If your bathtub faucet is leaking or the handles have stopped turning properly or broken off or it’s so old that you’ve finally decided to replace it; you must also be thinking to hire someone to do this job for you. But if you don’t know how to fix a bathtub faucet that broke off is the easiest job that you can think of. If you don’t just follow our guidelines and see for yourself. You will not only learn something new but also it’ll save your money for sure.
Types of Bathtub faucet
There are different kinds of tub faucets that are available in the market. Before purchasing tub faucets, you want to make sure you get the right connection option, with or without a diverter, material, product finishing, cleaning options, fix ability or replace ability, and many other necessary things. You also can choose between a slip-on nose base or a threaded connection. It totally depends on you which type is more convenient for you and easy to care for.
Cleaning tub faucets
If your bathtub faucet is not working properly the way, it should be; that could be caused by a buildup of sediment and hard water deposits in the faucet cartilage. To clean this mess, you’ll need
- An open-ended wrench
- An Allen wrench
- Screwdriver
- Plastic bowl
- A bucket of clean water
- A towel
- An extra pair of hands
First, shut off the water supply. Turn of your faucet to drain any extra water. Then turn off your faucet. Then close or block your drain. Now it’s time for faucet removal. This can differ by model but they’re typically attached by screws. Take the handle off of your faucet and unscrew the screw of the faucet. Now loosen your cartridges assembly with your wrench and remove it.
Now place a plastic bowl upside down over the faucet hole the direct water spray towards the drain. Have your extra set of hands turn of the water supply while you hold the bowl. Let the water run for three or four seconds. This will flash out any debris trapped inside. Now thoroughly clean your cartilage.
It’s time to reinsert the cartridges and re-assemble them. Don’t tighten the cartridges too much. Now reopen the water main and slowly turn on the taps to check. If there is no leak, then you are good to go.
Remove broken bathtub faucet
The uninstallation process of the faucet is the reverse order of the installation process. You can use the same tools you used for cleaning. So again take off the faucet handle to unscrew the hidden screw underneath. Remove your cartilage with the help of your wrench. If it’s stuck and won’t open tap on it with your screwdriver using a hammer. Then it’ll be easy to take the whole thing down. Then you’ll be able to see the compression fitting.
Now take your wrench again to unscrew the compression fittings. This compression is directly attached to the water pipe. When the old compression is removed now you can finally install a new faucet in that place. You can also fix the faucet if you feel like it or change the cartridge or the faucet handle if necessary. But if your faucet is just too old it’s better to install a new one.
Installing new tub faucet
Replacing a corroded bathtub faucet can give an immediate fresh new look to your tub. All you need is a water pump pliers, a sturdy screwdriver, Teflon tape, and a set of hex wrenches.
Step 1
To start with the installation process first turn off the direct line of water to avoid any mess or water wastage. For threaded pipes choose a faucet that also has a threaded type attachment system. First, take your seal, and slid that over the pipe. Now insert your faucet into that pipe. Tighten your cartilage with a wrench.
Step 2
Now it’s time to install the faucet handle. You’ll see the compressor fitting sticking out. Take your screwdriver to tighten the screw on top of the compressor. Make sure you’ve screwed it the right way. Now it’s time for the faucet handle. Take your faucet handle and insert it into the top of the compressor which will hide the screw. Now again turn off the water supply and the faucet to check for any leakage. If every fitting is okay, then you are good to go.
We hope now you know about the installation process but remember these are general instructions and might need some extra steps so you can know how to fix a bathtub faucet that broke off or how you can totally do a new installation.
