How To Replace a Bathroom Sink Faucet & Drain — NO LEAKS!, by Jonny DIY on YouTube. 18 min 33 s.
- Video length
- 18 min 33 s
- Time to do it
- 1 to 2 hours
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Turn off the hot and cold supply valves under the sink. Open the faucet to release pressure, then place a bucket under the pipes and lay a pad down to catch drips.
Disconnect the two water supply lines from the old faucet with an adjustable wrench. Loosen the mounting nuts underneath with a basin wrench if you cannot reach them by hand.
Remove the old drain from below with plumbing pliers or a wrench. Pull the drain up out of the sink, then scrape off the old putty or silicone with a plastic scraper.
Clean the sink surface around the drain hole and faucet holes. Wipe it dry so the new sealant will stick properly.
Roll plumber's putty into a rope and press it around the underside of the new drain flange. Set the drain into the hole and tighten the nut underneath.
Fit the new faucet through the sink holes. If it has separate hot and cold handles, connect them to the spout first, then tighten the mounting nuts from below with the basin wrench.
Wrap pipe tape around the threads of the supply lines and screw them onto the faucet inlets. Tighten with a wrench but do not overtighten.
Attach the drain stopper linkage and the lift rod to the faucet. Check that the stopper opens and closes fully before you turn the water back on.
Turn the supply valves back on slowly. Run the hot and cold taps and fill the basin, then let it drain while you check every joint underneath with a light and a dry tissue.
Tighten any joint that shows a drip, dry it, and check again. Wipe away excess putty around the drain once the water runs clean.
Tips and common mistakes
Do not overtighten the drain nut or the plastic or brass parts can crack and leak.
Use pipe dope or tape on threaded metal connections, but never on plastic compression fittings.
Keep the work light under the sink so you can spot slow drips before they damage the cabinet.
Check the shutoff valves before you start. If they are stiff or corroded, replace them first.
Questions
Do I need a basin wrench?
It makes tightening the mounting nuts behind the sink much easier. A basin multi tool or socket style wrench also works in tight spaces.
How long before I can use the sink?
You can use it right after the leak test. Give silicone sealant about 24 hours to cure if you used it around the drain.
What if the old drain will not come out?
Spray a little WD-40 on the nut and let it sit. Use a large wrench or pliers for extra leverage, but protect the sink surface.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
