Remove the old Faucet
Step 1: Shut off the water.
You can turn off the main water valve, or turn off the two valves immediately under the faucet you are replacing. Then, open the faucet and allow it to drain and release any pressure.
Step 2: Disconnect the water supply lines..
If you choose not to replace the lines, disconnect them from the faucet only. If you choose to replace them, disconnect the lines from the shutoff valve. We would recommend that you change them now since you are already going through the trouble of replacing the faucet. It just might save you an extra trip under the sink later on down the road.
Step 3: Remove the faucet from the sink..
Bottom mount faucets are removed from above. For these, the handles and escutcheons must be removed to get to the nuts which secure the faucet in place.
Top mount faucets are held in place by nuts located underneath the sink, and must therefore be removed from below. The nuts may be loosened using waterpump pliers or a special basin wrench. The basin wrench is necessary when the area in which the nut is located is too tight to allow the use of pliers.
If it is an old sink and the nuts are rusted or corroded in place, apply penetrating oil and allow it to work into the threads before trying to remove the nuts.
Once the faucet has been removed, a build-up of scum may be present on the sink in the area where the faucet plate or escutcheons were attached. Clean it off with a 50-50 solution of vinegar and water. Scrape it away with a razor blade and/or scouring pad.
Installing the New Faucet Top-mounted Faucet:
Step 1: Apply a bead of plumber's putty or silicon caulk around the perimeter of the faucet base. Faucets that have rubber or plastic gaskets for the base do not require this step.
Step 2: Ease the faucet into place, pressing against the putty to assure a good seal.
Step 3: Under the sink, install the washers and mounting nuts on the tailpieces, tightening the nuts by hand.
Step 4: Align the faucet with the back of the sink and tighten the mounting nuts with waterpump pliers, an adjustable wrench or a basin wrench. Wipe away excess putty or caulk from around the base.
Bottom-mounted Faucet:
Step 1: From under the sink, hold the faucet in place.
Step 2: Install the washers and mounting nuts, tightening the nuts by hand. Align the faucet with the back of the sink and tighten the mounting nuts with waterpump pliers or a wrench.
Step 3: Run a bead of plumber's putty along the base of the escutcheons and screw them in place.
Step 4: Install the faucet handles.
The one marked hot should go on the left. Wipe away excess putty from around the base of the escutcheons.
