Replacing your bathtub faucet is an attainable DIY project for most individuals, even novice DIYers. Begin by unhooking and loosening all water supply line connections under your sink using a basin wrench (or any other adjustable wrench available to you).
Switch off both hot and cold water shutoff valves under your sink by turning them counterclockwise, drain and clean all pipes and faucet holes before reconnecting the water supply.
Installing the Faucet
Make sure your new faucet is properly installed by following the manufacturer’s instructions. First, place the gasket onto the sink and tighten its mountain holes using a wrench; next insert the drain assembly through the top of your sink making sure its flange and tailpiece line up with its respective drain hole; finally test out your new faucet by running hot and cold water through its lines to test its performance.
Remove water by turning off the valves beneath your sink. Place a bucket underneath to capture any residual water. Disconnect any old faucet water supply line connectors secured by nuts from beneath the sink or countertop – these may need a basin wrench to unfasten them – as well as disconnecting its lift rod (if present).
Installing the Handles
Before beginning, turn off both hot and cold water shut-off valves under your sink, open all faucet handles to relieve any residual pressure and clean all holes with rubbing alcohol. For models requiring gasket or plumber’s putty installation follow any applicable instructions; most spouts include an outer ring to provide a tight seal around its base for additional assurance.
Place a bucket under the P-trap so as to catch any leakage when taking out. To drain it, unscrew and pull up on its tailpiece; unscrew its slip nut; remove its drain flange (the piece that protrudes through the bottom of the sink)
To install it, attach the new spout flange and gasket using a wrench, followed by connecting two short braided lines from hot and cold valves with short braided lines using short bolts. Tighten all nuts a quarter turn using an adjustable wrench; overtightening may damage compression fittings.
Installing the Spout
Before continuing, switch off the water supply valves under your sink by closing off their knobs and drain the pipes if necessary. Use mineral spirits to remove any remaining sealant.
Once the handles are off, a thin pipe should protrude from the wall – this is your faucet stem and you can easily take steps to unbolt it with a pass-through socket wrench that fits over and grabs its hex nut. Once loose, simply grab hold and pull out.
Now you’re ready to install your new spout! Begin by centering it in the sink’s hole from above, screwing on its hex nut until tight (hand tight), having someone else hold the spout while inserting its pivot rod into an opening in the drain body’s rear panel and secure it using its spring clip, before connecting its lift rod through its strap hole.
Installing the Drain
Substituting your old sink faucet with something different or updating its style is actually easier than you think! Simply turn off both hot and cold water supply valves under your sink before placing a bucket beneath the P-trap to catch any remaining liquid that may seep through while taking apart.
Now unscrew the drain tailpiece by unscrewing the slip nut at the base of U-shaped pipe (called slip nut), you may need to take steps such as taking out drain stopper in order to access this nut. If your new faucet features a removable drain, unscrew pivot rod through opening on backside of drain body and pull it out; disconnect spring clip that secures rod to lift strap.