Bathtub faucets could be an all-time headachewhentheydrip cold waterin your cozybathtub orgive you no water at all.If the problem is minor, you can deal with it with simple leak fixing tricks and get rid of the trouble. Butwhen it is incurable, you have to take the fixed bathtub faucet out and replace it with a new one.
You need a few simple tools to remove the faucet and replace it in only 3 steps.If you just want toupdate your faucets orhave to install them for the first time, do not go anywhere this is also for you. Just skip the removal of the faucet and directly jump to the installation section for a quickbathtub faucet installation.
Let’s get started!
Tools Needed
- Pliers
- Allen wrench
- Socket wrench
- Screwdriver
- Plumber’s putty or tape
Removingan Old Bathtub Faucet
Work with me and follow these steps to remove your bathtub faucet.
- First of all, turn off the water supply. You can shut off the valves or if there is a separate connection of the tub, turn that off. Now drain the faucet by opening the tap and empty water from the spout.
- When the faucet is completely drained, remove the cover of its handles. Take a flathead screwdriver and slide it under the side of the cover. Loosen it gently and remove it.
- Now remove all the screws present under the cover. Use the screwdriver and turn counterclockwise. There must be one or two screws on the cover plate, remove them too.
- When this is done, detach the stem of the faucet. You can see it sticking to the wall and resembles the pipe of the tap. Pick your socket wrench and pliers to loosen the setup.
- Now, is the turn to removethe spout of the faucet. Inspect the underneath and locate the screws holding the spout. When you got that, use the Allen wrench and rotate counterclockwise to separate the spout. The spout is loosened and pull it to fully remove the bathtub faucet.
How to Install a New Faucet?
When you have to buy a new faucet, make sure you have one of the best bathtub faucets to avoid any disturbance. Here are the simple steps that you have to follow to install a new faucet.
Step 1: Install the Stem
First of all, you must have a new bathtub faucet in your hands forthe installation. When you are going to selecta faucet, choose any that you want. But be mindful that if you have removed a single handlefaucet, you can not install a new multiple handle faucet. So, be aware and research before buying. When you havea faucet with a stem and all screws, place the threads of the stem from where you separated the old one. Turn it clockwiseand tighten by hands. When it is hand tightened, secure its connection by rotating with pliers and socket wrench.
If you are attaching a multiple handle faucet, you need to attacha stem for each handle.
Step 2: Installation of Handles
When you have successfully attached the stem at the place, next is to attach the handle. Place the handle on the stem and push it back. When it reaches the wall, it means the handle is over the stem. Now pick the screwdriver and tighten it at the place.If you see the handle is fully fixed and there is no chance of waterentering the wall, it’s alright. But if there is space left, usecaulk to completely seal the space.
An important thing to consider is, if your faucet set has a cover plate, attach it to the wall before attaching the handle. Tighten the screws using a screwdriver.
Now, cutthe plumber’s tape and wrap around the threaded parts of the pipe.
Step 3: Attach the Spout
Here comes the last step that is the attachment of the spout with the faucet setup.Place the tap over the pipe and tighten the spout with your hand. Using a screwdriver can damage it and may result in scratches. So, continue tightening it until you find it difficult to rotate.
In some cases, the pipe is too short that the spoutwould not screw it and you need an extension that is a Spout adaptor. It attaches the pipe and spout. So, fix it with the pipe first and then rotate the tap. Check all the connections and if there is any loose screw at the bottom, use an Allen wrench to tighten it.
