How to Replace Bath Tub Fixtures

Replacing bathtub fixtures is an easy way to update your bathroom.

Updating old bathtub fixtures gives your bathroom a modern look, and homeowners have many choices in fixtures to fit any budget. When purchasing new bathtub fixtures, look for the same kind of fixture type, such as a single-, double- or triple-handled faucet. Having the same type of fixtures makes them easier to replace and prevents the homeowner from having to repair the bathtub walls. Replacing fixtures is an opportune time to install new stems and seals in a bathtub faucet to prevent the faucet from leaking. This task requires some basic plumbing knowledge.

Things You'll Need

• Adjustable wrench
• Slip groove pliers
• Screwdriver
• Allen wrench
• Plumber's stem sockets
• Tub drain installation and removal tool
• Pipe wrench
• Plumber's grease
• Plumber's tape
• Silicone caulk

Instructions

1. Remove the access panel from the back of the bathtub wall to gain access to the bathtub faucet. Some may simply pop out of place, while other access panels may be held in place with screws.

2. Turn off the hot and cold water supply to the bathtub faucet. If there are no valves located in the access area, shut off the main water supply to the home,

3. Turn the shower head counterclockwise with an adjustable wrench or slip-groove pliers to remove the shower head. Slide the metal escutcheon plate off of the shower arm and remove the shower arm with slip-groove pliers.

4. Remove the faucet handles with a screwdriver or Allen wrench. There is usually a screw or Allen screw behind the hot and cold buttons on the handles.

5. Unscrew the stem collars, and then slide off the escutcheon plates. The escutcheon plates may also be held on with screws at the bottom of the plates; remove these screws to remove the plates.

6. Remove the old stems with an adjustable wrench; plumber's stem sockets may be required for removing recessed stems.

7. Turn the tub spout counterclockwise with slip-groove pliers or loosen the screw on the underside of the tub spout to remove the spout. Some tub spouts screw on and off, while others simply slide off after a supporting screw is removed.

8. Loosen the the hot and cold water pipe unions with a plumber's wrench, if removing and replacing the faucet.

9. Remove the overflow cover plate screws with a screwdriver. Some overflow cover plate models have two screws or simply snap on.

10. Unscrew the drain plug and tub drain. The tub drain will require a tub drain installation and removal tool that grasps the drain as you turn the tool to unscrew it.

11. Put the new faucet in place, if replacing the old one. Wrap the ends of the water pipe unions with plumber's tape and tighten the nuts with a pipe wrench.

12. Lube the new stems with plumber's grease and install the stems into the faucet.

13. Install the new stem collars and escutcheon plates.

14. Put the new faucet handles in place and tighten the screws to install them. Refer to the new faucet's installation instructions if the faucet was replaced; this may include precise instructions for installing the faucet handles with the faucet.

15. Apply plumber's tape to the new shower arm threads, wrap it counterclockwise to prevent the tape from backing off the threads as you tighten the shower arm.

16. Install the new shower arm with slip-groove pliers to get it tight. Slide the new escutcheon plate over the arm and screw the new shower head into place.

17. Install the new overflow cover plate according to the package directions. The installation process varies widely among different manufacturers.

18. Apply plumber's tape to the new tub drain threads and screw in the new tub drain, using the tub drain installation and removal tool. Screw the new tub drain plug into place.

19. Caulk the tub spout and the tub faucet escutcheons to prevent water from leaking behind the faucet. Allow the caulk to dry.

20. Turn on the water supply to the faucet and check for leaks.

Tips & Warnings

• Place a rag over the new shower arm to prevent scratches from the slip-groove pliers. Exercise caution when using tools in the tub and near shower walls so the tub isn't scratched.

References

• Bathroom and Kitchen Guide: How to Change a Bathtub Faucet in 8 Simple Steps
• Basic Plumbing Repair; Bathtub Faucet Repair (Showers Too); Bryan Stevens; February 2005