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Now, make the final plumbing connections. First, attach the new flexible water supply lines to the threaded tailpieces on the bottom of the faucet. Hand-tighten these connections, then give them a quarter-turn with an adjustable wrench. Connect the other ends of the supply lines to the corresponding hot and cold shutoff valves. Again, hand-tighten and then give a quarter-turn with the wrench. Next, assemble the P-trap. Connect the tailpiece coming down from the sink drain to the P-trap U-bend, and the trap arm to the drain pipe in the wall. You may need to cut the PVC tailpiece or trap arm to the correct length with a hacksaw or tubing cutter. Ensure all slip nuts have their tapered plastic washers oriented correctly (taper facing the direction of the seal) before tightening. Hand-tighten all the P-trap slip nuts; they do not need a wrench.

You're viewing a step from: How to Install a Bathroom Sink and Faucet from Start to Finish

Beginner

30 minutes

2/4 Inventory

This guide provides comprehensive, step-by-step instructions for removing an old bathroom sink and installing a new drop-in sink and centerset faucet. The process covers shutting off the water supply, disconnecting plumbing, preparing the countertop, installing the faucet and drain onto the new sink, setting the sink in place, and connecting all new plumbing before testing for leaks.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is this bathroom sink and faucet installation for a beginner, and how much time should I set aside?

This project is categorized as 'beginner' difficulty, making it very approachable for DIYers. For a first-timer, plan to dedicate 4-6 hours from start to finish, including preparation and cleanup. Rushing can lead to mistakes, so allow extra time for unexpected issues.

What are the most critical safety steps I need to take before starting to remove the old sink and work on plumbing?

The absolute most critical step is to shut off the water supply to the sink, either at the shut-off valves under the sink or the main water supply to your house. Also, place a bucket and towels under the work area to catch any residual water, and consider wearing safety glasses when using tools or working with pipes.

Is a basin wrench, like the TEKTON WRN92004, truly necessary for this project, or can I use regular pliers?

While you might be able to manage with large channel-lock pliers in some cases, a basin wrench (e.g., TEKTON WRN92004) is highly recommended. It's specifically designed for reaching and loosening the difficult-to-access mounting nuts on faucets, especially in tight spaces, making the job significantly easier and faster.

What's the most common mistake beginners make when installing the drain assembly or sealing the sink, and how can I avoid it?

A common mistake is either not using enough plumber's putty (like Oatey 14 oz. Plumber's Putty) around the drain flange, or over-tightening plastic drain fittings, which can crack them. Ensure a generous, even ring of putty under the drain flange for a watertight seal, and hand-tighten plastic connections, then give a quarter-turn with pliers, being careful not to overtighten.