How To Remove Old Widespread Bathroom Faucet

How To Remove an Old Widespread Bathroom Faucet

Removing an old widespread bathroom faucet can seem daunting, but with the right tools and a methodical approach, it's a manageable DIY project. This guide provides a step-by-step process for safely and efficiently removing your old fixture, preparing for the installation of a new one.

Preparation is Key

Before beginning any plumbing work, gathering the necessary tools and preparing the workspace ensures a smoother process and minimizes potential problems.

Necessary tools typically include:

Basin wrench
Adjustable wrench
Channel-lock pliers
Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
Flashlight
Penetrating oil
Bucket or towels
Safety glasses

Preparation steps include:

Shutting off the water supply valves under the sink.
Turning on the faucet to release any remaining water pressure.
Placing a bucket or towels under the sink to catch drips.

Disconnecting the Water Supply Lines

Disconnecting the water supply lines is a crucial step in removing the old faucet. Care must be taken to avoid damaging the lines.

The process involves:

Using an adjustable wrench to loosen and disconnect the nuts connecting the supply lines to the faucet tailpieces.
Holding the tailpieces steady with channel-lock pliers to prevent twisting and potential damage to the pipes.
Allowing any remaining water in the lines to drain into the bucket.

Removing the Faucet Handles

Faucet handles can be secured in various ways, so identifying the attachment method is essential for proper removal.

Common handle removal methods include:

Looking for setscrews under decorative caps on the handles. These can be loosened with a screwdriver to remove the handles.
Checking for handles secured directly to the valve stems. These can typically be unscrewed by hand or with pliers.
Using a handle puller tool for stubborn handles that resist other removal methods.

Detaching the Drain Assembly

The drain assembly, including the pop-up rod and stopper, needs to be disconnected before the faucet can be fully removed.

The typical detachment process involves:

Locating the pivot rod nut under the sink and loosening it with an adjustable wrench or basin wrench.
Disconnecting the lift rod from the drain stopper.
Removing the drain flange nut, which secures the drain to the sink.

Removing the Faucet Mounting Nuts

The faucet is typically secured to the sink with mounting nuts located underneath. Accessing these nuts might require some flexibility and patience.

The process typically involves:

Using a basin wrench to loosen the mounting nuts. The basin wrench's design allows for easier access to these hard-to-reach nuts.
Spraying penetrating oil onto the nuts if they are corroded or difficult to turn.
Carefully removing the nuts once they are sufficiently loosened.

Lifting and Removing the Old Faucet

With the mounting nuts removed, the old faucet can be carefully lifted away from the sink.

This involves:

Gently lifting the faucet while ensuring no remaining connections are holding it in place.
Cleaning the sink surface where the old faucet was mounted, preparing it for the new installation.

Dealing with Stubborn Faucets

Occasionally, faucets can become stubbornly attached due to corrosion or mineral buildup.

For stubborn faucets:

Apply penetrating oil liberally to the mounting nuts and allow it to soak for a period of time before attempting removal again.
If the penetrating oil doesn't work, a faucet removal tool can help break the bond between the faucet and the sink.
In extreme cases, professional assistance may be necessary to avoid damaging the sink.

Cleaning the Mounting Surface

Once the old faucet is removed, cleaning the mounting surface is essential for proper installation of the new fixture.

Cleaning steps include:

Removing any old putty, caulk, or sealant from around the mounting holes.
Thoroughly cleaning the surface with a suitable cleaner to ensure a good seal for the new faucet.