Replace a Bathroom Vanity Faucet
Category: Plumbing ·
Difficulty: Beginner ·
Time: 1.2h ·
Estimated cost: $145
Tools needed
- Basin wrench
- Adjustable wrench
- Bucket
- Flashlight
- Towels
Materials needed
- Single-handle bathroom faucet (1 ea)
- Braided supply lines (3/8" x 16") (2 ea)
- Plumber's putty (1 tub)
- PTFE thread tape (1 roll)
- Silicone caulk (clear) (1 tube)
Execution steps
Shut off and drain
Close both angle stops under the vanity. Open the faucet to bleed pressure. Place a bucket under the valves.
Duration: 5 min
Disconnect supply lines
Use a basin wrench to loosen the supply nuts from the faucet tailpieces. Catch residual water in the bucket.
Duration: 10 min
Remove the old faucet
Loosen the mounting nuts from below. Lift the old faucet from above. Scrape old putty off the deck with a plastic scraper.
Duration: 15 min
Install the new faucet body
Drop the new faucet through the deck holes. Tighten mounting nuts hand-tight, then 1/4 turn with the wrench.
Duration: 15 min
Hook up supplies
Wrap PTFE tape on threads (3 clockwise wraps). Hand-thread braided lines, then snug 1/4 turn past hand-tight.
Duration: 10 min
Open valves and test
Slowly open both shutoffs. Run hot and cold for one minute. Dry every joint with a paper towel and re-check after 5 minutes.
Duration: 10 min
Caulk the deck
Run a thin clear silicone bead around the faucet base. Wipe excess with a damp finger.
Duration: 5 min
Safety first
- Shut both angle stops before disconnecting anything.
- Don't overtighten plastic supply nuts — they crack and leak within days.
- If a shutoff valve weeps after closing, stop and replace the angle stop first.
When to hire a pro
If the shutoff valves are corroded shut or there are no shutoffs at all, call a plumber to install proper angle stops before any faucet swap.
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