How to Change a Tub Faucet Handle in 5 Easy Steps

AvatarByLiana Farrell Faucet Queries

How to Change a Tub Faucet Handle

Your tub faucet handle is one of the most important parts of your bathroom. It’s what you use to turn the water on and off, and it can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of your bathroom. If your tub faucet handle is broken or damaged, it’s important to replace it as soon as possible. Luckily, changing a tub faucet handle is a relatively simple task that you can do yourself in just a few minutes.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of changing a tub faucet handle. We’ll provide step-by-step instructions, as well as tips and tricks to help you get the job done quickly and easily. So whether your faucet handle is leaking, dripping, or just plain broken, read on to learn how to fix it!

Step Instructions Image
1 Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2 Remove the old handle by unscrewing the set screws.
3 Install the new handle by screwing it onto the faucet stem.
4 Turn on the water supply to the faucet and test the new handle.

How to Change a Tub Faucet Handle

Tools and Materials Needed

To change a tub faucet handle, you will need the following tools and materials:

  • A screwdriver
  • A wrench
  • Penetrating oil
  • A rag
  • New tub faucet handles

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet. This is usually done by turning a valve located under the sink.
2. Remove the old faucet handles. To do this, you will need to unscrew the screws that hold them in place. These screws are usually located on the back of the handles.
3. Remove the old faucet stems. The faucet stems are the cylindrical pieces that connect the handles to the faucet body. To remove them, you will need to use a wrench to loosen the nuts that hold them in place.
4. Apply penetrating oil to the threads of the new faucet stems. This will help to make them easier to install.
5. Insert the new faucet stems into the faucet body.
6. Screw on the new faucet handles.
7. Turn on the water supply to the faucet and test to make sure that it is working properly.

Here are some additional tips for changing a tub faucet handle:

  • If the old faucet handles are stuck, you can try using a hair dryer to heat them up. This will make them easier to remove.
  • Be careful not to overtighten the new faucet stems. This could damage the faucet body.
  • If you are not comfortable doing this project yourself, you can hire a plumber to do it for you.

Changing a tub faucet handle is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. By following these steps, you can easily update the look of your bathroom and ensure that your faucet is working properly.

How to Change a Tub Faucet Handle

Changing a tub faucet handle is a relatively simple task that can be completed in about 30 minutes. However, it is important to follow the steps carefully to avoid damaging the faucet or injuring yourself.

Tools and Materials

  • Replacement tub faucet handle
  • Adjustable wrench
  • Penetrating oil
  • Rag
  • Screwdriver

Step 1: Turn off the Water Supply

The first step is to turn off the water supply to the faucet. This can usually be done by turning the shut-off valve located under the sink. Once the water supply is turned off, you can proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Remove the Old Handle

The next step is to remove the old handle. To do this, you will need to use an adjustable wrench to loosen the set screws that secure the handle to the faucet. Once the set screws are loosened, you can carefully pry the handle off of the faucet.

Step 3: Apply Penetrating Oil

If the old handle is stuck, you may need to apply some penetrating oil to the threads before you can remove it. Allow the penetrating oil to work for a few minutes before you try to remove the handle again.

Step 4: Remove the Escutcheon Plate

The escutcheon plate is a decorative cover that conceals the screws that hold the faucet in place. To remove the escutcheon plate, you will need to use a screwdriver to pry it off of the faucet.

Step 5: Remove the Faucet Stem

The faucet stem is the part of the faucet that controls the flow of water. To remove the faucet stem, you will need to use an adjustable wrench to loosen the locknut that secures it to the faucet body. Once the locknut is loosened, you can carefully unscrew the faucet stem and remove it from the faucet.

Step 6: Install the New Handle

To install the new handle, you will need to reverse the steps that you took to remove the old handle. First, you will need to install the faucet stem into the faucet body. Then, you will need to install the escutcheon plate. Finally, you will need to install the new handle and tighten the set screws.

Step 7: Turn on the Water Supply

Once the new handle is installed, you can turn on the water supply to the faucet. Be sure to check for leaks around the faucet before you use it.

Troubleshooting

If you are having trouble removing the old handle, you may need to apply more penetrating oil or use a heat gun to loosen the threads. If the escutcheon plate is stuck, you may need to use a putty knife or other sharp object to pry it off of the faucet.

Additional Tips

  • When choosing a new faucet handle, be sure to choose one that is compatible with your faucet.
  • If you are not comfortable working with plumbing, you may want to hire a professional to replace the faucet handle for you.

Troubleshooting

If you are having trouble changing the tub faucet handle, there are a few things you can check to troubleshoot the problem.

  • Make sure that the water supply to the faucet is turned off. If the water supply is turned on, you will not be able to remove the old handle.
  • Apply penetrating oil to the threads of the old handle. This will help to loosen the threads and make it easier to remove the handle.
  • Use a heat gun to loosen the threads of the old handle. This will help to melt the grease and make it easier to remove the handle.
  • Use a putty knife or other sharp object to pry the escutcheon plate off of the faucet. This may be necessary if the escutcheon plate is stuck.

If you are still having trouble changing the tub faucet handle, you may want to hire a professional to help you.

Additional Tips

Here are a few additional tips for changing a tub faucet handle:

  • Choose a new faucet handle that is compatible with your faucet. Not all faucet handles are interchangeable, so it is important to make sure that the new handle will fit your faucet.
  • Make sure that the new faucet handle is the same size as the old handle. If the new handle is too big or too small, it will not fit properly on the faucet.
  • Follow the instructions that come with the new faucet handle. These instructions will provide you with specific instructions on how to install the new handle.
  • If you are not comfortable working with plumbing, you may want to hire a professional to help you.

    How do I remove a tub faucet handle?**

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Remove the decorative cap, if there is one.
3. Loosen the setscrews that hold the handle in place.
4. Pull the handle straight off.

How do I install a new tub faucet handle?

1. Make sure the water supply to the faucet is turned off.
2. Clean the faucet with a degreaser and a rag.
3. Apply a thin coat of plumber’s grease to the threads of the new handle.
4. Insert the handle into the faucet and tighten the setscrews.
5. Turn on the water supply to the faucet and test the handle.

What if the handle is stuck?

1. Try using a penetrating oil to loosen the setscrews.
2. If the setscrews are still stuck, you may need to use a wrench to loosen them.
3. Be careful not to damage the faucet when using a wrench.

What if the handle is loose?

1. Tighten the setscrews that hold the handle in place.
2. If the setscrews are already tight, you may need to replace the handle.
3. Be sure to use the correct size setscrews for the faucet.

What if the handle is leaking?

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Remove the handle and inspect the O-ring.
3. If the O-ring is damaged, replace it with a new one.
4. Reinstall the handle and turn on the water supply to the faucet.

What if the handle is dripping?

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Remove the handle and inspect the faucet stem.
3. If the faucet stem is damaged, replace it with a new one.
4. Reinstall the handle and turn on the water supply to the faucet.

What if the handle is broken?

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Remove the handle and inspect the faucet body.
3. If the faucet body is damaged, replace it with a new one.
4. Reinstall the handle and turn on the water supply to the faucet.

Changing a tub faucet handle is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. By following the steps in this guide, you can easily replace your old, worn-out handle with a new one that will improve the look and functionality of your bathtub.

Here are the key takeaways from this guide:

  • Before you begin, make sure you have the necessary tools and materials.
  • Turn off the water supply to the faucet before you start working.
  • Remove the old handle by unscrewing the setscrews that hold it in place.
  • Install the new handle by reversing the steps for removing the old one.
  • Turn on the water supply and test the faucet to make sure it is working properly.

By following these steps, you can easily change a tub faucet handle and improve the look and functionality of your bathtub.

Author Profile

Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell is the owner of toiletty.com. She is a mom of two and is very passionate about home improvement.

Liana has ten years of home improvement experience, and in her own words, she said: “I love improving the home, and I’m very passionate about keeping the home in the best possible condition. I love it!”

Liana Farrell balances beauty and functionality when she goes about her home improvement jobs.