Within the realm of house renovations, few duties are as daunting as tackling a plumbing mission. Nevertheless, changing a two-handle bathtub faucet is a surprisingly manageable endeavor that provides each aesthetic and practical upgrades. This step-by-step information will equip you with the information and confidence to rework your bathtub right into a sanctuary of consolation and magnificence.
Earlier than embarking on this mission, it is important to collect the mandatory instruments and supplies. You will want a pair of pliers, an adjustable wrench, a screwdriver, a basin wrench, and alternative handles and cartridges. After getting every little thing prepared, it is time to disconnect the water provide to the tap. Find the shutoff valves beneath 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 punctiliously take away the cartridges. You’ll want to observe the orientation of the cartridges, as they are going to 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 got eliminated all of the previous parts, it is time to set up the brand new faucet.
Gathering the Needed Instruments and Supplies
Embarking on a bath faucet alternative 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 Software | Objective |
|---|---|
| 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 parts |
| Utility knife | Reduce 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
- Optionally available: Moist/dry vacuum
- Find the Drain Plug: The drain plug is often positioned on the backside of the bathtub close to the again.
- Carry 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 will likely take a number of minutes. When you’ve got quite a lot of water within the tub, you should use 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 injury 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 test 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 test for leaks.
- Find the water provide valves, that are often positioned beneath the sink or behind the tub.
- Flip the valves clockwise to open them.
- Examine for any leaks on the connections.
- If there aren’t any leaks, activate each cold and warm water taps to flush out any particles.
- Let the water run for a couple of minutes till it’s clear.
- Flip off the taps.
- If you’re not sure of the placement of the water provide valves, seek the advice of your house’s plumbing diagram or contact a plumber.
- Should you can not open the water provide valves, they might be seized. You possibly can strive utilizing a wrench to softly loosen them.
- Should you 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 might be positioned beneath the sink or in a close-by utility closet.
Establish the Chilly and Sizzling Water Valves
Most shut-off valves are labeled with crimson and blue handles, indicating cold and warm water, respectively. In case your valves should not 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 will probably be on the appropriate.
Flip Off the Valves
To show off the water provide, merely flip the valves clockwise till they’re absolutely tightened. Chances are you’ll want to make use of a pair of pliers to get a very good grip on the handles. As soon as the valves are closed, the water provide to the tub faucet will probably be reduce off.
Warning:
Earlier than you start engaged on the tap, be sure that the water provide is totally turned off. If any water stays within the pipes, it might leak out and injury 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 may Want:
Step-by-Step Directions:
Detaching the Previous Faucet Handles
With the brand new handles at your disposal, it is time to take away the previous ones. This course of is often simple, however it might fluctuate barely relying on the precise design of your faucet. This is an in depth information that can assist you by way of every step:
1. Establish the Sort of Handles
First, decide whether or not your faucet has screw-on or pull-out handles. Screw-on handles are the most typical kind, and they are often eliminated utilizing a screwdriver or Allen wrench. Pull-out handles, however, require a special strategy.
2. Take away the Deal with Cowl
For screw-on handles, search for a small cap or escutcheon overlaying the screw. Use a screwdriver or coin to pry off the quilt, exposing the screws holding the deal with in place.
For pull-out handles, find the discharge button or lever that means that you can 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 circumstances, it’s possible 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 acceptable instruments to take away them and punctiliously raise off the deal with base.
| Deal with Sort | 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 will must take away the cartridge or stems. The strategy for doing it will fluctuate relying on the kind of faucet you may have. This is easy methods to do it for each varieties:
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 may be changed with out eradicating the tap |
Stems have to be eliminated to exchange |
|
Normally dearer than stem taps |
Normally inexpensive 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 may have. This is a basic 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 inserting them over the handles. Be sure that the setscrews are dealing with the entrance of the tap.
7.b: Tightening the Setscrews
Find the setscrews on the handles. Utilizing the equipped Allen wrench, gently tighten the setscrews to safe the handles in place. Keep away from overtightening, as this may injury the handles or stems.
7.c: Rechecking Deal with Operation
As soon as the handles are securely hooked up, function them to make sure correct functioning. Examine for leaks or any resistance within the handles. If the handles should not working easily, take away them and readjust the setscrews accordingly till the handles function effortlessly.
Turning on the Water Provide
After getting eliminated the previous faucet, it is very important activate the water provide earlier than putting in the brand new faucet. It will assist you flush out any particles that will have amassed within the pipes whereas the previous 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.
Further suggestions for turning on the water provide:
| Software | Objective |
|---|---|
| Wrench | Tightening or loosening water provide valves |
| Flashlight | Illuminating darkish areas beneath 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 features correctly and there aren’t any leaks.
Steps for Testing the New Faucet:
| Step | Directions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Activate each cold and warm water handles absolutely and test for any leaks across the base of the tap, handles, or spout. |
| 2 | Examine the spray head and ensure it is producing a fair 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 warm water handles to seek out the specified temperature. |
| 5 | Flip off each water handles and test once more for any leaks or drips. |
If any leaks or points are detected, consult with the producer’s directions or contact a licensed plumber for additional help.
Troubleshooting Widespread Issues
Should you encounter any points whereas changing your two-handle bathtub faucet, consult with the next frequent issues and options:
Leaking from the Faucet Base
Trigger: Free base connection
Resolution: Tighten the mounting nuts beneath the bottom utilizing a wrench.
Leaking from the Deal with Joint
Trigger: Worn-out O-rings or washers
Resolution: Exchange the O-rings or washers.
Water Hammering
Trigger: Free pipes or air within the pipes
Resolution: Examine if the pipes are securely fixed. If there may be air within the pipes, open and shut the tap a number of occasions to flush it out.
Sizzling and Chilly Water Reversed
Trigger: Incorrect set up of provide traces
Resolution: Swap the cold and warm provide traces.
Lowered Water Strain
Trigger: Clogged aerator or cartridge
Resolution: Take away and clear the aerator or substitute the cartridge.
Faucet Deal with Stiff or Free
Trigger: Worn-out valve seat or broken stem
Resolution: Examine the valve seat and stem for injury. Exchange any faulty components.
Squealing or Whining Noises
Trigger: Onerous 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: Exchange the hose or tighten free connections.
Dripping from the Pop-Up Drain
Trigger: Worn-out rubber stopper or linkage
Resolution: Exchange the rubber stopper or modify the linkage.
How To Exchange 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 beneath the sink. Flip the handles clockwise to show off the water.
Step 2: Take away the previous 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 previous 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.
Examine 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.
Individuals Additionally Ask About How To Exchange 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 warm water, whereas a single deal with bathtub faucet has one deal with that controls each the cold and warm water.
Can I substitute a two deal with bathtub faucet with a single deal with faucet?
Sure, you may substitute a two deal with bathtub faucet with a single deal with faucet. Nevertheless, it’s possible you’ll want to change the plumbing beneath the sink to accommodate the brand new faucet.
How a lot does it price to exchange a two deal with bathtub faucet?
The fee to exchange 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 count on to pay between $100 and $300 for the tap and set up.
