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How to clean your bathroom in 5 minutes (even when you’re super busy)

Daniel Mitchell is a seasoned author at ToiletSense, specializing in toilet repair and maintenance. With years of experience in the plumbing industry, Daniel has become an expert in his field, providing readers with valuable insights and practical solutions to common toilet-related problems.

What To Know

  • Use a flat head screwdriver to pry off the escutcheon plate, which is the decorative plate around the base of the faucet.
  • Be careful not to overtighten the packing nut or the faucet body, as this could damage the faucet.
  • Removing an old tub faucet is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes.

Are you looking to upgrade your bathroom with a new tub faucet? Before you can install the new one, you’ll need to remove the old one. This may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple with the right tools and instructions. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to get old tub faucet off.

Tools You’ll Need

Before you start, gather the following tools:

  • Adjustable wrench
  • Basin wrench
  • Phillips head screwdriver
  • Flat head screwdriver
  • Rags
  • Bucket

Safety Precautions

Before you begin, turn off the water supply to the tub. You can do this by turning the valve under the sink or by turning off the main water supply to your home. Once the water is turned off, open the faucet to release any remaining water.

Removing the Handle

1. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the handle in place.
2. Once the screws are removed, pull the handle straight up to remove it.

Removing the Escutcheon Plate

1. Use a flat head screwdriver to pry off the escutcheon plate, which is the decorative plate around the base of the faucet.
2. Once the escutcheon plate is removed, you’ll see the packing nut.

Removing the Packing Nut

1. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the packing nut. Turn the nut counterclockwise until it is loose enough to remove by hand.
2. Once the packing nut is removed, you’ll see the faucet body.

Removing the Faucet Body

1. Use a basin wrench to loosen the faucet body. Turn the wrench counterclockwise until the faucet body is loose enough to remove by hand.
2. Once the faucet body is removed, you’ll see the valve seat.

Cleaning the Valve Seat

1. Use a rag to clean the valve seat. Remove any debris or build-up that may be present.
2. Once the valve seat is clean, you’re ready to install the new faucet.

Installing the New Faucet

1. Apply a thin layer of plumber’s putty to the base of the new faucet.
2. Insert the new faucet into the valve seat and tighten it by hand.
3. Use an adjustable wrench to further tighten the faucet body.
4. Install the packing nut and tighten it by hand.
5. Install the escutcheon plate and secure it with the screws.
6. Install the handle and secure it with the screws.

Turning on the Water

1. Turn on the water supply to the tub.
2. Open the faucet and check for leaks. If there are any leaks, tighten the packing nut or the faucet body until the leak stops.

Tips

  • If you’re having trouble removing the packing nut, you can use a penetrating oil to loosen it.
  • If you’re not sure what size basin wrench to use, take the old faucet to a hardware store and ask for help.
  • Be careful not to overtighten the packing nut or the faucet body, as this could damage the faucet.

Troubleshooting

  • If the faucet is leaking from the base, the packing nut may be too loose. Tighten the packing nut until the leak stops.
  • If the faucet is leaking from the handle, the handle may be loose. Tighten the screws that hold the handle in place.
  • If the faucet is not working properly, the valve seat may be damaged. You will need to replace the valve seat.

Wrap-Up

Removing an old tub faucet is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can easily remove your old faucet and install a new one.

What You Need to Know

Q: What is the best way to remove a stuck packing nut?
A: If the packing nut is stuck, you can use a penetrating oil to loosen it. Apply the penetrating oil to the packing nut and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, use an adjustable wrench to loosen the packing nut.

Q: What size basin wrench do I need to remove a tub faucet?
A: The size of basin wrench you need will depend on the size of the tub faucet. Most tub faucets use a 1-1/2 inch or 2-inch basin wrench.

Q: How do I know if the valve seat is damaged?
A: If the faucet is leaking from the base, the valve seat may be damaged. You can check the valve seat by removing the faucet body and inspecting the valve seat for any cracks or damage.

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Daniel Mitchell

Daniel Mitchell is a seasoned author at ToiletSense, specializing in toilet repair and maintenance. With years of experience in the plumbing industry, Daniel has become an expert in his field, providing readers with valuable insights and practical solutions to common toilet-related problems.

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