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How to Replace a Leaky Faucet

by Philip Schmidt

Overview

The most important step in replacing an old, leaky faucet is buying a new unit that's compatible with your sink. Beyond that, faucet installation is generally standard and straightforward. Choose a new faucet based on the number and spacing of the holes in your sink. Kitchen and bathroom sinks may have one to four holes spaced at standard intervals of 4, 8 or 12 inches. Standard bathroom faucets (also called lavatory faucets) and most kitchen faucets have handles that are integrated with the faucet body. Lavatory faucets with handles separate from the body are called "widespread."

Step 1

Turn off the hot and cold water supplies at the fixture's shutoff valves by turning the valve knobs until they are snug. Disconnect each water supply tube from the faucet tailpiece (short threaded tube extending through the sink from the faucet body) by unscrewing the coupling nuts, using an adjustable wrench or channel-type pliers.
Step 2

Unscrew the mounting nuts securing the tailpieces to the sink, using a basin wrench or channel-type pliers. For kitchen faucets, disconnect the sprayer hose from the faucet port, as applicable. Pull the faucet body from the sink.
Step 3

Clean the top surface of the sink, using a putty knife to scrape off any old plumber's putty or gunk. Wash the area with a household cleaner to remove any rust or residue.
Step 4

Prepare the new faucet as directed by the manufacturer. Some faucets include a plastic or rubber gasket to create a seal between the faucet body and sink surface. If there is no gasket, apply a bead of plumber's putty along the underside perimeter of the faucet body's base.
Step 5

Fit the tailpieces into the sink holes, centering the faucet body for best appearance. Secure the tailpieces to the underside of the sink with the new mounting nuts.
Step 6

Connect the water supply tubes to the tailpieces, using the original coupling nuts. Connect the sprayer hose to the faucet port, as applicable. Slowly turn on the water supply at each shutoff valve, then test the faucet and check for leaks. Use your finger or a putty knife to remove any excess plumber's putty along the faucet base.

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Adjustable wrench Basin wrench or channel-type pliers Putty knife Plumber's putty
Adjustable wrench
Basin wrench or channel-type pliers
Putty knife
Plumber's putty