Replacing your own shower faucet can seem like a daunting task. In reality, it?s actually quite simple. You don?t have to
Doing your own shower faucet replacement can help save you a lot of money on contractors. Having a contractor come in to do the installation for you can easily cost you two or three times more than the new faucet itself.
So how do you replace your old shower faucet? Here?s our step by step guide.
Step 1) Buying the Right Faucet
The first thing you need to do is make sure you purchase a faucet trim kit that fits. There are three main kinds of faucets to choose from. The faucet trim kit is the handle, trim plate cover, showerhead or tub spout.
First, you have the single handle faucets. These could be cartridge faucets or twist handle faucets. There are no other knobs. You can only control temperature and not volume.? These are the easiest kinds of faucets to change. Some will have an optional Thermostatic control to maintain temperature. This can be a switch for temp control or the ability to also push-in or pull-out the handle for volume control.
Next you have the two handle faucets. You have one handle for hot water and one handle for cold water. These are also very common.
Much less common are the three handle tub shower faucets. Two knobs are for hot and cold water, while the third knob controls water flow to the bathtub spout.
You must buy the same brand of faucet as your old faucet to make sure your new faucet will be compatible with you?re the valve installed inside the wall.
Step 2) Shut Off the Water Supply
Locate your main water valve shut off in your home. It should be the main pipe coming into your house. Turn it to the off position. Verify that you have no more water flowing in by turning on a faucet in the house. No water should come out.
Release any water that?s still sitting in your shower outlet by opening the valve. You should now be able to work without worrying about the water.
NOTE: Turn off your water heater when you shut off your main water supply, or your water heater may overheat.
Step 3) Unscrew the Old Handles
If you can see the screws on your faucet handle, go ahead and unscrew them. If you can?t see any screws, look instead for plastic covers. Use a screwdriver to pry open these plastic covers. The screws will often be hidden beneath these decorative plastic plates. Look also beneath any handles for inset screws.
Once you?ve taken all the screws out, you should be able to simply remove the handle. It?s possible however that the handle will be stuck there due to rust, grime buildup or lack of lubrication. If the handle has been there for years, it can be quite tough to remove.
Your two best friends are heat and lube. Use plumbing lube to make the friction a little easier. Use a blow dryer to add heat, which will loosen up the handle. Assuming all the screws are out, you should be able to get the handle out with a bit of effort.
Step 4) Adding the Replacement Handles
Next, just install the new shower faucet in exactly the same way the old one was installed. Place the new shower head on the old shower stem. Make sure you use thread tape to prevent leaks. Tighten the shower head with a wrench using a towel to prevent scratches. Test the connection by moving the shower faucet one way, then the other. Make sure the new faucet is in full contact with the shower stems.
Then screw everything into place again. Read your new faucet?s instruction manual for exact directions on how to screw everything into place. Nothing should be loose by the time you?re finished with your installation.
Step 5) Testing Your New Faucet
Go outside your house and turn your main valve back on. Make sure the main water supply is back on by turning on a different faucet.
Now go back to your shower faucet and try both the hot and the cold water. Try adjusting the volume. Make sure everything works properly.
Congratulations! You?ve just changed your shower faucet. The whole process is really as simple as taking out the old faucet and putting the new one in.
Author Bio: The writer of this article Gavin Martin works for eFaucets, which is a leading online retailer of faucets, sinks, fixtures and accessories for the kitchen and bath. They are also the right people to contact if you intend to engage in decorative plumbing. You can check out their site for more details.
Source: http://georgeslavov.com/bathroom/tips-to-replace-a-shower-faucet-in-easy-steps/
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