Bathtub Faucet Replacement – A How To Guide

Leaking or dripping faucets need to be replaced. It may appear to be a simple affair, but you have to take care of a few things before you get down to replacing it. Here are a few tips that you will find helpful while undertaking replacement of any faucet.

The functioning of faucets is to control the flow of water. Bathtubs come with 2 valve or 3 valve faucets. When washers get brittle or worn out, water starts dripping thru them. Water pressure also contributes to their state. Rubber or neoprene washers were used for old designs of faucets, but the present arrangements use a cartridge

As faucets come in many sizes and styles, buying the correct one is of utmost importance. While replacing a faucet it is essential to take exact measurement of holes, from center to center. Style is discretionary but size is not.

For replacing a faucet you have to have the right type of tools. There are different types of wrenches for executing different plumbing jobs. Open-end wrenches with smooth jaws are convenient for handling square of hex nuts. To prevent damaging chrome pipes of their looks, you should use strap wrenches. Pipes of smaller diameter are better handled with the aid of a vise grip wrench. For efficient working it is desirable to have two pipe wrenches, so that one can be used for holding the pipe while the other is used for turning that.

When installing bathtub faucets look for the faucet assembly at the rear of walls. Builders generally provide a rear access panel at the back of tub. Understand the installation instructions for assembling a 2 valve or 3 valve faucets.

Here are the common steps needed for replacing faulty faucets.

• As a first step, you need to turn off water supply. You may switch of the water supply for the whole house.

• Then, take out the faucet handle by gentle tapping and pulling. Sometimes the handle gets jammed. Don’t force it out. Instead, use a special handle puller.

• Now you remove the trim and the stem assembly. The function of stem assembly is to control the temperature and volume of water flowing to the bathtub. You’ll need to use a bath socket wrench for removing this assembly.

• Inspect the washer now. A brittle or worn out washer is often the reason for the drip. You should take both, the washer as well the stem for getting replaced.

• Inspect the seats. Rough seats should also be replaced. Remove it with the aid of a seat wrench.

• While replacing, you need to put back everything in the same order. Stem threads, washer and nut threads should all be greased. Finally, you slide them back to respective places and tighten the nuts.

• For a cartridge style faucet you’ll need to remove the handle and trim, and then replace the cartridge.