Materials
Product costs, availability and item numbers may vary online or by market.
Buying a Faucet
When buying a faucet you need to make sure it will fit your sink. Your sink will have one, two, or three holes for the faucet. Plus, the holes will be either centerset or widespread. Make sure you have this information when you’re shopping. When in doubt, take the old one to the store with you.
Remove the Old Faucet
Instructions
Step 1
Turn off the water supply. The valves are typically under the sink. If not, turn off the water at the main valve. Then turn on the faucet to relieve any water pressure left in the lines.
Step 2
Disconnect the supply lines from the faucet. Use a basin wrench if you can’t reach the connections with your hands.
Step 3
Disconnect the lift rod, and then remove the nuts from under the faucet.
Remove the Drain
Step 1
Unscrew the slip nut on the P-trap. Put a bucket underneath to catch water in the trap.
Step 2
Disconnect the drain flange from the tailpiece. It should unscrew.
Step 3
Clean around the old drain and faucet holes. Mineral spirits can help remove old silicone sealant.
Install the New Faucet
Step 1
Follow the manufacturer's directions for specific installation instructions. Most installations begin with installing the gasket on the bottom of the faucet. Some require sealant or plumber's putty. Then put the faucet through the mounting holes in the sink and tighten the mounting nuts.
Step 2
Not all faucets come preassembled so you might have to attach the handles. It’s easy. Slip the guide ring onto the bottom of the handle, position it on the faucet base, and secure with the setscrew. A setscrew is the tiny screw on the underside of the handle. Your faucet probably came with a hex wrench to tighten it.
Step 3
Next move on to the drain. Screw the nut all the way down on the drain body and push the gasket over it. Some gaskets are threaded and simply screw into place.
Step 4
Apply just a little bit of silicone (some manufacturers recommend plumber’s putty) under the flange. Position the drain body on the bottom of the sink — making sure the pivot hole is facing the back — and screw the flange on from the top side.
Step 5
Underneath, tighten the nut and gasket. On the top, use mineral spirits to clean up any excess silicone.
Step 6
Install the drain rod next. Unscrew the pivot nut on the drain body, insert the horizontal rod through the hole in the stopper, and replace the nut. Push the horizontal rod down and secure the lift rod to the strap with the screw. Test the lift rod.
Step 7
Reconnect the supply lines to the faucet. If your sink is already in place, use a basin wrench to reach the faucet shanks.
Step 8
Flush the faucet by removing the aerator. This gets rid of debris or sediment in the faucet. Some faucets include a handy little tool to unscrew the aerator. When you’re done, keep it inside your vanity or with the rest of your tools. Turn on the hot and cold water for about a minute. Check all the connections for leaks and retighten if necessary. Screw the aerator back on and you’re done.
https://www.lowes.com/projects/bed-and-bath/replace-a-faucet/project
