How to Replace Bath Tub Fixtures

How to open up a wall to gain access to plumbing fixtures, then removing the old and installing the new fixtures.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sheetrock knife
• adjustable wrench
• metal hacksaw
• tape measure
• plumber's kit to sweat pipe joints
• copper pipe fittings, elbows and connectors

1. Unscrew the water handles, the shower control, the shower head and the tub fill spout. Either enter the shower wall through the back or remove tiles to enter in the front. Cut a hole with the sheetrock knife around the fixture approx. 12"x12" at least big enough to expose one wall stud.

2. Turn off the water to the shower fixtures at the source and the using the hacksaw, cut the water supply pipes, the piping for the shower head and tub fill spout from the old fixture. There may be a couple of clamps holding the fixture in place, loosen them to remove the old fixture.

3. Unpack your new shower fixture and follow the detailed info provided to determine what type of pipe fittings are required to hook up the new unit. Connect the necessary pipe fittings to the new fixture and then connect them to the existing plumbing, making sure that the fixture is properly centered on the tub/shower and at the desired height.

4. Turn the water back on to test for any leaks then re-install sheetrock screwing into the one stud to hold securely in place and then re-tile and grout if necessary. Attach the new shower head, tub spout(first twisting teflon tape around the pipe threaded end) and then finish trim kit for shower and water controls.

Tips & Warnings

• If connecting fittings for new shower are to be screwed into the shower body use plenty of teflon tape to ensure a tight leak proof seal and tighten all the way down
• Layout all the new fittings, pipe connectors and shower body then fit together as they should appear as a finished product so you know before hand that all fits together properly so you can proceed smoothly
• Make sure to follow manufacturer's directions on how to flush up new shower control fixture with the FINISHED wall
• Where sweating pipe joints are necessary make sure you have sufficient ventilation and that all joint are tight and completely encircling the fitting so there are no leaks
• Be VERY precise in laying this project out in that there is limited flexibility in moving the fixture around once in place.