How to Remove a Faucet

Removing a faucet is a task that can be handled by a homeowner in just a few minutes. Whether your current faucet is not working or you need an upgrade, you can have a new faucet in no time.

Make Sure All Valves are Off

Before you begin, turn off your cold and hot water shut-off valves. The valves can typically be found under your sink. Now, open the faucet so you can release the pressure.

Disconnecting Lines and Pulling Faucet Out

Grab an adjustable wrench, along with channel locking pliers. You will need these tools to disengage both of the water lines coming from your faucet. Your gaskets or supply lines may be worn out. If so, you can replace them with a more flexible type of supply line. Now, grab a socket wrench or basin wrench so you can remove the nut that is holding the faucet tailpiece. Once you're finished removing the nut, detach the line that attaches the hose directly to the faucet. Most sinks have this. Finally, pull the faucet out and clean around the sink.

Replacing Your Faucet

If you're looking to replace your faucet, you can do this on your own if you're up to the task. Simply follow all instructions above to remove the faucet first.

Each faucet is different so be sure to follow the directions that came with your specific faucet for proper installation. Typically, the majority of installations involve gasket installation underneath the faucet. Have some plumber's putty or sealant on hand as you will need it. Position the faucet through the provided mounting holes in your sink while making sure you tighten mounting nuts.

Some faucets don't come preassembled, which means you may have to fasten the handles. You will need to glide the guide ring on the bottom side of the handle, place it on the base of the faucet and secure it by using the setscrew, which is a small screw under the handle.

Moving on to your drain, you will need to screw the nut down onto the drain body. Place the gasket so it's over the drain body. Many gaskets are already threaded and can be screwed into place easily. Apply some plumber's putty beneath the flange. Now, place the drain body under your sink. Ensure that the pivot hole is positioned in the back when you do this part. The flange will need to be screwed on from the top. Underneath the faucet, tighten the gasket and nut. You can use mineral spirits, such as a paint thinner or solvent, to clean if you have any extra putty.

Now, it's time to install the drain rod. You will need to screw the pivot nut to the drain body. Start pushing the horizontal rod through the hole located in the stopper. Replace the nut and push the horizontal rod down. To ensure your lift rod is secured to the strap, you can use the screw.

To finish up, reconnect your supply lines to your new faucet. Use a basin wrench so you can reach the shanks on the faucet if the sink is in place already. To get rid of any sediment or debris in the faucet, flush the faucet, which you can do by taking out the aerator. Most faucets come with a tool to unscrew the aerator. Turn on your cold and hot water for one minute. Check for any leaks in the connections. If there are any leaks, all you need to do is retighten the connection. Once you get your aerator back on, your job is complete.