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Disconnect and Remove the Old Faucet — Remove the Old Faucet

Beginner6 hours

Part of project

How to Replace a Mobile Home Garden Tub Faucet · Step 4 of 10

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In this video

Position the basin wrench around the large plastic or metal nut that secures the faucet to the underside of the sink. Turn the wrench counter-clockwise ('lefty-loosey') to loosen and remove the nut. Once the nut is off, disconnect the flexible water supply hose from the faucet's threaded tailpiece. It's easiest to hold the faucet from above with one hand to keep it from spinning while you unscrew the hose connection from below. After the nut and hose are disconnected, lift the old faucet straight up and out of the sink.

Goal: Remove the old faucet from the sink.

  • For disconnecting the flex hose, hold the tap from above to prevent it from turning, which makes unscrewing the hose easier.

Used in this video

  • Basin WrenchLoosening the faucet securing nut.
  • Adjustable Wrench · optionalUnscrewing the flexible supply hose connection.
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This Old House

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FAQs

The project states 6 hours for a beginner. Is it really that involved, and what contributes to the longer time estimate?

While the individual steps are beginner-friendly, accessing plumbing in mobile homes can be challenging due to tight spaces. Unexpected issues like corroded nuts or limited working room contribute to the 6-hour estimate. Taking your time, especially during initial access and thorough leak testing, is crucial for a successful outcome.

Is a basin wrench truly necessary for this job, or can I get by with standard adjustable wrenches?

A basin wrench (like the TEKTON WRN92004 listed) is highly recommended and often necessary for mobile home garden tub faucets. It's specifically designed to reach and loosen nuts in very tight, awkward spaces that standard adjustable wrenches often cannot access, making the removal and installation significantly easier.

What are the most crucial safety precautions I need to take before starting this faucet replacement?

The most critical step is completely shutting off the main water supply to your mobile home and then draining the lines by opening nearby faucets. Additionally, ensure you have adequate lighting (a headlamp is excellent) and plenty of absorbent towels like WYPALL L40 on hand for any unexpected water spills during the process.

What common mistakes do beginners make when replacing a mobile home garden tub faucet, and how can I avoid them?

A common mistake is cross-threading water supply lines or not using enough Teflon tape, which leads to leaks. Always align connections carefully by hand before tightening with a wrench, and apply 3-5 wraps of Teflon tape clockwise to threaded pipe connections to ensure a good, watertight seal.