How To Change The Bathtub Faucet

Whether you're updating the look of your bathroom or replacing a leaky faucet, changing a bathtub faucet is a relatively simple project that can be completed in a few hours. With a few basic tools and a little bit of know-how, you can easily tackle this task yourself. ### Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Materials Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary tools and materials. You'll need: * A new bathtub faucet * A basin wrench * A channel-lock pliers * A screwdriver * A putty knife * Plumber's tape * A bucket * A pair of gloves * Safety goggles * A flashlight (optional) ### Step 2: Turn Off the Water Supply Once you have gathered your tools and materials, turn off the water supply to your bathtub. There are usually two valves that control the water supply to the bathtub: one for the hot water and one for the cold water. The valves are usually located under the sink or in the basement. ### Step 3: Remove the Old Faucet Once the water supply is turned off, remove the old faucet. To do this, use the basin wrench to loosen the nuts that hold the faucet in place. Once the nuts are loose, you can remove the faucet by hand. If the faucet is old or corroded, it may be difficult to remove. In this case, you can use a channel-lock pliers to help you loosen the nuts. ### Step 4: Clean the Area Once the old faucet is removed, use a putty knife to scrape away any old caulk or sealant around the faucet. Then, use a damp cloth to clean the area thoroughly. ### Step 5: Apply Plumber's Tape Before installing the new faucet, apply plumber's tape to the threads of the faucet's water supply lines. This will help to create a watertight seal and prevent leaks. ### Step 6: Install the New Faucet Once the plumber's tape is applied, position the new faucet in place. Hand-tighten the nuts that hold the faucet in place. Then, use the basin wrench to tighten the nuts until they are snug. ### Step 7: Connect the Water Supply Lines Once the faucet is installed, connect the water supply lines to the faucet. Make sure to connect the hot water line to the hot water supply valve and the cold water line to the cold water supply valve. ### Step 8: Turn on the Water Supply Once the water supply lines are connected, turn on the water supply to the bathtub. Check for leaks around the faucet. If you see any leaks, tighten the nuts that hold the faucet in place until the leaks stop. ### Step 9: Caulk Around the Faucet Once you have checked for leaks, caulk around the faucet to create a watertight seal. Use a silicone-based caulk that is mildew-resistant. ### Step 10: Enjoy Your New Faucet! Once the caulk has dried, you can enjoy your new bathtub faucet! ### Conclusion Changing a bathtub faucet is a relatively simple project that can be completed in a few hours. With a few basic tools and a little bit of know-how, you can easily tackle this task yourself and save money on the cost of hiring a plumber.