How to Replace Your Bath and Shower Faucet

Updating your bath and shower fixtures is a great way to revamp your bathrooms dcor without the time and expense of a total renovation. At Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Pittsburgh, we provide high quality residential and commercial plumbing services, including shower faucet installations and bath fixture replacements. Hiring a certified plumber is the fastest and most effective way to swap out your showers plumbing fixtures, but some homeowners prefer to try the DIY method first. Are you curious about the shower faucet installation process? Here is a list of steps that can help make your bath and shower faucet replacement a success.

Collect Your Tools and Supplies

The first step is to gather the supplies and equipment needed for the task.

New Shower and/or Bathtub Fixtures
Screwdriver Set
Pliers
Adjustable Wrench
Silicone Caulk
Cleaning Rags
Bucket

Turn Your Water Supply Off

Next, youll want to turn off the water supply to your whole house while working. This will ensure that the bathroom stays nice and dry throughout the installation process. If this step is skipped, then you could have a flood on your hands. Grab a bucket if needed, to quickly capture any water thats already in the pipe. Be sure to communicate with other members of your household, so they know why the water is off.

Remove Your Current Fixtures

Then, youll need to remove the existing fixtures. If youre replacing the showerhead as well, take it off by twisting the connecting nuts counterclockwise. If its hard to turn by hand, youll need to use pliers. The faucet handles are removed in various ways, depending on which model you have installed. If it has a cover plate, you can remove it with the appropriate screwdriver. The rest of the handle should be easily removed by unscrewing or pulling. You should be left with nothing but the valve stem protruding from the wall. Next, youll need to take off the stems of the of the knobs as well by removing the screw thats holding the valve stem in place. Dont force it to turn, it may be rusted. If so, use WD-40 to make the task easier. Use your adjustable wrench to turn the nut and free the valve stem. Check the threads on the valve, if its stripped or damaged, you may need to replace it. If this is the case, you might consider calling a professional plumber to finish the job.

Put the New Fixtures into Place and Test

If everything appears to be in good condition, then match up the notches of the new handles with the indicators on the valve stem. Slide it on and use a screw or nut to put it tightly into place. Swap out the shower head with your new matching fixture if needed. The bathtub spout should slip onto the existing pipe. Twist it clockwise until its properly installed, and use your silicon caulk to seal in place. Be sure to closely follow the manufacturers directions provided in the hardware kit. If the new spout doesnt fit onto the pipe, you may need to adjust it by cutting the pipe shorter, or replacing the fittings. If youre uncomfortable making these kinds of repairs, call a licensed plumber with experience. When all the new items are in place, restore the water supply and test all fixtures for leaks or problems.

Need a Bath or Shower Fixture Installation? Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Pittsburgh

Are you in need of a bath or shower fixture replacement? Upgrade your bathroom quickly with help from the experts at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Our team of certified, licensed and insured plumbers are happy to offer plumbing fixture installations and repairs for home and business owners in Pittsburgh, PA and surrounding metro area communities. Call today to schedule a convenient appointment.

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