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Remove the lever — 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

Turn off the water supply to the tap. Insert the Allen key into the hole and unscrew. Since the screw is likely stuck, spray WD-40 into the opening and wait for five minutes before attempting to unscrew again.

Goal: Remove the tap lever

  • Use WD-40 or other penetrating oil to loosen the Allen screw if it's stuck.

Used in this video

  • Allen key (brand: Unknown, Screwdriver_Tip: Allen, Allen Wrench Size: Metric) · optional — removing the lever screw
  • WD-40 (brand: WD-40, Lubricant Type: Penetrating Oil) · optional — loosening the Allen screw
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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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is to shut the cold and hot water off well the Allen key needed for this tap is this one it's a 2.5 which is right it fits dead right in there it's exactly the one now I can turn it there's only going so far and sticking so I'm going to get my old trusty friend a can of WD 40 there's a little spray in there because obviously that screws well stuck we'll leave it five minutes and then it penetrates let's see how it feels now I can feel that's really gone a lot easier now so that will come off easy now yeah and there we have it top off and you can see the kind of mechanism in there you can see the hole and where the Allen key is just in there that's it top off now we're going to get this part off here as we go to and catch

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