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Faucet Installation — Install the New Bathroom Faucet

Beginner2 hours

Part of project

Replace Your Bathroom Faucet: Easy Guide · Step 4 of 5

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In this video

Install the base for the dedicated faucet into the pre-drilled hole on the sink. The base has two anchor screws. Tighten these screws from the top using a Phillips head screwdriver to expand the anchors underneath the sink, securing the base firmly in place. Next, connect the red hose to the bottom of the faucet body. Feed the pre-connected blue and black hoses, along with the newly attached red hose, through the installed faucet base. Finally, screw the faucet body onto the base until it is snug.

Goal: Install the dedicated water filter faucet onto the sink.

  • The faucet base is plastic. Do not overtighten the anchor screws, as this could crack the base.

Used in this video

  • Screwdriver (Tool Type: Screwdriver, Screwdriver Type: Phillips)To tighten the anchor screws on the faucet base and the battery cover screw.
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This Old House

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FAQs

The project states 'beginner' and '2 hours'. Is this realistic for someone with no plumbing experience?

Yes, replacing a bathroom faucet is generally beginner-friendly if you follow instructions carefully. The 2-hour estimate is for a smooth installation; seized nuts or tight spaces can extend this, so allocate a bit of extra time. Take your time and don't rush the steps.

Is a basin wrench truly necessary for this project, or can I just use my adjustable wrench?

A basin wrench is highly recommended, as it's designed to reach and grip the often-tight mounting nuts in the confined space under a sink. While an adjustable wrench might work for accessible nuts, the basin wrench significantly simplifies this often frustrating step, especially for older faucets.

What's the most common mistake beginners make that leads to leaks after installing a new faucet?

Not properly tightening the supply line connections is a common cause of leaks. Ensure they are hand-tight, then use a wrench for an additional quarter to half turn, being careful not to overtighten and strip the threads. Always use new supply lines, often included with your new faucet.

What should I do if the old faucet's mounting nuts are corroded or stuck and won't loosen?

First, apply a penetrating oil (like WD-40) to the nuts and let it sit for 15-30 minutes. If they still won't budge, you might need to carefully use a hacksaw or oscillating tool with a metal blade to cut through the nuts or bolts, but exercise extreme caution to avoid damaging the sink or surrounding plumbing.

Transcript
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in the middle here or on this side. First thing we'll do is install the faucet. We have a few pieces here. We have the faucet itself, three different hoses and a little stand or a base for the faucet itself. It has these little anchors, it just snaps into the bottom right there. You tighten down the screws and it'll anchor into the bottom of the sink so it should be nice and tight. It has these LED indicators here for whenever you need to replace your filters. It has a screw right there that gives you access to the battery if you need to replace those. The black and the blue hose are already connected into the bottom of the faucet. I just need to connect the red one. Alright, so you can see the look inside there. I've had to put my finger in here so the clips won't be twisting around when I'm twisting the screw. It is a plastic piece so I don't want to clamp it down too hard and cause something to crack but it's nice and snug there. Next we'll attach the red wire here and feed them through. Just screw in like that. So this moves freely. This is okay, so it's backwards. There we go. Nice and tight. Perfect. Let's go look underneath. So you disconnect right

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