How to Install a Two-handle AquaSource Faucet

Shut Off the Water

First, shut off the water supply to the old faucet—usually by turning off the fixture shutoff valves.

Disconnect the Water Supply Tubes

Use a basin wrench or channel-type pliers to disconnect the flexible hot and cold water supply tubes from the old faucet. On most models, the supply tubes will be connected to the tailpieces on the faucet.

If you will be replacing the water supply tubes, also disconnect the old tubes from the outlet nipples on the fixture shutoff valves.

Remove the Old Faucet

To remove the old faucet, use a long-handled basin wrench to reach up behind the back of the sink basin and grip the mounting nuts threaded on the faucet's tailpieces. Turn the nuts counter-clockwise to remove them, then remove the faucet from the sink or countertop deck. You may need to apply some force to break the faucet free of its bond to the sink deck.

After removing the faucet body, clean the sink deck of any plumber's putty or gasket material used to seal the faucet against the sink.

Attach the New Faucet

Prepare the sink deck as directed by the faucet instructions. This may involve laying down a bead of silicone sealant or plumber's putty, or positioning a rubber or foam gasket over the sink deck.

Position the faucet onto the sink, inserting the tailpieces through the holes in the sink. Many faucets will have three tailpieces.

From below the sink, thread the mounting nuts onto the faucet's tailpieces. Tighten them as far as you can by hand, then snug them up with a basin wrench. As you tighten the nuts, check to make sure the faucet body remains straight and centered.

Connect the Water Supply Tubes

If you are using new water supply tubes, connect one end of each tube to an outlet nipple on the fixture shutoff valve. Connect the other end to the faucet's valve tailpiece or water inlet nipple, using channel-type pliers or an adjustable wrench. (The left tailpiece normally receives the hot water connection, the right tailpiece receives the cold water.) If you have trouble reaching the nipples, use a basin wrench for these connections.

Connect the Linking Hose (If Needed)

With AquaSource faucets that are installed in three parts—two handle valves and a center spout—you must also attach a flexible hose that brings water from the faucet's outer handle valves to the center spout. If so, use channel-type pliers or an adjustable wrench to attach this hose onto the appropriate nipples. There are three connections to make: one to the center spout body, and one each to the handle valves.

Begin Installing the Drain Assembly

If your faucet kit includes a drain assembly, begin by disconnecting the sink's old drain trap and removing the existing drain fitting.

Next, separate the new pop-up drain components, which generally will be loosely assembled when packaged in the kit. Remove the stopper from the drain body, then slide the mounting nut and foam gasket off the bottom of the drain body.

Apply the provided gasket or apply some silicone sealant to the underside of the drain flange. (This varies, depending on the faucet model.)

Attach the Drain Assembly

Insert the end of the drain assembly down through the sink's drain opening. Thread the foam gasket and mounting nut onto the tailpiece from below the sink, and tighten the nut down until the gasket compresses tightly against the bottom of the sink basin.

Make sure the opening for the ball rod remains facing directly toward the back of the sink as you tighten down the drain assembly.

Install the Pop-Up Stopper

Insert the stopper plug into the drain opening, then from under the sink, insert the ball rod into the drain assembly and tighten the sleeve to keep it in place. The end of the rod should fit into an opening on the pop-up stopper.

From above, insert the pop-up lift rod down through the hole in the faucet body. From below the sink, attach the perforated strap to the lift rod. (The button on the strap can be pushed to open and locks into place when released.) Attach the ball rod to the lift rod after adjusting the height of the stopper.

Complete the Installation

Reattach the drain trap to the sink drain tailpiece, then turn on the water and check all the water supply and drain fittings for leaks; tighten them slightly if necessary. Allow the water to run for a couple of minutes, as some faucet leaks are not obvious right away.

To check for leaks at the pop-up drain, lower the stopper and fill the sink up with water. Release the water and look under the sink for leaks around the drain.