DIY Bathtub Faucet Replacement: A Step-by-Step Guide

Aug 20, 2025 by Axel Sørensen 53 views

Changing a bathtub faucet might seem daunting, but hey, it’s totally doable! Whether you’re dealing with a leaky faucet, an outdated style, or just fancy a change, this guide will walk you through the process. Trust me, with the right tools and a bit of patience, you’ll be enjoying a brand-new faucet in no time. So, let's dive in and get those hands dirty, shall we?

1. Gather Your Tools and Materials

Before you even think about touching that old faucet, it’s crucial to gather all your tools and materials. This is like prepping for a cooking show – you wouldn't want to start only to realize you’re missing a key ingredient! Here’s a rundown of what you’ll need:

New Bathtub Faucet: Obviously, right? Make sure it's compatible with your plumbing setup (more on this later) and that you actually, you know, like it.
Adjustable Wrench: This is your trusty sidekick. You’ll be using this to loosen and tighten nuts and bolts.
Basin Wrench (or Faucet Wrench): This specialized tool is designed to reach those tricky nuts that are often hidden behind the faucet.
Pliers: For gripping and holding things in place. Very handy for stubborn parts.
Screwdrivers (Phillips and Flathead): Because screws are everywhere, aren't they?
Plumber's Putty: This creates a watertight seal around the faucet base.
Teflon Tape (Plumber's Tape): For sealing threaded connections and preventing leaks.
Towels or Rags: To protect your bathtub from scratches and to wipe up any spills.
Bucket: Because water is definitely going to come out.
Penetrating Oil (like WD-40): For those extra-stubborn, rusty parts.
Flashlight or Headlamp: Because plumbing areas can be dark and mysterious places.

Having everything ready will make the job smoother and less stressful. Imagine trying to loosen a bolt only to realize you left the wrench in the garage – major bummer, right? So, take a moment, get organized, and you'll thank yourself later.

2. Turn Off the Water Supply

This is the most important step, guys! You do NOT want a geyser erupting in your bathroom. Seriously. Find your water shut-off valves. There are usually two options:

Individual Shut-Off Valves: These are located directly under the bathtub, near the faucet connections. If you have these, you’re in luck! Simply turn them clockwise until they’re completely closed.
Main Water Shut-Off Valve: If you don’t see individual valves, you’ll need to shut off the main water supply to your house. This is usually located in the basement, garage, or near your water meter. Once you find it, turn it off. Pro tip: Let everyone in the house know you’re doing this so they don’t get caught off guard mid-shower!

Once the water is off, turn on the bathtub faucet to relieve any remaining pressure in the pipes. Let the water run until it stops completely. Don't skip this step – you don't want any surprises!

3. Remove the Old Faucet

Okay, here's where the fun begins! Now, we’re going to wrestle that old faucet out of there. This part can be a little fiddly, so patience is key.

Disconnect the Water Supply Lines: Use your adjustable wrench or basin wrench to loosen the nuts connecting the water supply lines to the faucet. Be prepared – there might be a little water left in the lines, so have your bucket and towels handy.
Loosen the Mounting Nuts: These are the nuts that hold the faucet in place. They’re usually located underneath the bathtub or behind the faucet. This is where that basin wrench comes in super handy. If the nuts are rusty or corroded, give them a good spray with penetrating oil and let it sit for a few minutes before trying again.
Remove the Old Faucet: Once the mounting nuts are loose, you should be able to wiggle the old faucet free. Lift it out carefully, making sure not to damage the surrounding tiles or the bathtub itself.
Clean the Area: Now's a good time to clean up the area where the old faucet was. Remove any old plumber's putty or caulk. A putty knife or scraper can be helpful for this. Make sure the surface is clean and dry before you install the new faucet.

Removing the old faucet can sometimes be the trickiest part of the job, especially if it's been there for a while. Don't get discouraged if it's a little stubborn. Just take your time, use the right tools, and you'll get it done!

4. Install the New Faucet

Alright, you’ve made it this far – almost there! Now, let’s get that shiny new faucet installed. This is where all your hard work pays off.

Apply Plumber's Putty: Roll a rope of plumber's putty and press it around the base of the new faucet where it will contact the bathtub. This will create a watertight seal and prevent leaks. Don't be shy – use enough to create a good seal, but not so much that it oozes out everywhere.
Insert the New Faucet: Carefully insert the new faucet into the holes in the bathtub. Make sure it's seated properly and aligned correctly.
Attach the Mounting Hardware: From underneath the bathtub, attach the mounting nuts and washers that came with your new faucet. Tighten them securely with your basin wrench or adjustable wrench. Don't overtighten, though – you don't want to crack the faucet or the bathtub.
Connect the Water Supply Lines: Wrap the threads of the faucet inlets with Teflon tape. This will help create a watertight seal. Then, connect the water supply lines to the faucet using your adjustable wrench. Again, tighten securely, but don't overtighten.
Remove Excess Putty: Wipe away any excess plumber's putty that has squeezed out from under the faucet base. A damp cloth works well for this.

Installing the new faucet is usually a pretty straightforward process, but it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions. Each faucet is a little different, so make sure you understand the specific steps for your model.

5. Test for Leaks

This is the moment of truth! Before you celebrate your plumbing prowess, you need to make sure everything is watertight. Here’s how to test for leaks:

Turn the Water Supply Back On: Slowly turn the water supply back on, either at the individual shut-off valves or at the main water valve. Keep an eye on all the connections as the water pressure builds up.
Check for Leaks: Carefully inspect all the connections – the water supply lines, the faucet base, and the mounting nuts. Look for any drips or signs of water leaking. Feel around with your fingers to check for moisture.
Operate the Faucet: Turn the faucet on and off, and check for leaks while it's running. Also, check the diverter (if your faucet has one) to make sure it's working properly.
Tighten Connections if Needed: If you find any leaks, tighten the connections slightly with your wrench. Don't go crazy – a little tightening can often do the trick. If you still have leaks after tightening, you may need to disconnect the lines, reapply Teflon tape or plumber's putty, and try again.

Testing for leaks is crucial to prevent water damage and wasted water. It's better to catch a small leak now than to deal with a big problem later. So, take your time, be thorough, and make sure everything is snug and dry.

6. Clean Up and Admire Your Work

You did it! You’ve successfully changed your bathtub faucet. Now, it’s time to clean up your workspace and admire your handiwork.

Clean Up: Remove all your tools and materials from the bathroom. Wipe up any spills or drips. Dispose of the old faucet and any packaging materials.
Admire Your Work: Stand back and take a look at your new faucet. Doesn't it look fantastic? You’ve not only improved the look of your bathroom, but you’ve also saved yourself some money by doing it yourself.
Enjoy Your New Faucet: Take a nice, relaxing bath or shower and enjoy your new faucet. You’ve earned it!

Changing a bathtub faucet might seem like a big job, but it’s totally manageable with the right tools and a little know-how. By following these steps, you can save money, gain some DIY skills, and enjoy a beautiful new faucet in your bathroom. So, go ahead and tackle that project – you’ve got this!