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Disconnect the Supply Line — Disconnect the Old Faucet's Supply Lines

Beginner2 hours

Part of project

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

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In this video

Place a bucket and towel under the supply line connection. Using two adjustable wrenches, hold the faucet's connection nut steady with one wrench (the backup wrench) while turning the supply line nut counter-clockwise with the other wrench to loosen and disconnect it.

Goal: Remove the supply line from the faucet body

  • Using a backup wrench is crucial to prevent the faucet's copper tubing from twisting and breaking.

Used in this video

  • Adjustable Wrench (Tool Type: Wrench, Material: Metal)Loosening and tightening the supply line nuts.
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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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to take this off right at the faucet right there. I'm dealing with this and you're taking these two things apart. So when taking these two things apart, you want to have a backup wrench, okay? So if possible, I like to use two adjustable jaws. Maybe which way you like to turn them. It's funny how much flack I get for not using them right but you know what? You look at this right here, guess what? I can't actually put that on one way but it fits the other in this tight space. So guess what? I use them how I want to use them. And then I might have to flip it over because it's such a tight space and flip it again. Look at that. All right, get that popped off and make sure we've got good flow.

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