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Install New Faucet and Reconnect Plumbing — Install New Faucet Valves

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Shower & Tub Faucet Replacement: A Complete DIY Guide · Step 4 of 5

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Carefully insert the new faucet's threaded inlets through the holes in the shower wall. From underneath, thread the new mounting nuts onto the faucet inlets and hand-tighten them to secure the faucet firmly against the wall. Then, reconnect the hot and cold water supply lines to their respective inlets on the new faucet, tightening them by hand. Finally, reattach the shower hose to the top of the faucet from inside the shower.

Goal: Install and connect new faucet

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The Home Depot

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FAQs

What's the absolute first thing I need to do before starting this project to avoid a plumbing disaster?

The most crucial first step is to shut off the main water supply to your house, or at least the supply to your bathroom. After that, open the existing faucets to drain any remaining water from the lines, preventing unexpected spills and making the work area safer.

The guide lists an adjustable wrench. Is this tool essential, and are there any alternatives if I don't have one?

Yes, an adjustable wrench (like the Crescent 12 in. Chrome Adjustable Wrench AC212VS) is essential for securely tightening and loosening plumbing connections without stripping nuts. While a pipe wrench can be used, an adjustable wrench offers more control. Always ensure the wrench size matches your fittings to prevent damage.

As a beginner, how long should I expect this shower and tub faucet replacement project to take?

For a beginner, expect this project to take anywhere from 3 to 6 hours. This timeframe accounts for preparation, careful removal of old components, precise installation of new parts, and thorough leak testing. Rushing can lead to mistakes, so take your time and follow each step carefully.

What's the most common mistake beginners make during faucet replacement, especially regarding leaks, and how can I prevent it?

The most common mistake is not adequately sealing threaded connections, which invariably leads to leaks. Always apply plumber's tape (PTFE tape) clockwise to all male threaded pipe connections before tightening. Ensure connections are snug but avoid overtightening, which can damage plastic or brass fittings.

Transcript
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All right cap back on. Okay so now I'm just going to head back over to where I took out the old one and we're going to put it back in. So just to remind you these are the two that I took off and these are the two new ones that came with the fixture. So I'm going to use these this time. So here's my new fixture with the caulking just a very thin layer and then once I actually attach it I'm just going to wipe that off also the excess that comes out. So you're just going to put it back in these two holes and pull it on here and then you're going to attach these little rings on the backside. Okay I'll now show you what it looks like on the other side. So I just screwed in the backside and I'll screw in this front one here. So you just put it over and screw it on and now I'm going to tighten it tightly as I can. Okay so those are both on and now I'm ready to attach my water supply again. So the pipes obviously they haven't moved. They stayed where they are. So this is the cold water and this one back here that you can't really see because this one back here that's the hot water. So I'm just going to reattach them and then I have to go outside, turn on the water and we'll see how it goes. Okay I can take out the type of wire now since I won't be needing this I hope and just check and wipe up any excess down here. Okay so I haven't tightened them as much as I could have yet so I'm going to try and do that now. Both of them are now on as tight as I can get them. Fingers crossed it's as tight as they are on when they started. I don't think so so I might try to wiggle some more but the other problem is if you overtighten them is also not good. I might just turn on the water and see what happens. Okay and the last thing I got to do is attach my hose again. All right let's turn on the water. Okay so I just

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