How to Install Shower Fixtures

Shower fixtures come in different styles, but they all install the same way.

Shower fixtures such as the shower head, tub spout and faucet install on your home's plumbing. Each one is slightly different, but all brands and models install in basically the same way, with the same tools. If you want to attempt this project on your own, you'll find it manageable enough. The installation takes an hour or less if you have previous experience with fixture installations. If not, give yourself more than an hour to get the job done.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Allen wrench
• Regular wrench

Instructions

1. Install the faucet. Insert the cartridge into the shower body valve, the valve connected to your home plumbing.

2. Insert the cartridge clip in the top of the cartridge to retain it inside the valve, if your cartridge requires a clip. Screw in the cartridge screws with a screwdriver if your cartridge requires cartridge screws. Or, tighten the bonnet (also called a retaining nut on some shower faucets) by hand.

3. Slide on the trim sleeve, the cylinder-shaped part that fits around the cartridge. This is also called a stop tube kit in some faucets. Fit the round trim plate over the faucet and mount it in place with the trim plate screws and a screwdriver. Slide the handle over the cartridge and secure it with the set screw. Tighten the set screw with an Allen wrench.

4. Wrap the threaded end of the tub pipe with plumber's tape. Wind three wraps around the threaded section only. Slide the tub spout over the tub pipe. Position the mouth of the spout to point down into the tub. Tighten the set screw underneath the tub spout with an Allen wrench.

5. Wrap the shower pipe's threads with plumber's tape. Three wraps around the threads is plenty of tape. Screw the shower head's base nut onto the pipe threads, and tighten by hand. Give the nut a quarter-turn with a wrench after it is hand-tightened.

References

• Delta Faucet: Shower Faucet Instructions
• AmericanStandard: Instruction Sheet, Shower Faucet

Resources

• Moen: Adler Single Handle Shower Faucet Instructions