Within the realm of dwelling renovations, few duties are as daunting as tackling a plumbing venture. Nevertheless, changing a two-handle bathtub faucet is a surprisingly manageable endeavor that gives each aesthetic and useful upgrades. This step-by-step information will equip you with the information and confidence to remodel your bathtub right into a sanctuary of consolation and elegance.
Earlier than embarking on this venture, it is important to collect the mandatory instruments and supplies. You will have a pair of pliers, an adjustable wrench, a screwdriver, a basin wrench, and substitute handles and cartridges. After getting all the things prepared, it is time to disconnect the water provide to the tap. Find the shutoff valves below the sink and switch them clockwise to the closed place. Subsequent, take away the handles by unscrewing the screws positioned on the base of every deal with.
With the handles eliminated, now you can entry the cartridges. Use the pliers to loosen the packing nut positioned on the bottom of every cartridge and thoroughly take away the cartridges. Make sure to observe the orientation of the cartridges, as they’ll have to be reinstalled in the identical place. As soon as the cartridges are eliminated, it is time to take away the bathtub spout. Use the adjustable wrench to loosen the nut that holds the spout in place and gently pull it off. Now that you’ve eliminated all of the outdated elements, it is time to set up the brand new faucet.
Gathering the Vital Instruments and Supplies
Embarking on a bath faucet substitute journey necessitates an arsenal of instruments and supplies. Make sure you possess the next necessities to ensure a easy and environment friendly course of:
Instruments
| Important Device | Goal |
|---|---|
| Adjustable wrench | Loosen and tighten nuts |
| Phillips screwdriver | Take away deal with screws |
| Basin wrench | Attain and loosen faucet base |
| Pliers | Grip and take away faucet elements |
| Utility knife | Minimize caulking round faucet base |
| Tape measure | Measure distances for faucet alignment |
Supplies
- New two-handle bathtub faucet
- Plumber’s tape
- Caulk
- Washers and O-rings (if not included with new faucet)
- Security glasses
- Gloves
- Bucket
- Sponge or towel
- Non-obligatory: Moist/dry vacuum
- Find the Drain Plug: The drain plug is often positioned on the backside of the bathtub close to the again.
- Elevate the Drain Plug: Use your fingers or pliers to raise the plug straight up. If the plug is caught, strive unscrewing it with a pair of pliers.
- Let the Water Drain: Enable the water to empty fully from the tub into the bucket. This may increasingly take a number of minutes. When you have quite a lot of water within the tub, you should utilize a moist/dry vacuum to hurry up the method.
To make use of a moist/dry vacuum:
Step Directions 1 Place the vacuum hose over the drain gap. 2 Activate the vacuum and permit it to suck up the water. 3 As soon as the water is gone, flip off the vacuum. - Clear Up: As soon as the water is drained, use a sponge or towel to wipe up any remaining water from the bathtub and surrounding space.
- Find the cartridge retaining clip or screw and take away it.
- Pull the cartridge straight out of the tap physique.
- Use a wrench to loosen the packing nut.
- Pull the stem out of the tap physique. Watch out to not harm the O-rings on the stem.
- Flip off the water provide to the tap.
- Take away the deal with by unscrewing the set screw positioned on the base.
- Pull the cartridge straight out of the tap physique.
- Apply plumber’s grease to the brand new cartridge’s O-rings.
- Insert the brand new cartridge into the tap physique and tighten it in place.
- Reinstall the deal with and activate the water provide to examine for leaks.
- Flip off the water provide to the tap.
- Take away the deal with by unscrewing the set screw positioned on the base.
- Pull the stem meeting straight out of the tap physique.
- Disassemble the stem meeting by unscrewing the packing nut and eradicating the washer and O-rings.
- Apply plumber’s grease to the brand new stem meeting’s O-rings and washer.
- Reassemble the stem meeting and insert it into the tap physique. Tighten the packing nut securely.
- Reinstall the deal with and activate the water provide to examine for leaks.
- Find the water provide valves, that are normally positioned below the sink or behind the tub.
- Flip the valves clockwise to open them.
- Verify for any leaks on the connections.
- If there are not any leaks, activate each cold and hot water taps to flush out any particles.
- Let the water run for a couple of minutes till it’s clear.
- Flip off the taps.
- In case you are not sure of the placement of the water provide valves, seek the advice of your property’s plumbing diagram or contact a plumber.
- For those who can’t open the water provide valves, they could be seized. You’ll be able to strive utilizing a wrench to softly loosen them.
- For those who discover any leaks on the connections, tighten them utilizing a wrench.
- Adjustable wrench
- Basin wrench
- Phillips screwdriver
- Flathead screwdriver
- New bathtub faucet
Shutting Off the Water Provide
Find the Water Shut-Off Valves
Sometimes, the shut-off valves for the tub faucet are positioned behind the tub entry panel. If you do not have an entry panel, they could be positioned below the sink or in a close-by utility closet.
Establish the Chilly and Scorching Water Valves
Most shut-off valves are labeled with pink and blue handles, indicating cold and hot water, respectively. In case your valves will not be labeled, you may decide which is which by following the pipes main from them. The new water pipe will usually be on the left, and the chilly water pipe might be on the precise.
Flip Off the Valves
To show off the water provide, merely flip the valves clockwise till they’re absolutely tightened. You could want to make use of a pair of pliers to get a great grip on the handles. As soon as the valves are closed, the water provide to the tub faucet might be lower off.
Warning:
Earlier than you start engaged on the tap, guarantee that the water provide is totally turned off. If any water stays within the pipes, it might leak out and harm your lavatory.
Draining the Bathtub
Earlier than you start changing your bathtub faucet, it is important to empty the water from the bathtub.
Instruments You will Want:
Step-by-Step Directions:
Detaching the Outdated Faucet Handles
With the brand new handles at your disposal, it is time to take away the outdated ones. This course of is often easy, however it could fluctuate barely relying on the particular design of your faucet. This is an in depth information that can assist you via every step:
1. Establish the Kind of Handles
First, decide whether or not your faucet has screw-on or pull-out handles. Screw-on handles are the commonest kind, and they are often eliminated utilizing a screwdriver or Allen wrench. Pull-out handles, alternatively, require a unique method.
2. Take away the Deal with Cowl
For screw-on handles, search for a small cap or escutcheon protecting the screw. Use a screwdriver or coin to pry off the duvet, exposing the screws holding the deal with in place.
For pull-out handles, find the discharge button or lever that permits you to pull out the deal with from its base. As soon as the deal with is pulled out, you may proceed to take away it.
3. Unscrew the Deal with
Utilizing a screwdriver or Allen wrench, fastidiously unscrew the screws holding the deal with in place. Be mild when unscrewing to keep away from damaging the tap. As soon as the screws are eliminated, the deal with ought to come off simply.
4. Take away the Deal with Base
In some instances, chances are you’ll must take away the deal with base to entry the underlying cartridge or valve. To do that, establish the screws or clips securing the bottom to the tap physique. Use applicable instruments to take away them and thoroughly raise off the deal with base.
| Deal with Kind | Elimination Methodology |
|---|---|
| Screw-on | Pry off cowl, unscrew screws |
| Pull-out | Pull out deal with, find launch button |
Eradicating the Cartridge or Stems
As soon as the handles and trim are eliminated, you may must take away the cartridge or stems. The strategy for doing this can fluctuate relying on the kind of faucet you will have. This is the best way to do it for each sorts:
Cartridge Taps
Stem Taps
This is a desk summarizing the variations between cartridge and stem taps:
| Cartridge Taps | Stem Taps |
|---|---|
|
Single deal with |
Two handles |
|
Cartridge might be changed with out eradicating the tap |
Stems should be eliminated to switch |
|
Normally dearer than stem taps |
Normally cheaper than cartridge taps |
Putting in the New Cartridge or Stems
Changing the cartridge or stems is critical when the tap is leaking from the handles. The steps concerned on this course of fluctuate relying on the kind of faucet you will have. This is a normal information:
Cartridge Alternative
Stem Alternative
| Cartridge Alternative | Stem Alternative |
|---|---|
| Pull cartridge straight out | Pull stem meeting straight out |
| Apply grease to cartridge O-rings | Disassemble stem meeting |
| Insert cartridge and tighten | Reassemble stem meeting |
Reattaching the Faucet Handles
7.a: Aligning the Handles
Fastidiously align the handles with their corresponding stems by putting them over the handles. Be sure that the setscrews are going through the entrance of the tap.
7.b: Tightening the Setscrews
Find the setscrews on the handles. Utilizing the provided Allen wrench, gently tighten the setscrews to safe the handles in place. Keep away from overtightening, as this will harm the handles or stems.
7.c: Rechecking Deal with Operation
As soon as the handles are securely connected, function them to make sure correct functioning. Verify for leaks or any resistance within the handles. If the handles will not be working easily, take away them and readjust the setscrews accordingly till the handles function effortlessly.
Turning on the Water Provide
After getting eliminated the outdated faucet, it is very important activate the water provide earlier than putting in the brand new faucet. It will aid you flush out any particles which will have amassed within the pipes whereas the outdated faucet was eliminated. To activate the water provide, observe these steps:
Now that the water provide is on, you may proceed with putting in the brand new faucet.
Extra suggestions for turning on the water provide:
| Device | Goal |
|---|---|
| Wrench | Tightening or loosening water provide valves |
| Flashlight | Illuminating darkish areas below the sink or behind the tub |
Testing the New Faucet
As soon as the brand new two-handle bathtub faucet is put in, it is important to check it completely to make sure it capabilities correctly and there are not any leaks.
Steps for Testing the New Faucet:
| Step | Directions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Activate each cold and hot water handles absolutely and examine for any leaks across the base of the tap, handles, or spout. |
| 2 | Examine the spray head and ensure it is producing a good and constant spray sample. |
| 3 | Check the diverter, if relevant, to make sure it switches easily between the bathtub spout and bathe head. |
| 4 | Modify the cold and hot water handles to search out the specified temperature. |
| 5 | Flip off each water handles and examine once more for any leaks or drips. |
If any leaks or points are detected, check with the producer’s directions or contact a licensed plumber for additional help.
Troubleshooting Frequent Issues
For those who encounter any points whereas changing your two-handle bathtub faucet, check with the next widespread issues and options:
Leaking from the Faucet Base
Trigger: Free base connection
Resolution: Tighten the mounting nuts below the bottom utilizing a wrench.
Leaking from the Deal with Joint
Trigger: Worn-out O-rings or washers
Resolution: Substitute the O-rings or washers.
Water Hammering
Trigger: Free pipes or air within the pipes
Resolution: Verify if the pipes are securely mounted. If there’s air within the pipes, open and shut the tap a number of occasions to flush it out.
Scorching and Chilly Water Reversed
Trigger: Incorrect set up of provide traces
Resolution: Swap the cold and hot provide traces.
Decreased Water Strain
Trigger: Clogged aerator or cartridge
Resolution: Take away and clear the aerator or change the cartridge.
Faucet Deal with Stiff or Free
Trigger: Worn-out valve seat or broken stem
Resolution: Examine the valve seat and stem for harm. Substitute any faulty components.
Squealing or Whining Noises
Trigger: Arduous water deposits or particles
Resolution: Take away the tap deal with and clear the internals with a descaler or vinegar.
Leaking from the Showerhead Hose
Trigger: Broken hose or free connections
Resolution: Substitute the hose or tighten free connections.
Dripping from the Pop-Up Drain
Trigger: Worn-out rubber stopper or linkage
Resolution: Substitute the rubber stopper or alter the linkage.
How To Substitute A Two Deal with Bathtub Faucet
Changing a two deal with bathtub faucet is a comparatively easy plumbing restore that may be accomplished in a couple of hours. By following these step-by-step directions, it can save you your self the price of hiring a plumber.
Instruments You Will Want:
Step 1: Flip off the water provide to the tub.
There must be two shut-off valves positioned below the sink. Flip the handles clockwise to show off the water.
Step 2: Take away the outdated faucet handles.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to take away the screws that maintain the handles in place. As soon as the screws are eliminated, pull the handles straight as much as take away them.
Step 3: Take away the outdated faucet cartridge.
Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the packing nut that holds the cartridge in place. As soon as the packing nut is free, pull the cartridge straight out of the tap.
Step 4: Set up the brand new faucet cartridge.
Insert the brand new cartridge into the tap physique and tighten the packing nut by hand. Use an adjustable wrench to additional tighten the packing nut, however don’t overtighten.
Step 5: Reinstall the tap handles.
Push the tap handles onto the stems and tighten the screws that maintain them in place.
Step 6: Activate the water provide to the tub.
Verify for leaks across the faucet handles and the bottom of the tap. If there are any leaks, tighten the packing nut or screws till the leaks cease.
Folks Additionally Ask About How To Substitute A Two Deal with Bathtub Faucet
What’s the distinction between a two deal with and a single deal with bathtub faucet?
A two deal with bathtub faucet has two separate handles for controlling the cold and hot water, whereas a single deal with bathtub faucet has one deal with that controls each the cold and hot water.
Can I change a two deal with bathtub faucet with a single deal with faucet?
Sure, you may change a two deal with bathtub faucet with a single deal with faucet. Nevertheless, chances are you’ll want to switch the plumbing below the sink to accommodate the brand new faucet.
How a lot does it value to switch a two deal with bathtub faucet?
The associated fee to switch a two deal with bathtub faucet will fluctuate relying on the kind of faucet you select and the complexity of the set up. Nevertheless, you may anticipate to pay between $100 and $300 for the tap and set up.
