A Step-By-Step Guide on Bathtub Faucet Replacement
A leaky bathtub spout can range from a minor annoyance to a serious issue that can cause water damage and potential mold growth. Prompt repair is key to avoiding costly damages and health risks. This guide provides concise, step-by-step instructions on bathtub faucet replacement. It also can help you fix a leaky bathtub spout, saving you the expense and hassle of calling a plumber!
Table of Contents
Read more: How to fix a spigot leak.
Step 1. Gather Your Tools
Before you get started, you must gather all the tools you need to complete the project:
- Adjustable wrench
- Multi-bit screwdriver
- Clean cloth
- Washers
- Faucet stem
- Socket wrench
- Faucet handle
For a DIY project like this, you only need products you can find around home or buy quickly at your local retailer.
Step 2. Shut Off Your Water Supply
Once you’ve gathered all the necessary tools and materials, locate your water supply valve and turn the water supply off. Turn off the water supply lines if you cannot find the primary valve.
Once you do this, turn the handle of your faucet to the on position. Let all the residual water from the pipes flow down the drain.
Step 3. Remove the Handle
You’ll need to dismantle the faucet to identify the root of the leak.
- Begin by taking off the decorative cap on the handle. Use a screwdriver to loosen the screw found at the handle’s center.
- After unscrewing, gently pull the handle away from the wall to detach it.
- If the handle is stubborn, likely due to corrosion or water deposits, avoid forcing it off, as this might cause damage. Instead, gently warm it with a hairdryer or pour warm water over it to loosen it.
- If necessary, employ a handle puller. This tool latches onto the handle, providing extra leverage to ease it off without causing harm.
Step 4. Assess All of the Parts
Once you’ve removed the faucet handle, examine the stem and the inside of the handle closely to assess the condition. Look at the washer, handle, and valve stem to locate eroded components. The most common reason for a leaky faucet is a worn washer. If it needs to be replaced, it will appear hardened or twisted.
With any components that you remove, you should set them aside in a small container. When it comes time to replace all of these parts, you’ll want to put them together like when you removed them.
Step 5. Replace the Handle
After years of constant use, bathtub handles can begin to crack or develop rust. If your handle shows signs of severe wear, you’ll want to consider replacing it.
Another reason your faucet may leak is that the handle may not completely turn the water off. Depending on your faucet type, installing a new handle and turning on your water can help you find where the leak is coming from.
Step 6. Replace the Washer
You’ll notice an exposed rubber component at the top of your faucet’s stem. This is called the seat washer, which aims to seal water flow. As we mentioned, washers tend to deteriorate over time. To replace it, loosen the screw that holds it together and replace it with a new one.
If you’re unsure of what screws to use, you can take the old one to a hardware store and ask them for an exact match. If the faucet leaks after you replace the washer, you may have to replace the stem or seat.
Step 7. Replace the Seat if Needed
A damaged seat is another faucet component that can cause a leak. The seat is the component in contact with the washer. It can become damaged after the washer deteriorates or due to corrosion.
A damaged seat can cause a leak but also damage the washer you just placed, making the leak reappear.
For this reason, it’s not enough to just replace the washer and move on to replacing the stem. Checking the seat could save you the trouble of taking apart your new installation.
Step 8. Replace the Stem
The faucet stem lowers and raises whenever you turn the handle of your faucet. It allows water to flow through. If you are dealing with a faulty or damaged stem, it may not properly block the water flow.
- Before you replace the stem, wipe away any rust, caulk, or wax buildup around the base. Using an adjustable wrench, loosen the bolts holding it together. You must use a socket wrench if the bolts are on the wall.
- Once you’ve done this, you can remove the old one and install a new one. If you’re unsure of what stem and bolts you need, it’s a good idea to consult with a professional plumber or refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for guidance.
- When you replace the stem, be very gentle. Do not force it, or you may damage the threads in your plumbing. For this part, it’s best to use your hands.
Step 9. Replace the Spout
A bathtub spout, or a faucet or tap, is essential to a bathtub’s plumbing system. It’s the part from which water flows into the tub. Typically mounted on the wall above the bathtub, spouts come in various designs and finishes and may include features like a diverter to switch water flow between the tub and a shower head.
- Begin by gently scraping off any old caulk from the junction where the spout meets the wall.
- Using a pipe wrench, grasp the spout firmly and unscrew it from the stub-out pipe.
- Before buying a new spout, clean the threads on the stub-out pipe and measure them to ensure the new spout will fit. Purchase a matching spout from a hardware store.
- Wrap thread-sealing tape around the stub-out pipe’s threads clockwise for about four turns.
- Next, apply a bead of caulk around the area where the spout will meet the tub.
- Carefully thread the new spout onto the stub-out pipe, tightening it securely. The caulk helps prevent water from seeping behind the spout and causing internal wall damage.
- Finish by cleaning any excess caulk around the seam for a neat appearance.
Step 10. Put It All Back Together
Once all of the damaged components are replaced, it’s time to put everything back together.
- Replace the stem and tighten it using your adjustable wrench. Then, screw the handle back into place.
- Once the handle is firmly reattached, you can replace the decorative cap covering it all.
- Next, turn the water supply back on to check if everything is running smoothly and there are no leaks.
Leave It to the Pros
A leaky bathtub faucet can be more than just a nuisance; it can lead to water damage and mold if not addressed promptly. If you notice a leak, consider fixing it yourself. It’s a relatively simple task that doesn’t require extensive expertise. You might need to buy specific tools, but this DIY approach can be cost-effective.
Bring the old parts to a hardware store to find exact replacements. This ensures you don’t repeat the problem due to incorrect parts. Be cautious when undertaking this repair to avoid damaging critical components of your bathtub.
If the leak leads to more serious issues like water damage or mold, don’t hesitate to contact All Dry USA. We are an experienced full-service contracting company specializing in damage restoration and repairs. Trust us to handle your home’s repair needs with expertise and reliability.
Need help? Get in touch with our team. We’re here to assist with any home repair or water damage concerns.
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