Plumbing How to replace bathroom faucet in a tight space?

[tirelessphoenix]

TL;DR Summary

Bathroom faucet replacement

Hi guys, does anyone know what is the best way to unscrew, release the piece shown in the images? I need to replace the bathroom faucet and underneath is heavily rusted...an old design...there is no space for a wrench or anything I can think of... could anyone suggest how this is done?
without having to disassemble the entire porcelain sink...thank you a lot for any suggestion.

 

[OmCheeto]

TL;DR Summary: Bathroom faucet replacement

Hi guys, does anyone know what is the best way to unscrew, release the piece shown in the images? I need to replace the bathroom faucet and underneath is heavily rusted...an old design...there is no space for a wrench or anything I can think of... could anyone suggest how this is done?
without having to disassemble the entire porcelain sink...thank you a lot for any suggestion.

Not sure about the pros, but I use a 'basin wrench':

 

[hutchphd]

I love that it works left or right by folding the head piece!!! Usually these days I hire a thin young plumber, but have had good luck with such a wrench in past epochs..

 

[Baluncore]

...there is no space for a wrench or anything I can think of... could anyone suggest how this is done?

Consider sliding a long "tube spanner" up the hose to undo the top nut.
Tube spanner; AKA; Shower Valve Socket, Wrench box spanner, spark plug spanner, etc
https://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?...cat=631&_from=R40&_trksid=p4432023.m570.l2632
Tube spanners can often be joined end-to-end, to gain length.

Alternatively, drill holes in the big nut from below, using a drill extension, so it can be opened, and broken apart.

 

[tirelessphoenix]

ok thanks guys, will try

 

[DaveE]

Not sure about the pros, but I use a 'basin wrench'

This is the normal tool. I had one that didn't open quite far enough, so maybe check your dimensions first.
If you're lucky, skinny and have long arms, and it's not corroded, you might, maybe, make do with channel lock pliers.

You might get better answers from google than us.
This is another tool option which I've seen in various formats. I suspect there are others too.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-2-in-Universal-Faucet-Nut-Wrench-410-073-0111/311493703

 

[Tom.G]

Or this one:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-1...Telescoping-Basin-Wrench-80-546-111/206830601

 

[Baluncore]

I am in Australia, where we have no Home Depot, and they block us.
Access Denied
You don't have permission to access "http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-1-...Telescoping-Basin-Wrench-80-546-111/206830601" on this server.
Reference #18.675ad617.1740289331.fdefb02
https://errors.edgesuite.net/18.675ad617.1740289331.fdefb02

 

[Tom.G]

Oops! Husky is now a House Brand of Home Depot, it didn't used to be.

Google shows three suppliers for Home Depot hand tools:
Western Forge, Apex Tool Group, and Iron Bridge Tools.

A Google search shows an ad for that wrench under the Duratech brand sold by Amazon:
http://www.google.com/search?&q=western+forge+basin+wrench

And Amazon shows it at:
https://www.amazon.com/DURATECH-Tel...ty-Extendable/dp/B09CYLC3MY?tag=pfamazon01-20

To the best of my knowledge, the three manufacturers shown above supply house brands to several retailers.

Hope this helps! If not, post again & I'll see what else pops up.

Cheers,
Tom

p.s. That repair/replace looks like a real knuckle-buster; good luck. Let us know results (or lack thereof ).

 

[sophiecentaur]

TL;DR Summary: Bathroom faucet replacement

Hi guys, does anyone know what is the best way to unscrew, release the piece shown in the images?

If you are at the start of your home maintenance career then I suggest you take this opportunity to buy at least one of the tools suggested here. After a few more pluming emergencies you will have a selection of all the tools which every plumber carries round.

I am at the other end of my DIY career and difficult jobs now get passed to a bright young plumber (with all his tools) who works disgustingly fast and accurately. (Price of a family outing for dinner. - choices.)

 

[hutchphd]

I am at the other end of my DIY career

Are the challenges less interesting or just more painful? Anyhow It is very discouraging to get halfway completed and realize that I am not having fun anymore. So it goes.

 

[sophiecentaur]

or just more painful

Knees hurt, neck hurts and varyfocal glasses are often upside down for close work overhead. Holding one position for long enough to get a fiddly screw located and tightened up. The other week I had a tussle with the car and it further confirmed my opinion.
Ahhh me.

 

[DaveE]

Knees hurt, neck hurts and varyfocal glasses are often upside down for close work overhead. Holding one position for long enough to get a fiddly screw located and tightened up. The other week I had a tussle with the car and it further confirmed my opinion.
Ahhh me.

Me too. Plus DIY isn't that much fun the 2^nd or 3^rd time around.