How to Replace and Install a Bathroom Faucet in 6 Easy Steps

A bathroom vanity with flowers on the counter and bathtub in the corner

Old fixtures can make your bathroom look dated and less than fresh. On the flip side, a simple bathroom faucet replacement can quickly and easily give your bathroom a makeover.

A sleek, clean, modern bathroom faucet makes a huge difference. Whether you’re doing a whole bathroom renovation, fixing an existing problem, or looking for a fast way to refresh the space, a new faucet is a great DIY project. Wondering how to replace a bathroom faucet? Here are the simple steps.

Can You Install a Bathroom Faucet Yourself?

As with any home project, you may wonder if you can install a bathroom faucet yourself. Is faucet replacement a project for a plumber?

Installing a new bathroom faucet isn't as tricky as you may think. Following the guidelines below, you can replace your bathroom faucet all by yourself. Not only will a new faucet look nice, but it might resolve issues like a slow drip that can cost you money and damage the sink and surrounding areas.

A bathroom faucet replacement is also a great project for homeowners considering renovating a few areas of their homes before putting them on the market. If your faucet looks dirty or dated, some inexpensive-but-beautiful new fixtures make a significant impact on potential buyers.

You can install a new bathroom faucet in a few hours. It's a great weekend project that will make you feel accomplished. Here at Do It Best, we have all the supplies and guidance you'll need to get an updated bathroom look you'll love.

Tools Needed to Install a Bathroom Faucet

Installing a bathroom faucet doesn't require many tools, but there are a few items you will need to gather before undertaking the project. First, check the faucet to ensure all the required components are included in the kit.

Gather the other tools and supplies before installing your bathroom faucet:

Tape measure
Wrenches, including a basin wrench
Sink faucet
Faucet supply line

Bucket
Rags
Plumber’s putty
Putty knife

How to Install Bathroom Faucet in 6 Easy Steps

If you have a few hours, you can tackle this DIY home project. Here's how to remove a bathroom faucet and install a replacement faucet in 6 easy steps.

Step 1: Determine the Right Style of Faucet

First, you need to make sure that you know the type of faucet that you’ll need to replace your current setup. Does your sink have predrilled holes? If so, are they widespread or center-set? Predrilled holes in sinks range in size from a single hole, a 4" triple hole, and an 8" triple hole, so it’s best to measure if you aren’t sure.

If you are replacing your vanity top and faucet, you can coordinate when purchasing to have the easiest installation possible without needing to drill new holes. You’ll save time and money!

Water shut off valve under the sink, close-up

Step 2: Prep Your Bathroom Sink and Area

Before installing a new bathroom faucet, you'll want to prepare the bathroom sink and surrounding area. Having a clean, open space where you can work is essential. Remove items and storage from underneath the sink. Place a bucket under the sink, beneath the faucet, so you can catch any water that may drip or spill.

Gather all your supplies before starting the installation. Clean the sink and surrounding area, and ensure that the faucet kit you purchased fits the old sink connections and matches the metals. Use the shut-off valves to completely turn off the water supply before you begin the new faucet installation. Once the water supply is off, turn on the faucet to drain the system of water that is still inside the pipes.

Step 3: Disconnect the Supply Lines and Remove the Mounting Nuts

Next, you’ll disconnect the water supply lines and the lift rod from the old faucet. Supply lines hook to the hot and cold handles on the faucet and are located under the sink. The lift rod is located directly behind the waterspout and is used to open and shut the sink drain.

Then, remove the nuts from underneath the faucet (you may need to use a basin wrench). There should be two; one on each side of the faucet. Once they are removed, the faucet should be disconnected from any pipes.

Man wearing yellow work gloves replacing the faucet to the sink

Step 4: Remove and Replace the Bathroom Faucet

Now that the water supply is off and you've disconnected the lines and removed the mounting nuts, you're ready to remove the faucet from the sink. Be sure to carefully remove the faucet, taking care not to damage the tubing or pipe. You may need to run a putty knife around the base of the faucet to loosen it, unseal any caulk, and clean off residue.

As you remove the faucet, examine the connections and surrounding hardware. You should replace any damaged or rusted bolts, piping, or other areas of concern.

Man has a faucet completely taken apart on a countertop

Step 5: Prepare to Install the New Bathroom Faucet

Your new faucet should come with step-by-step instructions from the manufacturer to help you install that particular brand and style of faucet. Most faucets have very similar instructions, but following the exact guidelines is important.

You begin by adding the faucet gasket to the bottom of the faucet. The instruction manual should indicate if you need plumber’s putty in addition to or in place of the gasket.

White sink & black faucet in a white subway tiled bathroom

Step 6: Place and Test the New Faucet

Next, put the faucet through the mounting holes in the sink. From the underside of the sink, you should see where to tighten the mounting nuts. Tighten the nuts under the sink using a basin wrench to help the faucet stay in place. Look at the top of the faucet to ensure that all the components are lining up straight.

On the underside of the sink, reconnect all the supply lines. Be sure to correctly anchor, attach, and screw the hot and cold water connections. Turn on the water supply valves again, and test to ensure that the water flows and there are no leaking areas. Run the water for several minutes to make sure that you don’t notice any leakage.

Consider Installing a Matching Drain

If you're looking to update your sink drain and plumbing below the sink surface, we've compiled detailed directions on How to Install a New Drain. These tips and tricks will help you alleviate any current leaks and help update your sink's plumbing to avoid future issues.

It's often a good idea to replace the sink drain when you install a new bathroom faucet so the metal and styles match. If you’re already in the process of replacing your bathroom faucet, the drain is a smart addition to your DIY project list.

Easy Bathroom Faucet Installation with Do it Best

Replacing an older bathroom faucet is a challenging-but-satisfying DIY project. First, read the instruction manual with your new faucet to ensure you're following the exact steps specific to your equipment. Our step-by-step instructions above show you how to replace a faucet without needing to call a plumber or outsource the job. New bathroom fixtures really update the room and can transform the style of your entire bathroom. At Do It Best, we have the tools you need to make home updates and repairs that are well worth the effort!

While do-it-yourself projects can be fun and fulfilling, there is always a potential for personal injury or property damage. We strongly suggest that any project beyond your abilities be left to licensed professionals such as electricians, plumbers, and carpenters. Any action you take upon the information on this website is strictly at your own risk, and we assume no responsibility or liability for the contents of this article.