Replace Single Handle Bathtub Faucet (Kitchen, Bathroom, Or Shower Faucet)

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Replacing faucets can be challenging, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the process. With so many bolts and screws, it’s hard to know their use.

Gathering enough knowledge is essential to ensure a smooth process if you plan to replace a single-handle faucet in your kitchen, bathroom, shower, or bathtub.

In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide to installing a new single-handle faucet by replacing the old one.

So, whether you’re looking to save money on plumbing costs or a DIY enthusiast eager to tackle a new project, let’s dive in and learn how to replace a single-handle faucet confidently.

How to Replace a Single Handle Bathtub Faucet?

Bathtubs and showers have different spout handles and, therefore, should not be confused as being the same. Let’s see how you can change a bathtub’s single-handle faucet in the following steps:

Step 1: Start by closing the water valves, and if you cannot locate the separate water valve for the bathtub, shut the main water supply. Now you can open the handle and let out any remaining water in the faucet handle.

Step 2: Remove all that is attached to and around a faucet. It includes the escutcheon plates, tub spouts, handles plates, and the handles themselves with the help of pliers or screwdrivers. You can remove the spout using a plier but don’t scratch it.

Step 3: Tub walls have an access panel that must be removed to reach the pipes and valves. If you cannot find it in the bathroom, look in the room next to it.

Step 4: You can outline the panel with a pencil since it covers the holes left by the faucet handle. Drill ¼ down the line you made and create a hole. 

Step 5: Cut pipes that are connected to valves that are already there. Use a pipe wrench and unscrew any unions’ nuts that are present there on the pipes. 

Step 6: Get adapters if you need hot and cold water lines and attach them to the new single-handle valve. If the pipes are plastic, then get a plastic adapter. Secure the connection by using pipe tapes.

Step 7: Put the valves in place using the plumber’s tape, which is held in its position with the help of screws. Directly that the valve is attached to the frame, connect hot and cold water lines using a wrench.

Step 8: Now put the new spout place that may have come in hand with the new handle faucet in the same place where the old spout was.

Step 9: Place the faucet trim. Now slide the wall panels you removed and secure with anchor screws, then attach the handle and plates. If you didn’t have to drill in the wall, place the plate and screw the faucet handle, and cover any holes you see after placing the single-handle faucet. 

Step 10: Now, use silicone caulk to permanently stick the spout’s base, the faucet plate, and a conversion plate.

You’re done.

How to Replace a Single-Handle Kitchen Faucet?

Let’s see how you can change the single-handle faucet yourself in the kitchen. The following points will be easy to follow;

Step 1: Turn off the water supply valves under the sink. Close them up before you start any work.

Step 2: Twist the faucet open to drain the remaining water. You can use a wrench to remove the hot and cold water lines.

Step 3: Use a wrench to remove the screws behind the faucet and remove the sprayer hose further. Lift the sprayer hose first and then remove the faucet. Clean any debris that must have come out while removing the faucet. If the cap of the sprayer hose is okay, let it stay on, and don’t remove it. 

Step 4: Attach the new hose through the hole and the faucet. To do this, use a wrench to connect it to the hose and the sprayer.

Step 5: You can purchase flexible connectors to separate the hold and cold water supply lines. The adapter will be connected before you connect the faucet to the sprayer hose.

Step 6: Insert connectors and supply lines through the center hole among the three holes and then place the faucet over it.

Step 7: Install a plastic nut and washer under the sink to keep the faucet in place. Tighten them using a wrench.

Step 8: Now, you must connect the second connector to the connector’s male ends and the shutoff valves. Tighten them well and switch on the water to check for leaks.

This can be pretty easy if you keep following the steps but go to a plumber if it gets complicated.

How to Replace a Single-Handle Bathroom Faucet?

Let us see a step-by-step guide on how to replace a faucet by oneself.

Step 1: Understand the faucet that is already installed in your bathroom. If it’s a single-hole faucet, the faucet doesn’t only serve as a spout but a mixer of hot and cold water valves as well.

Step 2: Collect the important parts after you have decided on a single-handle spout for the faucet. Always check before what was already installed and buy something similar to it.

Step 3: Shut the water valves off to prevent any accidents.

Step 4: After it is turned off, twist the faucet open to drain out any remaining water. You must now remove a flexible extension attached to the faucet using a wrench.

Step 5: Then, separate the same line from the valve to shut off the water.

Step 6: If you look under the sink, some nuts secure the faucet. Unscrew them using a wrench and lift them from the top. You can use a lubricant if it feels stuck.

Step 7: Following the new faucet’s instructions, install it with its spout and bouse. Fix them with a wrench and check for leaks before opening the main water lines.

Finally, you’re done replacing your bathroom’s single handle or spout faucet.

How to Replace a Single Handle Shower Faucet?

Let’s see how we can replace the old shower faucet with a new one in the following steps:

Step 1: Locate the water for the shower and shut it off. Place a bucket under the spout to capture excess water from the faucet.

Step 2: Remove the plate and the faucet handles to see the shower valve.

Step 3: There must be locking nuts that need to open up by pliers, and then remove the old cartridges by pulling them out.

Step 4: Now that the center of the valve is empty. Then insert a rubber seat with a spring and put it in the valve. Repeat it for other seats.

Step 5: Now, put the new cartridge in the valve.

Step 6: Put the O ring onto the cartridge and tighten them by using pliers.

Step 7: Take the new faucet plate, place and cover the valve, and tighten it with the screws given.

Step 8: Now, you can attach the newly bought faucet handle. Turn the water on to check for any drippings or leaks.

Step 9: You can also arrange for a temperature limit fixture to prevent the temperature from exceeding 120 degrees F and prevent scalding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I replace just the tub faucet?

Yes, you can. Remove the old stems connecting to the pipe, pull the handle, and install a new one. Buy a similar handle to the one you had before.

Q2. How much would it cost to get a replacement for the shower valve?

The replacement for a shower valve could be $225 to $575 when seeing an average of it. 

Q3. How to install a new kitchen faucet yourself?

Installing a new faucet can be affordable and easy by using a standard list of tools and following an instruction manual.

Q4. Can you change a faucet without closing off the water?

You cannot do that! There has to be some valve for you to close because it is made that way. Otherwise, the water would keep coming out of the faucet even before you were thinking of changing the faucet. You have to close the valves and locate them before doing that.

Wrapping Things Up

We have read about replacing an old single-handle faucet with a new one for various house areas, like the kitchen, bathroom, shower, and bathtub. You can easily change it on your own by following these simple steps. The most important step that remains is collecting the critical material for it. 

Therefore, it can be concluded that you can do this without a plumber’s help by using extensive steps and following through with them. After all, the wear or tear of these fixtures is so ordinary since they are used every day that you can’t keep calling the plumber again and again.

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