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Disconnect Supply Lines from Faucet — Disconnect the Old Supply Lines

Beginner3 hours

Part of project

Bathroom Fixture Replacement: A Step-by-Step DIY Guide · Step 2 of 3

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In this video

Disconnect the supply lines from the faucet. For the supply lines with metal nuts, use a basin wrench to loosen them from the faucet. If there are plastic nuts on the faucet connections, you may need to use a special tool or, with a small cut, a piece of PVC pipe will often work. Turn the nuts counter-clockwise to loosen and remove them.

Goal: Detach Existing Supply Lines

Used in this video

  • Basin Wrench (Basin Wrench Type: Standard) · optional — Loosening the supply line nuts from the faucet.
  • PVC pipe piece (Size/Capacity: Small) · optional — To assist with loosening plastic nuts.
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This Old House

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FAQs

How do I ensure I've completely turned off the water before starting, especially if the shut-off valves are old or stuck?

Locate the hot and cold shut-off valves under the sink and turn both clockwise until they stop. If they feel stuck or don't fully stop the water flow, you may need to shut off the main water supply to your entire house for safety. Always have a towel ready for any residual drips or leaks.

Do I need any special tools beyond an adjustable wrench to remove or install a faucet, particularly in tight spaces under the sink?

While an adjustable wrench is crucial, a basin wrench is highly recommended for reaching and loosening the mounting nuts that secure the faucet from underneath the sink, especially in cramped areas. A small flashlight or headlamp can also significantly improve visibility. Pliers might also be helpful for stubborn connections.

What should I do if my new faucet leaks immediately after installation and turning the water back on?

Immediately turn the water back off at the supply valves under the sink. Most leaks occur at the supply line connections or where the faucet body meets the sink. Ensure all nuts are hand-tightened, then give them an additional quarter to half-turn with your wrench, being careful not to overtighten. Verify that all washers and O-rings are correctly seated.

Is 3 hours a realistic estimate for a beginner, or are there common issues that could significantly extend the project time?

Three hours is a good estimate for a beginner if the existing setup is relatively clean and accessible. However, severely corroded nuts, rusted supply lines, or very limited working space under the sink can easily double or triple the time needed. Patience and having the right tools on hand are key to managing these challenges.

Transcript
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if yours is a rigid pipe turn the compression nut at the bottom of the pipe counterclockwise to remove the feral and the nut and your rigid pipe next disconnect the other end of the hose from the threads on the bottom of the faucet you may not be able to access these nuts with a regular wrench and you may need something called a basin wrench use the basin wrench to turn the nuts on the water supply line counterclockwise if there's plastic nuts on the connections at the faucet the basin wrench may not do a very good job at holding on to them you can buy a special tool to remove these plastic nuts if you have a piece of PVC pipe L around you can easily make your own wrench I have a video that shows how to make one of these wrenches and how to use a basin wrench I'll put a link in the box below this video to

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