5 easy fixes for plumbing disasters

How to install or replace a faucet

New faucets come with detailed step-by-step instructions. While you should follow those steps, the intent here is to show how relatively straightforward a task installing a typical faucet can be. It’s like putting a puzzle together; you just need to make sure you follow all the steps in the right order and don’t have any “extra” pieces left over at the end.

Step 1 is to turn the water off. If you’re lucky, there will be hot- and cold-water shut-offs on the fixture’s waterlines. If not, turn off your main water supply and consider installing shut-offs as Step 2. Turn on the old faucet to drain the last bit of water in the lines (and ensure that the water is really off).

From below the sink, you’ll need to disconnect the supply lines at the base of the faucet (have a bucket handy to catch the water that will be in the lines) and then remove the mounting nuts. In really tight confines, you might need a basin wrench ($10) to do this. Also note that most bathroom faucets have an integral pop-up drain plug. You’ll need to loosen the screw connecting the lift rod to the plug before you can remove the faucet.

Back up top, you may need to score the caulking around the faucet’s base before it will lift off. Once the old faucet is off, scrape off any gunk on the countertop. Now, you’re basically going to follow the preceding steps in reverse.

The water supply for kitchen faucets comes up either together through the middle of the unit or, as we’ve shown, independently on either end. Either way, fit the fixture into the appropriate hole(s) in the sink basin. From below, thread the mounting nuts onto the tailpieces. Connect the water supply lines to the bottom of the tailpieces. Turn the water back on and test.

Tip: Does the water trickle out of your faucet?
The aerator-the mesh screen at the outflow point-may be clogged. Wrap it with a towel or tape to prevent scratches and use pliers to remove the screen to flush it out.