Are you tired of the constant dripping sound coming from the faucet in your bathtub? Or, has the faucet become corroded and outdated, leaving your bathroom looking less than desirable? If so, you may be considering whether it’s possible to replace the faucet yourself. Fortunately, you’ll be happy to know that replacing a bathtub faucet is a very achievable task for most homeowners with the right tools and a bit of DIY plumbing knowledge.
Why You May Want to Replace Your Bathtub Faucet
There are several reasons you may find yourself needing or wanting to replace your bathtub faucet:
Leaks
One of the most common reasons to replace a faucet, including Moen bathtub faucet repair, is because it’s leaking. A leak usually indicates an issue with the faucet’s washers or O-rings. While this can sometimes be remedied by replacing the washers, often the entire faucet needs replacement. A leaky faucet, if left unattended, can waste hundreds of gallons of water per year, making replacement a highly recommended solution.
Drips
Constant dripping from the faucet can drive you crazy with both its annoying sound and all the wasted water going down the drain. Like leaks, drips usually indicate worn washers or valves inside the faucet that necessitate complete replacement.
Corrosion
Many older bathtub faucets are made from metal like brass. Over time, these faucets can become corroded and develop lime and calcium buildup. Not only is this unsightly, but it can lead to leaks, drips and decreased water flow. Replacement is the best option when corrosion is apparent.
Cracks
Cracks in a bathtub faucet can also lead to leaks. Cracks typically mean that plastic or metal components inside the faucet have fatigued over years of use. As with corrosion, cracked faucets usually need to be replaced.
Broken Handles
It’s not uncommon for bathtub faucet handles to become loose and unstable over time. In some cases, the handles may break off completely. Obviously, a faucet without handles is unusable, making replacement necessary.
Poor Water Flow
If water flow from your bathtub faucet has become frustratingly slow, it could be due to buildup of mineral deposits inside the faucet that restrict water flow. Replacing the faucet is usually better than trying to de-scale an old one.
Outdated Style
Maybe your bathtub faucet has been around since the 70s and just looks outdated. Replacing the faucet with a modern style can give your whole bathroom a fresh new look.
How Difficult is it to Replace a Bathtub Faucet?
The task of replacing a bathtub faucet typically involves:
- Turning off water supply lines
- Removing the old faucet
- Cleaning sink/tub surfaces
- Installing new faucet
- Attaching supply lines & drain
- Making adjustments
This involves some plumbing skills like using wrenches, applying putty, connecting fittings and making adjustments. But overall it’s a project most DIY-ers can handle themselves after watching some tutorial videos.
The most challenging aspects are usually removing the old faucet if it’s corroded or getting access in a cramped space. Patience and the right tools are key.
While a straightforward swap-out of an old tub faucet for a new one is intermediate in difficulty, installing a new faucet type like a wall-mount or freestanding tub filler requires expert-level skills.
How Long Does it Take to Replace a Bathtub Faucet?
Replacing a standard two-handle tub faucet typically takes 2-3 hours for most DIYers. Here is a rough timeline:
- Turning off water and removing old faucet – 1 hour
- Cleaning tub area – 15 minutes
- Installing new faucet – 1 hour
- Attaching supplies, testing for leaks – 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2.5-3 hours
The time can be a little more if the old faucet is corroded and stubborn to remove. It can be less for a simple single-lever faucet.
Professional plumbers can usually replace a bathtub faucet in 1-2 hours.
What Type of Bathtub Faucet Should You Choose?
When selecting a replacement tub faucet, you first need to decide on the overall faucet design and features. Here are some of the most common types of tub faucets:
Two-Handle Faucets
The classic two-handle design has hot and cold handles that control water flow and temperature. This style is common in older tubs but still available today.
Single-Handle (Centerset) Faucets
These faucets have a single lever that controls both water flow and temperature. No separate hot/cold handles.
Widespread Faucets
Widespread faucets have handles spaced 8 inches or more apart, giving them a wide, open look. The handles control hot and cold water.
Wall-Mount Faucets
Wall-mount faucets are installed directly to the wall rather than on the tub rim. This makes for easy cleaning. They come in single- and two-handle versions.
Freestanding Tub Fillers
For freestanding tubs, a special filler faucet installs directly to the floor near the tub. These have a unique style.
Other considerations are finish, spout style, and special features like hand showers or sprayers. Selecting a faucet style that fits your existing holes is also important for easier installation.
How to Replace a Bathtub Faucet
Here is an overview of the steps involved in replacing a two-handle bathtub faucet:
Turn Off Water Supply
Start by locating the water shut-off valves below the tub and turning them clockwise to shut off the hot and cold water supply lines. Turn the faucet handles to the open position to relieve pressure. Disconnect and drain the flexible supply lines.
Remove Old Faucet
Use a basin wrench to loosen and remove the nuts holding the hot and cold valves and handles in place. Lift out the old faucet. Use a putty knife to scrape off any remaining putty or silicone. Clean tub surface thoroughly.
Install New Faucet
Begin by inserting new flexible supply tubes through the faucet base plate. Place a plumber’s putty seal around base. Position new faucet on tub and install hold-down nuts underneath to secure it in place.
Connect Supply Lines & Drain
Attach the hot and cold flexible supply tubes to the corresponding shut-off valves. Connect and tighten the drain pop-up linkage.
Make Adjustments
Turn water back on and check for leaks. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure faucet is aligned and caulking/putty prevents water getting below tub.
Helpful Tips for Replacing a Bathtub Faucet
- Turn off main water supply for whole house before starting as an extra precaution.
- Use a basin wrench which allows tightening nuts in cramped space under tub.
- Take photos of how old faucet is assembled for reference during re-installation.
- Clean all joint surfaces thoroughly for better seal with putty/caulk.
- Don’t fully tighten nuts until alignment is perfect. Leave a little play initially.
- Go slowly and gently when removing corroded old faucet pieces to avoid breaking.
- Make sure new handles are aligned correctly, often they are reversible.
- Keep all parts from new faucet together to avoid confusion during install.
- Apply putty generously around edges for a watertight seal.
Common Problems When Replacing Bathtub Faucets
Here are some of the most common troubleshooting issues that can occur during tub faucet replacement:
Can’t Remove Old Faucet
Corrosion and mineral deposits can make a faucet hard to disassemble. Use penetrating oil around stuck joints. Apply heat with a hairdryer. Work carefully to avoid cracking porcelain.
Leaks Under Faucet
Make sure you apply enough plumber’s putty around the base plate. Tighten the nuts fully to compress the putty into a watertight seal.
Dripping Faucet
If the new faucet drips after installation, the valve seats may need to be replaced or adjusted. Shut off water and disassemble to inspect.
Water Groaning In Pipes
Noisy water flow is often caused by failing washers. Replace the valve seats and washers in the new faucet. Make sure pipes are secure.
Low Water Pressure
Restricted supply lines, clogged aerator screens or high mineral deposits can reduce flow. Clean and check all supply components first before replacing the new faucet.
Handles Are Misaligned
Most faucets allow for adjusting handle alignment. Simply loosen the handle screw and realign as needed.
No Hot Water
Make sure the hot and cold supply lines are connected properly. The hot water may need time to reach the new faucet from the water heater.
FAQs
1. Does replacing a bathtub faucet require soldering?
Usually not. Most modern tub faucets use compression fittings or nuts that can be hand tightened to connect supply lines. Some super old faucets may require soldering, however.
2. Can I install a single-handle faucet where a two-handle was?
Yes, as long as the number of existing holes in the tub allows for a single-handle faucet. You may need an escutcheon plate to cover unneeded holes.
3. How do I remove old corroded faucet nuts?
Penetrating oil, heat from a hairdryer, and plastic tubing around the nut for extra grip can help break corroded nuts free. Have patience and work slowly.
4. What tools do I need to replace a bathtub faucet?
Typically, you’ll need wrenches, channel locks, Philips and flathead screwdrivers, plumber’s putty, basin wrench, flashlight, cloth, penetrating oil/WD40.
5. Should I hire a plumber to replace a tub faucet?
If you have intermediate DIY skills and the proper tools, you can likely replace a standard tub faucet yourself, saving on plumber fees. But for wall-mount or freestanding fillers, pro help is recommended.
Conclusion
Replacing an old, leaky or dated bathtub faucet with a shiny new model can renew your whole bathroom. While not necessarily a simple project, it is very doable for a motivated DIYer. To successfully install a bathtub drain and trap, the key steps involve removing the old faucet, meticulously cleaning the tub area, installing the new fixture, and ensuring a watertight seal throughout the process. With proper planning, the right tools, and a patient approach, you can not only save on plumber costs but also relish the satisfaction of upgrading your bath independently.
