- 1). Turn off the water valves on the water pipes running to the faucet. Disconnect the supply hoses on the end of the pipes by turning the connectors counterclockwise with a wrench. This gives you more access to the rusted washers for better leverage.
- 2). Knock away the rust on the washers and locking nuts with a wire brush to help free up the hardware.
- 3). Unscrew the lock nuts by turning them carefully counterclockwise with a regular wrench. If the regular wrench does not work, use a basin wrench, which has a longer handle and a head that pivots. This will give you better access to the lock nuts.
- 4). Fit the basin wrench head around the lock nut. Turn the basin wrench to unscrew the lock nuts. If the nut does not turn properly, apply lubrication and let it sink into the nut threads.
- 5). Remove the lock nuts after unthreading them. If the washers have seized to the shaft, tap the washers with a small hammer until they break free of the faucet shaft. Pry the washers off the shaft of the faucet with a pair of pliers to remove them.
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