Bathtub Trip Lever Replacement

Bathtub Trip Lever Replacement: A Step-by-Step Guide

A dripping bathtub faucet can be more than just an annoyance – it can also waste a significant amount of water and drive up your utility bills. If your bathtub's trip lever is the culprit, replacing it is a relatively simple and inexpensive repair that can be completed in under an hour.

Before you begin, gather the necessary tools and materials. You will need:

Replacement trip lever
Adjustable wrench
Phillips screwdriver
Plumber's putty (optional)

Once you have your tools and materials, follow these step-by-step instructions to replace the trip lever:

1. Turn off the water supply.

Locate the water supply valves under the sink. Turn the handles clockwise to close the valves and stop the flow of water to the bathtub.

2. Remove the old trip lever.

Use the adjustable wrench to loosen the nut that holds the trip lever in place. Once the nut is loose, you can pull the trip lever straight up to remove it.

3. Apply plumber's putty (optional).

If the new trip lever does not have a rubber washer, apply a small amount of plumber's putty to the threads of the lever. This will help to create a watertight seal.

4. Install the new trip lever.

Insert the new trip lever into the hole in the bathtub faucet. Hand-tighten the nut until it is snug.

5. Use the wrench to tighten the nut.

Use the adjustable wrench to tighten the nut until it is snug. Be careful not to overtighten the nut, as this could damage the faucet.

6. Turn on the water supply.

Open the water supply valves under the sink. Check for leaks around the trip lever. If there are any leaks, tighten the nut further.

Replacing a bathtub trip lever is a simple and inexpensive repair that can be completed in under an hour. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can save yourself the cost of calling a plumber and enjoy a leak-free bathtub.