How To Replace Bathtub Faucet Handles (Also Bathroom, Outdoor, Kitchen, Shower, and Sink Faucet Handles)

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Looking to replace your bathtub faucet handles?

Also having trouble replacing the other faucets like bathroom, outdoor, kitchen, shower, and sink handles.

Our comprehensive guide covers all types of faucet handles step by step.

No need to worry about expertise – we provide all the instructions and tools for a hassle-free replacement. Discover how to tackle this project in under an hour.

How to Replace Bathroom Faucet Handles?

Faucets come in four types: disc faucet, compression washer, two-handle cartridge faucet, and ball faucet. Each type requires different ways to replace it.

Before attempting any DIY project in your bathroom, it is better to familiarize yourself with your bathroom connection. 

Faucets do not become faulty often. However, if your bathroom faucet handles pose an issue by any chance, replacing them is easy and affordable. 

Materials and tools needed

  • Bathroom caulk
  • Putty knife
  • Screwdriver
  • Pliers
  • Washers
  • Putty knife
  • Penetrating oil
  • Adjustable wrench
  • Basic wrench
  • faucet handle puller
  • Plastic or rubber gaskets

You will also need to buy a new faucet, stem and sprout. Replacing the existing faucets when the old branch and node are in place might pose more complications if they are incompatible.

You can carry your old faucet, stem and sprout to your local hardware store if you are unsure what bathroom is used. 

Replacement of bathroom faucets is straightforward. But if you miss a single step, you might start dealing with significant issues like leakages. 

Step 1: Start by switching off the water supply

Since the faucets are connected to the main water supply line, it would be better if you disconnect any water from reaching your faucets. The water supply line valve is either in the garage or the basement. Either way, you have to locate the valve. 

Step 2: Drain your plumbing

We don’t often get time to check the state of our plumbing. However, you can use the minor plumbing project to ensure everything runs as it should. 

The first step is draining any water from the drain hose. Next, check if there is any clogging on your drain hose. 

Step 3: Prepare your working area

You will be dealing with a lot of screws during replacement. To prevent the screws from falling into the drains, place a basin under the sink and a towel on the sink.

The bucket will catch any water drips from the faucet, and the towel will hold all the screws from falling under the sink. However, you should have another different place to place the screws. 

Step 4: Remove the faucet from the attachment

Once you have disconnected the water supply and drain hose, you can start dealing with the faucets. 

  • Use a wrench to loosen the nuts that attach the faucet to the sink. 
  • When the connection is loose, you can turn the faucet in an anticlockwise direction and remove it from the sink. 

Clean the holes where the faucets were attached using a clean cloth

Step 5: Install the gaskets

Gaskets sit between the sink and the faucets. Their purpose is to ensure the connections are secure. Place the gaskets over the hole where your faucets, valves, and tailpipes will be inserted into the sink. 

Plastic gaskets can break on you, so handle them with utmost care. 

Step 5: Use Teflon tapes for the threads

Faucets connections need to be secure so that you do not experience any leaks in the future. Ensure you wrap Teflon tape on the male thread of the tailpipe at least thrice. 

Step 6: Install the faucets

Two holes are available for installation depending on the type of faucets you have. First, matches the valve to its appropriate spot and the tailpipe to its hole.

 Place a washer over the tailpipe and tighten the nuts using a screwdriver. Do not tighten the pipes too much, as you could cause damage.

Step 7: Attach the supply line and the hosepipe

Start by attaching the supply and drain lines to the tailpipes and tightening the nuts using a basin wrench. 

Once the connection is safe, you can connect the water supply again. 

Check if all the connections are secure and turn the water back on. Suppose your new faucets are working—congratulations. You are now a successful DIYer.

How to Replace Bathtub Faucet Handles? 

Replacing bathtub faucets is not different from the bathroom replacement explained above.

However, the slight difference in the installation will be discussed below.

  • Locate and shut off the water supply valve. 
  • Drain the water in your plumbing while checking for clogs.
  • Remove the decorative cap that covers the screw holding the faucets.
  • Unscrew the bolts that hold the faucet to the tub.
  • Remove the faceplate and the casing by unscrewing the bolts attached to the wall. These screws are large than ordinary screws. You will therefore need a powerful screwdriver.
  • Clean the holes where the faucet and the valve enter and install a gasket. 
  • On top of the gasket, insert a new casing and faceplate. Screw the nuts into the wall using a screwdriver. 
  • Attach the new faucet handle to the bathtub again and ensure all the connections are secure. You can use Teflon tape as a sealant.
  • Screw in the bolts again and install the decorative plate. 
  • Turn the water back, and test if the new faucet is working.

Provided you have compatible faucets, installation is relatively straightforward.

How to Replace Outdoor Faucet Handles?

Replacing outdoor faucet handles differs from a bathtub and a bathroom. The only difference is that most connections are concealed in a wall.

You will therefore follow a simple procedure and special tools for these connections.

  • Disconnect the water supply line by switching off the supply valve in your home.
  • Remove the screws that attach the faucet to the wall using a screwdriver and a wrench.
  • Pull out the faucets from the hole it is inserted. 
  • Clean the area for easy installation. 
  • Install a plastic or rubber gasket in the hole where the handle is entering. 
  • Install the new faucet and ensure the connections are made perfectly.

After installation, you can turn the water back on by switching the valve. 

How to Replace Kitchen Faucet Handles?

Among all the faucets in a home, the kitchen faucet is the most commonly used. For that reason, it is pretty easy for it to become faulty. 

If you have a faulty kitchen faucet handle, it would be better to replace them ASAP. Many home activities can be hindered when the kitchen faucet is not working. An example is a dishwasher. 

Replacing a kitchen faucet handle is relatively easy. You will follow the same procedure used to replace the bathroom faucet. Make sure the faucets you are returning are compatible. 

How to Replace Shower Faucet Handles?

Shower faucets can serve you for years without ever becoming defective. If your shower faucet handle becomes faulty, you can use a straightforward process to replace it.

However, you will need more tools and expertise if you want to replace the whole faucet.

  • Switch off the water supply valve.
  • A decorative cap hides the bolt that holds the handle to the faucet. Remove the decorative lid.
  • Unscrew the bolt using a screwdriver.
  • Take off the nob so that you can reach the valve stem.
  • Where you have taken the knob off, replace it with a new one. Ensure the knobs are compatible; otherwise, you must change the faucet. 
  • Insert the large screw into the knob and start screwing it using a screwdriver. 
  • Repeat the same process if you have two faucets, a cold and a hot water knob. 
  • Turn on the water supply back and test the connection again.

The shower faucet handle is not complicated; however, a loose connection leak might occur if you leave.

How to Replace Sink Faucet Handles?

You do not need special tools or expertise to replace a sink faucet handle. 

When replacing the sink faucet handles, you must match the handle with the faucet. If you can’t find a compatible tap handle, replace the faucet system. 

Replacing the sink faucet handle is similar to those discussed above.

  • You will need to shut off the water supply valve.
  • Remove the decorative cap to reach the bolt that holds the knob. 
  • Unscrew the know using a screwdriver.
  • Remove the knob and replace it with a new knob. 
  • Return the bolt in the hole and screw it back using a screwdriver. Ensure the bolt is tight enough to avoid any leaks.
  • Place the decorative cap back to conceal the bolt.
  • Switch the water supply valve back and test if your new faucet handle works perfectly.

Do not attempt more than handle connection if you have no experience. 

Conclusion

Faucet handles rarely become defective. However, if your faucet handle is not working, you can replace it cheaply. You will only need tools and this guide. 

Ensure you have matched the faucet handle with its stem and sprout. If you didn’t find a grip that fits in your existing faucet, it would be better if you replaced the whole faucet.

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