3 Easy Steps to Replace a Two Handle Bathtub Faucet

Replacing a two-handle bathtub faucet is not as difficult as it may seem. With a few simple tools and a little bit of patience, you can have your new faucet installed in no time.

The first step is to turn off the water supply to the bathtub. This is usually done by turning off the valves located under the sink. Once the water is turned off, you can remove the old faucet by unscrewing the nuts that hold it in place. Be careful not to damage the plumbing when you are doing this.

Once the old faucet is removed, you can install the new one. Start by placing the new faucet in the hole in the bathtub. Then, screw on the nuts that hold it in place. Be sure to tighten the nuts securely, but do not overtighten them. Finally, turn on the water supply and check for leaks. If there are any leaks, tighten the nuts until the leaks stop.

Gather Necessary Tools and Materials

Replacing a two-handle bathtub faucet requires a few essential tools and materials to ensure a smooth and successful installation. Here’s a comprehensive list of what you’ll need:

Tools

Adjustable wrench or spanner
Phillips head screwdriver
Flat head screwdriver
Plumbers putty or Teflon tape
Bucket or bowl
Rags or towels

Materials

Component	Quantity
New two-handle bathtub faucet	1
Faucet handles	2
Faucet aerators (optional)	2
Pipe dope or thread sealant	As needed

Additionally, you may want to consider bringing a flashlight for better visibility under the sink and a pair of work gloves for protection.

Turn Off Water

Before you begin working on the faucet, it’s important to turn off the water supply. This will prevent water from spraying out of the faucet when you remove the handles and cartridge. To turn off the water supply, locate the shut-off valves under the sink. The valves will typically be located at the base of the faucet, where the water lines connect to the faucet. Turn the valves clockwise to turn off the water supply.

If there are no shut-off valves under the sink, you will need to turn off the water supply to the entire house. To do this, locate the main water shut-off valve, which is usually located near the front of the house, in the basement, or in a utility closet. Turn the valve clockwise to turn off the water supply.

Tips for Turning Off the Water

Here are a few tips for turning off the water supply:

Make sure that you have a wrench or pliers on hand to turn the shut-off valves.
If the shut-off valves are difficult to turn, you can try using a pair of pliers to get a better grip.
If you are unable to turn off the water supply, you should call a plumber for assistance.


Tool	Purpose
Wrench or pliers	To turn the shut-off valves

Remove Aerators and Handles

Removing Aerators

Start by unscrewing the aerator from the faucet using a wrench. If the aerator is stuck, you can use a pair of pliers to gently loosen it.

Once the aerator is removed, you will be able to see the cartridge. The cartridge is held in place by a screw, which you will need to remove using a screwdriver.

Once the screw is removed, you will be able to lift the cartridge out of the faucet. Be careful not to lose the washer that is located behind the cartridge.

Removing Handles

To remove the handles, you will need to locate the set screws that are holding them in place. The set screws are usually located on the underside of the handles.

Once you have located the set screws, you will need to loosen them using a screwdriver. Be careful not to over-tighten the set screws, as this can damage the handles.

Once the set screws are loosened, you will be able to pull the handles off the faucet.

Tool	Description
Wrench	Used to unscrew the aerator.
Screwdriver	Used to remove the cartridge screw and set screws.
Pliers	Used to loosen a stuck aerator.
Washer	Located behind the cartridge, it must not be lost.
Set screws	Hold the handles in place.

Disconnect Supply Lines

Once the handles and trim are removed, you will need to disconnect the supply lines. These are the flexible hoses that connect the faucet to the water supply pipes. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the nuts that connect the hoses to the faucet.

Be careful not to overtighten the nuts, as you can damage the hoses. Once the nuts are loose, you can carefully pull the hoses off the faucet.

If the hoses are old or damaged, you may need to replace them. To do this, cut the old hoses off the faucet and the supply pipes. Then, attach the new hoses to the faucet and the supply pipes using the nuts that came with the new hoses.

Once the supply lines are disconnected, you can remove the old faucet from the sink or tub.

Tips
If you are having trouble disconnecting the supply lines, you can use a pair of pliers to help you loosen the nuts.
Be careful not to damage the supply lines when you are disconnecting them.
If you are replacing the supply lines, make sure that they are the correct length and that they are rated for the water pressure in your home.

Remove Faucet Base

After removing the handles and cartridge, you can now remove the faucet base. Place a bucket or towel under the faucet to catch any water that may leak out.

Using an adjustable wrench, loosen the nuts that are holding the faucet base in place. Be careful not to overtighten the nuts, as this can damage the faucet.

Once the nuts are loose, you can gently pull the faucet base off of the tub deck.

If the faucet base is stuck, you may need to use a rubber mallet to gently tap it loose. Be careful not to hit the faucet too hard, as this can damage it.

Once the faucet base is removed, you can now access the plumbing connections.

Tips for Removing the Faucet Base

Tips	Details
Use a bucket or towel to catch any water that may leak out	This will help to prevent water from damaging your floor or carpet.
Be careful not to overtighten the nuts	Overtightening the nuts can damage the faucet.
If the faucet base is stuck, use a rubber mallet to gently tap it loose	Be careful not to hit the faucet too hard, as this can damage it.

Clean Mounting Surface

Before you begin installing the new faucet, it’s important to thoroughly clean the mounting surface. This will help to ensure that the new faucet is installed securely and that there are no leaks. Here are the steps to clean the mounting surface:

Remove any old caulk or sealant from around the old faucet. You can use a utility knife or a razor blade to carefully scrape away the caulk.
Clean the surface with a degreaser. This will help to remove any dirt, grime, or oil that could prevent the new faucet from bonding properly.
Rinse the surface with clean water and allow it to dry completely.

Tip	Description
Use a scrub brush to clean the surface thoroughly.	This will help to remove any stubborn dirt or grime.
Allow the surface to dry completely before installing the new faucet.	This will help to ensure that the new faucet is installed securely.

Apply Plumber’s Putty and Install Base

Step 7: Apply Plumber’s Putty and Install Base

7.1: Remove the old plumber’s putty from the base of the new faucet using a putty knife or scraper. Clean the area thoroughly with rubbing alcohol and allow it to dry.

7.2: Roll out a rope of plumber’s putty about 1/4 inch thick and 6 inches long. Place the putty around the base of the faucet, leaving a small hole in the center for the water supply lines.

7.3: Turn the faucet upside down and place it over the mounting holes in the bathtub. Make sure the putty is evenly distributed around the base and filling any gaps.

7.4: Place the mounting bolts through the holes in the faucet and into the bathtub. Tighten the nuts by hand until snug.

7.5: Turn the faucet right-side up and manually tighten the mounting nuts further. Avoid overtightening, as this can damage the faucet or bathtub.

7.6: Use a level to ensure the faucet is level. Adjust the mounting nuts as necessary.

Install Handles

1. Position the handles on the stems.

2. Apply a small amount of plumbers grease to the threads of the handle screws.

3. Insert the handle screws into the handles and tighten them until they are snug.

4. Use a wrench to tighten the packing nuts on each handle.

5. Turn on the water and check for leaks. If there is a leak, tighten the packing nuts until the leak stops.

6. Install the aerators on each handle.

7. Turn on the water and check for leaks. If there is a leak, tighten the aerators until the leak stops.

8. Check the operation of the faucet. The handles should turn smoothly and the water should flow evenly from the aerators. If the faucet does not operate properly, check the following:

Possible Problem	Solution
The handles are stiff	Loosen the packing nuts on the handles
The water does not flow evenly from the aerators	Clean the aerators
The faucet is leaking	Tighten the packing nuts on the handles or aerators

Connect Supply Lines

9. **Connect Supply Lines to Faucet:**

a. Wrap plumber’s tape clockwise around the threaded end of the hot and cold supply lines. Tighten them by hand onto the corresponding faucet inlets marked “H” and “C.”

b. **Use a Basin Wrench to Secure:**

Tip	Benefit
Insert a basin wrench into the hole in the faucet body.	Allows access to the nuts underneath the faucet.
Tighten the nuts until they are snug, but avoid overtightening.	Prevents leaks and ensures a secure connection.

c. **Check Connections:**

Turn on the water supply and check for leaks at the faucet inlets and supply line connections. If any leaks occur, tighten the connections further as needed.

Turn On Water and Check for Leaks

Once the old faucet is removed, it’s crucial to turn on the water supply to test for any potential leaks before installing the new one. Follow these steps to ensure a watertight seal:

Open both the hot and cold water valves located underneath the sink.
Run both handles to allow water to flow through the pipes.
Inspect the base of the faucet, the supply lines, and any other connections for any signs of water leakage.
If you encounter any leaks, tighten the connections further using a wrench or pliers.
Once the leaks have been addressed, turn off both water valves again.
Proceed with the installation of the new faucet, taking extra care to secure all connections.
Once the new faucet is fully installed, turn on the water valves again and check for any remaining leaks.
If all connections are secure and there are no leaks, proceed to the next step of testing the functionality of the faucet.
If you encounter any persistent leaks that cannot be resolved, consult a licensed plumber for professional assistance.

Troubleshooting Leaks
Leak at faucet base	Tighten the locknut beneath the faucet.
Leak at supply line connections	Use a wrench to tighten the nuts connecting the supply lines to the faucet.
Leak at pop-up drain	Check the drain stopper assembly and replace any worn-out components.

How To Replace A Two Handle Bathtub Faucet

Replacing a two-handle bathtub faucet is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few hours. With the right tools and materials, you can save yourself the cost of hiring a plumber.

Tools and Materials

• Adjustable wrench
• Basin wrench
• Plumber’s putty
• Teflon tape
• New bathtub faucet
• Utility knife

Instructions

Turn off the water supply to the bathtub. There should be two shut-off valves located under the sink. Turn the handles clockwise to close them.
Open the bathtub faucet to release any remaining water pressure.
Use the adjustable wrench to loosen the nuts that hold the handles in place. Remove the handles.
Use the basin wrench to loosen the nuts that hold the faucet body in place. Remove the faucet body.
Apply a bead of plumber’s putty to the base of the new faucet body. Wrap the threads of the faucet body with Teflon tape.
Install the new faucet body and tighten the nuts with the basin wrench.
Install the handles and tighten the nuts with the adjustable wrench.
Turn on the water supply to the bathtub and check for leaks. If there are any leaks, tighten the nuts further.