A bathtub faucet is a vital component in any bathroom. It provides the necessary water supply for taking a bath or shower. Over time, however, these fixtures can wear out, become outdated, or begin to leak. In such cases, you may need to replace your bathtub faucet. Fortunately, replacing a bathtub faucet is an easy process that you can complete on your own without having to hire a professional. This article provides you with a step-by-step guide on how to replace a bathtub faucet.
Tools and materials required
Before you start the replacement process, it’s essential to ensure that you have all the necessary tools and materials at hand. Here is a list of the things you’ll need:
- Basin wrench
- Adjustable wrench
- Screwdriver
- Plumber’s putty
- Plumbers tape
- New bathtub faucet
Step-by-step guide on how to replace a bathtub faucet
Step 1: Turn off the water supply
Before you start any plumbing work, it’s crucial to turn off the water supply. To do this, locate the main shut-off valve and turn it off. If you can’t find the main valve, turn off the water supply to the bathroom.
Step 2: Remove the old bathtub faucet
The next step is to remove the old bathtub faucet. To do this, follow the following steps:
- Use a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the faucet handles in place.
- Next, remove the handles by pulling them off the faucet.
- Remove the bathtub spout by loosening the setscrew located on the bottom of the spout using a screwdriver.
- Once the setscrew is loose, you can pull the spout off the wall pipe.
Step 3: Clean the area around the faucet
After removing the old faucet, clean the area around the faucet. Use a scraper to remove any old caulk or putty. Use a cleaner to remove any dirt, grime, or stains around the faucet. Allow the area to dry completely.
Step 4: Install the new faucet
Once the area around the faucet is clean and dry, you can install the new faucet. Here’s how:
- Apply plumber’s putty around the base of the new faucet.
- Slide the new faucet through the mounting holes on the bathtub and tighten the mounting nuts using a basin wrench.
- Attach the water supply lines to the new faucet using plumbers tape.
Step 5: Attach the new bathtub spout
The next step is to attach the new bathtub spout. Here’s how:
- Slide the new spout onto the wall pipe and tighten the setscrew using a screwdriver.
- Turn on the water supply and check for any leaks around the new faucet and spout.
Step 6: Install the new handles
The last step is to install the new handles. Here’s how:
- Slide the new handles onto the faucet stems and tighten the screws using a screwdriver.
- Turn on the water supply and test the new faucet to ensure it’s working correctly.