how to replace bathtub faucet

To replace a bathtub faucet, follow these key steps:

1. Turn off the water supply to the house to avoid leaks or mess.
2. Drain any remaining water from the faucet by turning it on.
3. Remove the old faucet. For screw-on faucets, use an adjustable wrench to unscrew it counterclockwise; for slip-on faucets, loosen the set screw beneath with a hex key and pull the faucet off.
4. Remove any old caulk or sealant around the faucet base and clean the pipe threads.
5. Prepare the new faucet by wrapping plumber’s tape clockwise on the pipe threads for a watertight seal.
6. Install the new faucet by screwing it on or sliding it on and tightening the set screw, depending on the type.
7. Apply new bathroom sealant around the faucet base.
8. Turn the water supply back on and test the faucet for leaks, tightening connections if necessary.

These steps cover both screw-on and slip-on types of bathtub faucets, making the replacement process straightforward and doable with basic tools like a wrench, hex key, utility knife, and plumber's tape.