The dripping bathroom faucet woke me up every single day. Its disturbing nagging sound was becoming impossible to bear. Something needed to be done immediately.
If you can relate to this, you are in the right place!
A damaged bathtub faucet can be a menace. Besides creating a disturbing sound, a leaking faucet can cost you money. Thus it’s all the more necessary to fix it.
However, can you do it on your own? How much does it cost? What type of faucets should you use?
If you have all these questions bubbling in your mind, I have all the answers for you here!
I have covered all that you need to know from my personal experience regarding how to replace a two handle bathtub faucet.
So gear up, and get ready to fix that disturbing faucet!
Types of Bathtub Faucet Handles
Before knowing how to replace bathtub faucet, choosing the ideal bathroom faucet was essential, and I think everyone else feels the same way.
What is the point of buying a faucet one finds hard to use? Plus, I have a minimalist interior, so I wanted a faucet to match the overall look and feel.
However, I was blown away by the sheer number of choices I came across. Though there are multiple types of bathroom faucets, I will tell you about the ones I considered.
1. Wall-mounted Bathtub Faucets
This is the most popular and affordable option. Since I have a small bathroom, I got this one since it’s space-saving.
2. Spout Only Bathtub Faucets
As the name suggests, this faucet only has a spout option. So, you can use this if you are replacing your spout-only option and not the entire plumbing. A friend of mine wanted to upgrade her spout, so I suggested this one to her.
3. Deck Mount Bathtub Faucets
This faucet is placed on the deck of the tub. It’s ideal for bathtubs that don’t have a shower.
4. Roman-style Bathtub Faucets
This is a classic Roman signature, ideal for you if you want to add a traditional touch to your bathroom. Thankfully these are available in deck mount, freestanding, and wall-mount options.
When You Should Replace Your Bathtub Faucet
Many tell-tale signs signal urgent faucet change. I decided to change mine when it started to drip continuously.
However, I tried a few things before learning how to change the bathtub faucet handle. For instance, I turned off the water supply to the faucet, but it continued to drip. It started as small droplets, but soon they grew in size.
So, I changed my faucets even before those drips could get added to my utility bills.
Other signs of faucet change can include rusted handles (they are disgusting to look at), mineral build-up, and handle leaks.
As a rule of thumb, it’s advisable to change the faucets after a couple of years of use.
Tools Required to Replace a Bathtub Faucet
I didn’t want to wait (or spend money on) for a plumber to replace the bathtub faucet.
I had seen multiple videos online, read tons of articles, and felt pretty confident about the DIY method. And honestly, the process was very simple.
I only needed some basic tools for the whole process.
How to Replace a Two Handle Bathtub Faucet – Step by Step
As mentioned earlier, replacing my two-handle faucet was not a long haul, and it did not take me very long.
I have broken up the entire process for you into four easy-to-follow steps.
1. Assembly
As suggested by most videos I had referred to, I started by connecting the water lines. This is easy since most faucets are marked with two colors, blue and red.
However, I needed to connect the two water lines in two different holes. Since I was doing this already, I didn’t have to use the Teflon; however, I used it anyway.
It is suggested to use Teflon if your pipes show signs of leaks.
When all things are in place, secure the setting with a wrench.
Once all the water lines were in, I slid the base plate at the foot. This completes the assembly part of the process.
2. Old Faucet Removal
If you are doing this like me, turn off the main water line.
My waterline valve is located under the sink (it is mostly found there). So, before anything, find yours.
Once that is done, take out the old faucet and plug in the new one. Next, use a wrench to remove the nuts from the old faucets. Then remove the drain plug after you have loosened the water lines.
At this stage, I used an Allen Key. Once the top section was removed, I went under the sink and removed the waterline.
3. Installing the New Faucet
Before going forward, I advise you to clean the bathtub. Mine became extremely messy, and I wanted to clean it to avoid any injury moving forward.
Make sure there is no dirt under the faucet. I used some alcohol in a towel to clean the sink.
Once the cleaning is over, put the water line through the holes. Following this, push in the rest of the faucet. You have to make sure it’s completely secure. I suggest you go to the bottom to screw it well.
You will find a plastic piece on top, which holds the top portion in place.
4. Water Connection
You will again need some Teflon at this stage to prevent any leakage. Again, I used the Teflon directly at the mouth of the water line to eschew any leaking.
It’s essential to ensure that no water leaks before connecting the lines to the new faucet. Once the lines are placed, use a wrench to tighten the pipes. Now, turn on the faucet and inspect!
FAQs
Q1: How to Remove a Tub Spout That’s Stuck?
A1: Even before you begin with the process of unscrewing the tub spout, check how it is fixed to the wall. Once you check that, use a screw fastener on the underside of the faucet.
You can also try the process of threading to remove an unstuck screw.
Q2: How to Remove a Corroded Tub Faucet?
A2: Use a brush wire to scrape as much corrosion as possible for starters. Then use a wrench to check if you can turn the stuck part.
If it still does not work, use a hairdryer to heat the corroded part. The heat usually loosens the bond as the metal swells up.
Q3: Can you Replace a Two Handle Bathtub faucet with a Single Handle Faucet?
A3: Yes. It is possible to replace a two-handle bathtub faucet with a single handle.
For that, change the conversion plate. This plate covers the old valve holes without cutting new holes in the wall. However, for the plates to work well, it’s essential to find an ideal plate that fits the new faucet and is wide enough to cover the previous holes. Thankfully, these plates are available in any plumbing store, offline or online.
Q4: Do All Tubs have an Access Panel?
A4: Most bathtubs with jets require an access panel. However, if it’s not available, you can opt for a DIY method. Many people make space on one tile over the access panel. Then, some silicon can be used to stick the tile. Following this, a groove can be made in the silicon with a knife. However, the only challenge is to find some neutral colored silicon.
Q5: How to Remove a Single Handle Bathtub Faucet?
A5: You can use the following steps to remove a single handle bathtub faucet:
- Cut the water supply to the tub faucet valves
- Identify the screw that secures the tub faucet, and then remove it with an Allen key or wrench
- Locate the screws that hold the escutcheon plate and remove it
- Take the sleeve that covers the faucet cartridge away from it
- Find out the tub spout located underneath and remove it
- Use a wrench to remove the showerhead
Q6: Do You have to Turn Water Off to Change Bathtub Faucet?
A6: Though it is unnecessary, it’s advisable to turn off the water supply; otherwise, you might get sprayed from the faucet area while installing the new bathtub faucet.
While it will not affect your new faucet per se, you will land up with a messy bathroom with water everywhere. Thus shutting off the water supply fixes the problem.
Q7: How to Replace Tub Faucets with no Wall Access?
A7: The process is very straightforward:
- Turn off the water supply
- Remove the handle
- Pry the chrome escutcheon plate from the shower wall
- Remove the bonnet nut
- Attach an appropriately sized socket to set the diverter valve
Q8: How do you Remove a Bathtub Faucet without Set Screws?
A8: If you do not see any set screws, chances are, you have a threaded tub spout. You can remove the tub spout by simply twisting it in an anti-clockwise direction. This will also show you how the existing spout is threaded.
Wrapping Up
I breathed a sigh of relief once I replaced my bathtub faucet, and honestly, learning how to replace a two handle bathtub faucet is pretty straightforward.
So, if you are having an issue with your dripping or corroded water faucet, it’s time you change it. In this piece, I have covered the entire process and included all you need to know to get the job done!
I hope you find it helpful while trying to fix that tricky faucet of yours.
