Replacing a Bathroom Faucet? Measure the Sink Holes First

Updated 2026-10-06 · Sources verified 2026-07-20

Short answer: check with your building department. Strictly read, FBC 105.2 exempts only repairs that do NOT replace fixtures or valves, and Orange County publishes no fixture-swap exemption — commonly treated as minor work, but confirm (OC sub-trades: 407-836-5564). The full rule and its official source are below, with the code requirements and mistakes that trip up Orlando homeowners.

The permit answer

Orange County and the City of Orlando run separate permit offices with separate portals — and your mailing address alone doesn't tell you which one covers your home. Check which permit office covers your address →

Key facts before you start

• Measure the sink holes BEFORE buying (Moen): one hole = a single-hole faucet; three holes 4" apart (center of hot handle to center of cold) = any centerset; 8-16" = widespread. 'A widespread faucet can not fit in a 4" centerset hole configuration'. Supply fit: Moen faucets use 3/8" compression or 1/2" IPS connections — adapter if the old lines don't fit.
• Faucet: 'Apply plumbers putty or other sealant to the underside of the escutcheon according to the manufacturer's instructions' (Kohler). Supply tubes: 'Use extreme care when bending the supplies to avoid kinking' and 'Do not overtighten the connections' (Kohler).
• Pop-up drain: ring of plumbers putty or other sealant under the flange; hand-tighten the flange from the top, snug the nut from below — 'Be careful not to rotate the drain when tightening the nut' — and keep the lift rod hole 'facing the back of the fixture'; wipe off excess putty (Kohler).
• Stopper: adjust so it 'lifts about 3/8" (1 cm) when opened' by turning the threaded stopper rod. If the tailpiece was removed, 'double check that the plastic washer is installed inside the flange body or the drain will leak' (Kohler).
• Checkout: connect the tailpiece to the P-trap, 'Remove the aerator and remove any debris', then turn the water on and check for leaks (Kohler). Delta's flush for lavatory faucets: remove aerator and black gasket, full-on mixed, flush two minutes.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit for a bathroom faucet replacement in Orange County, FL?

Check with your building department. Strictly read, FBC 105.2 exempts only repairs that do NOT replace fixtures or valves, and Orange County publishes no fixture-swap exemption — commonly treated as minor work, but confirm (OC sub-trades: 407-836-5564).

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Sources

https://solutions.moen.com/Article_Library/How_to_Choose_a_Lavatory_Faucet
https://solutions.moen.com/FAQ's/FAQ's-Installation_And_Repair/Installation/I_just_purchased_a_new_faucet_and_my_existing_supply_lines_will_not_fit_on_your_faucet._What_can_be_done_to_correct_this%3F
https://resources.kohler.com/onlinecatalog/pdf/1032026_2.pdf
https://techcomm.kohler.com/techcomm/pdf/1041498-2.pdf
https://www.deltafaucet.com/node/272

This guide is general informational content, not professional or legal advice. Codes and county rules change — confirm permit requirements with your local building department, and use a licensed professional for electrical, gas, structural, or main-line plumbing work.

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