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Bathtub faucets in mobile homes and large RVs incorporate the tub spout, and the hot-and-cold water handles into a single unit to save space. The single unit bathtub faucet is connected to the showerhead by a separate pipe behind the wall. When the bathtub faucet’s diverter is up, the water is blocked in the spout and forced into the showerhead.
Replacing a mobile home bathtub faucet is relatively easy if you buy a new one to match the already present hole configuration of the last faucet. They are typically 4- or 8-inches measurements from the center of the hot water pipe to the center of the cold-water pipe. The location of where the tub spout extends from the wall can be offset or in line with the hot and cold-water supply pipes. We will guide you through an easy step-by-step process to replace your bathtub faucet using your existing hole configuration.
Project Overview
Time: 1 hour
Skill Level: Beginner
Materials and Equipment
Equipment
- Channel-type Pliers
- Screwdriver
- Handle Puller (if needed)
Materials
Before You Begin
Before you replace the tub faucet, it is essential to check your plumbing and your already present hole configuration for the faucet. This simple project could end up as something bigger than you expected if there are issues with your plumbing or if your new faucet does not match up with your old one.
First, check if you have polybutylene (PB) or PEX tubing for your plumbing behind your bathtub. Can adjustments be made to the pipes easily, or are they rigid? Most tub faucets have swivel nuts for a quick and easy connection to the water lines.
Second, before purchasing your new bathtub faucet, check how many and how far apart the holes are. You want to make sure your new faucet will align with the already existing hole configuration. If your new faucet does not match, you will either have to return the new faucet or attempt to move plumbing and the holes in your shower. The best-case scenario is that you can remove the water lines and reattach them to the new bathtub faucet. However, adjustments will be required in some cases, and being aware of those going into this project could save you time, money, and frustration.
Guide to Replacing Your Bathroom Faucet
1. Turn Off the Water
Turn off the water before you begin. Go to the main stop valve of your home, which should be in your utility room or by your outside garden hose water connection.
If you cannot find your home’s main stop valve, you will need to cut the water off at your main water meter or the pump to your house if you have a well system. A water meter will require a five-sides pentagon wrench to unlock the meter cover if you have a water meter.
2. Remove the Old Bathtub Faucet
Once the water is off, you should be able to disconnect the water supply tube from behind the tub faucet. Swivel nuts or connectors typically hold the supply tubes and shower riser onto the faucet body. You can loosen the swivel nuts by hand or using pliers if they are too tight.
Disconnect the mounting nuts holding the tub faucet onto the wall or the tub and pull the tub faucet off. Clean the wall or tubs surface to prepare for the new bathtub faucet.
3. Prepare the New Bathtub Faucet
Roll out a bead or rope of plumber’s putty and place it around the new tub faucet’s plate. Then put the faucet into position against the bathtub’s surface. Start to thread the mounting nut onto the faucet’s tailpiece but do not tighten all the way. You will want to ensure the faucet is level before tightening it down all the way.
4. Connect the Water Lines
If everything is aligned correctly and no changes are required, tighten the water lines onto the new bathtub faucet. You can tighten the water lines first by hand and then use pliers for a tighter fit. If changes are required, you will need various connectors and flexible pipes to make the new bathtub faucet work.
5. Check Your Work
Once reconnected, turn the water back on. Run the water to discharge any air from the lines to allow a strong water flow. Check for any water leaks.
Closing
Learning how to replace a bathtub faucet can be done in just an hour, but if you feel unease about replacing the faucet yourself, we encourage seeking out professional help to get this done right. Need help finding a new bathtub faucet replacement or plumber’s putty? Find all the products and supplies you need at Mobile Home Parts Store to get the job done.
Tags: bathtub faucet, mobile home, mobile home bathtub, mobile home repair, Repair
