How To Replace A Mop Sink Faucet
If you have a leaky mop sink faucet, it can be replaced without buying a new sink. Mop sinks, or utility sinks, are used for dumping mop water in residences or businesses to remove the need of lifting water buckets.
The sinks are easy to work on, since they have no cabinet.
Prepare to Work
For this project, you need:
- work gloves
- scrub brush
- utility knife
- liquid soap or scouring powder
- adjustable pliers or basin wrench
- plumber's tape
- caulk and caulk gun (optional)
- new faucet
Shut off the water to the sink from the valves, which are usually on the wall or the floor by the sink. If you can't find the shut-off valves, turn off the main water supply. The main water supply is commonly located on the incoming pipe from the wall near the water meter.
Remove the Old Faucet
Use the adjustable pliers or basin wrench to loosen the hot and cold water tubes from the inlet valve. If possible, unscrew the nuts from the P-trap, or bent piping, to move the sink from the wall for easier faucet access. Set parts aside on a tray.
Detach the nuts that secure the faucet to the sink, then lift the faucet up to remove it. This may be harder to do if the sink can't be moved. In this case, you will need to crawl under the sink.
Clean the area where the faucet installs with a scouring powder or soap and a scrub brush. Use a utility knife to scrape old caulking.
Install the New Faucet
Take the old faucet with you to use as a guide to buy a new one with the correct spacing. Standard mop sinks have holes four to eight inches apart.
Wrap the threads of the new faucet with plumber's tape for an air tight connection. Remove the plastic base from the new sink, set the faucet plate holes over the inlet stem followed by the base plate.
Fit the faucet inlets in the holes, and secure the connection with screws. Tighten the screws by hand, center the faucet, then use the pliers or wrench to tighten the screws until the faucet is secure. Add a bead of caulk, if the faucet isn't flush with the sink, and let it dry.
Move the sink back in place, and reattach the hoses to inlet valve. You may need new hoses if the old hoses don't fit. Consider installing shut-off valves for sinks that don't have them.
Restore water and test the new faucet. If the faucet still leaks, or you don't trust your skill, contact a plumber. Click here for more information.
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