How to Replace a Single Bathtub Faucet
- 1). Locate the main water shut off in the house, and turn off the water. The main water shut off is normally in the basement or outside near the water meter.
- 2). Turn on any sink in the house to empty the pipes. The water will run briefly, then slow to a drip and eventually stop. When it stops, the pipes are empty. If you do not empty the pipes, you will probably get wet during the faucet replacement process.
- 3). Locate the single screw that holds the existing faucet in place. The screw is either at the bottom of the faucet or hidden under a cover. Remove the cover if needed with the screwdriver. Remove the screw with the screwdriver.
- 4). Pull the faucet handle away from the wall to separate the faucet from the faucet valve. Pull the metal sleeve away from the wall to remove it. This should expose the existing faucet's clip at the top of the faucet valve; use the needle-nose pliers to carefully take off the clip. Do not bend or break it. When the clip is detached, remove the rest of the faucet cartridge.
- 5). Install the new faucet cartridge over the faucet valve. Insert the clip back into the faucet valve in the same location where you removed it.
- 6). Push the faucet's metal sleeve back into the wall in the same location where you removed it.
- 7). Slide the new handle into place over the valve. Tighten the handle using the screwdriver and the screw that came with the new faucet. Attach the screw cap or cover if applicable to conceal the screw.
- 8). Turn the main water back on for the house. Test the new faucet to make sure water is flowing and that the temperature control works properly.