Replace a Tub and Shower Faucet
Perhaps you are tired of that old tub and shower faucet. Maybe it's so old, you can't even clean it anymore. Or it could be one of the older models that is not pressure balanced or anti-scald. Newer model tub and shower faucets save quite a bit of water as well, so it may be time to install a new tub and shower faucet.
Instructions
1. Turn off your main water at the house connection. You may have to locate the in-ground box first. Look around your house and see where the main water pipe comes in to help you locate the shut-off valve.
2. Remove your tub and shower faucet handles by using a screwdriver. You may have one, two or three handles, depending on your exact faucet style. Some metal handles may be corroded on, so lubricate first, then let set for about 15 to 20 minutes. Then, lightly tap with a rubber mallet to loosen them up. You may have to remove metal collars that are behind some faucet handles. Some of them unscrew, while others just take a gentle tap to dislodge. If you have a single-handle unit, you will have one large plate that has to be removed, once the handle is off.
3. Use a drywall saw or sawzall to cut out an access hole on the opposite side of your tub and shower faucet. Hopefully, this is in a closet space or somewhere not too noticeable. You will close it up later. You will need to make this access hole about three feet by three feet square. You need enough room to remove and install a new tub and shower valve and the involved plumbing pipes.
4. Use your pipe wrench or channel lock pliers to remove the fittings that are screwed into the bottom of your tub and shower faucet. There can be one, two or three, again depending on your exact faucet design. You may need to use your lubricating spray and hammer to loosen stubborn fittings. Be careful not to break any old pipes that may be brittle with age. If all else fails, you may have to cut out the whole faucet using your sawzall. Make your cut about two feet below the bottom of the faucet body. You will then have to repipe with galvanized fittings or copper pipe fittings.
Use buckets and towels to catch any water that comes out of the pipes.
Reconnect new galvanized fittings by rethreading them on with sections of threaded pipe or by resoldering on new copper fittings. Now your plumbing is ready for the new tub and shower faucet to be installed.
5. Install the new valve from the access side of the wall. Insert the valve through the holes and have a helper on the tub side hold it in position, while you connect the fittings. Use Teflon tape for all threaded connections. Install the handle temporarily from the tub side. Turn on the water and test for leaks and to get air out of the line.
Place an access panel on the other side of the wall and install the tub and shower faucet on the tub side.
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