How to Install Bathroom Faucet: The Complete Guide for You
How to install bathroom faucet! Doing any job in the bathroom or any other room where plumbing is involved (kitchen/sink, cloakroom/sink or WC etc.) means getting important details right, even the smallest details.
It is very simple to replace a cupboard door that is slightly off-angle or a toilet seat that isn’t fitted quite right, but something that is much harder to go back to if you don’t execute the job well at your first attempt is installing bathroom faucet. When you know what you are doing and know how to follow the right steps with a sink faucet, the question of how to install bathroom faucet is a very simple one.
Faucet installation does not have to be something that you call in a professional to do if you have the patience and skills to be able to do it yourself, and with the help of good bathroom faucet installation instructions, we are confident that you will be able to install a new faucet with no problems at all.
With all of this in mind, here is a comprehensive guide to finding the right faucet and bathroom faucet installation instructions. With this easy install bathroom faucet guide, you should be able to install a bathroom faucet in no time at all!
Types Of Sink Faucets
It pays to know a little about the different types of sink faucets before you walk into the hardware store or bathroom supply store.
- Centerset faucet: This is the most popular type of faucet, featuring a spout and two handles mounted on a base, typically used with a countertop or sink that has three pre-drilled holes.
- Single-Hole faucet: A faucet with a single handle that controls both the temperature and flow of the water. For sinks and countertops with a single pre-drilled hole.
- Wall-Mounted faucet: A faucet that is mounted to the wall above a sink or bathtub, with a spout that extends over the basin.
- Widespread faucets: Faucets that have separate handles and a spout, which are designed for sinks that have three pre-drilled holes that are further spaced out than center set faucets.
Another consideration is the material of the faucet. Two qualities a bathroom (or any domestic sink faucet) should have been that the material it is made from should be anti-corrosion and be unlikely to tarnish.
Typically faucets are made from stainless steel or brass. Zinc alloy is a cheaper alternative. They are finished in nickel, brass, pewter, and of course, gold.
Don’t be surprised to find that some of the components of a faucet are made from plastic. Plastic is incredible in its many forms and it is used in faucets because it is hard-wearing, durable, able to be formed into any shape, and delivers high performance.
Professionals probably have their favorites but some general guidelines are that Brass is the best material for the body and controls. Chrome is the least robust and least expensive finish so brushed nickel is highly recommended. Chrome is also not the easiest to keep clean and it shows finger marks really easily.
Choosing A Faucet
When considering how to install bathroom faucet, the first step is to choose the appropriate faucet. Some of the key things to consider when choosing a faucet are:
- Consider the type of sink or countertop that you are working on in your bathroom. You will need to pick a faucet that matches the number of pre-drilled holes there are.
- Consider which type of faucet will best suit your needs and preferences.
- Think about the style of your bathroom and the finish of the other items and fixtures in the room like the towel racks, cabinets, and showerheads.
- When thinking about how to install bathroom faucet, you should consider the quality and durability of the faucet you have in mind. Is it made of a high-quality material that will be able to withstand the rigors of daily use?
- Check the water efficiency of the faucet in question and consider what impact it might have on your water bill. Look for models with the WaterSense label which ensure that the faucet meets the EPA standards.
- Set a budget for yourself before you start browsing, as this will help you to avoid falling in love with a model and design that you might not be able to afford.
- Look for products where manufacturers have helpfully labeled them as “easy install bathroom faucet”. Savvy producers know this is an attractive quality that will appeal to many DIYers.
Equipment Needed
A general list of equipment that you might need to complete a bathroom faucet installation is:
- The new faucet
- An adjustable wrench
- A basin wrench
- Plumber’s putty or a silicone-based sealant
- Teflon tape
- Towels
- A bucket
- A screwdriver
How to Install Bathroom Faucet: Step-By-Step Installation
Here is a simple step-by-step guide that will teach you exactly what you need to do for faucet installation and how to install new bathroom faucet successfully.
Turn The Water Off
Before thinking of how to install bathroom faucet, you will need to turn off the water supply to the sink you are working at. This can be done using the shutoff valves that are located underneath the sink.
Remove The Old Faucet
Start by removing the old faucet. Loosen the nuts that hold it in place using a basin wrench or adjustable wrench. If needed, you can also use a screwdriver to remove any screws that are also holding the faucet in place.
If you want to install a new bathroom faucet, you will need proper guidelines about how to install bathroom faucet.
Clean The Sink
Now that you have a faucet-free sink or countertop, set about cleaning it with a rag or towel to get rid of any stubborn dirt or grime that might have built up over time, as well as any leftover sealant or putty.
Install New Faucet
Apply a small amount of silicone sealant or plumber’s putty around the base of the new faucet, and then insert it into the pre-drilled holes in the sink or countertop. Tighten the mounting nuts by hand at first, and then once in place, you can use your preferred wrench to tighten them as much as you possibly can.
Connect The Water Supply Line
Once the faucet is secured, you can connect the water supply lines to it. This is done using Teflon tape on the threads to make sure that you achieve a watertight seal. At this point, it is worth using the wrench to tighten up the nuts once again.
Test The Faucet
When the water supply has been turned back on, test out the faucet to ensure that it is working correctly. Check for any leaks and then make the necessary tightening corrections if any are needed.
Reinstall The Drain Assembly
If you needed to remove the drain assembly during the process of installation, then now is the time to put it back in place following the instructions that were provided by the manufacturer.
Clean Up
Now it is time to clean up any excess silicone sealant or plumber’s putty that you might have left around the faucet. Wipe down the faucet and surrounding area with a towel or rag to remove all excess, as well as smudges or fingerprints.
Turn On The Water
And lastly, you are free to turn the full water supply back on for the sink and bathroom using the shutoff valves located under the sink. Give the faucet one more test to ensure that it is working properly.
There are four things to watch for where things can go wrong:
The supply valve has ceased up and you can’t turn it off
When you try to close the supply valves they leak and cause flooding
A water line anywhere in the pipework to the sink can break causing flooding
It may be impossible to remove the existing faucet
If any of these happen, what should be a simple and straightforward job can become a real hassle. The most sensible option is to call a plumber. Trying to fix any of these problems yourself may make things worse and cause damage to your bathroom and house.
How Much To Install A Bathroom Faucet?
Hopefully, our step-by-step guide for how to install bathroom faucet will be able to take you through the process of doing the job yourself with little stress or obstacles. However, if you do not think that you will be able to complete the task on your own, then there is always the option of hiring a professional plumber to come to your home and do the job for you in no time at all.
Of course, compared to completing the installation for yourself in a DIY fashion, hiring a professional to do it instead is certainly going to cost you more money.
The cost to install a bathroom faucet is generally in the region of $150 to $400, and this will be determined by a number of different factors including the type of faucet being used, the complexity of the specific installation, and the location.