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Whether you just replaced your bathroom sink or want to upgrade to a better faucet, here are some simple steps for installing a new fixture. First, you need to select a proper faucet for your sink. There are two basic types of faucets to choose from, a center set faucet comes with a valves in a fixed position anywhere from four inches apart on center up to twelve inches apart. Which size you should choose is determined by the openings in your sink. You second option is to install a wide spread faucet. Some only fit in sinks with matching sink openings, but many allow you to do install the faucet on virtually any sink, no matter what the hole spacing.

Both of these options are available in a variety of finishes such as porcelain, brass, chrome or even satin nickel. Okay, let us start by removing the existing faucet. First, close the water supply valves then turn on the faucet to clear the lines. Disconnect the drain clog linkage and then use an adjustable wrench to disconnect the hot and cold water supply lines. It is a good idea to have a rug ready incase some water leaks out. Use a basin wrench to loosen the plastic knot below the sink that are holding the faucet assembly in place and lift the old faucet out through the holes in the sink. If there is any sillet left on the sink surface, go ahead ad scrape that off with a potty knife, so that you will have a good clean seal for the new faucet.

Okay, so now for installing the new one. Start by applying a bit of plumber's padding or silicon coke along the sink surface. Now, word of caution here, if you are installing your faucet onto a cultured marble or other composite surface, use a silicon coke because plumber's padding will discolor the sink over time. Now slide the gasket provided with your new faucet over the tail pieces and set the faucet in place. From under the sink, thread on the basin knot alternating from one to the other, so you draw the faucet body down evenly over the gasket. Leave the basin knots slightly loose, so you can adjust and center the faucet from above and then tighten the knots with a basin wrench until they are snug.

All right, now to reconnect the water supply line. Apply some Teflon tape to the threads of the tail pieces, then connect the hot and cold water supply lines then tighten. And then, reconnect the drain plug linkage system. One last detail, many faucets come with the handle already installed. Some faucets require you to attach the heads but it usually just requires a screw driver. Turn the water back on and check the entire assembly for leaks.

All in all figure of this project will take about an hour to complete. But take your time, so you do not have to backtrack and find the source of the leak.

Whether you just replaced your bathroom sink or want to upgrade to a better faucet, here are some simple steps for installing a new fixture. First, you need to select a proper faucet for your sink. There are two basic types of faucets to choose from, a center set faucet... click to read more