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 Save money by learning how to replace a shower faucet. It is important to purchase the correct replacement shower faucet. When you are replacing an existing shower faucet, there are many sizes, types and styles to choose from. Not all faucets are interchangeable, so you must be sure you purchase the right replacement shower faucet before you begin. While this article will give you basic steps to install a replacement shower faucet, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Need to fix a leaky faucet?
How to Purchase the Correct Replacement Shower Faucet
- Take an exact measurement of the holes for the faucet – center to center.
- Remove the old faucet and take it with you to the store.
- The style can be optional, but the size must be exact.
Using the Right Tools is Important
A replacement shower faucet must be installed properly or you will have leaks. It is important to use the right tools for the specific job. For example, the teeth in the jaws of pipe wrenches can mar chrome finished nuts and pipes. Open ended wrenches and adjustable wrenches are ideal for square or hex nuts or for any other interior parts of a faucet and valves. Also, a closet spud wrench is a very thin wrench that can fit into tight places.
Steps on How to Replace a Shower Faucet
Note: When removing parts, lay them down in order of removal or label them so you can replace them in the same order.
- Remove rear access panel. Most homes have a rear access panel so that the wall does not have to be damaged for plumbing issues. They are generally located in the back of the tub.
- Most bathtubs have the two-valve faucet assembly.
- Pop off the valve cap to expose the handle screw. Remove screw and pull off handle.
- Remove lever handle by finding the setscrew. A small cap may cover it. Loosen setscrew, which may have a hex or slotted head.
- Remove the cover plat. If there are any other parts between the handle and the valve body, you may need to remove.
- Valves could have stop-check valves, which are large plugs with slotted heads in T-fittings on the hot and cold feeds that will lead to the valve. Close these by turning them clockwise. If the valve does not have shutoffs or if you cannot get to them, shut off the hot and cold water to this area.
- Remove, repair, or replace cartridge parts. Pull off the U-shaped retainer clip. Use an adjustable or channel type wrench to remove the nut that locks the cartridge into the valve body.
- With locking pliers, grab the cartridge and pull straight out.
- Open the water line to flush out any dirt in the valve body. Put a dry rag under and around the valve to keep water out of the wall opening.
- Clean cartridge with an old toothbrush and replace the O-ring at the base of the stem. Reinstall and test. If there is still a leak, purchase a cartridge repair kit. This kit will include a cartridge, full set of O-rings and grease. Install according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Replacing a shower faucet yourself can save you the expense of contacting a plumber.
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