Has your bathroom faucet seen better days? Whether it leaks or it’s just plain ugly, a new faucet may be in order. If the project seems daunting and you’re not a plumber, don’t despair. Replacing your bathroom faucet doesn’t take a lot of time or money, especially when you follow these tips for installing a bathroom faucet.

Before you begin, you’ll need to figure out what type of faucet to buy: single hole, center-set, widespread mount or wall mount. You should choose a finish that matches the other hardware in the room, unless you plan to update all the hardware. Most sinks have three holes to accommodate a center spout and two valves on either side that the handles attach to. The distance between the holes will determine what size faucet will fit on the sink.

This will help you determine which type of fixture to choose.

When you’re ready to begin, turn off the water supply. Most likely, the valves are located under the sink. If they aren’t, turn off the water at the main valve. Finally, turn on the faucet to relieve water pressure left in the lines. You will then want to disconnect the supply lines from the faucet (using a basin wrench) as well as the lift rod. Remove the nuts from under the faucet.

The next thing you’ll want to do is disconnect the drain. Get a bucket and put it underneath to catch any water in the trap and unscrew the slip nut on the P-trap. Disconnect the drain flange from the tailpiece by unscrewing it. Clean around faucet holes before the next step, which is to install the new faucet.

When installing the new faucet, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If it’s not pre-assembled, you might have to attach the handles.

Other tips:

Gather all necessary tools and supplies before beginning your project.
Don’t over-tighten bolts, especially if you have porcelain sink. It could crack.
Use vinegar or an acid cleaner to remove water deposits on the sink before installing your new faucet.

For step-by-step instructions on replacing your faucet, check out this comprehensive article which includes illustrations.