Disconnect Bathtub Plumbing — Prepare Work Area and Shut Off Water
Part of project
How to Replace a Deck-Mount Garden Tub Faucet · Step 1 of 9
In this video
With the wall open, disconnect the plumbing. Use a pipe cutting tool, like the autocut tool shown, to cut the old copper water supply lines. To prevent leaks while work continues, install push-to-connect shut-off valves, such as SharkBite ball valves, onto the cut copper pipes. Next, address the drain. Unscrew and remove the overflow drain plate from inside the tub. Then, go to the access panel or open wall area and locate the nut connecting the tub's drain assembly to the house's P-trap. Loosen and unscrew this nut to disconnect the tub drain completely.
Goal: Cut water lines and disconnect drain
- SharkBite fittings are a fast and easy way to cap open pipes without soldering, but ensure the pipe end is clean and deburred for a proper seal.
Used in this video
- Autocut Pipe Cutter (Tool Type: Tubing cutter) — Cutting the copper water supply pipes.
- Impact Driver (brand: Milwaukee, Power Source: Battery) — Removing the screws on the overflow drain plate.
- Pliers (Tool Type: Pliers) · optional — Loosening the drain nut if it's too tight to turn by hand.
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FAQs
Why is a specialized basin wrench necessary for this project, and can I complete it without one?
A basin wrench, like the Husky Basin Wrench 16PL0127, is crucial for reaching and loosening the mounting nuts of a deck-mount faucet from underneath the tub deck, especially in tight, awkward spaces. While some might attempt with long-handled pliers, a basin wrench makes the job significantly easier, prevents stripped nuts, and greatly reduces frustration. Attempting without it can significantly increase the difficulty and time spent on the project.
What are the most common reasons for leaks after installing a new faucet, and how can I prevent them?
Leaks often occur due to improperly tightened connections, missing or improperly seated O-rings/gaskets, or insufficient use of Teflon tape on threaded connections. To prevent this, ensure all supply line connections are hand-tightened first, then snugged with an adjustable wrench. Always apply Teflon tape clockwise to all threaded pipe connections and double-check all washer and gasket placements during installation and before leak testing.
The project is rated 'intermediate' and estimated at 6 hours. What makes it so time-consuming, and how can I potentially speed up the process?
The 'intermediate' rating and 6-hour estimate account for potential challenges such as corroded old fasteners, limited access under the tub deck, and the careful process of thorough leak testing. You can speed it up by having all tools and materials, including penetrating oil like KROIL, readily accessible and by applying the penetrating oil to old fasteners well in advance. Good lighting from a headlamp like the Coast HL40 also saves time by improving visibility in tight spaces.
Is it truly necessary to shut off the main water supply to the house, or can I just turn off the hot and cold valves under a nearby sink?
For a garden tub faucet replacement, you must shut off the main water supply to your house. Unlike sink faucets that often have dedicated shut-off valves, garden tubs typically do not have individual shut-off valves for their supply lines beneath the tub deck. This ensures no water flows during the disconnection process and prevents potential flooding.
Disconnect Bathtub Plumbing — Prepare Work Area and Shut Off Water
Part of project
How to Replace a Deck-Mount Garden Tub Faucet · Step 1 of 9
In this video
With the wall open, disconnect the plumbing. Use a pipe cutting tool, like the autocut tool shown, to cut the old copper water supply lines. To prevent leaks while work continues, install push-to-connect shut-off valves, such as SharkBite ball valves, onto the cut copper pipes. Next, address the drain. Unscrew and remove the overflow drain plate from inside the tub. Then, go to the access panel or open wall area and locate the nut connecting the tub's drain assembly to the house's P-trap. Loosen and unscrew this nut to disconnect the tub drain completely.
Goal: Cut water lines and disconnect drain
- SharkBite fittings are a fast and easy way to cap open pipes without soldering, but ensure the pipe end is clean and deburred for a proper seal.
Used in this video
- Autocut Pipe Cutter (Tool Type: Tubing cutter) — Cutting the copper water supply pipes.
- Impact Driver (brand: Milwaukee, Power Source: Battery) — Removing the screws on the overflow drain plate.
- Pliers (Tool Type: Pliers) · optional — Loosening the drain nut if it's too tight to turn by hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a specialized basin wrench necessary for this project, and can I complete it without one?
A basin wrench, like the Husky Basin Wrench 16PL0127, is crucial for reaching and loosening the mounting nuts of a deck-mount faucet from underneath the tub deck, especially in tight, awkward spaces. While some might attempt with long-handled pliers, a basin wrench makes the job significantly easier, prevents stripped nuts, and greatly reduces frustration. Attempting without it can significantly increase the difficulty and time spent on the project.
What are the most common reasons for leaks after installing a new faucet, and how can I prevent them?
Leaks often occur due to improperly tightened connections, missing or improperly seated O-rings/gaskets, or insufficient use of Teflon tape on threaded connections. To prevent this, ensure all supply line connections are hand-tightened first, then snugged with an adjustable wrench. Always apply Teflon tape clockwise to all threaded pipe connections and double-check all washer and gasket placements during installation and before leak testing.
The project is rated 'intermediate' and estimated at 6 hours. What makes it so time-consuming, and how can I potentially speed up the process?
The 'intermediate' rating and 6-hour estimate account for potential challenges such as corroded old fasteners, limited access under the tub deck, and the careful process of thorough leak testing. You can speed it up by having all tools and materials, including penetrating oil like KROIL, readily accessible and by applying the penetrating oil to old fasteners well in advance. Good lighting from a headlamp like the Coast HL40 also saves time by improving visibility in tight spaces.
Is it truly necessary to shut off the main water supply to the house, or can I just turn off the hot and cold valves under a nearby sink?
For a garden tub faucet replacement, you must shut off the main water supply to your house. Unlike sink faucets that often have dedicated shut-off valves, garden tubs typically do not have individual shut-off valves for their supply lines beneath the tub deck. This ensures no water flows during the disconnection process and prevents potential flooding.