Installing a bathroom faucet will need a few tools such as the Phillips and regular screwdrivers, adjustable Wrench (or basin wrench), flashlight, pliers, plumber’s putty, and thread seal tape.
8 Steps to Install a Bathroom Faucet
This step-by-step installation is recommended for a widespread type of faucet on a three-hole sink (with holes that are more than 4 inches apart).
Step 1: Installing the faucet spout and stem assembly
First, apply some thread tape to the stem and thread it onto the spout assembly.
Apply a small amount of plumber’s putty around the base of the spout assembly. Allow to dry.
Then, insert the spout assembly into the center hole of the sink.
Mount it in place and tighten it in place using a valve socket wrench.
Step 2: Threading the mounting nut and mounting washer to the valve assemblies
Apply a small amount of the plumber’s putty around the base of the upper washer.
Insert the valve assemblies from the underside of the sink and position them in place with a washer and retaining clip.
Make sure the blue-colored valve goes in the right hole for the cold setting and the red-colored valve goes in the left hole for the hot setting.
Tighten the mounting nuts from the underside to tighten the valve.
Step 3: Installing the faucet handles
Thread the faucet handles onto the valve assemblies and tighten them down by hand.
Slide the lift rod in the whole of the backside of the faucet.
Step 4: Installing the drain assembly
Unscrew the top of the drain assembly (waste seat).
Apply a small amount of the plumber’s putty around the underside before inserting it into the drain hole in the bottom of the sink.
Apply some thread tape onto the drain assembly.
Thread it into the waste seat from the underside and tighten it down.
Make sure the threaded hole that sticks out on the drain pipe is facing the back.
Tighten the drain nut to secure it and the gasket making it watertight.
Squeeze out a small amount of plumber’s putty in the sink itself, which you can simply wipe away later on.
Step 5: Attaching the lift rod to the sink plug
Add some thread tape to the hole on the backside of the drain assembly.
Slide the locking nut over the ball rod and insert it into the hole.
Tighten the nut as much as possible by hand.
Attach the lift strap with the adjustable holes to the lift rod and the ball rod.
Secure with a locking clamp and tighten the screw on the lift rod.
Adjust how the lid rod operates by sliding it up and down on the holes on the strapping.
Make sure that the plug sits in the sink properly.
Attach the included water lines that come with your faucet.
Step 6: Attaching the diverter hose
If you have a one-piece hose, start by snapping the ends over the valve bodies and the faucet stem assembly.
Make sure you hear a nice click; this lets you know they’re seated properly.
Step 7: Assembling the P-trap
Assemble the P-trap assembly by sliding the washer and slip nut over the end of the joint elbow.
Wrap the end with a thread tape.
Connect the trap and elbow by tightening the nut by hand.
Add the downpipe to the drain assembly by sliding the slip nut and washer over the drain assembly.
Slide the trap assembly into the drain pipe in the wall.
Once everything is aligned, tighten the slip nuts at each joint by hand before snugging them up with a pair of channel lock pliers.
Step 8: Connecting the water lines
Install your water lines from the valves and connect them to the new valves on the faucet.
Lastly, turn the water on the valves.
Check if the faucet is working properly.
Check the drain assembly for any leaks as well.
If there are minimal leaks, try tightening the nuts further with your pliers.
