Replacing Old Bathtub Faucet

Replacing an Old Bathtub Faucet: A Step-by-Step Guide

A leaky or outdated bathtub faucet can be a frustrating annoyance, leading to wasted water and a less-than-ideal bathing experience. Replacing a bathtub faucet is a relatively simple DIY project that can be completed in a few hours with the right tools and materials. ### Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Materials Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials on hand: - Replacement bathtub faucet - Adjustable wrench - Pliers - Screwdriver - Utility knife - Flashlight - Safety glasses - Gloves - Bucket or large bowl - Rags or towels - Plumber's putty ### Step 2: Turn Off the Water Supply Locate the water supply valves for your bathtub faucet. These valves are typically located under the sink or in a nearby access panel. Turn the valves to the "off" position to stop the flow of water to the faucet. ### Step 3: Disconnect the Old Faucet Use the adjustable wrench to loosen the supply lines that connect the old faucet to the water supply valves. Be careful not to drop the nuts or washers into the drain. Once the supply lines are disconnected, use the screwdriver to remove the mounting screws that hold the faucet in place. ### Step 4: Remove the Old Faucet Once the mounting screws are removed, carefully remove the old faucet from the bathtub. Be mindful of any remaining water that may be in the faucet or supply lines. If necessary, use a flashlight to inspect the area behind the faucet for any hidden nuts or screws. ### Step 5: Clean the Faucet Area Use a rag or towel to clean the area where the old faucet was located. Remove any dirt, debris, or old sealant. This will ensure that the new faucet will fit properly and seal correctly. ### Step 6: Apply Plumber's Putty Use your fingers to apply a thin layer of plumber's putty around the base of the new faucet. This will help to create a watertight seal between the faucet and the bathtub. ### Step 7: Install the New Faucet Carefully position the new faucet in place over the plumber's putty. Use the mounting screws to secure the faucet to the bathtub. Make sure that the faucet is level and that the handles are facing the desired direction. ### Step 8: Reconnect the Water Supply Lines Use the adjustable wrench to reconnect the supply lines to the water supply valves. Make sure that the connections are tight and secure. ### Step 9: Test the New Faucet Turn on the water supply valves and let the water run through the new faucet. Check for any leaks around the base of the faucet or the supply lines. If you find any leaks, tighten the connections until the leaks stop. ### Step 10: Enjoy Your New Faucet! Once you're satisfied that the new faucet is installed correctly and there are no leaks, you can enjoy your updated and leak-free bathtub faucet. ### Additional Tips: - If you're replacing a faucet with a different design or configuration, you may need to make modifications to the plumbing or the bathtub itself. Consult with a professional plumber if you're unsure about how to proceed. - When choosing a new bathtub faucet, consider the style, finish, and features that best suit your needs and preferences. - If you're replacing a faucet in a rental property, be sure to check with the landlord before making any changes.