Step 8 · Installing the Trim Kit

This is the step people usually slow down on. Go finger-tight first, then a quarter turn. No rush — replay the clip whenever it helps.

Once the wall repair is fully cured, you can install the final trim. First, slide the large remodel plate over the valve stem and center it to cover the old handle holes and your patch work. Next, slide the faucet's decorative escutcheon over the remodel plate and secure it to the valve. Install the valve cartridge if you removed it earlier. Attach the faucet handle, tightening it with its set screw using an Allen wrench. Wrap Teflon tape around the threads of the shower arm and tub spout pipe, then screw on the new shower head and tub spout. Apply a small bead of plumber's putty to the back of the tub spout flange before tightening it against the wall to create a seal.