A new faucet is one of the most satisfying afternoon upgrades — if you avoid the two mistakes that cause leaks.
What you’ll need
- The new faucet and its supply lines
- A basin wrench (the secret weapon)
- Plumber’s tape and a towel for the cabinet
Step 1 — Shut off and disconnect
Close both supply valves, open the faucet to relieve pressure, and disconnect the lines. Keep a towel under the connections — there’s always a little water left.
Step 2 — Out with the old
The basin wrench reaches the mounting nuts you can’t get a hand on. This is the step that makes people give up; the right tool makes it five minutes.
Step 3 — Seat the new one and test
Mount it snug, hand-tighten the supply lines plus a quarter turn, then run water and check every joint with a dry finger. A drip now is a cabinet full of mold later.
Pro Tip
A basin wrench is the whole game. Without it the back nuts are nearly impossible; with it, it is a five-minute job.