How to Replace a Shower Faucet 

Tools

• Adjustable Pliers
• A large adjustable wrench or pipe
• Screwdrivers(Phillips and flat head)
• A Pan or container to catch any water remaining in pipes
• Safety goggles and gloves

Tools

• Plumber's tape 
• Towels or rags for wiping up small puddles and drips 
• A box or container for discarded components
• Large cloth to cover bathtub/shower floor

Your family relies on your shower faucet daily to wash away the day’s dirt. These fixtures aren’t often given much thought until they don’t work correctly. You may notice leaky handles, constant dripping, or water leaking from the shower head.

One of the most significant benefits of replacing your shower faucet is preventing additional leaks. Installing a new shower faucet will save you money from gallons of wasted water.

Eventually, every shower faucet needs replacing. Whether it's because it’s old and rusty or you are remodeling your home, you may want to go DIY and take on the task yourself rather than calling a professional plumber.

While this project isn’t too challenging, it’s still advanced plumbing. Here is a step-by-step look at how to replace shower faucets, no matter your skill level.

The Process of Replacing a Shower Faucet 

This project will range in cost from the lowest price of $155 to the highest price of $1,350. These prices include labor, materials, and removal fees. However, the actual cost of the job depends on the conditions, the scope of the project, and the type of faucet you select.

Preparing For The Job

Preparing for the job is one of the most critical steps in any project. You can take several steps to ensure you are ready to begin.

1. Select Your New Faucet 

To select your new faucet, consider whether you want to choose an identical style to your existing faucet or a brand-new style. If you are only replacing a few parts, you can disassemble the old faucet and take the components with you to ensure you purchase the correct replacement pieces.

If you are replacing your entire faucet, you have a few styles to choose from based on the number of handles: single-handed, double-handed, and 3-handled.

Single-handle shower faucets consist of a cohesive unit that controls the water pressure and temperature. Two-handle faucets have individual handles for hot and cold water, while 3-handle shower faucets control the water temperature and contain a diverter that transfers water between the shower head and bathtub.

There isn’t much difference in the process of how to replace a single-handle shower faucet vs. a double-handled faucet.

2. Assemble Your Supplies

After purchasing your replacement components or new faucet, you’ll need to gather the supplies to help you complete the installation. These tools and equipment will be helpful:

• Adjustable pliers
• Plumber’s tape
• Pipe wrench
• Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
• Container to catch water lingering in the pipes
• Towels for cleaning up drips and small puddles
• Boxes for throwing away components

Don’t forget your safety gloves and goggles to protect yourself from accidental injuries!

3. Turn Off the Water Supply

It’s crucial that you cut the water supply before removing any screws. Not only does this prevent a mess you’ll have to clean up later, but it also helps you avoid any distractions.

You shut the water off by locating the shut-off valve for the area you are working on. The motor switch must be shut off if your house has a well pump.

Most bathrooms have a shut-off valve, so it’s unnecessary to cut the entire home's water supply. This valve is often on the primary outlet pipe close to the tank. Once you’ve located it, turn it clockwise until it is closed.

You’ll notice the water flow immediately stops, and you can open the faucet valves. This action releases the remaining water and pressure from the lines and allows you to verify that you have successfully shut off the water.

Keep a bucket under the tap to catch any remaining water and save yourself time cleaning up a mess.

4. Cover Your Tub/Shower Floor

Replacing a tub faucet or handle can create a mess, especially if you are a beginner and cutting through tiles or walls. Placing a drop cloth over the area will protect the tub against chips and scratches from dropped tools. The cloth will also prevent small parts from falling down the drain. Ensure the cloth is clean and dry before placing it over your tub floor.

Removing the Old Components

After protecting your tub and floor, it’s time to remove the rusted or broken components.

1. Remove the Handles

When it comes to how to replace shower faucet handles, removing the old handles is relatively straightforward. Each handle has little caps on the front, often labeled with a “C” for cold water or “H” for hot water. These can be lifted using a flathead screwdriver. You should find the screw under these caps that will allow you to free the handles.

Remove the screws, then pull them away from the valve stem to remove the handle. Completing this step may take a little longer if the screws are rusty.

2. Remove the Spout

After the handles are gone, the old tub spout can be removed. It is often attached to the pipes by friction and a set screw or threads. Look under the faucet for the set screw, and determine whether you need a hex key or screwdriver.

If it is secured with a screw, loosen it and gently turn the bathtub spout clockwise as you pull toward it. Some fixtures have a small screw in the faucet that must be removed before you can take the spout off. This step may take some extra time if the component is corroded.

If there is no set screw, you may need pliers to remove the spout from the pipe. Carefully and slowly turn to prevent any damage to the pipe fitting.

3. Remove the Flange

Single-handle faucets have a round plate attached with screws or caulking. These pieces must be removed before you can pull the plate from the wall.

Two- and three-handled faucets contain chrome flanges measuring approximately three inches long. To remove this flange, turn it counterclockwise. However, when you pull the flange, the white nylon threaded sleeve may not come off. You can remove it using pliers and turn it counterclockwise.

4. Remove the Valve Assemblies

Near the wall, locate the valve assemblies’ hex-shaped base. You can use pliers or an adjustable wrench and turn counterclockwise to remove them. After removal, clear any dirt from the pipes’ threads.

5. Measure and Mark

Installing a new faucet most likely requires different measurements than the previous fixture. You’ll need to measure and mark the area where the new one will go. Most shower heads are positioned at about 45 to 48 inches high, while the shower head gets installed at 72 to 78 inches.

Once your measurements are marked, create holes using correctly sized tile drill bits. Remove an adequate wall area to ensure you’ll have access to the pipes for the correct installation.

After cutting the holes, scrub the shower walls with an appropriate cleaning solution. However, be careful not to drip water behind the wall. The wall must dry entirely before installing the new faucet if this happens.

Installing New Valves

Once you’ve removed the old faucet and prepped the area, you’re ready to install your new valves to secure your new faucet and handles.

 
1. Check Valve Assemblies Before Installation

Remove each valve from its packaging, and turn the stems counterclockwise to open them. When the valve is open, it is easier for it to sit completely on the pipes. Set the diverter valve aside, as it gets installed last.

2. Tape the New Valves

Peel back a few inches of the plumber’s tape. Hold a new valve in one hand, with the threaded end directed toward the other. Hold the plumber’s tape over the threads with your thumb. Tightly wrap it around the valve three times clockwise.

Pull it tightly until the tape breaks, then place the loose end over the threaded area, and the tape should mold to it. You must repeat this process for every new valve you are using for your new shower faucet. Adding plumber’s tape to your valves creates a tighter seal, helping to prevent the bathtub faucet from leaking.

3. Install the New Valves

Put the replacement valve in the pipe. Using your fingers, turn it clockwise approximately four times. You may notice some resistance because of the plumber’s tape.

If it doesn’t seat after one or two turns, take it out and start again. Never force it to seat, or the threads will strip and create a leak.

Once the valves are inserted, tighten them with the wrench or pliers. Never over-tighten them; you may damage the component or connecting pipes.

4. Install the Sleeve

Slip the threaded white nylon sleeve over the valve stem. Gently turn it into the valve base. Use your hands because metal tools may harm the threads.

5. Install the Flange

Twist the chrome flange onto the nylon sleeve, making it tight against the shower wall. Put your replacement handle over the valve stem's tip, and secure it with retaining screws. Be careful not to over tighten them, or you could strip the threads.

Close the valve by turning the shower handle clockwise, leaving the handle off. Repeat this step for every valve.

6. Install the Retaining Screw on Each Handle

After closing the valves, you need to replace the retaining screw cover. Place the covers in the shower handle, ensuring the “C” is on the right and the “H” is on the left. The diverter cap arrow must be pointing down.

7. Use Caulk to Seal Any Gaps

If your new shower arm uses a set screw, place a thin layer of thread sealant over the pipe first. Then, use silicone caulk to seal the fixtures where they connect with the walls. Allow the sealant to dry for 24 hours before using the shower.

8. Turn the Water Supply On to Check for Leaks

Restore the flow of water, and ensure your faucets work correctly. Sometimes they sputter after turning the water back on as you test the faucets. Sputtering occurs because the water pressure forces air from the line, but it should subside within a few minutes.

A leaky shower must be addressed immediately, or it will contribute to an increasing water bill.

Troubleshooting and Maintenance

If your newly installed shower faucet isn’t working, there are a few possible solutions. Verify that the shut-off valve is in the on position. If that doesn’t work, you may have debris in the supply line or valve.

After you’ve successfully completed your DIY home improvement project, you’ll want to keep your newly installed shower valves and faucet in good condition. Gently clean your shower fixtures on a regular basis by blotting away water from the surface. Allowing the water to evaporate may cause mineral buildup on the surface of the fixture.

You can remove water spots with a soft cloth moistened with warm water. Avoid using abrasive cleaners and heavy-duty sponges. Some cleaning products contain hydrochloric or phosphoric acids that will ruin the finish of your shower fixtures.

For more maintenance tips or to find the best new faucet for your bathroom, look no further than Vintage Tub & Bath. We’ve crafted beautiful bathroom products for over 25 years. Contact us to get started on your next home improvement project today!