How to Replace the Faucet in a Small Space

Many sinks have little space underneath and on the backside, where the faucet is, because of the bulging sink bowl and the proximity to the wall or back of the sink’s cabinet. Working in such a tight place to remove an old faucet and install a replacement presents a tough challenge unless you use a basin wrench. The long shaft of a basin wrench allows it to loosen and tighten the faucet’s nuts in the small space without problems.

Bucket
Adjustable wrench
Basin wrench
Penetrating lubricant
Putty knife
New faucet
Plumber’s putty

Instructions

- 1
  Turn off the water to the faucet by turning the handles under the faucet clockwise as far as possible. If water still flows from the faucet, close the house’s main water valve before continuing.
- 2
  Place a bucket under the faucet to catch any leftover water in the water supply lines. Loosen the connections between the water supply lines and the water valves in the wall using an adjustable wrench.
- 3
  Loosen the nuts on the underside of the faucet assembly with a basin wrench. Spray penetrating lubricant on the nuts if they do not turn counterclockwise easily, and wait five minutes before trying again.
- 4
  Lift up on the top of the faucet to remove it from the mounting holes in the counter. Scrape off any old caulk or plumber’s putty with a putty knife. Spread plumber’s putty on the new faucet’s deck plate, and place it on the counter so that it lines up with holes in the counter
- 5
  Insert the new faucet through the holes in the counter. Tighten the nuts onto the underside of the faucet with the basin wrench. Thread new water supply lines into the connections on the underside of the faucet and the openings on the water supply valves, and then tighten the connections with an adjustable wrench. Open the water valves to test out the new faucet.

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