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It is much easier to install the faucet and drain before setting the sink. Place the new sink upside down on a soft, protected surface like a towel or piece of cardboard. First, install the faucet. If your faucet came with a gasket, place it over the holes on the sink deck. Insert the faucet's tailpieces and mounting studs through the holes. From the underside, slide on any supplied washers and thread on the mounting nuts. Tighten these nuts by hand, then use a basin wrench to snug them up, ensuring the faucet is straight. Next, install the drain. Roll a rope of plumber's putty about 1/4-inch thick and place it under the lip of the drain flange. Insert the drain flange into the drain hole from the top of the sink. From the underside, slide the rubber gasket over the drain threads, followed by the friction washer and the mounting nut. Tighten the mounting nut securely with channel-lock pliers until the putty squeezes out from under the flange. Clean up the excess putty. Finally, attach the pop-up drain lift rod mechanism according to the faucet manufacturer's instructions.

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.