If your bathtub faucet is dripping, outdated, or just unfortunate-looking, learn how I turned mine from drab to fab with a simple DIY bathtub faucet replacement. It’s easier than you may think.
In my firsthand experience, things don’t always go according to plan, but it turns out it is possible to fit a square peg in a round hole.
Before You Begin
Before you begin replacing your bathtub faucet, ensure you have the right faucet for your bathtub. There are several different types of mounts and handle styles available including:
Faucet mount types:
- Wall-mounted: As the name suggests, these faucets are mounted on the wall above the tub.
- Tub wall-mounted: These also attach to the wall but through your bathtub.
- Deck-mount: These are installed directly on the tub deck or rim.
- Freestanding mount: Mounted to the floor, the faucets are designed for freestanding tubs, i.e., claw foot tubs.
- Tub and shower combination: You have even more options here, and they often come with the shower head, either attached to the wall above or hand-held.
Faucet handle types:
- Single-handle: These faucets use a single lever to control both water temperature and flow.
- Double-handle: With separate controls for hot and cold.
- Three-handle: These faucets have separate controls for hot water, cold water, and a diverter or separate handle for the shower.
My Tip: Measure the spread or the distance between the handles of your old faucet before buying a new one to ensure it fits. Some faucet bases are wider than others. I found ones I liked, but they wouldn’t fit my tub’s setup.
What You’ll Need
Gather all your supplies ahead of time. Having it all on hand will make the process go smoother and save you from running out to the store in the middle of your project…like I did.
- Adjustable wrench
- Screwdriver (flathead and Phillips)
- Allen wrench (if needed)
- Plumber’s tape
- New bathtub faucet
- Plumber’s putty or clear silicone caulk
- Penetrating oil, like WD-40 (if needed)
- Utility knife
- Work gloves and safety goggles
- Flashlight or work light
- Cleaning supplies and a shallow pan or bucket (to catch water)
- Rags or towels for cleanup
- Drop cloth or something to protect your tub if anything falls while you’re working
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to easily replace your old bathtub faucet. Take your time and double-check your work as you go to ensure your DIY project is a success.
My Tip: Snap a pic of your old faucet setup with your phone before you start pulling it apart. It’ll be a lifesaver when you’re putting the new one in.
Turn Off Your Water
First things first: Shut off the water supply to your bathroom. Your bathtub may have a shut-off knob underneath, on the back, or behind a panel, but if not, locate the main water valve.
The main is typically found in the basement or crawl space, in the garage, near the water heater, or outside the house close to the foundation in a protective box. It may also be found next to the curb near the street.
With the water supply turned off, open both the hot and cold faucet handles completely. This releases any remaining water pressure in the lines and lets you know the water is truly off. While you’re working, let other household members know the water will be off to avoid any surprises.
Remove Old Faucet
How you remove a bathtub faucet depends on your specific faucet. The process varies based on whether you have a single-unit design, where the spout and handles are combined into one assembly that removes as a complete piece, or a two-piece design where the spout detaches separately from the handles.
Remove handles:
- Knob handles: Remove the caps that designate hot and cold with a flathead screwdriver. Take out the screw and they’ll usually pop off.
- Lever handles: Find and remove the set screw on the side or bottom. The handle should then come off easily.
Pro Tip: Use a penetrating oil, like WD-40, if the screws are being stubborn.
Remove spout:
If the spout is separate from the handles, then it’s attached to the wall, typically in one of two ways:
- Slip-on type: Look for a small screw on the faucet’s underside. Remove this screw, then pull the faucet off.
- Screw-on type: For faucets that screw directly onto the pipe. Simply twist counterclockwise (lefty loosey) to unscrew.
Pro Tip: You can use a wrench to get a stuck faucet to turn. You can also use your screwdriver inside the spout to get leverage. If you don’t want to risk scratching the old faucet, wrap a cloth around it before using the wrench.
Prepare the Surface
After removing the old faucet, thoroughly clean the surface. This ensures a better seal on the new faucet and prevents leaks.
- Remove the old caulk or plumber’s putty with the utility knife (carefully).
- Use a mild cleaning solution and clean the area to remove debris.
- Completely dry the surface with a clean absorbent towel.
- Inspect for damage or corrosion that could affect the installation.
- Apply new silicone caulk or putty around the pipe opening at the wall to create a watertight seal.
Install the New Faucet
Your new faucet should come with its own set of instructions to guide you through the installation. If not, follow these basic steps.
- Use the plumber’s tape on the faucet threads to prevent leaks. Wrap the tape clockwise around the threads.
- Add a new escutcheon plate (if included).
- Install the spout according to its design (slip-on or screw-on).
- Attach the new handles, and you’ve done it.
My Tip: Be gentle when tightening fittings — you don’t want to strip threads or go overboard. A snug fit is perfect, so don’t Hulk-out on it.
Test the New Faucet
Time to put your handiwork to the test. When you turn the main back on, do it slowly to avoid applying too much pressure. Check a few things to make sure it’s working right:
- Run both hot and cold water for a few minutes to test the connection and check that the temperatures are correct.
- Check all connection points for any sneaky leaks around the faucet.
- Ensure water flow is smooth and consistent.
- Apply a bead of clear silicone caulk around the base for a watertight fit, but leave a small gap at the bottom of the faucet where it meets the tub. This gap acts as a “weep hole” that allows you to spot leaks from connections early on, preventing hidden water damage.
My Tip: When you turn the water back on, have someone stand by the tub and let you know if the water is leaking to save you from running back and forth.
For a helpful visual how-to, check out the video below to see how to remove and replace a bathtub faucet:
If the handles also need to be replaced, this video shows you how to do it:
Square Peg in a Round Hole
During a recent bathtub faucet upgrade, I hit a snag. The sleek, modern new square handles didn’t quite fit the existing round holes. There was a small gap on either side of the handle. I ran down to the hardware store and picked up some square escutcheon plates. These nifty little things covered the gaps beautifully.
A twist of the wrench here, and a dab of clear silicone there and my new faucet was sitting pretty. The best part? It looked like I had planned it that way. Just goes to show that with a little creativity, you can turn a DIY hiccup into a design triumph. Who says you can’t fit a square peg in a round hole?
When to Call in the Pros
Sometimes even the most seasoned DIYer will come across things that require an expert touch. It’s better to be safe than soaked. Here are a few instances of when a pro is the way to go:
- Your pipes are visibly corroded or rusty.
- The new faucet is incompatible with the existing plumbing.
- You’ve completed the installation, but it’s still leaking.
- The job requires removing part of the wall.
- The old faucet just won’t come off.
Time For The Bubbles
Replacing the faucet on your bathtub may seem daunting at first, but with the right tools, a bit of patience, and this guide, you’re well-equipped to tackle the job. Remember to take your time and don’t hesitate to call in reinforcements if you run into any serious issues.
Home Gnome delivers the best home service experience at the click of a button. Book reliable, skilled handymen and handywomen in seconds and leave the rest to us.
Once you’ve wrapped up your project, treat yourself to a relaxing bath and the satisfaction of a job well done.
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Main Image Credit: Svitlana / Adobe Stock Free / License
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