Step 5 · Mount New Faucet Spout and Handles

This is the step most people slow down on. Take it one move at a time — there’s no rush, and you can rewind the clip as many times as you need.

Unpack your new faucet and carefully read the manufacturer's instructions, as installation can vary. Typically, you will first place the rubber or plastic gasket onto the base of the spout and handles. If no gasket is provided, apply a bead of 100% silicone caulk or a rope of plumber's putty around the base of each component. Carefully set the spout and handles into their respective holes on the tub deck. From underneath, slide on the friction washers and thread the new mounting nuts onto the tailpieces. Hand-tighten the nuts first, ensuring the handles and spout are properly aligned from above before giving them a final tightening with the basin wrench.