Quick answer: To install a bathroom faucet with a pop-up drain, first mount the faucet hardware, then remove the old drain, prepare the new pop-up assembly with its gaskets, and finally install the new drain and reconnect the P-trap. Tighten the lock nut with a channel-lock pliers and run water to check for leaks.
Upgrading your vanity hardware is a fantastic way to bring a touch of luxury spa elegance into your home. However, many homeowners successfully mount their stunning new spout and handles, only to realize they still have a stained, corroded drain sitting in the bottom of the sink basin.
If you want a truly cohesive look, learning how to install bathroom faucet with pop up drain hardware is essential. Modern pop-up drains (which operate with a simple push of your finger rather than a clunky pull-rod behind the faucet) are incredibly sleek and surprisingly easy to fit. Here is your comprehensive guide on how to install bathroom faucet and drain components for a flawless, leak-free finish.
1. Mount the Faucet Hardware First
Before tackling the drain, you should secure the faucet fixture to the countertop while the sink basin is empty and easy to reach through.
A model in stock that this applies to: the Moen TV6420 EVA 1.2 GPM Widespread Bathroom Faucet Chrome With Valve Included.
Whether you are working with a minimalist single-hole model or figuring out how to install bathroom faucet with two handles (a widespread configuration), the process is similar. Drop the main valve bodies through the drilled holes, slide the rubber friction washers onto the brass shanks from underneath the cabinet, and firmly tighten the mounting nuts.
Once the faucet is mounted, connect your hot and cold water supply lines. If you are doing a deep renovation, you might need to know how to install bathroom faucet with pex piping. PEX tubing requires specific crimp rings or push-to-connect fittings (like SharkBite valves) to transition from the plastic PEX pipe to the standard 3/8-inch threaded shut-off valves required for flexible braided faucet hoses.
| Step | Action | Key Parts |
|---|---|---|
| Mount Faucet | Secure faucet body, slide rubber friction washers onto brass shanks, tighten mounting nuts, connect hot and cold supply lines | Rubber friction washers, brass shanks, mounting nuts |
| Remove Old Drain | Turn off water, place bucket, disconnect P-trap, unscrew lock nut, lift old drain, clean residue | P-trap, lock nut, plumber’s putty residue |
| Prepare New Drain | Unscrew tailpiece, remove thick bottom gasket and lock nut, keep thin top washer under flange | Thick tapered gasket, thin top washer |
| Install New Drain | Insert threaded body, slide thick gasket up, add friction washer, hand-tighten lock nut, finish with half-turn using pliers | Tapered gasket, friction washer, lock nut |
| Test for Leaks | Reconnect P-trap, run water, push pop-up to fill sink, release and inspect under sink | P-trap, pop-up mechanism |
2. Remove the Old Drain
With the water off and the faucet secured, turn your attention to the sink basin.
Place a bucket under the sink to catch residual water.
Disconnect the P-trap (the curved plastic or metal pipe) from the bottom of the old drain tailpiece.
Unscrew the large lock nut holding the old drain to the bottom of the sink and push the old drain assembly straight up and out. Thoroughly clean the sink hole to remove old plumber's putty or silicone.
3. Prepare the New Pop-Up Drain
The secret to mastering how to install bathroom faucet drain systems is understanding the gaskets. A modern push-button pop-up drain comes with two main rubber gaskets: a thin top washer and a thick, tapered bottom gasket.
Unscrew the tailpiece and remove the thick bottom gasket and the large brass or plastic lock nut. Leave the thin top washer right under the decorative drain flange.
(Pro Tip: While the top rubber washer is often sufficient, many professional plumbers still prefer to remove it and use a thin ring of plumber's putty under the flange for an absolute watertight seal against the ceramic basin).
4. Install the New Drain Assembly
When learning how to install bathroom faucet drain assembly parts, the order of operations underneath the sink is critical for preventing leaks:
Drop it in: Slide the threaded body of the new drain down through the sink hole from above.
The Bottom Gasket: Go underneath the sink. Slide the thick, tapered rubber gasket up the threaded pipe. The tapered (narrow) end must point up into the sink hole to wedge itself perfectly into the gap.
The Friction Ring and Nut: Slide the plastic or metal friction washer on next, followed by the large lock nut.
Tighten: Hand-tighten the lock nut as firmly as you can, pushing the tapered gasket deep into the sink opening. Use channel-lock pliers to give it one final half-turn, but be careful not to overtighten and crack the ceramic sink.
Reconnect the P-Trap: Slide your P-trap back onto the bottom of the new drain tailpiece and hand-tighten the slip-nut.
Run the water for a few minutes, push the pop-up drain to fill the sink, and then release it to test for leaks underneath.
Ready to upgrade? Browse our Bathroom Faucets collection at Aqualux Studio.
Related: How to Install a Single-Hole Bathroom Faucet.
Related Moen models
- CFG 40225 Cornerstone Chrome Two-Handle Low-Arc Bathroom Faucet with Pop-Up
- Moen 84971SRN Halle Single Handle Bathroom Faucet Spot Resist Brushed Nickel
- Moen Meena 84794 Chrome Bathroom Faucet Single Handle
Written by John Plumber, an experienced plumber who shares his personal opinion and hands-on experience.
This article reflects personal experience, not step-by-step instructions. Always follow the manufacturer's installation guide for your exact model, and hire a licensed plumber if you are not sure. Questions or corrections: support@aqualux.studio.
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