Apart from the ugly rust that is beginning to accumulate on your old tub faucet and other fittings, nothing is more triggering than the persistent drippings that you hear coming from the toilet all the time. Bathroom fittings can be rapidly and inexpensively replaced; many are feasible by hand.
In this article, you will find all the details that you need to know to change a bathtub faucet, so keep reading. Whether your bathtub faucet is dripping or you just want to change the way your tap looks, this is the right spot.
Getting to Know Your Bathtub Faucet
Before beginning the changing process, you must identify what kind of faucet you are dealing with. This will assist you in selecting the right substitute parts and conducting the fitting processes appropriately.
Identifying The Design of Your Faucet
Look at how the faucet is connected to the wall or tub to figure out its design. Threaded spouts and slip-on spouts are the two fundamental designs. You would use a set screw to fasten the slide-on spouts, which “slip” onto your water stub-out pipe. At the same time, threaded spouts sometimes referred to as screw-on spouts, thread straight onto the stub-out pipe with no need for a set screw.
What You’ll Need to Change a Bathtub Faucet
- Pliers
- Allen wrenches
- A pipe wrench
- A screwdriver.
- A putty knife
- A tape measure
- The caulk gun
- The plumber’s tape
- Caulking
- Rags
Steps You Need To Follow For Changing The Bathtub Faucet‘
Here is a step by step guide given below to change the bathtub faucet of your bathroom.
1. Disconnect the water supply to your house
Before you begin the process, turn off the primary water connection in your house. If possible, run your bathtub for a minute or whatever time it takes for the water to drain completely. After you have drained your pipes of water, find a rag or piece of cloth to cover the drain so that nails or other tiny items won’t tumble down it.
2. Get Rid of the Old Stem And Handles from your Bathtub
There are handles that have a cap on top of them instead. To remove the handle, unscrew it after removing the lid. There will be a set screw on the side of the other handles. Loosen the handle and carefully unscrew the setscrew so as not to misplace it. After detaching the handles, you must pull out or unscrew the sleeve surrounding the stem, also known as the cartridge. The stem that regulates the water’s temperature will then be removed.
3. Unplug the Bathtub Spout
The next step is to remove the tub spout. As previously mentioned, wall-mounted bathtub spouts come in two varieties: screw-on and slip-on. If there is a slip-on spout, you can use an Allen wrench to let go of the setscrew and carefully remove the spout after using it. If the spout is screw-on and does not have a set screw, you will have to use a pipe wrench or another tool that can unscrew it to remove it.
4. Invest in New Parts
After discarding your old faucet parts, you will need to verify the measurements and buy fresh ones. The spigot, the tiny plug or peg that sticks out from your wall, must be measured. Your new faucet must be compatible with the previous facet arrangement. Get your old tap unit and go to a hardware store. With the assistance of professionals, you may get new bathtub faucets there that are the same size and style as your old faucet.
5. Put in a New Stem
The new stem only needs to be inserted into the hole, screwed into position and tightened using a socket wrench or other suitable tool. Be careful not to overly tighten the stem when redoing the procedure if there are two handles. Screw the sleeve back into position and use a pipe wrench to pull it.
6. Set Up New Handles
To begin, move the handle over the freshly installed stem until it makes contact with the wall. After it is in position, use a screwdriver to fasten the handle using the old screw that you already removed. The index cover needs to slide into position perfectly. If you have many handles, repeat the procedure with each one to keep water out of the walls, and apply caulk around the bottom of each handle with your caulk gun.
7. Set up the New Spout
The plumber’s tape must be wrapped around the pipe’s threading in order to guarantee a snug fit. This prevents leaks from happening by isolating the spout. Installing a slip-on spout involves sliding it onto the cartridge and sleeve and fastening it with the spout’s bottom setscrew. If your spout is screwed on, fix it on till it comes into contact with the surface of the wall, then tighten it slightly.
8. Apply Fresh Caulking and Allow it to Dry Down
If the caulk was around the sides of your previous tub faucet, you might want to apply a new coat to lock it in. Otherwise, you may consider purchasing a faucet cover and sealing the new spigot with it. Depending on the current plumbing connection and the replacement item you decide to install, this step might not be essential.
9. Turn on Your Water Again and Check for Leakage
After everything is in its proper place, test the new tap and turn on the water once more. If there are water leaks, make sure you have turned the water faucet several times to secure it into place. Applying caulk to the outer edges and letting them dry will help to sort out your issue.
Why Choose Smart Remodeling LLC in Houston for Your Bathroom Faucet Replacement?
If you’re in Houston or the surrounding areas and need professional help with your bathroom faucet replacement, Smart Remodeling LLC is your go-to expert. We specialize in high-quality bathroom remodeling services, ensuring every detail, including faucet installations, is completed to perfection. Our locally based team understands the unique needs of Houston homes and offers tailored solutions that match your style and requirements.
From small upgrades like faucet replacements to complete bathroom overhauls, we provide top-notch services designed to elevate your home’s comfort and aesthetic appeal. Serving Houston and nearby areas, we are dedicated to providing exceptional craftsmanship, personalized service, and a hassle-free remodeling experience.
Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation and discover how we can help bring your bathroom dreams to life!
The Final Verdict
A simple home remodeling project that can improve your bathroom’s look and feel is changing the bathtub’s water faucet. The usefulness and beauty of your bathroom can be significantly enhanced by replacing your tap, which is a simple do-it-yourself task.
Using the directions mentioned above, you can perform the task, avoid paying for a professional installation, and acquire valuable skills for home improvement. A plumber should be consulted if you encounter any problems or have questions regarding any part of the process. They can complete the task securely and accurately in a few short hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can most bathtub faucets be used universally?
Although a spout along with one or more handles are common to all bathtub faucets, they are not all precisely the same. Although the fitting process is essentially the same, the faucets will differ and might make use of various mounting techniques or linkages. To ensure that the new tap matches the old one, it is crucial that you bring your old faucet to the hardware shop.
2. Is changing a bathroom faucet simple?
It’s easier than you may think to replace the water faucet in your bathroom. The project can be completed using a basin wrench and a few additional tools. It should take one hour at the most. When installing a new tap on a new sink, the same steps must be followed as mentioned above.
3. Is it possible to replace a faucet without a plumber?
If you have the necessary equipment and plumbing knowledge, you may replace the tap in your cooking area, bathroom sink, bathtub, hose bib, or utility sink. However, the process that a certified plumber could finish in a couple of hours can easily take a half day for inexperienced homeowners.
