Q&A for How to Change a Bathtub Faucet

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Question

Is there a universal tub spout?

Patrick Johns
Home Improvement Specialist
Patrick Johns is a Home Improvement Specialist and the Owner of CatchAll Handyman Services. With more than 28 years of experience, he has worked on a variety of home improvement projects, such as carpentry, plumbing, and door and window installations in both commercial and residential properties.

Patrick Johns

Home Improvement Specialist

Expert Answer

There is, but you shouldn't use it. These types of faucet can disconnect and cause a flood if you don't catch them soon enough.

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Question

I replaced both of the valve stems on the tub, but it's still leaking. What else should I do?

Community Answer

Inspect the valve seats (the circular ridge where the washer contacts when closed); they will likely be rough and need to be replaced. A special wrench inserts into the circle that should be twisted counter clockwise. Use Teflon tape on the threads of the new seats.

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Question

How do I change the plug in a bathtub?

Community Answer

You can purchase a special wrench that will allow you to unscrew it. It will usually have 4 spikes at one end that go into the cross in the bottom of the drain. Some drains may have a top that you have to screw off to access this area.

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Question

My old faucet handle is attached to the stem with a set screw. Most handles have screws that come in through the top of the handles. How can that type of handle replace my old set screw handle?

Community Answer

Unfortunately, it can't. You need a replacement handle designed for the valve stem that the faucet has.

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Question

Can I change just the washer on the stem without turning off the water source to the fixture?

Community Answer

No. The washer is part of the seal, so without it you will have water spraying everywhere.

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Question

In things you'll need, it lists Teflon tape. In the video, I don't see the use of any t-tape or pipe dope at all. Was that step skipped?

Community Answer

Teflon tape is used for pipe fixtures using threaded pipe joints. The pipe dope is generally used for steel pipe joints.

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Question

How long do I need to wait to use the shower after replacing the faucets?

Community Answer

Provided that the replacement went smoothly and you have no leaks, you can shower right away. The only reason you would have to wait is if you did other caulking or silicone repairs as well. You would have to check the packaging for the required drying time.

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Question

What is the proper way to sweat a pipe?

Community Answer

Place the parts you want to sweat onto the pipe. Then, heat the joint with a propane torch so it is hot enough to melt the solder. Slowly go around the joint with the rosin core solder, and the solder will bleed into the opening. This has to be 360 degrees; don't worry if you have some extra solder on the joint.

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Question

How much do bathtub faucets cost?

Community Answer

Spouts should cost between $10 and $15. You can purchase the spout, trip lever, shower head, and faucet handles separately, saving half the price of buying a whole set.

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Question

Should the valve turn right or left to turn the water on?

Community Answer

It depends on your plumbing, so try either way.

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Question

Should the spout fit tightly against the wall of the tub?

Community Answer

The spout should be hand tightened and pointing down, obviously. So screw until it is snug. If it is not pointing down, then back off a bit until it is and you should be okay. Be sure to use plumber's tape if the end is threaded.

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Question

How do I remove the handle of a shower valve?

Community Answer

Shut off the water. Then remove the faucet. Cut an access hold for better reach, then remove the valve.

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Question

My shower/tub faucet is old and works fine except for this one problem: I hear a loud bang when turning off the water, sounding like metal to metal. What might be wrong?

Community Answer

Water hammer occurs when water is shut off too quickly, if a pipe isn't secured correctly the water hammer will jar the pipes and they'll bang into something. Every few feet the pipes need to be secured with a commercial device used to secure them to a floor joist or wall stud.

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