The process of replacing an RV faucet is simple. Carefully follow the steps below and you will have the new faucet working in less than an hour. This process works the same for both Kitchen and Bathroom Faucets.
Please make sure you gather all of your tools and parts before starting. Getting into the middle of a project like this and realizing you need something is not good. Water will be off for the entire coach until the project is complete!
Step by Step Guide to Changing a RV Faucet
- Gather your tools and supplies. Replacing a RV faucet is a straightforward job, but it does require a few tools that you will need to remove the old faucet and install the new one. The tools you'll need include:
- Channel Locking Pliers
- PEX Line Cutter
- PEX Line Crimp Tool
- (4) 1/2″ Pex Crimp Bands
- (2) 1/2″ to 3/8″ PEX Barb x 3/8 in Quater Turn Shutoff Valve
- (2) Crescent Wrenches
- Bucket
- Standard Faucet (we installed a Delta Lahara Bronze Bathroom Faucet)
- Wire cutters
- Long Wire Ties
- Turn Off on-board Water pump, Electric and GAS Water Heater, and water. If you are connected to external water, turn it off. Also make sure your water pump is off.
- Open sink faucets and low-point drain valves. This will relieve pressure from the lines and drain the water out below the replacement sink level.
- Identify Water Supply Lines and Disconnect. The Water lines are below the cabinet. RV Faucets are typically connected with compression fittings. Two crescent wrenches will make disconnecting the lines easier.
- Remove Bolts holding Faucet to Countertop. Most Faucets have finger screws that can be removed by hand.
- Install gasket around bace of new Faucet and Install in Counter. The gasket keeps water from draining under faucet. If yours does not have a gasket use a beed of silicon.
- Cut PEX Water Lines to Length. Do not cut too short.
- Install PEX Fittings onto Water Lines. Install the Crimp rings, shutoff valve and then crimp.
- Connect Faucet supply lines to 3/8″ shutoff valve. The shutoff valves come with compression fittings. Some faucets supply lines will require them. Discard if yours doesn't.
If your faucet is not marked HOT and COLD you will have to run water through the line to verify the orientation.
On standard faucets the left valve is hot and the right side is cold. This is the same for single valve faucets that twist left (HOT) and right (COLD). Faucets that pull forward and backward to set temperature, forward is cold and backwards is hot.
- Turn on Water, Open Shutoff Valves and Sink Faucet. Turn off any sink that may be in the open position, Close low-point drains, Turn On Water and inspect installation carefully for leaks.
Do not turn on Water heater yet!
We want to ensure it is full of water before turning it on. Turning on the Water heater without water inside will permanently damage the heating element! The water should be warm enough for identifying hot vs cold water with the Water Heater off.
It is important to bleed the lines of air before checking for leaks. Flowing water through the new faucet and the others in the RV will ensure that all PEX lines are charged with water. It is a good idea to check the new fittings several times a day for a few days to ensure they are not leaking.
The best way to ensure the water system is fully charged is to run one sink at a time on hot then cold. Let water run until it is sable without any spirts of air.
After you are comfortable that the air is out of the hot and cold lines by running water through all faucets, shower, toilets, washer, etc. you can turn on the water heater.