Simple plumbing jobs are an oxymoron, except this one
DIY plumbing tasks can scare off a lot of homeowners because plumbing errors are costly. Working with your home's pipes and water systems is a tricky job. However, changing a bathtub faucet when it gets damaged or corroded is definitely doable for most. Carefully follow these steps to learn how to replace a bathtub faucet and feel good about expanding your DIY knowledge.
If dripping is the problem, check to see if it’s possible to fix your leaky bathtub faucet, but a replacement may be necessary if you have a rusted, cracked, or corroded faucet.
The first step in preparing to change a bathroom faucet is to determine which type of faucet you will be replacing. The two most common types are slip-on spouts and screw-on spouts.
A slip-on spout will be secured with a setscrew located on the underside of the spout. To remove this type of spout, you’ll need to loosen the setscrew with a screwdriver or hex tool. A screw-on spout screws into place (thanks to internal threads) on the pipe that projects from the wall. Gently unscrew this type of spout with a pipe wrench or other tool that can help loosen it.
The cost of a new bathtub faucet averages $200 to $400, depending on style and materials. Freestanding faucets can exceed $1,000, but you may also need to have some additional plumbing work done to install a new unit like that. In general, the cost to replace a bathtub is about $5,200. If you're dreaming of doing a total renovation, you could pay a great deal more.
Shut off the main water valve to your home before starting. Run your bathtub (if possible) for about 30 seconds or however long it takes to drain out.
Find a rag or cloth to place over the drain once you've emptied your pipes of water to prevent any screws or small objects from falling down it.
Some handles will have a cap located on the top of the handles. Remove the cap and then unscrew the handle to remove it. Other handles will have a setscrew in the side. Unscrew the setscrew, being careful not to lose it, and remove the handle. If the handles are too tight, you can purchase a handle puller that will help remove it without damaging the plumbing.
After removing the handles, you’ll need to remove the sleeve that protects the stem, or cartridge, by pulling it out or unscrewing it. Then you’ll remove the stem — the part of the faucet that controls the water temperature. The tool needed to do this may vary by manufacturer, so you may need to make a trip to the hardware store to purchase one.
Next up, it’s time to remove the bathtub spout. As described above, there are two kinds of wall-mounted bathtub spouts: slip on and screw on. To determine which kind you have, look for a small setscrew on the bottom side of the spout. If there is one, then you’re working with a slip-on spout and you can loosen the setscrew with an allen wrench and gently pull the spout off.
If there isn’t a setscrew, you have a screw-on spout, and you’ll need to unscrew it to remove it using a pipe wrench or other tool that can grip it.
Bring your old unit to the store. A specialist there can help you find a newer model that'll fit the space.
It's also a good idea to measure the spigot extending from your wall. Most extend 6 inches from the wall, or they’re built into the wall. Your new bathtub faucet will need to match this setup. You may also need to purchase plumber’s tape for the spout if you don’t already have some.
Now's a good time to shop around for other bathtub renovation projects. For example, you might consider refinishing your bathtub or adding a liner if it's older.
To install the new stem, simply place it in the hole and screw it into place and tighten it with a socket wrench or appropriate tool. If there are two handles, repeat the process being sure not to overtighten the stem. Replace the sleeve by screwing it back into place and tightening it with a pipe wrench.
Install new handles by sliding them over the new stem and securing them in place with the screw. Replace the screw cover. You should also use a caulk gun to add caulk around the base of each handle. This will protect the wall from any water that may run from the handle.
To ensure a tight seal, you’ll need to wrap plumber’s tape around the threading on the pipe. This helps to seal the spout and prevent leaks. If you’re installing a slip-on spout, slip it over the cartridge and the sleeve and secure it with the setscrew on the bottom of the spout. If you have a screw-on spout, screw it on until it touches the wall and then gently tighten it.
If your old bathtub faucet had caulk around the edges, you may want to add a fresh layer to help seal it in. Alternatively, you might consider buying a bathtub faucet cover and installing it over the new spigot. This step may be optional depending on your plumbing setup and the new device you choose to install.
Once everything's in place, turn the water main valve back on and test the new faucet. If there are leaks, check the screw or make sure you turned the faucet enough times to lock it into place. Adding caulk around the edges and allowing it to dry may also solve the problem.
If you want to learn a new skill and secure bragging rights for your DIY skills, learning how to replace a bathtub faucet is a great starter task to tackle. It's relatively simple to do, requires only a few tools, and there's minimal risk of something going wrong—as long as you’re gentle and turn your water off before starting. It can even help you when looking for ways to save on bathroom remodel costs.
However, if plumbing issues make you nervous or you find that your old bathtub faucet is compromised, calling a local faucet installer is the best option. Better safe than sorry!
Ben Kissam contributed to this piece.
While all bathtub faucets include a spout and one or two handles, they are not universal. The installation method is mostly the same, but the faucets will vary and may use different mounting systems or connections. This is why it’s important to take your original faucet with you to the hardware store, so you can match it to the new faucet.
Yes, plumbers replace bathtub faucets, but they’ll charge labor costs to do so. A plumber can charge $50 to $100 or more per hour for labor plus the cost of the faucet. Labor may not break the bank for a simple job, but it could cost significantly more for complex jobs like installing a waterfall tub filler or freestanding bathtub faucet if either falls into your must-have bathroom remodel ideas.
The two main types of bathtub faucets are slip-on and screw-on faucets. A slip-on faucet slips onto the pipe and is secured with a setscrew located on the bottom of the spout, whereas a screw-on faucet has threads inside and screws onto the pipe. You may also see freestanding, wall-mount, and deck-mount bathtub faucets.
