Replacing a single tub faucet in your home can be a money-saving, do-it-yourself project that can be well worth the time and effort. If you are willing to put in a couple hours' worth of work, you can potentially save hundreds of dollars out of your pocket over the cost of hiring a plumber to do the job for you. Some faucets have slightly different assembly instructions, but the majority of new faucets these days can be replaced in a few easy-to-follow steps.
Instructions
1. Turn off the main water supply. Plug your drain with a rag or drain stopper to prevent any parts that you're working with from falling down the drain and getting lost, which would create a whole other plumbing problem. Set down each part in the order of removal to help facilitate reinstallation.
2. Take off the plastic end cap on the single tub handle with the flat head screwdriver and pop the cap off. Remove the screw in the center of the handle with a Phillips head screwdriver.
3. Take the cover plate off of the wall by unscrewing the two or three screws that hold it in place with a Phillips head screwdriver.
4. Remove the shaft assembly and valve stem by unscrewing the ring holding the assembly in place with a wrench. Loosen this ring and remove it.
5. Replace the faucet by installing the parts in reverse order and following the instructions included with the replacement faucet.
6. Attach the new valve stem with a nut contained in the assembly kit. This is the first step for most replacement kits. Then slide the O-ring included in the replacement kit onto the shaft assembly. Attach the valve assembly with a collar ring then put the cover plate back on using the Phillips head screwdriver, making sure it's flush against the wall. Secure the new handle with a screw and Phillips head screwdriver then pop the plastic top piece back into place.
7. Turn on the water valve at the main water source then turn the new single tub faucet to test for leaks.
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