Step 2 · Accessing the Plumbing

This is the step most people slow down on. Take it one move at a time — there’s no rush, and you can rewind the clip as many times as you need.

Start by removing the old faucet handles, which are typically held on by a set screw or a screw under a decorative cap. Unscrew the surrounding trim plates (escutcheons). To access the valve body, you will need to cut into the wall. Use an oscillating multi-tool with a grout removal blade or diamond tile blade to carefully cut the grout around the tiles you need to remove. Pry off the tile, then cut through the backer board to create an opening large enough to work on the plumbing. The opening should ideally be covered by the new remodel plate.