You have to remove your bathroom faucet for several reasons. It leaks. You are installing a new vanity top and/or vanity cabinet. It’s outdated and you want a new one. Faucet removal is a simple DIY project that requires only a few tools.
Tools Required:
- Adjustable wrench, open-ended wrench, or vice grip wrench.
- Phillips screwdriver. At least 6” long to easily reach into tight locations.
- Bucket and towel.
Step One: Turn off water before you remove the bathroom faucet
Turn off the water supply valves under the sink. Many older homes do not have individual valves for each faucet. You have to close the main intake valve that supplies the entire house.
Step Two: Remove stopper from the bathroom faucet
There are several types of sink stoppers. The pop-up variety is operated by a rod passing through the rear of the faucet. It must be disconnected from the drain before faucet removal.
If your sink does not have a pop-up sink stopper, skip this step.
Remove the spring clip holding the extension rod to the pivot rod and slide the extension rod off the pivot rod. Detach the extension rod from the lift rod. (It may be too big to fit through the countertop hole.) Remove the lift rod from the faucet.
Step Three: Drain any water from the bathroom faucet
Turn on both taps to drain as much water as possible. Some water will remain in the supply lines because there is no pressure to force it out.
Step Four: Unscrew fittings
Disconnect the supply lines from the faucet. Use the proper-sized wrench or vice grips if possible. Improperly adjusted crescent wrenches can round off the nut.
Spread a towel on the base of the vanity and place a small bucket under the supply lines to catch any water that runs out of the lines.
If you have plastic connectors, unclip the plastic guard and squeeze the sides to pull them off.
Not all faucets and taps are secured to the countertop in the same manner. The following pictures illustrate two of the most common methods. Numbers 1, 2, and 3 show a rubber gasket, a large flat steel washer, and a lock nut held tight with screws.
Loosen the screws with a Phillips screwdriver. Spin off the lock nut and remove the flat washer and rubber gasket.
Figure # 4 shows a mounting plate and nut. These types of faucets have a threaded rod that passes through the countertop. The mounting plate is tightened to the underside of the countertop.
Remove the nut and mounting plate to free the faucet.
Step Five: Remove bathroom faucet
Once all lines, stopper rods, and hardware are disconnected and removed, the faucet and taps can be removed from above.
Step Five: Clean Up
If you are not replacing the countertop, clean off all accumulated dirt and mineral deposits to accept a new faucet. A good cleaner should remove most of the buildup. Use a scraper to remove old dried-on caulking. You may need paint thinner or steel wool to get rid of all of it.
Make sure the inside of the vanity cabinet is dry. Most cabinets are made from MDF which absorbs water and swells. Mold grows on wet MDF and will cause smells under your bathroom sink.
