Skip to main content

Disconnect Old Faucet Supply Lines — Disconnect the Water Supply Lines

Beginner3 hours

Part of project

Replace a Bathroom Faucet: Easy Guide · Step 2 of 5

Helpful?

In this video

Using an adjustable wrench, carefully loosen the nuts that connect the water supply lines to the shut-off valves. Turn the nuts counter-clockwise to loosen. Once loosened with the wrench, you can typically finish unscrewing them by hand. Be prepared for a small amount of water to drip out from the lines into your bucket.

Goal: Disconnect supply lines

Used in this video

  • Adjustable Wrench (Tool Type: Hand Tools, Size/Weight: Medium)Loosening the nuts on the water supply lines.
89.1K views1135 minutes
Lowe's Home Improvement

1.3M subscribers

View Channel

FAQs

Do I really need specialized tools like a basin wrench to replace my bathroom faucet?

While an adjustable wrench can sometimes work, a basin wrench (like the Husky or TEKTON models mentioned) is highly recommended. It's specifically designed to reach and loosen/tighten mounting nuts in the tight, awkward spaces under your sink, making the job significantly easier and less frustrating for beginners.

What should I do if the water shut-off valves under my sink are stuck or won't turn off completely?

If the under-sink valves are stuck or faulty, you'll need to locate and turn off the main water supply to your entire house before proceeding. If you're uncomfortable doing this or if the main valve is also problematic, it's best to call a professional plumber to avoid potential water damage.

How can I ensure I don't have any leaks after installing my new faucet and drain?

To prevent leaks, make sure all threaded connections are hand-tightened first, then snugged with a wrench, avoiding overtightening which can crack parts. Always use plumber's tape (Teflon tape) on threaded supply line connections and plumber's putty or the provided gasket for the drain assembly to create a watertight seal.

Is it okay to reuse my old water supply lines with the new faucet, or should I replace them?

It is strongly recommended to replace old water supply lines with new ones when installing a new faucet. Old lines can degrade, become brittle, or leak after being disturbed, even if they look fine. Many new faucets come with fresh supply lines, or they are inexpensive to purchase separately.

Transcript
Hide

With the water soft, you're going to use an adjustable wrench and disconnect the supply release.

Auto-generated transcript. May contain errors.