Bathtub Faucet Replacement
Is the faucet in your bathroom dripping or leaking ? If so, maybe it’s time to replace it. Lots of people seem to think replacing bathtub faucets is very hard. In reality, it isn’t hard. But you do need to know how to replace one.
What Type of Faucet ?
Bathtubs usually have either two valve or three valve faucets. When their washers get corroded and become stiff, they start dripping or leaking. This process is quickened by water pressure. While the newer washers use cartridges, older washers typically have neoprene or rubber washers.
Why should you care about what kind of faucet you have already installed ? Because you need to buy the right replacement …
You need to know what size faucet you should buy. And so you need to measure the holes – center to center – exactly. You may buy a washer of any style, but size is one thing you must know.
Use The Right Tools
Since there are several types of wrenches – each for a different kind of job, you would want to use the right tools. While open end wrenches are ideal for hex or square nuts, strap wrenches might need to be used if your pipes are chrome plated. And a vise grip wrench would be needed to work on small diameter pipes.
Typically, you would be using two wrenches – one to hold and the other to turn.
You would also need to look for the faucet assembly. This is usually installed behind walls. A rear access panel would have been provided by your builder in the back of the tub.
Reading the instructions for installation would be a very good thing to do before you start the project 
That said, here are …
Steps To Replace Leaking Faucets
*Turn the water supply off.
*Remove the handle of the faucet. You could either tap or pull it gently.
*Now remove the trim and stem assembly. Using a bath socket wrench for the task would be a good idea.
*Examine the washer. If it’s torn or brittle, then the washer needs to be replaced.
*Take a look at the seats. In case you see that they are rough, they need to be replaced too. You would need to use a seat wrench to remove it.
*Before you install the replacement, remember to grease the nut threads, stem threads and the washer.
*If yours is a cartridge style faucet, remove the handle and trim. And replace the cartridge.
So it easy – once you know how to do it, that is. Likewise, replacing a shower tub faucet and fixing a leaking shower head isn’t hard too.
Filed under: General Interest