How to Replace a Tub and Shower Faucet

Faucets are some of those things that you just take for granted will last forever. Unfortunately, that's not the case. Sooner or later, you will have to replace those old faucets. Most faucets are fairly simple and easy to replace. The kitchen sink faucet and the bathroom vanity faucet are easily accessed from beneath the sink. However, the bathtub and shower faucet is the hardest one to replace. Most of the time this is because it is hard to access this faucet, since you are usually working from the back side of the faucet.

Most home builders are smart enough to leave an access panel on the wall behind a shower. This allows you to be able to get in to fix any problems that might occur over time, including replacing a leaky faucet. Of course, there are times when the builder has not done this. It may have been that the wall directly behind the shower is in a bedroom and he just didn't want an access panel showing. Whatever. If there is not an access panel, then you will just have to bite the bullet and make one. You can't work on something if you can't see what you're doing or get to it. So, go ahead and measure where you need to cut to locate the faucet and just do it.

After you have gained access to the back of the faucet, check out how the faucet is made. Notice the water lines coming in. This is very important. It is always easier to replace a faucet if you use the same type. By that I mean either a single handle faucet or a two handle faucet. Since the openings in the tub or wall are already cut for the handle or handles, you want to stay with the same type of faucet. If you have a single handle faucet, you have a large hole in the center. If you have a two handle faucet, you will have holes on either side. Determine which faucet you have before you make a trip to the home improvement center or hardware store.

After selecting a new faucet, you will also need pipe tape. If you will not have to cut any water lines, you should be okay. However, it doesn't hurt to keep a few plumbing supplies on hand, just in case things don't go back like they should. A few items you might need are collars or connectors, elbows, tees, and a small section of pipe, all in the size of your plumbing. Most plumbing is either half inch or three quarters. You will also need to keep a can of pvc cement and cleaner.

Now that you've got everything you will need, you can turn the water supply to the tub off. If you don't have cutoff valves on these lines, you will need to cut the main water supply off. If you have to do this, be sure to turn off the breaker for the hot water heater. This will help ensure you won't damage the hot water heater.

You will first need to remove the tub spout and the handle or handles. The spout should come off easily by turning it counterclockwise. To remove the handle or handles, first snap out the center cap. A flat screwdriver or knife should pop the caps out. Underneath the cap you will see a screw. Unscrew this and the handle will come off, leaving just a stem. You should have a metal ring or back plate that will lift off after you remove the handle. You're now ready to disconnect the faucet at the back.

Locate the top of each of the water lines. This should join to the the faucet with a male connector on the water line side and a female connector or compression fitting on the faucet side. Using an open end wrench, turn the compression fitting counterclockwise. You may want to use another wrench to hold back up on the male connector to keep it from trying to turn. Once the fitting is loose, unscrew it and the water line and faucet should be separated. Do the same with the other water line. Once both lines are disconnected, you will need to disconnect the water line running up to the shower head. Hopefully, the connection has a similiar setup as the main water connects. In other words, one connector will unscrew to allow you take it apart. If it does not, you will have to cut and reconnect the line after you have the new faucet in place or run a complete new line from the faucet to the shower head.

You should now be able to remove the old faucet. Once you have removed it, you will need to take the spout connection or nipple out to reuse it in the new faucet. Gently remove it with a small wrench or vise grips. Using the pipe tape, tape the threads on each end of it. Insert one end into the new faucet and tighten it. Be careful to not over-tighten. Place the new faucet right back into the same holes. You are now ready to start reconnecting the water lines. If the faucets are the same, the lines should reconnect easily. Again, do not over-tighten.

To reconnect the line running to the shower head, if you had the compression type fitting, simply reattach it. You do not need to use pipe tape on compression fittings. If, however, you had to cut the line, first put fresh tape on the thread ends of the male connector and thread it down into the top of the faucet. Tighten it with an open end wrench or adjustable wrench. Do not over-tighten. The two cut pieces should be almost back in the same spot. You may even have to cut a little more off in order to allow for the connector. Use pipe cleaner on both ends of the pipe and also in both ends of the connector. Make sure you have enough play in the pipe to allow you to put the two pieces together before you apply the glue. If you do not, you will need to take the male end connector back loose at the top of the faucet and use a compression fitting to attach the shower head line and faucet. This is really the best way. That way if you ever need to replace the line running from the faucet to the shower head, you can easily unscrew it and remove it.

Now that all the lines are reconnected at the back of the faucet, it's time to put the new handles and spout on. The spout should screw on clockwise. Tighten it until it is flush with the wall of the tub. Do not over-tighten. Some people will place a small bead of caulking around the spout where it meets the wall especially if it doesn't tighten up against the wall. Next, place the back covers for the handles on first, then position the handle. Use the screws provided and insert them into the center of the handle. Screw them into the handle, but do not over-tighten.

Now is a good time to turn the water back on and check for any leaks. Hopefully, there are none. If there are, try tightening the connections or compression fittings.

If everything is okay, snap the caps into the center of the handles and your new faucet is complete. Don't forget to turn your hot water heater breaker back on if you had to turn the main water line off.

Oh, if you did have to cut out an access panel, you may want to make some type of cover out of paneling or wood to cover the opening. I would use screws so that you can easily remove it if you should ever have to work on the faucet again. Which, hopefully, won't be for many, many years.