Replacing a bathtub faucet is a manageable home improvement project that can refresh your bathroom’s appearance and functionality. While it may seem daunting, this task is often within reach for homeowners with basic DIY skills. 

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you how to replace your bathtub faucet, from identifying your faucet type to installing the new fixture. Whether you’re dealing with a leaky faucet or want to update your bathroom’s style, this guide will provide you with the knowledge and confidence to tackle the job.

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Understanding Your Bathtub Faucet

Before diving into the replacement process, you’ll need to determine the faucet type you’re working with. This will help you choose the right replacement parts and follow the proper installation steps.

Types of Bathtub Faucets

Bathtub faucets come in various styles and configurations. The most common faucet types include the following:

• Deck-mounted faucets
• Double-handle faucets
• Single-handle faucets
• Three-handle faucets
• Wall-mounted faucets

Each faucet type has unique features and installation requirements. For example, single-handle faucets control both hot and cold water with one lever, while double-handle faucets have separate controls for hot and cold water.

Identifying Your Faucet Design

To determine your faucet design, examine how it’s attached to the tub or wall. There are two main designs—slip-on spouts and threaded spouts. Slip-on spouts “slip” onto the water stub-out pipe and you would secure them with a set screw. On the other hand, threaded spouts—also known as screw-on spouts—thread directly onto the stub-out pipe without needing a set screw.

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Tools and Materials Needed for Faucet Replacement

Before you begin, gather the following tools and materials:

• Caulk gun
• Cloth or towel
• Flathead or Phillips screwdriver
• Hex key
• Pass-through socket wrench
• Pipe wrench
• Pliers
• Tape measure

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How To Replace a Bathtub Faucet

Once you’ve identified your faucet type and gathered the required tools and materials, follow our step-by-step guide below to successfully remove and replace your bathtub faucet.

Step 1: Turn Off Your Home’s Water

First, shut off the main water supply valve in your home. If you have individual shutoff valves for your bathroom, you can use those instead. Then, run your bathtub faucet for 30 seconds—or however long it takes to drain—to ensure that all the water has trickled out.

Step 2: Lay a Towel or Cloth at the Bottom of the Tub

Next, grab your rag or cloth and place it over the drain. This prevents any screws or other objects from falling into it, saving you a lot of hassle. Consider laying a drop cloth or old towels around your work area to protect the tub and floor from scratches or water damage.

Step 3: Remove the Handle Index

Now it’s time to start removing the old faucet. You can do this by following these steps:

1. Use your flathead screwdriver to pry the index off the handle stem. The index is the small plastic or metal circle that sits at the center of the handle.
2. Carefully pry the index up on each side to avoid damaging it, keeping in mind that you could break the index if you use too much force.
3. Repeat this process to remove the index from all handles of your tub’s features.

Step 4: Loosen the Handle Fastener and Remove the Handle

Next, you’ll need to loosen and remove the handle as follows:

1. Loosen the screw underneath the index with a flathead or Phillips screwdriver.
2. If the screw seems stuck, don’t try twisting the screwdriver as you’ll probably strip it. Instead, use some WD-40 to treat the screw and loosen it.
3. Turn the screw counterclockwise until you can completely remove it.
4. Set the screw aside until you have the replacement faucet. The handle should now easily slide off the stem.
5. Repeat this process if you have a second handle.

Step 5: Unscrew the Stem

Once you remove the handle, you should see a thin pipe extending from the wall. This pipe is the stem and it controls the faucet. You’ll need to remove the stem by following these steps:

1. Remove the stem with a pass-through socket wrench by extending the wrench over the stem and gripping its hex nut.
2. Turn the hex nut counterclockwise to loosen the stem.
3. Once you have loosened the stem, grab it with your hand and pull it off the wall.
4. Repeat this same process for each handle in your bathtub faucet setup.
5. Keep the old parts as a reference when purchasing compatible replacement parts.

Step 6: Remove the Spout

Whoever installed your tub’s faucet would have secured the spout either with a mounting screw located on the tub’s underside or by screwing it onto the pipe. You’ll need to determine which method they used and remove the spout as follows:

1. First, check for a mounting screw. If there is a mounting screw, use a hex key or screwdriver to remove it.
2. Put the mounting screw aside in a safe location for reinstallation.
3. If the spout doesn’t have a mounting screw, wrap a cloth or towel around it to protect the metal.
4. Then, grip the spout with a pipe wrench and turn the entire spout counterclockwise.
5. The old spout should slide off once you’ve loosened it, revealing the water pipe inside the spout.

Step 7: Purchase New Parts

Once you’ve removed your old faucet components, you’ll need to take measurements and purchase new parts. Follow these steps:

1. Measure the spigot, which is the small peg or plug extending from your wall. Most spigots are around 6 inches long or built into the wall. Your new faucet needs to match this setup.
2. Head to a hardware store with your old faucet unit. Specialists there can help you find new bathtub faucets that match your old faucet’s dimensions and designs.
3. This is also a good time to shop for other bathroom renovation projects.

Step 8: Screw In the New Stem

Now that you’ve purchased your parts, start installing your new bathtub faucet by screwing in the stem as follows:

1. Start by feeding the stem’s threaded end into the hole where the old stems were installed.
2. Next, turn the stem clockwise.
3. Use your socket wrench to check that the connection is tight and secure. Be careful not to overtighten the stem as that could damage the pipes.
4. Repeat this process for each handle.

Step 9: Install the New Handles

Next, you’ll need to install the new handles—this should be a simple process. Follow these steps:

1. First, slide the handle over the new stem until it touches the wall.
2. Once it’s in place, use your screwdriver to secure the handle with the old screw you removed earlier. You may also use a new screw if your new faucet includes one.
3. The index cover should pop into place, protecting the screw and finalizing the handle’s design.
4. Repeat the process with each handle if you have more than one.
5. Use your caulk gun to add some caulk around the base of each handle to prevent water from entering the walls.

Step 10: Install the New Spout

Next, prepare your pipe and install your new spout as follows:

1. Before installing the spout, use plumber’s tape on the pipe’s threading to create as secure a seal as possible.
2. Then, slide the new spout over the pipe and secure the spout to the pipe with a mounting screw.
3. If the spout has no mounting screw, turn it clockwise to screw it onto the pipe.
4. Consider wrapping the spout with your cloth or towel to prevent scratching the new fixture.
5. Then, finish tightening the spout with a pipe wrench.
6. Make sure that the spout is snug against the wall and that it’s facing down.

Step 11: Add New Caulking, Let It Dry, and Test It Out

Finish up the installation process by caulking and testing out your new setup. Follow these steps:

1. Use your caulk gun to seal the spout’s base. This prevents water from entering the walls, which could lead to water damage or mold.
2. Let the caulk dry completely.
3. Turn the water back on and give it a few minutes to run through the entire plumbing system.
4. Check the faucet and handles for any leaks.
5. Turn off the faucet and check again with the fixture under pressure.
6. If the water runs normally, you’ve successfully installed your new bathtub faucet.

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Troubleshooting Common Faucet Issues

Even with careful installation, you may encounter some issues. Here’s how to address common problems.

Addressing Misalignment Problems

If the handles or spout are misaligned, loosen the connections slightly and adjust their positions. For wall-mounted faucets, you may need to adjust the pipe behind the wall. Make sure the spout is level and pointing directly into the tub.

Proper alignment improves appearance and prevents water from spraying in unwanted directions.

Dealing With Leaks

If you notice leaks after installation, check all connections to verify they’re tight. Double-check that you’ve used plumber’s tape on all threaded connections and inspect the valve stems for proper seating and tightness.

If leaks persist, you may need to replace washers or other internal components.

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When To Call a Plumbing Professional

While replacing a bathtub faucet is often a DIY-friendly task, there are situations where we recommend getting professional help.

Complex Plumbing 

Consider calling a plumber if your home has outdated or nonstandard plumbing, you need to modify the plumbing behind the wall, or you’re uncomfortable working with plumbing systems.

A professional can navigate complex scenarios and do the job correctly.

Signs of Underlying Issues

Call a plumber if you notice significant corrosion on pipes or fittings, signs of water damage in the walls or floor, or inconsistent water pressure or temperature. These issues may indicate more serious plumbing problems that require professional attention.

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Our Conclusion

Replacing a bathtub faucet is a manageable DIY project that can significantly improve your bathroom’s functionality and appearance. By following this guide, you can tackle the task, save money on professional installation, and gain some valuable home improvement skills.

Remember, if you encounter any difficulties or are unsure about any step in the process, you should hire a plumber. They can do the job correctly and safely in less than a few hours.

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FAQ About Replacing a Bathtub Faucet

Is changing a bathtub faucet hard?

Changing a bathtub faucet isn’t hard. The job requires minimal skill and fairly common household tools. It also poses very few risks to your home’s integrity and safety.

Do I need plumber’s putty to replace a faucet?

You can apply a bead of plumber’s putty around the bottom of your new faucet, but we also recommend silicone caulk for an easier-to-control and easy-to-clean sealant.

Are all bathtub faucets interchangeable?

No, bathtub faucets are not interchangeable. Different tubs require different faucets. We recommend using your old faucet as a reference point to determine which replacement faucets pair with your bathtub.

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