How to Change a Bathtub Faucet

If you own a bathroom, chances are you will encounter some problems down the road through basic wear and tear. Today, we will discuss common faucet parts so that you can easily diagnose any problem and fix them without the need of a licensed professional. 

Common Faucet Parts

Below are the common parts for your faucet so you know how to diagnose any problem that may occur. 

• Lever –A lever or trip lever allows water in and out of your bathtub. If this breaks, then essentially you cannot control the water level in your bathtub.
• Spout – The faucet spout is the area where water flows from, or more specifically, where all the water pressure and piping directs your water to flow out of.
• Ring – All faucets have an O-ring, which is a round ring made of elastomer with a round cross section, allowing it to be seated around the faucet, creating a seal. If your faucet begins leaking water, a typical culpert is a faulty o-ring. 
• Aerator – An aerator is a small, round device consisting of a metal or plastic screen called a mixer. The aerator lowers the water splashing into the basin and saves water used while filtering out the sediment. 
• Escutcheon – The escutcheon is the metal plate that protects the drain pipe.
• Washer – The washers on a faucet help secure it in place and form a seal. If your faucet is leaky, it is usually due to a failure of smaller washers.
• Hose Guide – The hose guide is a small metal device that helps provide more flexibility to your shower hose.
• Hose Spray – The hose spray is a device you attach to your house to affect the water spray 
• Compression coupling – A compression coupling or compression fitting is a type of coupling used to connect two pipes or a pipe to a different fixture. The purpose is to form a watertight seal. 
• Shutoffs – The shutoff valves are pipes that are connected to your bathtub, allowing you to turn off the water to your bathtub in the case of an emergency.
• Hot/Cold Water Supplies – This is where your hot and cold water is stored, before they flow into your bathtub through the control valves.

What’s the most common fixture that needs to be replaced?

• Faucet handle – The handles see extensive everyday use, so they will commonly encounter problems, meaning you simply have to replace the handles or valves.
• Cartridge – Many faucets have cartridge faucets that control hot and cold water. Since these receive extensive use, they will eventually break down, affecting your hot and cold water output. In the case of this, simply replace them with their appropriate size.
• Hoses –Hoses connect your faucet to the water supply of the rest of your plumbing. Leaks and damages to your hoses are not unheard of, so it is best to check your plumbing regularly to ensure that nothing received any water damage in this case.

Issues a faucet can run into 

Faucets are mechanical objects with many moving pieces in it. On a day to day basis, they will receive extensive use and as such, they will break from time to time. These are common issues that faucets will run into:

• Leakage
• Rusting
• Hot and cold water issues
• Overflow
• Low water pressure.

How to replace an entire bathroom faucet:

Below are the step by step instructions for how to replace your bathtub faucet. If you have a center faucet or a wide-spread faucet, the directions are similar, but please consult your manufacturer’s directions if you are installing either faucet type for the first time. A centerset faucet is combined together in a single unit while a widespread faucet needs to have the handles at least 6 inches apart. 

Tools you will need:

Steps:

1. Remove the existing faucet –Do well to clear any obstructions and clear the area completely when you remove your existing faucet.Also, please shut off your water before doing this step.
2. Disconnect the supply lines- Since your water is shut off, your supply lines will have some water run-off. Do your best to keep these in a separate area before reconnecting your new faucet.
3. Disconnect the lift rod –Your lift rod connects your bathtub to the drain stopper. Take care not to damage it while you disconnect it, and keep it ready for when you install the new faucet.
4. Install the new Faucet –Connect the lift rod and the supply pipes to the new faucet and secure them properly in place.

To replace a bathtub cartridge

1. Drain faucet -Drain the water completely before continuing.
2. Close the shut off valve -Close the shut off valve to prevent any water from entering.
3. Remove handles -Remove the bathtub handles to expose the cartridge
4. Remove Cartridge -With the handles removed, the cartridge is exposed, allowing you to remove them.
5. Install new cartridge -Replace the cartridge and fully secure them

Eric Jensen

Eric is the founder and president of Badeloft USA. He has been the president of Badeloft’s US division for over ten years and oversees all marketing and branding aspects of Badeloftusa.com.
His expertise lies in small business development, sales, and home and bathroom industry trends and information.

Contact us with any business related inquiries.