How to Replace a Two Handle Bathtub Faucet

Dual-handle bathtub faucets utilize one faucet to control the flow of hot water and another faucet to control the flow of cold water. The hot water and the cold water enter the mixing chamber within the faucet, then exit through the tub's spout. Over time, the seals and O-rings within the faucet corrode, typically resulting in water leaks within the wall and drips from the bathtub's spout. When either occurs, the faucets must be replaced.

Things You'll Need

• Small flathead screwdriver
• Phillips screwdriver
• Plastic putty knife
• Stem socket kit
• Pliers
• Caulking

Instructions

1. Turn off the main water to the structure at the water meter.

2. Remove the faucet handle's cap. The cap is located on the center of the handle and is used to conceal the handle's retaining screw. Use a small flathead screwdriver to pry the cap free from the handle.

3. Remove the faucet's handle by removing the screw in the center of the handle with a Phillips screwdriver, then by pulling the handle away from the faucet.

4. Remove any caulking which surrounds the escutcheon plate with a plastic putty knife. The escutcheon plate is the chrome piece which rests behind the faucet's handle against the wall.

5. Remove the escutcheon plate by pulling the plate away from the wall. Some escutcheon plates are attached to the wall with one or more screws which must first be removed with a screwdriver. Removing the escutcheon plate with reveal the faucet inside the wall.

6. Unscrew the retaining nut which surrounds the faucet with a stem socket kit, available at most home centers. Slide the stem socket over the retaining nut, then use the handle supplied in the kit to turn the retaining nut in a counterclockwise direction.

7. Remove the faucet by grasping the tip of the faucet with a pair of pliers, then by pulling the faucet straight out of the wall.

8. Insert the replacement faucet into place, then use the stem socket set to tighten the bonnet nut onto the faucet.

9. Install the escutcheon plate by first placing the plate over the faucet's stem and against the wall. If the plate was attached to the wall with retaining screws, insert the plate's retaining screws and tighten them with a screwdriver. If the plate used caulking to seal itself to the wall, apply a narrow bead of caulking around the circumference of the escutcheon plate where the plate meets the wall.

10. Slide the faucet's handle over the faucet's stem, insert the handle's retaining screw through the center of the handle, then tighten the retaining screw with a screwdriver.

11. Place the handle's cap directly over the center of the handle, then press the cap towards the handle until the cap clicks into place.

12. Repeat the above steps for the second faucet.

13. Turn the main water supply on to complete the replacement process.