Steps for changing a bathtub faucet.

Before you begin replacing your tub’s faucet.

Before you take a screwdriver to your bathtub faucet, let's look at some of the prep work you should tackle first. 

Remember: As with every home project, read the manual for your new faucet for specific installation instructions.

Identify the type of bathtub faucet.

First, you need to determine what kind of faucet your bathtub uses. Each type has some configuration differences, but the fundamentals of the replacement process are similar. Bathtub faucets may use one or two handles and be set up in one of the following ways:

• Freestanding: Floor mounted for freestanding tubs with no pre-drilled holes.
• Wall mounted: Mounted on the bathroom wall above the tub.
• Deck mounted: Mounted to the rim, or "deck," of the tub.
• Tub wall mounted: Mounted to the inner wall of the tub.

Gather your tools and materials.

Replacing a bathtub faucet requires a few plumbing tools. Make sure you have the following

• New bathtub faucet
• Adjustable wrench
• Pliers
• Screwdriver (flathead and Phillips-head)
• Box cutter or putty knife
• Plumber's tape
• Towel or rag 

Bathtub faucet replacement instructions.

Once you're ready to start, follow these steps for changing the bathtub faucet:

1. Turn off the water supply.

Find the shut-off valve that cuts off the water supply to your bathtub. If there isn't a valve specifically for the bathtub, you may need to shut off the main water supply to your home. 

2. Prepare the work area.

Before you start working, protect your tub's surface by laying down a towel. Clear an area to set out and organize your tools and hardware. You may also want to block the bathtub drain to avoid any hardware falling into it.

3. Remove the old faucet handles.

Pry off the handle cover(s) using a flathead screwdriver. Use your Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the screws holding the handle in place. Gently pull the handle off by wiggling it from side to side.

4. Remove the trim.

Score the caulk surrounding the faucet with a box cutter or putty knife so it comes off cleanly. You may need a flathead screwdriver to pry off the metal plate around the faucet.

5. Disconnect the water supply lines.

Use the adjustable wrench to gently loosen the stems connected to the faucet handle. Use a counterclockwise motion until you can remove the stems by hand. Be prepared for some water to come out during this step.

6. Remove the old faucet body if necessary.

The faucet body holds the bathtub cartridge and may need replacing if it's worn. To remove the body, use an adjustable wrench to loosen the ground joint connection.

7. Disconnect the bathtub spout.

Your faucet's spout will either be slip-on or threaded. Remove a slip-on spout by loosening the set screw and sliding the spout off of the stub-out pipe. A threaded spout comes off by unscrewing the entire spout.

8. Replace the bathtub cartridge.

Remove the retaining clip that holds the cartridge in place. You may need pliers or a wrench to remove the cartridge from the faucet body. Put the new cartridge in place and secure it with the retaining clip.

9. Connecting the water supply lines.

Use your adjustable wrench to tighten the water supply connection to the new faucet.

10. Install the new faucet.

The specifics of installing your new faucet will depend on the exact model, so refer to the instruction manual. For a slip-on configuration, slide the new assembly onto the stub-out and tighten the new set screw. A threaded connection will tighten by turning it clockwise. Plumber's tape can help ensure a tight fit.

11. Install the new handles and trim.

Install the new faucet handles and stems onto the valve body and use the wrench to tighten the connection. Put the new escutcheon plate (trim) in place. Screw or slide the new plastic covers onto each handle. Your trim may also need to be sealed with a layer of caulk.

12. Test your new faucet.

Once you have the new faucet in place, turn the water supply back on and check for any leaks. Tighten as necessary, clean around the area, and enjoy your new faucet.

DIY vs. hiring a pro to change your bathtub faucet. 

If you have experience completing plumbing projects around the house (especially in the bathroom), you can probably replace the tub faucet yourself. If you aren't sure whether you should DIY or hire a plumber, consider the following:

• Leaks can cause costly damage. Failing to secure the faucet properly can cause leaks, which puts your bathroom at risk for potential mold and mildew damage. If you don't want to risk leakage, hire a professional instead. 
• This project will take a few hours at most. The time it takes to change a bathtub faucet is about 2 hours at most. If you have the time to spare, consider DIY-ing it. But if not, hire a professional. 
• You'll need quite a few tools. If you don't have the tools mentioned in this guide, you'll need to buy them. Buying plumbing tools is a good investment — you never know when you'll have an emergency repair that requires immediate attention. But if you don't foresee yourself tackling more DIY plumbing tasks in the future, you may just want to hire a plumber. 
• It might be cheaper to DIY. Get quotes from several professionals in your area to see how much they charge to change your faucet. If the costs are manageable, hire a pro. If not, challenge yourself to replace the faucet on your own.

Find a professional to replace your bathtub faucet.

While changing a bathtub faucet is a DIY-friendly project, hiring a faucet replacement professional or plumber can help ensure the replacement goes smoothly. Download the Thumbtack app today for a free quote from a top-rated plumber in your area.