Easy Method to Replace Bathtub Faucet by Yourself

If your bathtub spout is broken and you are looking to replace the bathtub faucet on your own. I will show you the easiest way to replace faucets in your bathtub.

One common way to get rid of a damaged bathtub spout is to install a new one. Sometimes you will find your faucets leaking in your bathtubs, increasing water flow in the tub.

Instead of calling any plumbing service, you can handle this tub faucet replacement on your own. This process doesn’t require any special tools or plumbing skills.

At the end of this exciting guide, you can successfully replace the bathtub faucet at your home in pro-style.

Keep reading this information guideline!

 

Bathtub Spout Types

If you are looking to install a bathtub faucet or remove a bath faucet, you must understand the types of bathroom faucets. They are available in two forms of spouts.

1. Slip-On Spouts

   The slip-on form of faucets is sliding over ½-in. These spouts contain threads inside their setscrews. You can easily screw them onto the threaded pipe and hold the actual spout firmly.

   This is the universal version of faucets mostly available in spouts.

2. Screw-On Spouts

   If you need deeper threads inside your spouts, choose the screw-on type of faucets. It would help to connect these spouts with steel pipes or copper threaded fittings.

Screw-On Spouts With Back-Side Threads

You may also see some spouts with threads at the back end of these pipes. This third type can be fitted either on ½-in or ¾-in pipes.

Tools and Materials Required

How to Replace Bathtub Faucet – Complete Guide

The process of bathtub handle replacement is not challenging, but you need to follow some tactics to do this job like a pro. You have to determine what kind of faucet you need to replace from your bathtub.

If your bathtub contains a classic slip-on spout or even if you see a set screw on your faucet, you can comfortably replace them by applying the following steps.

Let’s move to these steps:

Unscrew the Old Nipple

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Just rotate the old nipple in a clockwise direction until you find the thread of your older pipes. You need to scratch these older threads on the pipes placed inside your bathtub.

If you are using a pipe wrench to unscrew your old nipple, then you must adjust your wrench to grab the pipe tightly. Never loosen your wrench at any stage, even if the nipple is too short or difficult to handle.

Just grip it tightly and continue to open it in a clockwise direction. I recommend you to use an internal pipe wrench only for this purpose.

Install the New Nipple

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Now pick the thread tape and wrap it on both ends of the new nipple. Match the screws into the wall inside its fittings and seal the pipe with silicone caulk.

Later, just screw the spout tight inside the wall to fix it. If you can’t detect the setscrew to fix it, then use a flashlight to see and adjust it perfectly.

You might still not find the setscrew; it means you are using a new slip-on spout type. This spout needs to be adjusted with the steel wall of the pipe.

Make it 100% sure that the new spout is ideally fitted onto the older pipe. There should be no leakage or loosening issues with new faucets.

If you feel that the new threads are rusted, and it is difficult to screw the new pipe, add or reduce the rotations of threads from the pipe.

Your newly installed spout needs to be tight with the steel wall inside its pipe to save your bathtub from leakage issues.

Check Bottom of the Tub Spout

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Before going inside this phase, you must check what type of spout you have installed. If you are using a set screw, you must have a Philips-head screwdriver to attach the tub’s spout tightly.

Place your wrench over the spout, and start rotating it anti-clockwise. You can also spin it with your hand before tightening it with a wrench.

Later, use the pipe wrench until the spout is free from the hosepipe. You may find some older threads on the new spout and near the hosepipe. Remove them to show off a newly clean spout in your bathtub.

Ensure the Tightness of the Spout

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Finally, check all the setscrews on spout and shower heads. All these gadgets should be tightly enclosed with each other. There should be no leakage to the wall, from the pipe, or in your bathtub.

You can adjust the connections of the shower head and all the other nuts with a wrench. The new tub faucet should be matched with the sink and bathtub in a final look.

Useful Tips

• It is better to tight all the pipe connections before starting the bathtub faucet replacement. Otherwise, the flow of water may lose these connections, and you can’t control water inflow.
• You must follow this tip else you may mess up everything in your bathroom. The tub spout diverter is also in danger.
• If you can’t do this task perfectly, these diverters may be damaged. Take care of your bathtub spout with a diverter!
• You can also bring a replacement kit to trim the shower faucet so that it shows a new look to your bathtub. This option is not compulsory, but you can also fix the shower faucet between the shower spout changing process.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Replace Just the Tub Faucet?

You can easily replace a separate bathtub faucet and install the new one. Whether you have installed a single-handle faucet or are looking to replace a multiple control faucet, you have to remove the faucet with stems directly connected to the pipes and install the newer one on its location.

How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Bathtub Faucet?

Replacing the bathtub faucet can cost you $300 to $400. You can do this task with a DIY approach and easily repair or replace a bathtub faucet without using complicated tools.

When Should a Bathtub Faucet Be Replaced?

A bathtub faucet may last for 15-20 years or even more. If you notice constant repairs of any faucet, it is better to replace it with a newer one.

How Much Does a Plumber Charge to Install a Faucet?

You can expect the labor cost from the charges of a plumber. Sometimes the project price of installing a faucet exceeds a new faucet set. You can handle this task easily on your own with minimum tools.

How Do You Replace a Bathtub Faucet Fixture?

You should remove the handle and unscrew the stem from the faucet to replace it. Further, remove the whole spout and install the new bathtub faucet at its right location.

Conclusion

This innovative guide provides you step by step procedure of how to remove the bathtub faucet.

All these stages are designed under the supervision of professional plumbers and will never disappoint you at any stage. You never think of how to change the bathtub faucet here and now.

If your tub spout won’t unscrew or the steps to replace the bathtub faucet are unclear, you can critically read them again. I tried my best to wisely convey all the aspects of removing the bathtub spouts.

After completing this task, notice a final look at your bathroom. Check out the matching of your favorite faucet with the sink and bathtub. After a few weeks come back and clean the faucet.

Almost every faucet has the same method for cleaning. You can refer to these essential instructions by sharing this informative post with your friends.