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Test and Reassemble — Reassemble and Test for Leaks

Beginner3 hours

Part of project

How to Replace a Bathtub Faucet: A Step-by-Step DIY Guide · Step 6 of 6

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In this video

Turn the water on and test for leaks. Switch the diverter between tub and shower to check for leaks. Spin the sleeve back into the handle and tighten the escutcheon. Reinsert and screw the handle into place.

Goal: Complete the installation

Used in this video

  • Phillips head screwdriver (brand: Not specified) · optional — Screwing in the handle
679.9K views1.3K2 minutes
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FAQs

Is replacing a bathtub faucet truly a beginner-friendly DIY project, and what's a realistic time frame for completion?

Yes, it's generally considered beginner-friendly, especially with clear instructions. While estimated at 3 hours, allow for extra time if you encounter rusted parts or need to locate the main water shut-off. Patience is key for a successful first-time installation.

Beyond basic screwdrivers, what are the most crucial tools for this bathtub faucet replacement that I might not already own?

An adjustable wrench is essential for loosening and tightening nuts, while plumber's putty is critical for creating a waterproof seal. You might also find a basin wrench helpful if working in very tight spaces, though not always strictly required for all faucet types.

What should I do if I can't find individual shut-off valves for my bathtub faucet, or if they don't work?

If local shut-off valves are absent or faulty, you must turn off the main water supply to your entire house. After turning off the main supply, open a faucet on the lowest level of your home to drain any remaining water from the pipes before proceeding with the replacement.

What is the most common mistake that leads to leaks after installing a new bathtub faucet, and how can I prevent it?

The most common mistake is not fully tightening all connections or improperly applying plumber's putty. Ensure all nuts are snug (but don't overtighten) and that plumber's putty forms a complete, even seal around the faucet base. Always test slowly after turning water back on and inspect thoroughly for drips.

Transcript
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Nice and snug there. And now we're ready to test it for any leaks. So I'm going to unclog my drain in for a minute. I'm going to turn the water on and look inside there. And we're going to try to set it on the tub portion so that it goes into the tub. So here we go. Looking like good. I'm going to look for any leaks inside there. And feel around inside there. It looks like we're good at no leaks there. And it's been working like this good. So now, keeping in there, we might shower head away. And switch to the rotor. Get a shower or a port tank. As for the shower portion, everything's working like this should. Switch it back to the tub. And we have no leaks there. Good there. We're resetting our plastic handle. We're just going to spin the sleeve back in until it tightens all the way up. And we want to make sure the sleeve tightens all the way down into the handle. We'll get there. And then we can go ahead and clean the scoots. And then this is a good point to clean up our scoots in here. And we're going to make sure the rest of our scoots are tightened up. That's not good. So that everything seats against the tub enclosure. And then we're ready to insert our handle. Tomorrow, I'm doing some new handles. So this handle is not going to get the prettiest handle on the world. I'm going to be replacing it tomorrow, so I'll never be hungry. I just can show you how it's done. And then the diverter gets set down at bay when we turn on the water. It's going down to the tub stop. And we turn it up for the shower. It's going up to the shower.

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