut-off valves. These are usually flexible pipes. Use a wrench or your hand to unscrew them from the faucet part. Be ready for a little bit of water to drip out. That is normal.

Next, look for the mounting nuts. These are the parts that hold the faucet tightly to the sink. You will need a basin wrench for this job because the space is small and hard to reach. A basin wrench has a long handle that lets you work in tight spots. Turn the nuts to the left (counterclockwise) to loosen them.

Sometimes the nuts may be rusty or hard to turn. If that happens, spray a little bit of WD-40 or some kind of oil to help loosen them up. Wait a few minutes and try again.

Once the nuts are off, you can go back to the top of the sink. Try to pull up the faucet. If it doesn’t move easily, wiggle it a little from side to side. Old faucets can be stuck because of dried-out plumber’s putty or hard water buildup.

When the faucet comes out, you will probably see some old putty or gunk left behind. Use a cloth or putty knife to clean the area. Make sure the surface is clean and smooth before you install the new faucet.

• Unscrew water supply lines from the faucet
• Use a basin wrench to remove mounting nuts
• Spray oil if nuts are stuck and wait a few minutes
• Pull out the old faucet by wiggling it
• Clean the sink surface from old putty and dirt

Prepare the Sink Area

Before you install the new faucet, you need to make sure the sink area is ready. A clean and dry surface helps the new faucet sit properly and prevents leaks in the future.

First, look closely at the holes on your sink where the old faucet was placed. Most sinks have three holes – two for the water lines and one in the middle for the faucet. But some sinks have only one hole, especially if they are designed for single-handle faucets. So, check your new faucet to make sure it matches the holes in your sink.

If your new faucet has a base plate (also called an escutcheon), it will cover all three holes even if your faucet only uses one. This helps your sink look neat and prevents water from getting under the faucet.

Now, clean the area using warm water and a sponge. You can use a small amount of soap if needed. Scrub off any leftover putty, dirt, or hard water stains. After cleaning, dry the area with a towel. You want the surface to be fully dry before you install the new faucet.

Also, get all your tools ready near the sink. You will need:

• New faucet with parts
• Plumber’s tape
• Basin wrench
• Adjustable wrench
• Putty knife or flat screwdriver
• Bucket and towel

If your faucet comes with a gasket (a rubber piece that goes between the faucet and the sink), place it on the bottom of the faucet. If it doesn’t come with one, you can use plumber’s putty around the base to stop water from leaking through.

This step might feel small, but it makes a big difference. A clean and prepared sink makes everything easier and safer.

• Match new faucet holes with your sink
• Clean old dirt and putty from sink surface
• Dry the sink completely before installing
• Place gasket or use plumber’s putty
• Keep all tools and faucet parts ready

Install the New Faucet

Now comes the fun part — putting in your brand new faucet! This is where all your cleaning and prep work really helps. You are getting close to a working, shiny faucet.

Start by placing the new faucet into the holes in your sink. If it has a gasket, make sure it is lined up correctly under the faucet. If you are using plumber’s putty, roll a small amount in your hands and place it under the base of the faucet before setting it in.

From above the sink, press the faucet down gently but firmly so it sits flat and doesn’t wiggle. Check if it’s straight and centered. You can adjust it a little before tightening.

Now go under the sink. Use the mounting nuts that came with your faucet. These nuts will tighten the faucet to the sink. Hand-tighten them first, then use a basin wrench to make them snug. Do not over-tighten or you might crack the sink or damage the faucet.

Next, attach the water supply lines. Wrap plumber’s tape around the faucet threads before connecting the lines. This helps prevent leaks. Screw each line (hot and cold) onto the matching connector. Make sure they are tight but again, don’t force them too much.

Double-check everything before turning the water back on. Make sure the faucet is not moving, the connections are tight, and there’s no plumber’s putty squeezing out too much.

• Put faucet into holes with gasket or plumber’s putty
• Press it down and check for straight position
• Tighten mounting nuts under the sink
• Wrap faucet threads with plumber’s tape
• Attach water supply lines firmly

Reconnect and Check the Water Lines

It is now time to bring the water back. But do it slowly and carefully to make sure there are no leaks and everything is working as it should.

Start by checking the water supply valves under the sink. Slowly turn both the hot and cold valves to the left (counterclockwise) to open them. Do this one at a time. Go slow to avoid sudden pressure.

Now, go to the top of the sink and turn on the faucet. Let both hot and cold water run for a few minutes. This helps clear out any air or small debris from the new lines. Don’t worry if the water spits a little at first — that is normal when air is coming out.

While the water is running, look under the sink. Use your hand to feel around the connections for any signs of dripping. If you feel water or see a drip, turn off the faucet and gently tighten the connection. Make sure all parts are dry when you check for leaks, so you can easily spot new moisture.

Also, check around the base of the faucet. If you used plumber’s putty, wipe off any extra that came out when you tightened the faucet. It should look neat and clean.

• Slowly open both hot and cold water valves
• Run water to clear out air and debris
• Check under sink for any drips or leaks
• Gently tighten any loose connections
• Clean off extra plumber’s putty from base

Test Faucet Functions

You are almost done! Now it’s time to make sure your faucet is working the way it should. This step is very important because it shows if everything was done correctly.

Turn on the faucet again. Try both hot and cold handles (or side if it’s a single-handle faucet). The water should flow smoothly without splashing or strange noises. Switch between hot and cold to make sure both lines are connected right.

Check the water pressure. It should feel strong and even. If it’s too low, there may be a blockage in the faucet screen. Most faucets have a small screen called an aerator at the tip. You can unscrew it, clean it, and screw it back.

Now, plug the sink and let water fill up a bit. Then unplug it and watch how it drains. This is a good time to see if the drain area was disturbed during the installation. If water drains slowly, you may need to clean the drain trap later.

While doing all this, stay near the sink and check again for leaks. Even a slow drip can become a problem later. If you see any leaks, fix them right away.

• Test hot and cold water functions
• Check water pressure for strong flow
• Clean faucet screen if pressure is low
• Check how well the sink drains
• Watch again for any small leaks

Clean Up and Enjoy Your New Faucet

Congratulations! Your new bathroom faucet is now installed and working great. But before you go celebrate, let’s clean everything up so your bathroom looks nice and fresh.

First, put away all your tools and leftover parts. Keep any extra faucet pieces in a safe place in case you need them later. If your old faucet is still good, you can donate it. If not, recycle it if possible.

Wipe the sink area and the faucet with a clean cloth. Remove fingerprints, smudges, and any leftover plumber’s putty. Use a gentle cleaner to make the faucet shine.

Now check once more for any leaks. Run the faucet for a few minutes and dry the area below. If it stays dry, you are good to go.

Take a moment to enjoy your work. You did it all by yourself, and you saved money too. That is something to feel proud of.

• Store tools and extra faucet parts safely
• Wipe down sink and faucet with soft cloth
• Do final check for leaks
• Recycle or throw away old faucet parts
• Take pride in your successful DIY job

Final Thoughts

Replacing a bathroom sink faucet may feel hard at first, but once you follow the simple steps, it becomes very easy. You don’t need fancy tools or a plumber. With just a little time and care, you can fix it yourself. You save money, learn something new, and feel proud. Doing it on your own is not just smart, it feels good too. Always double-check your work, be patient, and don’t rush. Now every time you use your new faucet, you will know you did it all on your own!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it safe to replace a bathroom faucet by myself?

Yes, it is safe as long as you turn off the water supply first and follow each step carefully. You are not dealing with electricity or anything dangerous, so it is mostly about being careful and using the right tools. Most homeowners can do this with a little time and patience. If you feel stuck at any point, you can always ask for help or look for videos to guide you. Many people are surprised how easy it is once they start.

Can I install any faucet on my sink?

Not all faucets fit every sink. Some sinks have one hole, and others have three. You must check your sink’s hole setup and match it with the faucet you want to buy. Also, make sure the size of the faucet fits your sink area so it doesn’t look too big or too small. Most faucet boxes tell you what kind of sink they work with. If you are not sure, take a picture of your sink to the store and ask someone there for help.

Do I need plumber’s putty for the new faucet?

You don’t always need plumber’s putty. Some faucets come with a rubber gasket that seals the bottom. If your faucet has that, you can skip the putty. But if it does not have a gasket, using plumber’s putty is a smart choice. It helps stop water from leaking under the faucet. Just roll a little bit in your hands and press it under the faucet before you set it in place. It is cheap, easy to use, and very helpful.

Is it hard to remove an old faucet?

It can be a little tricky if the old faucet is rusty or very tight. The hardest part is usually unscrewing the mounting nuts under the sink, especially in a tight space. Using a basin wrench helps a lot. Sometimes spraying a little oil can make it easier. Be patient, take your time, and you will get it done. If the faucet doesn’t move after loosening everything, try wiggling it gently. It will come off with a bit of work.

Can I use the same supply lines?

Yes, you can reuse the old supply lines if they are in good condition. But if they are old, rusty, or too short for the new faucet, it’s better to replace them. New supply lines are not expensive and will give you peace of mind. If you are not sure, check for cracks or wear. Using new ones also helps prevent leaks later. Always use plumber’s tape on the threads before reconnecting.

Do I need special tools for this?

You do not need many tools. A basin wrench is helpful for tight spots under the sink. You’ll also need an adjustable wrench, some plumber’s tape, and maybe a screwdriver. If the old faucet is stuck, having a putty knife or a little oil spray can help. Most of these tools are easy to find at any hardware store. You do not need to be a pro or buy expensive items. Keep it simple and safe.

Is it normal for water to splash after installing?

Sometimes water can splash if the faucet screen (aerator) has air or dirt inside. This happens when you first turn on the new faucet. Unscrew the tip of the faucet and rinse the screen. Screw it back, and the water should flow smooth. Also, check if the faucet is too high for your sink. Some water splashes more if the faucet is not the right height. Test and adjust how strong you open the handle.

Can I fix leaks myself if I see them later?

Yes, most small leaks can be fixed by yourself. First, turn off the water. Then check the connections under the sink. Sometimes the supply lines are not tight enough. You can use a wrench to gently tighten them. If the leak is around the base of the faucet, you may need to add more plumber’s putty. If a part is broken, you can buy a new one at the store. Take your time and fix it right.