How To Replace Shower Tub Faucet

I had handpicked a really stylish and efficient faucet for the shower tub in our bathroom back when I moved into the current home. 

However, even high-quality bathroom fixtures wear out with time, which happened with this one, too. Even my husband and daughters were weary about it, saying that the water flow was no longer consistent. Thus, I realized it was high time to replace it with a new one, and soon bought another faucet online. 

But since I had never replaced faucets earlier, I naturally had to turn to the internet for help. And after quite a bit of research, I finally went for the job and pulled it off within a couple of hours. And the new faucet has been working wonderfully since then!

Hey there! This is Stacy, and today I’ll answer your question: how to replace shower tub faucet. So, let’s begin with the deets...

How To Replace Shower Tub Faucet

To clearly understand the technical know-how of the procedure, you’ll need to consider some essential factors beforehand. So, let’s look at those first. 

Different Configurations Of Shower Tub Faucets

Firstly, the spout of a shower tub faucet comes in two different designs, viz. a threaded and a slip-on design. While the former is made so that it slips onto the water stub-out pipe fixed to the plumbing on the wall, the latter has threads fitting over one end of the stub-out pipe. 

Note that slip-on spouts need a set screw to secure the spout to the pipe, but threaded spouts don’t need one. 

In addition, the faucet is installed using some thin stems connecting the pipes and needs to be replaced or removed. This system is used irrespective of whether the shower tub has a single handle or two handles.  

Preparatory Steps

Now, here are some things to do before you start with the procedure:

• Shut off the home water supply to prevent spraying during work
• Scrape off the old caulk where the handles or spouts meet the wall 
• Open the faucet once to drain any residual water and close it back

Tools And Materials Needed

Tools

• Sockets
• Locking pliers
• Hex keys
• Pipe wrenches 
• Flat screwdriver

Materials

• The replacement faucet
• Lubricant
• Tub spout
• Caulk and sealant
• Pipe putty
• Duct tape

The Procedure

Here’s what you’ll have to do to replace a shower tub faucet. 

Step 1: Removing The Faucet Handles

First of all, pry off the plastic cover of the handle using a screwdriver with a flat head. Follow this by removing the handle screw with the screwdriver. Then wiggle the handle to pull it off; you might need a handle puller if it doesn’t come off by hand. As for the one I had, the handle was too sturdy, so I had arranged for a handle puller beforehand. 

After this, position a socket wrench on the stem of the shower tub faucet till it covers the hex nut. Then turn it counterclockwise to loosen the nut until the stem can be pulled free. If you have a two-handle faucet, you’ll have to repeat these steps for the other handle. 

Step 2: Removing The Spout

If your shower tub faucet has a slip-on spout, make sure you remove the set screw under the spout using an appropriate screwdriver or an Allen wrench. This might take some time based on the condition of the screw, as it is prone to damage while you use the faucet. 

For instance, it took me nearly half an hour to remove the screw as it had been weathered. After this, you’ll have to pull the entire spout from the wall using both hands. 

But if the spout is a threaded one, you must place the jaws of a pipe wrench or locking pliers around it and tighten until it’s secure. Then turn the wrench counterclockwise to take it out. 

Step 3: Replacing The Shower Tub Cartridge

Begin by removing the screws that hold the escutcheon plate in position and then sliding it out. This plate is present around the base of the faucet and is used to cover the gap between the base and the shower tub surface. It’s also known as a flange or cover plate. 

Now, remove the retaining clip holding the cartridge using a screwdriver, and detach the cartridge with the pliers. Note that my plumbing configuration was slightly different, so I needed a cartridge-pulling wrench for the purpose. 

Then check the O-rings to replace them as per the need. Installing new O-rings will rule out the chances of any leakage. Finally, fix the replacement cartridge and slide in the retaining clip so that it stays in place. 

Step 4: Fixing The New Faucet Handle

First of all, you must ensure that the replacement handle and stems have the same configuration and size as the old models. 

Start the process by putting the new stem and turning it clockwise to tighten it. After this, use a socket wrench to tighten it once and for all. Then slide the new handle on the step till it touches the wall. Follow this by tightening the screw to secure the handle and snap the plastic cover back onto it. Again, you must repeat the steps if the faucet has two handles. 

Step 5: Fixing The Spout

In case the spout is threaded, wrap the plumber’s tape around the wall pipe threading. Then put the replacement spout in place, turn it clockwise till it’s secure and tighten it with an adjustable wrench. While tightening the spout, make sure it points straight down into the tub. 

However, if it's a slip-on spout, fix it by sliding it onto the pipe till the base meets the wall. Now fix the set screw to secure the spout in position. 

With this, your new fittings will be in place, so turn the water supply back, and you’re good to go!

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DANCO (88703) Tub Spout with Diverter, Chrome Finish, Metal, 1-Pack

• Tub Spout Replacement: Replace your old, leaky tub spout with a stylish metal diverter spout in a classic chrome finish while restoring full tub and shower functionality
• Universal Fit: Fits most bathtub plumbing setups and includes adapters for 2 to 3 inch long 1/2 inch copper slip-on pipes, 1/2 to 3/4 inch long 1/2 inch IPS stub out pipe, and 3/4 to 1 inch long 3/4 inch IPS stub out pipe. Directly screws onto 3-3/4 to 4-inch long 1/2 inch IPS pipes using thread sealing tape. Provides a 5-inch spout reach from the wall for extended clearance
• Tub Spout Kit Includes: Thread adapter with a pre-installed screw, NPT bushing, thread seal tape, compression washer, and an extension nipple

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Bestseller No. 2

Bathtub Faucet Easy to Install Tub Spout with Diverter,American Standard Tub Faucet Replacement Fits 1/2" Copper Water Tube(5/8" Diameter) with Hex Wrench Chrome Finish

• Easy to Install:With the included kit you can install the tub faucet without additional tools in minutes.
• Connection size:North American standard tub spout fits 1/2" copper water tube(5/8" Diameter),min length 1-1/2" and max length 2-7/8" which fits most tub.Tips:Not fit 3/4" tube and threaded tube.
• Sturdy and durable:The bathtub faucet is made of high-strength metal with advanced automated welding technology and quality chrome finish,prevent rust and corrosion for a long time

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