How to Replace a Faucet in the Bathroom

During use, faucets and mixers can periodically break, requiring replacement. It’s not necessary to call a professional and pay for their services; you can do it yourself.

How Does a Mixer Work?

First, you need to understand how this plumbing device works. Inside the housing, there is a special cartridge. Its main element is a ball with a lever that connects to the control joystick of a single-lever mixer.

The ball has three openings. One allows cold water to enter, the second allows hot water, and the third allows the mixed water flow. When you turn the faucet handle, the openings open in sequence, and water starts to flow.

In some models, instead of a ball, two closely fitted ceramic plates with openings are installed (ceramic faucet bushings). They work similarly to the ball mechanism. In two-valve models, hot and cold water are regulated independently.

When to Replace the Faucet?

Replacement is necessary in cases of irreparable damage or when installing a new device.

Preparing for Faucet Replacement

Before starting the repair, shut off the water supply at the plumbing manifold. Cover the bathroom floor with rags, as dirty water residue will flow from the pipes. If you are changing the faucet in the bathtub, place a rag at the bottom. This is to prevent accidentally dropped metal parts from damaging the bathtub’s surface. Prepare a basin to place the removed faucet so that water doesn’t spill onto the floor.

You will need the following tools:

• Adjustable wrench
• Pliers
• Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers

You will also need the following materials:

• Plumbing hemp for wrapping threaded connections, Teflon tape, or special sealing thread
• Rubber or silicone gaskets
• Eccentrics (usually included with the faucet)
• Step-by-Step Faucet Replacement Guide

Get started:

Step 1
Start by removing the old faucet. Use an adjustable wrench to unscrew the union nuts holding it in place. Remove the escutcheons that cover the pipe ends protruding from the wall.

Old-style faucets that have been in place for years can be challenging to remove. In such cases, a special lubricant can be used to loosen the rusted threads. You can find such a product in any hardware store.

Step 2
Clean rust and lime deposits from the connections. Then, use an adjustable wrench or pliers to unscrew the eccentrics, which are the transitional elements that secure the device to the water outlets. Check their condition, and if they are damaged, discard them and use new ones.

Wrap thread sealant around the eccentrics’ threads to prevent leaks. Apply the sealant in the opposite direction of the thread. Clean the pipe ends from rust with a screwdriver and screw in the new eccentrics.

Step 3
Install the decorative escutcheons. Place a rubber or silicone gasket inside each faucet nut. Screw the nuts onto the eccentrics. First, tighten them by hand, and then firmly secure them with a wrench. Avoid using excessive force to prevent damaging the threads.

Step 4
The main part of the work is done. Now, connect the removable spout or shower hose to the faucet. Attach an aerator to the spout, which is a diffuser nozzle included in the package.

Once the device is installed, you should test its performance. Turn on the water supply and open the faucet at full power. Carefully inspect all the connections. If you see any water leaks, tighten the nuts.

As you can see, replacing a faucet is not a complicated task. By following the instructions above, you can replace both wall-mounted and sink-embedded faucets. Well, if you decide to entrust the matter to professionals, our company will be happy to help you. DryZon operates in cities such as Limerick, Shannon and Ennis, call us, we are in touch 24/7.