Wall mount faucets are trendy nowadays both in kitchens and bathrooms for their elegant, modern, and sophisticated designer style. They are a space saver with a minimalist feel that provides a seamless finish and brings a different approach to home design. The faucets allow for greater flexibility to use antique sinks and also do not restrict the location of the sink.
A wall mount faucet calls for careful measurements and attention to detail as you’ll be installing water supply lines behind the wall. It is best to install it early in the construction process when walls are still exposed.
Unlike counter-mounted faucets that are inserted into pre-drilled holes and line up effortlessly, the installation of wall mount faucets has to carefully consider alignment, height, and depth.
Table of Contents
6 Steps to Install a Wall Mount Faucet:
Tools You’ll Need:
Every job needs specific tools. You’ll have a successful installation when including all of these tools in your project. To carry out the necessary steps for the installation, be sure to organize the following items:
- Screwdriver
- Locking pliers
- Duct tape
- Soldering supplies
- Level
- 2×4 lumber
- 2 1/2-inch wood screws
- 1/2-inch copper or PEX water pipe
- Two shutoff valves
- Two 1/2-inch threaded elbows
- 1 1/4-inch screws
- 1/2-inch brass pipe nipples
Step 1: Review the Installation Instructions
Your specific faucet model will have particular instructions. Be sure to review them thoroughly and understand them well. All directions have to be followed with great care. You must pay special attention to blocking requirements, counting the setback if you have to install an in-wall valve that comes with removable faucet handles and spout.
Step 2: Add Blocking and Modify the Framing
Measure to identify the center placement of the faucet and readjust the position of any studs that are in the way. Certain faucets such as bridge-style ones don’t require you to move studs. These types of faucets can reach over obstructing studs. However, the studs will be a barrier if the valve is hidden in the wall.
To add the blocking, you’ll commonly need a 2×4 lumber placed between the pair of studs allowing the wide edge to face outward. Use 2 1/2-inch wood screws to screw in the blocking to the studs.
Step 3: Install Shutoff Valves and Run the Water Supply Lines
Typically, plumbers use copper pipes, however, you may prefer using PEX. They are less likely to leak and much easier to install in the case the pipes freeze in the wall. For the function of hot and cold water, you’ll need to install shut off valves. You’ll be installing 1/2-inch water supply lines.
In the case where you are installing the wall mount faucet where a sink faucet exists, you’ll be able to extend the current water lines along the wall and can use the shutoff valves already in place.
If the faucet is brand-new and the shutoff valves are not able to be concealed, you can find a spot to place a removable panel in the same or an adjacent room where the valves can be hidden. Depending on where the pipes lead, you may also conceal them in the basement, crawl space, or another inconspicuous place in the home.
Step 4: Install the Valve or Terminate the Pipes
Depending on which type of faucet and type of pipes you have, it may require termination. If you’re using PEX pipes, you’ll need to use appropriate PEX fittings. Otherwise, to install copper pipes to a classic double-handle bridge-style faucet, you’ll need to solder a brass or copper elbow to each pipe using an outward-facing 1/2-inch IPS threaded inlet. Using 1 1/4-inch screws, attach the fitting onto the blocking.
In the case where the faucet has a hidden valve, follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions. You’ll typically solder copper pipes or PEX fittings to the valve. It’s important that before you tighten the screws that attach to the blocking you level the valve.
Step 5: Installation Pipe Nipples
You’ll begin by screwing a 1/2-inch brass nipple into each of the elbows you arranged. This applies to faucets that don’t have in-wall valves. The manufacturer recommends a particular distance to reach beyond the wall, therefore, the nipples must be the appropriate length. If they are too short, it won’t work.
Using duct tape, cover the nipple openings so that debris doesn’t stick as you’re replacing the wall covering such as drywall.
Faucets that have in-wall valves have stub-outs that are built to extend through the drywall or other wall covering. In this case, you won’t have to use nipples. The stub-outs are designed to keep out debris as you install your new faucet and perform the finishing touches on the wall and trim.
Step 6: Install the Faucet, Faucet Trim, and Finish the Wall
Congratulations, this is the very last step! Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely to install the faucet and faucet trim.
You’ll finish the wall by laying the drywall, painting or placing tiles, and sealing with grout as necessary. You’ll do all the necessary details and finishing touches to make it completely as you imagined.
For utility faucets such as stainless steel, solid brass, or other types, you’ll want to use the included compression nuts and use the locking pliers to tighten them.
In the case of faucets with hidden valves, the trim will be screwed onto the valve stub-outs. Tighten a set screw to keep them secured using an Allen wrench or screwdriver, which are perfect for that task.
Final Thoughts
With the proper tools and careful attention to all the steps, you’ll be able to install a wall mount faucet. Wall mount faucets are not that difficult to install once you have a general understanding of how they work and the implications of the installation.
All in all, these beautiful faucets give your utility sink and bathroom sink a modern and memorable finish. They look amazing and can be paired with creative styles of a variety of sinks.
In order to have a successful wall mount faucet installation, choose a faucet that is made from high-quality materials from a well-known manufacturer. These types of installations are investments that will add to your home’s value.
Do your research well before you pick the faucet that is right for you. Once you decide which model to use, be sure to find a trustworthy home improvement dealer that is able to provide replacement parts as necessary. There are plenty of resources to help you both in the store and online.
Overall, installing a wall mounted faucet is straightforward and totally worth your time. It is a challenge worth taking and you’ll enjoy your beautiful new wall mount faucet for years to come!
