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Not liking the look of your old bathroom? Or having trouble getting rid of the leaking issue in your bathtub faucet? Well, here is the solution that you need in the time of this confusion. And the good news is that you can be a self-sufficient homeowner by doing it yourself. With the help of this guide, you will be able to fix your bathtub faucet without any help making it easier on your pocket.
There are different types of faucets and their handles available in the market. You can choose from a wide variety of styles and finishing. If your faucet has a knob that you pull to run the water from the spout, it is a compression faucet.
Click here if you want to check out best bathtub faucets in the market.
Reasons to Replace the Bathtub Faucet Handles
There can be several reasons you need to change the faucet handles as follows
Leakage
The leakage is the most common reason for any change in the fixture. If this problem remains for a long duration, the handles start to loosen up. And that may result in low pressure, dripping temperature control issues. Dripping faucets and handles can happen due to the following reasons.
Damaged washers, O-rings, or gaskets can be the reason for leakage around the handles. Washers and O-rings are a significant part of the faucet and, when they start to wear out, the damages will find their way to your fittings.
Unfitting handles: As your fixture starts to get old, its parts will start to loosen up due to regular use. Handle that does not fit perfectly will make it easier for water to drip.
Mineral residue: If there is hard water where you live, you will probably face this issue more often. The mineral buildup can block the cartridge or faucet aerator, making it drip from the nozzle or around the handle.
Build up around the handles
The buildup around your bathtub fittings can make the whole bathroom look slightly off. Also, it accompanies by damages that in the future can cost you a lot of money. It affects the internal system of your fittings by blocking the water and reducing the water pressure.
Changing the look of the bathtub
Who does not like a makeover easier on your budget. Little things like changing the handles can give your old bathroom a whole new look. You only need few tools and a perfect guide for accomplishing the task. The only cost you have to bear is for the new handles and other related parts. You can buy these parts from any nearest hardware store.
Tools Required
- Adjustable wrench
- Bath socket wrench
- Seat wrench
- Utility knife
- Handle puller
- Other materials
- Plumbers grease
- Repairing parts
Tips
Make sure to check the model and size that you require for a quick change of your bathroom fixture before buying new bathtub faucet handles. You can either bring the old handles with you to the hardware store or take a picture if necessary. This way, there will be fewer chances for any inconvenience during the repairing task. When repairing the leakage, you have to buy the right washer, O-rings, or cartridge for your fittings. These parts require special attention while replacing.
How to Replace Bathtub Faucet Handles?
Shut off the water supply valve
It is the first and the crucial step before you start the repairing task. Turn off the water supply valve by rotating the handles clockwise. When you turn off both cold and hot water supply valves, make sure to empty the water pipe and release the pressure by opening any side of the faucet. Once the tube is free from the remaining water and pressure, you can start the repairing work.
Remove the decorative cap.
Every faucet handle has different finishing and design but, the decorative cap is always present. Underneath that cap, you can see the screw. If the lid has notches, you will need a utility knife for prying to take off the cap. With minimal effort, you will be able to separate the cap. If it is without the notches, then even a fingernail will do the job.
Unscrew the bolt
After removing the cap, you will see the bolt that is holding the handle with the faucet. Hold the screwdriver in one hand, and the other hand will grasp the holder. So it does not fell and creates a mess. With the help of a tool, unscrew the bolt and carefully remove the handle. Keep it if you want to use it later. While planning to buy the new handle, bring it to the store. It will help you identify the right size and fitting.
Liftoff the face plate
Now, the handle is in a safe place. It is time to liftoff face plate and casing. Unscrew the screws that hold the face plate against the wall. These screws are often longer than ordinary screws. Therefore, a drill would make this step complete in few seconds. Pull it towards you so it can come off effortlessly. Furthermore, remove the casing too that keeps the valve and the cartridge underneath it. You will also require a rubber gasket.
Install new face plate and casing.
Place the new rubber gasket around the valve serving as a spacer between the casing and the cartridge. After that, hold the cover carefully in its place and secure it. Hold the new face plate while keeping in sight the hole for the screws. The only tricky part is you cannot see the screw holes in the wall while holding the face plate against the wall. When you get one screw done perfectly, the remaining spots will be easier to locate.
Install the New Handle
Now we are ready to install the new handle that is pretty easy. Take off the cap of the new handle and place it on the casing and secure it with the screw. Cover the handle with its lid.
Turn on the Water Supply
Everything is in place at this point. Now turn on the water supply valve and check the water is running smoothly.
Replacing the bathtub faucet handles is an easy task if you know little things related to fitting. Also, it will not cost you a lot of money.