VIDEO: How to Install A Bathroom Faucet

Installing a bathroom faucet is a lot simpler than you may think. Even if you have never installed a faucet before, you will be able to tackle the project with some common tools. It should usually take no more than one hour, and the installation method is fundamentally similar for almost every type of bath faucet in the market.

In this article, we are going to break down the process of installing a bathroom faucet using a Koozzo single handle faucet as an example.

Tools: an adjustable wrench, a bucket, a putty knife, rags

Optional: sealant or plumber’s putty, pipe joint compound

Step 1

Place a container under the sink and turn off the water valves to relieve the pressure that is left inside the faucet lines. Using an adjustable wrench, unscrew the lines and drain the remaining water. If necessary, unscrew the line from the bottom of the faucet if there is not enough space for you to work around.

Many faucets may have a standard pop-up drain that requires a lifting rod. To disconnect the drain, unscrew the mounting nuts with your hands and unclip the lifting rod from the mechanical pop-up. You will then be able to unscrew and remove the extension rod.

Remove the old faucet.

Step 2

Take the rubber washer, steel washer, clamp, and nuts off the faucet. Install the gasket. If your faucet does not come with a gasket, then you may need to use sealant or plumber’s putty to help secure the faucet. Apply a thin layer of sealant or putty to the bottom of the faucet before putting in the faucet.

Please note that even though the plumber’s putty is useful, it should not be used with plastic or granite, as it might leave a stain.

Step 3

Clean the area where the new faucet will go and insert the new faucet. Set the pipes and the faucet into the mounting hole(s). If the previous faucet required three holes, use a deck plate and align the faucet.

Step 4

Once the faucet is in the mounting hole(s), place the rubber washer, steel washer, and the clamp with nuts back on the faucets. Check the alignment of the faucet, twist the nuts, and then tighten with an adjustable wrench.

Step 5

Connect the hot and cold water supply lines. Normally, the red supply line will connect to the left for hot water and the blue supply line will connect to the right for cold water. If you are working with limited space, you can loop the supply lines for a better fit under the sink but make sure there are not any kinks.

Step 6

Next, move on to the drain.

Disassemble the pieces of the pop-up assembly, and unscrew and remove the mounting nut from the drain tailpiece.

To ensure a watertight seal, apply a layer of pipe joint compound to the top side of the rubber washer. Similarly, apply a bead of plumber’s putty to the flange on the sink drain ring. Some pop-up assemblies may come with a foam or a rubber gasket, in which case the plumber’s putty is optional.

(Pipe joint compound is used on pipe thread where there is pressure, while plumber’s putty is usually used to fill gaps in drains and on sinks.)

Step 7

Connect the drain parts:

Push the drain tailpiece assembly up through the drain opening from underneath.

Then from above the sink, insert the drain flange into the hole and screw it onto the drain body. Make sure the pieces are threaded correctly and tightened.

From under the sink, tighten the mounting nut to make sure the tailpiece does not spin in the drain opening.

Put the drain stopper into the sink. Fasten the stopper by hand.

Step 8

Connect the P-trap.

Step 9

After finishing all the steps, it is time to test the faucet. Turn on the water and let it run for two to three minutes. Use some tissue and wipe around the joints to check for any leaks. Tighten the nearby joints if you find any wet spot.

Maintenance

Your new bath faucet requires proper maintenance in order to maintain durability. Faucets come in contact with many different elements on a daily basis. After using your brand new faucet, you may notice it’s ready for a cleanup. Following a regular cleaning schedule and understanding how to care for your faucets will provide more longevity for the faucet. Follow our faucet maintenance tips below!

What you’ll need: water, dish soap, vinegar, non-abrasive cleaner, a small bowl, soft cleaning cloths, a toothbrush

Steps for cleaning your faucet:

1. Basic cleaning: Grab a damp cloth and a mild cleaner like dish soap to clean the faucet and the surrounding area. Follow up with a soft dry cloth and wipe the rest of the residue away. In most cases, a mild glass cleaner or vinegar may help get rid of stubborn dirt. Keep in mind your faucet’s finish when using specific cleaners as some faucets may require extra care. Refer to your manufacturer’s recommendations.

2. Remove water spots: Mix equal amounts of water and white vinegar in a bowl. Soak a few paper towels and wrap the faucet. Leave it on for a few minutes to dissolve the stains and follow up with a dry soft cloth.

3. Clean your aerators: Low water pressure or faucet handle leaking may be caused by lime buildup blocking the inside of the aerator. Unscrew the aerator from the faucet by turning it counterclockwise. Use a small brush dipped in vinegar to scrub and remove any lingering residue. After cleaning the affected areas, reassemble the aerator and screw it back onto the faucet.

4. Clean the drain: The drain may need the most cleaning since it comes into contact with water and other products so it’s important to keep it clean. Try using a nonabrasive cleaner like Barkeepers’ friend.

Avoid using any harsh cleaners and cleaning tools as the damages are irreversible. We recommend always cleaning with a soft washcloth, using a non-abrasive cleaner like Barkeeper’s friend, and testing any cleaners on hidden portions of the finish to check for any damages that may occur.

Properly installing your faucet and taking care of it regularly will allow your faucet to maintain its attractive appearance and provide you with years of durable performance. We hope our guide can help you understand the process better and you will find peace of mind using your new faucet.