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Quick Links: Kitchen Remodeling | Basements | Decks & Patios

How to Replace A Faucet And Waste Line

Upgrade the waste line and supply lines when you install a new bathroom or kitchen faucets to avoid possible leaks in the future.

About This Project

• Overview and Preparation
• Step-by-Step Pictures and Instructions: How to Replace the Faucet
• See More Bathroom Projects

A stylish new faucet may promise a quick, refreshing new look to your bathroom, but no one promises a trouble-free installation. In fact, the more expensive and fancy the faucet, the harder the install usually is. The printed directions supply you with the bare basics, but a horde of potential snags makes almost every job a complex one. The following tips will get you through the tough spots and save the $150 to $400 a plumber would charge for a house call like this.

Pull out your new faucet and check the supply line connector
Supply lines usually won’t come with your new faucet. Take your new faucet with you when you buy supply lines to make sure you get the right connector size. Don’t trust the labels on the shelf; the supply lines tend to get mixed up. Pros prefer no-burst water supply lines (about $6) made from flexible, braided stainless steel

Loosen nuts to free stuck shutoffs
Water shutoffs are notorious for seizing up. Instead of bullying them loose, use a wrench to loosen the packing nuts behind the handles about a quarter turn (you’ll get a drip of water). That usually frees them. Turn on the sink faucet to be sure the water is completely off. If you still get drips, replace both shutoff valves ($4 each).

Make a complete shopping list before heading to the store
Avoid numerous trips to the hardware store. The plumbing department should not be the place where everybody knows your name! Your shopping list should include two new supply lines (measure the length!), a small tube of 100 percent silicone (clear), Teflon tape, a basin wrench and a P-trap if needed.

Your faucet will be held in place under the sink by some sort of nut. If you’re lucky, you can reach it with an adjustable wrench. (Remember that you’ll be working upside down, so take a moment to make sure you’re turning the nut in the correct direction—counterclockwise.) Or if you’re really lucky, you can hand-loosen a plastic nut.

As a last resort, buy a nut splitter
If the nut seizes up completely, as corroded “pot metal” ones often do, you’ll have to use a nut splitter to break it off (photo left). Get one at a plumbing or auto parts store for about $30. Buy the size that fits the faucet threads (photo above). A length of pipe will help you apply extra torque. Screw the splitter onto the threaded section of faucet with the teeth pointing upward. Using the ratchet, drive the cutting teeth into the nut. This will split the nut in half and it’ll pop apart.

Tip
The pop-up stopper will be in the raised position most of the time, so with the stopper “up,” choose the best-looking position for the handle and tape it there.

From The Family Handyman - February 2006

 

• • Bathrooms
• Home Repair
• • Plumbing Projects

• Step-by-Step Instructions and Pictures: How to Replace A Faucet And Waste Line
• Upgrade the waste line and supply lines when you install a new bathroom or kitchen faucets to avoid possible leaks in the future. Read an overview for how to replace a faucet and waste line.
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• 
• 
• Bathroom Cleaning Solutions
• Cleaning tricks to get your bathroom smelling -- and looking -- pristine.
• 
• 15 Kitchen Repairs That Take 15 Minutes or Less
• From a stained cutting board to chipped porcelain, these quick fixes will have your kitchen looking clean and new.
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