a faucet assembly with a vertical riser that is easier to install both for an initial installation and a retrofit installation . the faucet assembly has a main faucet body that defines an axially extending cavity . a positive locking mechanism in the form of a resiliently compressible star lock washer is disposed to rest on the bottom of the cavity , which is provided with an opening that communicates with a pressurized water service . a hollow adapter sleeve is inserted into the cavity on top of the star lock washer . an o - ring between the exterior of the adapter sleeve and the surrounding sidewall that defines the cavity effects a water - tight fit between the adapter sleeve and the sidewall . the tapered threaded end of the riser is detachably connected to the adapter sleeve by being screwed into the tapered threaded opening of the adapter sleeve . a retaining nut that is slidably mounted over the riser is screwed onto the main faucet body to confine the adapter sleeve in the cavity and prevent axial movement of the adapter sleeve out of the cavity . the tightening of the retaining nut to the main faucet body applies pressure to the adapter sleeve that compresses the star lock washer , which prevents rotation of the main faucet body relative to the adapter sleeve and the riser .