Installing a shower faucet is a home improvement project that anyone can complete with a little bit of preparation in guidance. In this article, we’ll provide you with the steps you need to take to upgrade your existing faucet.
Step 1: Gather All Necessary Tools and Materials
The first step is to make sure you have all the tools and materials you’ll need when you start the project. The instructions on your new shower faucet will provide a more specific list, but here are some common requirements:
Tools
- Adjustable wrench
- Teflon tape
- Pipe wrench
- Screwdriver
- Tape measure
Safety Gear
- Gloves
- Safety goggles
Step 2: Turn Off the Water Supply
You don’t want to remove the existing with the water on or it will spray everywhere. In the room adjacent to the shower, usually in a closet, is an access panel that will provide you with valves to shut off the hot and cold water to the shower. Shut off both of them before proceeding. Have the shower faucet open when you do to ensure all the water drains from it.
Step 3: Remove the Old Shower Faucet
Removing the old faucet is a fairly straightforward process, but can seem intimidating. Follow the steps below and you shouldn’t have any problem:
- Unscrew and remove the handle: On most faucet handles, a single screw in the center is holding them in place. Unscrew that and remove the handle.
- Unscrew and remove the cover: Behind the handle is a cover that’s held in place by a few screws. Remove the screws and pull the cover away.
- Remove the shower valve: The shower valve itself typically screws into the plumbing directly. It can be removed by using a pipe wrench to slowly unscrew it.
- Remove the shower arm: Like the valve, the shower arm typically screws directly into the plumbing. Remove it the same way you did the shower valve.
Step 4: Prepare the Plumbing
The next step is to prepare the plumbing to accept the new faucet. Hopefully, the existing plumbing is in good condition. If not, it may need to be replaced before you can continue. If the plumbing doesn’t need to be replaced, take the time to clean the pipes thoroughly so they’ll be ready to accept the new faucet without dirt and debris preventing a good seal.
Step 5: Install the New Shower Faucet
Installing the new faucet is essentially the reverse of the process to remove it. However, there are a few extra details to take care of in order to ensure proper operation of the shower when you’re done. Here are the steps:
- Attach the shower valve: You’re going to screw the shower valve in the same way you removed the old one. But before you do, wrap some Teflon tape around the threads to help create a seal.
- Install the cover: Screw the new cover on just like the removed the old one.
- Attach the handle: Push the new handle onto the faucet and attach it with a screw.
- Install the shower arm: The shower arm, like the faucet, needs to have Teflon tape applied to it before installation. As you screw it on with a pipe wrench, be careful not to damage the finish.
Get Your Plumbing Supplies at Builders
Now that you’re prepared to remove and replace a shower faucet, the next step is to get the supplies you’ll need. Builders has a large selection of plumbing supplies. You’re sure to find a style that you want from a brand you can trust. If not, ask one of our staff and we’ll order it for you.
