Widespread Faucet Repair and Installation

Install valve with copper pipe facing out

Installing a Widespread Faucet

Widespread faucets offer increased design latitude. Unlike center-set or fixed-base units, you can place the components 8 inches apart or more.

Consider countertop thickness before purchasing your faucet. Granite, marble, or other materials may be thicker than the thread length on many faucet bodies. You may be able to use a faucet extension kit for thick materials or countersink the mounting holes on the underside of the sink for short stems.

Sink styles matter, too. A drop-in sink with precast or precut mounting holes saves time and work, but an undermount sink allows you more freedom in placing the faucets and accessories in holes drilled in the countertop.

Installation of a widespread faucet follows the same general procedures as a center-set model. If working with a drop-in sink, you may be able to install all the faucet parts before installing the sink.

Checklist

Time
About 3 to 4 hours

Tools
Screwdriver, putty knife, adjustable wrench, slip-joint pliers, basin wrench, hole saw

Skills
Shutting off water, working under a sink, attaching plumbing parts

Prep
Install sink, drill faucet mounting holes if necessary

Materials
New faucet and accessories, plumber's putty or sealant

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Easy Installation Techniques

Some recent innovations have made center-set and widespread faucets installations quicker and almost error free. Some manufacturers offer snap-in fittings, which provide watertight installation. Spout bodies and valves are mounted and secured from the top with allen screws and wrenches, which means you don't have to crawl under the sink. Pre-installing the fixtures on a countertop can make this remodel job ready to use in no time.

Step 1

Unpack the parts and make sure you have everything. The spout is installed first for some models, the valves for others; follow the manufacturer's instructions. Apply plumber's putty or silicone to the bottom of the flange and insert the spout or valve.

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Cutting Holes for an Undermount Sink

Mounting techniques for undermount sinks can vary widely.

Some require only the installation of mounting clips. Others are held in place by a framed carriage built by the installer.

Undermount sink installation almost always requires cutting a sink hole first, guided by a model-specific template provided by the manufacturer. Using the template or specification sheet, drill out the holes for the spout, valves, and accessories. For most materials, use a carbide-tipped hole saw of the correct diameter.

Step 2

With a helper holding the unit from above, tighten the retaining nut, T-fitting, or whatever mechanical device secures the faucet to the sink deck or countertop. Some units require only hand-tightening. Others call for a faucet wrench. Tighten the unit, then center it in the hole.

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Insert spray hose housing, Tighten nut from below

Step 3

Apply plumber's putty or silicone sealer to the spray-hose housing flange and insert the spray-hose housing in the deck or countertop. With a helper holding the housing from above, tighten the nut from below. Assemble the head to the spray hose and install the hose in the center outlet of the T-fitting.

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Step 4

Following the manufacturer's instructions, assemble the supply tubes and any other parts to the valve bodies. Seal the flanges with plumber's putty or silicone and insert the completed units in their respective holes. If the valve bodies feature straight copper pipes, install the valves with these pipes facing the outside of the sink. Tighten the mounting nuts.

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Insert soap dispenser into mounting hole

Step 5

Seal the bottom of the soap dispenser's mounting flange and insert the threads into the mounting hole. Tighten the mounting nut and assemble the dispenser unit as specified by the manufacturer.

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