How To Change A Bathtub Faucet

How to Change a Bathtub Faucet: Step-by-Step Guide

Whether it's a dripping faucet or an outdated design, replacing a bathtub faucet can be a rewarding DIY project that adds a touch of style to your bathroom. With a few tools and a bit of know-how, you can save money and gain the satisfaction of a job well done. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process: ### Safety First! -

Turn Off the Water Supply:

Locate the main water valve, usually near the water heater or under the sink in the bathroom. Turn the valve clockwise to shut off the water supply to the bathtub faucet. -

Drain the Bathtub:

Open the faucet to release any residual water in the pipes. Leave the faucet open to prevent water backup during disassembly. ### Prepare for Disassembly -

Gather Your Tools:

Ensure you have a set of adjustable wrenches, a screwdriver, a bucket, and a pair of pliers. If the faucet has decorative caps, you may need an Allen wrench or a hex key. ### Step 1: Remove the Faucet Handles -

Locate the Set Screws:

Typically, there are small screws hidden underneath the decorative caps on the faucet handles. Use your Allen wrench or hex key to remove these screws. -

Remove the Handles:

Once the screws are out, you can gently pull the faucet handles straight off. Be careful not to damage the underlying components. ### Step 2: Disconnect the Water Supply Lines -

Locate the Water Lines:

There will be two water lines, one for hot water and one for cold water, connected to the faucet. They're usually copper or flexible metal hoses. -

Use Adjustable Wrenches:

Place an adjustable wrench on the nuts connecting the water lines to the faucet. Turn the wrench counterclockwise to loosen the nuts. -

Catch Leaking Water:

Keep a bucket underneath the connections to catch any dripping water. ### Step 3: Remove the Old Faucet -

Check for Retaining Nuts:

Some faucets have retaining nuts that secure the faucet to the bathtub deck, while others are held in place by threads. -

Loosen the Retaining Nuts:

If there are retaining nuts, use the adjustable wrench to loosen them. -

Unscrew the Faucet:

If the faucet is threaded, simply unscrew it counterclockwise until it's free from the bathtub deck. ### Step 4: Install the New Faucet -

Clean the Area:

Use a damp cloth to clean the area where the old faucet was, ensuring there's no debris or leftover residue. -

Place the New Faucet:

Position the new faucet in place and make sure it sits evenly on the bathtub deck. -

Secure the Faucet:

If the faucet has a threaded base, screw it clockwise until it's firmly in place. If it has retaining nuts, tighten them to secure the faucet. ### Step 5: Reconnect the Water Supply Lines -

Use New Supply Lines:

It's recommended to use new supply lines instead of reusing the old ones. Measure the length you need and cut them accordingly. -

Attach the Supply Lines:

Connect the new supply lines to the faucet's inlet valves. Make sure the hot water line is connected to the hot water valve, and vice versa. -

Tighten the Nuts:

Secure the connections by tightening the nuts using the adjustable wrench. ### Step 6: Turn On the Water Supply -

Open the Main Valve:

Slowly turn the main water valve counterclockwise to restore the water supply to the bathroom. -

Check for Leaks:

Turn on the bathtub faucet and check for any leaks at the connections. Tighten any loose connections if necessary. -

Adjust the Handles:

Turn the handles to adjust the water flow and temperature. Make sure both hot and cold water are flowing smoothly. ### Step 7: Clean Up -

Wipe Off Excess Water:

Use a dry cloth to wipe off any excess water or fingerprints from the faucet and surrounding area. -

Admire Your Work:

Stand back and admire your newly installed bathtub faucet. You've successfully completed the project and added a stylish touch to your bathroom. Remember, if you encounter any issues during the process or have doubts about your abilities, it's always advisable to consult a qualified plumber for professional assistance. Happy plumbing!