How Do You Replace a Bathtub Tap?

As annoying as a leaky bathtub faucet can be, replacing it is a relatively straightforward DIY project for most homeowners. While you can always call in a plumber to handle the job, doing it yourself will save you time and money. Replacing a tub faucet requires some basic plumbing knowledge and a few specialized tools, but it’s not as intimidating as it may seem. With the right preparation and a systematic approach, you can have your new tub faucet installed in just a couple of hours. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the entire process of replacing a bathtub tap from start to finish. So grab your tools and let’s get started upgrading your leaky tub faucet!

Table of Contents

Preparing for the Project

The key to any successful DIY project is having the right prep work done ahead of time. When tackling tasks like replacing a bathtub faucet, thorough preparation is crucial. Before you explore how to replace bathtub faucet handles, start by turning off the water supply to the bathtub. This ensures a smooth and mess-free process. Here’s what you need to do to get prepped and ready to tackle this project:

Purchase the New Faucet

You’ll need the new replacement tub faucet before you can install it. When selecting one, look for a faucet in the same style and finish as your existing one. This will make the transition seamless.

Most home centers and hardware stores have a wide selection of tub faucets. Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $250+ depending on the brand, style, and features.

Some of the top faucet brands include Moen, Delta, Kohler, American Standard, and Grohe. I recommend sticking with a name brand for reliability and warranty support.

Gather the Required Tools

Replacing a tub faucet requires just a handful of basic DIY tools:

Adjustable wrenches
Basin wrench
Teflon tape
Silicone sealant/caulk
Flashlight
Cloth rags
Bucket
Safety goggles

A basin wrench is essential for accessing the nuts that hold the faucet in place. This specialized tool has a long handle and swiveling head that lets you reach up behind the tub spout.

You’ll also need adjustable wrenches to disconnect the water supply lines. Make sure you have at least one larger 14″ wrench.

Other supplies like Teflon tape, silicone sealant, rags, a bucket, and flashlights are good to have on hand as well.

Turn Off the Water

Before doing anything else, you need to shut off the water supply to the tub. Locate the shut-off valves under the sink or behind the tub and turn them clockwise all the way to stop the flow of water.

If the valves are stiff, spray them with penetrating oil first to loosen them up.

Turn on the tub faucet briefly to release any built-up pressure. This will make it easier to disconnect the supply lines later on.

Clear the Area

Removing the old faucet and installing a new one will be much easier if you clear everything out from under the tub first. Take out any bath towels, cleaning supplies, or other items stored in the cabinet below.

You’ll need free access to work. Lay down some drop cloths as well to protect against drips and spills during the project.

Now that all the prep work is done, we can dive into the project!

Turning Off Water Supply

The first step is to turn off the water supply lines feeding the tub faucet you’ll be replacing. This prevents water from spraying out when you remove the old faucet.

Here’s how to do it:

Locate the shut-off valves. Most modern plumbing systems have shut-off valves either under the bathroom sink or behind the tub. They allow you to turn water on and off to a specific fixture.
Close both hot and cold shut-off valves. Look for handles on the water supply pipes. Turn them clockwise as far as they’ll go. This stops the flow of water.
Test the faucet. Turn on the tub faucet briefly to make sure the water is fully off. If it still runs, the valves may need a little more turning.
Open the faucet. With the water shut off, open the tub faucet all the way. This depressurizes the lines so you can safely disconnect them.
Check for leaks. Look under the sink and around the valves for any drips or leaks. Tighten as needed before moving forward.

By fully shutting down water to the tub ahead of time, you prevent messy leaks during the project. Safety first!

Removing the Old Faucet

With the water supply shut off, now you can move on to removing the old worn out or leaky tub faucet. This step does require some moderate plumbing skills.

Here are the steps:

Pry off the handle. The decorative handle pulls off with a firm pry using a screwdriver. This exposes the screw underneath.
Remove the screw. Use a screwdriver to remove the screw holding the handle in place. Set it aside in a safe spot.
Take off any escutcheon plates. These decorative plates around the faucet will need to come off before progressing.
Detach the spout. Unthread or pry off the tub spout. It may be on very tightly, so a basin wrench is needed.
Disconnect supply lines. Use adjustable wrenches to loosen the nuts on the supply lines under the tub.
Loosen the faucet. Insert the basin wrench up behind the tub and turn the mounting nuts counterclockwise.
Lift out the old faucet. With the nuts unthreaded, gently pull up the entire faucet assembly and set it aside.

Take it slow and use patience at this step. Removing old, corroded faucets can be challenging. But with the right tools and technique, you can get it done.

Installing the New Faucet

Here comes the fun part—installing the slick new tub faucet! Follow these steps closely:

Prep the faucet. Remove any plastic wrap, tags or installation instructions. Place the faucet through the holes in the tub deck.
Hand tighten the nuts. From below, hand tighten the nuts on the faucet shank to hold it in place temporarily.
Connect supply lines. Attach the flexible supply lines to the faucet tailpieces with new washers. Hand tighten only.
Tighten nuts. Use your basin wrench to tighten the mounting nuts below the tub. Don’t over tighten.
Reattach spout. If the new faucet has a separate spout, slide it into place and tighten by hand. No tools needed.
Reinstall handle. Put the handle back on and secure with the retaining screw. Replace any escutcheon plates.
Seal holes. Caulk around the faucet holes with a waterproof silicone sealant. Smooth with your finger.

Work carefully and deliberately at each step. Don’t rush through the process or over tighten anything. With patience, you’ll have your new tub faucet installed in no time.

Turning Water Back On

Once the new replacement faucet is fully in place, you can turn the water supply back on. Here are the steps:

Check for leaks. Scan all the connections and supply lines for any leaks or drips before turning water on. Tighten as needed.
Turn valves on slowly. Turn the hot and cold shut-off valves counterclockwise to open them slowly. This prevents pressure surges.
Remove aerator. Unscrew and remove the aerator from the end of the faucet spout. This clears any debris.
Run the water. With the valves fully open, turn on the tub faucet. Let the water run for a full 60 seconds.
Check flow. Turn the faucet off and back on a few times. Make sure hot and cold flow is good.
Replace aerator. Screw the aerator back onto the end of the spout once flow is clear. Hand tighten only.
Check for leaks. With everything back up and running, scan under the tub once more time for any leaks or drips. Tighten as needed.

Let the project sit for an hour or two, then check again for leaks. It’s always a good idea to monitor things closely after any plumbing work.

Checking for Leaks

The final and most important step after finishing any bathtub faucet replacement project is checking for leaks. Even the slightest drip can turn into a much bigger issue down the road.

Here’s how to inspect your work:

Look under the tub. Get low to the ground and scan closely along all the supply lines and valves beneath the tub. Even small drips are visible down low.
Check tub spout. Remove the tub spout and shine a flashlight up into the pipe. Signs of water or moisture indicate a leak.
Turn valves on and off. Cycling the hot and cold valves quickly tests the seals. Any drips mean they need tightening.
Let it sit. Come back after a few hours and recheck everything, including above the tub around the faucet handles. Leaks sometimes take time to appear.
Retighten if needed. If you catch a leak early, try tightening nuts and connections first. More sealant or tape may also help.
Call a plumber. If drips persist after retightening, it’s best to call a professional. Signs of a bad install or faulty new faucet.

Don’t ignore even minor leaks or you’ll risk water damage. Catching any issues now prevents bigger headaches down the road.

FAQs

How difficult is it to replace a tub faucet yourself?

The project takes moderate DIY skills, but it completely doable for most homeowners. The biggest challenges are removing old corroded faucets and accessing the nuts. With the right tools and patience, you can handle it.

What are some signs I need a new tub faucet?

Any drips, leaks, faulty handles, or loss of hot water pressure indicate it’s time for a new faucet. Old worn out and scaled over faucets should also be replaced.

Is it better to just call a plumber?

You can certainly hire a plumber, but expect to pay $200 or more for labor. Doing it yourself saves significant money, especially if you have any plumbing experience.

Should I replace both hot and cold valves?

Yes, it’s best to replace both the hot and cold valves at the same time. They experience wear and tear equally. This prevents having to take the faucet apart again later.

How do I match the finish of my old faucet?

Most home centers can help you match the finish of your existing faucet, whether it’s chrome, brushed nickel, bronze, or another common finish. Bring pictures to show the sales person.

Conclusion

Replacing a worn out or leaky bathtub faucet is a straightforward DIY bathroom upgrade. While moderately challenging, it’s a project any experienced homeowner can tackle over a weekend.

The keys are having the right tools on hand, shutting off water properly, and taking your time during each step. Following the steps above closely will allow you to remove your old tub faucet and install a new replacement smoothly. Just be sure to check carefully for any leaks before completion. Catching a small drip now prevents having to redo all your hard work. Can a tub be replaced with a shower pan? With a little time and effort, you can save the cost of a plumber and renew your tub with a brand new faucet. Just take it slow and don’t force anything. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying a drip-free and more beautiful bathtub or even considering the option of replacing it with a convenient shower pan.