Replacing Shower Tub Faucet

Replacing shower tub faucets can inspire apprehension in even an experienced do-it-yourselver, but it's a DIY job that you might be able to tackle yourself without too much pain and anguish.

If you have access to your pipes, you'll probably have the easiest time replacing a shower tub faucet assembly. A few decades ago plumbing access panels in closets wasn’t uncommon. Having one of these setups will let you get an eyes and hands-on advantage. Another help will be if you select a replacement fixture that's somewhat similar to the original.

If you don't have an existing plumbing access panel, you can:

• Cut One - If your tub and shower enclosure shares a wall with a utility area, like a closet or laundry room, you can buy a snap-in panel assembly to create plumbing access. These handy gadgets are available at most home improvement outlets. The advantage of this approach is that rear access may end up saving you having to remove the decorative tile in your shower. Another advantage is in using the money you would otherwise pay a plumber to create easy access for this and future DIY projects.

• Go in From the Front - This is the scary option because it usually means cutting through the tile or fiberglass surround in your shower. For shower surrounds, there are remodel plates available to cover the opening, but this can still be a daunting project for a beginner.

• Call a Plumber - This is always a good way to go if you can afford it. In a newer home, you may be pretty sure about what you'll find behind the walls, but in an older building, some surprises may require the help of a plumber even after you've burned five or ten hours on the job.

Once you have access to the plumbing pipes, you may still have some challenges in store. Older galvanized pipes with threaded openings may need adapters to work with your new fixture. Two sided adapters that will help make copper, galvanized and PVC configurations work together will make your life easier as long as you don't run into other problems, like major oxidation.

When tackling the job, it's easy to forget the small stuff, so here's a primer on being prepared. Be sure to get all your materials together before you begin. There's a difference between two-valve and three-valve shower and tub faucet configurations, so take the time to evaluate what you have and what you want. Do your homework when choosing a faucet, and read all of the directions thoroughly before you grab a wrench. If you have any doubts, most faucet manufacturers have websites that will help you through an install as well as customer support to help resolve issues. Delta and Moen both have comprehensive sites and are known in the industry for having repair friendly faucets.

Your local plumbing supply store and home improvement outlet both have customer service support that can help you in a pinch, so don't soldier through on your own if you can get a quick answer from someone with experience. Invest in the supplies you may need from the start, like plumber's tape, lubricant and a variety of wrenches that will get you access where you need it. That way you can keep the frustration level down. What you don't use, you can generally return. This is probably a good time to expand your collection of plumbing related tools anyway.

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