Shut Off Water and Remove Old Faucet — Disconnect the Old Assembly from Behind the Tub
Part of project
How to Replace a Pop-up Bathtub Drain and Overflow Assembly · Step 3 of 8
In this video
Begin by turning off the hot and cold water supply valves located near the tub. Place a towel on the floor to catch any residual water. Open the faucet handles to relieve any pressure and confirm the water is completely shut off. Using an adjustable crescent wrench, loosen the nuts connecting the water supply lines to the back of the existing faucet. Then, loosen and remove the larger locknuts that secure the faucet body to the tub. Once all connections are loose, lift the old faucet away from the tub.
Goal: Bathtub Faucet Removal
- Use an adjustable crescent wrench with smooth jaws to prevent scratching the chrome finish of the plumbing parts.
Used in this video
- Adjustable Wrench (brand: Crescent, Tool Type: Wrench, Power Source: Manual) — Loosening and tightening nuts on the faucet and supply lines.
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FAQs
What's the most challenging part for a beginner, and how can I prepare for it?
The trickiest part for a beginner is often accessing the plumbing behind the tub, especially if space is tight or an access panel isn't readily available. Ensure you have ample lighting, like the NITECORE flashlight, and be prepared for potentially corroded or seized old components which might require extra patience and leverage from Channellock pliers.
How important is using plumber's putty, and are there alternatives for sealing the drain flange?
Plumber's putty is crucial for creating a watertight seal between the drain flange and the tub surface, effectively preventing leaks. Apply a generous, continuous bead under the flange before seating it. While silicone sealant can also be used, plumber's putty allows for easier future removal if necessary.
The project says 5 hours, but what if my old drain is severely corroded or stuck?
Heavily corroded or seized drain components can indeed extend the project time beyond the estimated 5 hours. Have penetrating oil on hand to help loosen stubborn threads and allow it to sit. You might also need a hacksaw, like the Husky Close Quarters Hacksaw, to cut away old components if they cannot be unscrewed.
Do I need to turn off my home's main water supply before starting this project?
While you are not directly working on pressurized water lines that require the main supply to be off, it's a wise safety precaution to do so. This minimizes the risk of accidental water damage if a pipe is inadvertently compromised or if you want to prevent water from inadvertently entering the tub during the process. It also helps manage any residual water in the pipes.
Shut Off Water and Remove Old Faucet — Disconnect the Old Assembly from Behind the Tub
Part of project
How to Replace a Pop-up Bathtub Drain and Overflow Assembly · Step 3 of 8
In this video
Begin by turning off the hot and cold water supply valves located near the tub. Place a towel on the floor to catch any residual water. Open the faucet handles to relieve any pressure and confirm the water is completely shut off. Using an adjustable crescent wrench, loosen the nuts connecting the water supply lines to the back of the existing faucet. Then, loosen and remove the larger locknuts that secure the faucet body to the tub. Once all connections are loose, lift the old faucet away from the tub.
Goal: Bathtub Faucet Removal
- Use an adjustable crescent wrench with smooth jaws to prevent scratching the chrome finish of the plumbing parts.
Used in this video
- Adjustable Wrench (brand: Crescent, Tool Type: Wrench, Power Source: Manual) — Loosening and tightening nuts on the faucet and supply lines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most challenging part for a beginner, and how can I prepare for it?
The trickiest part for a beginner is often accessing the plumbing behind the tub, especially if space is tight or an access panel isn't readily available. Ensure you have ample lighting, like the NITECORE flashlight, and be prepared for potentially corroded or seized old components which might require extra patience and leverage from Channellock pliers.
How important is using plumber's putty, and are there alternatives for sealing the drain flange?
Plumber's putty is crucial for creating a watertight seal between the drain flange and the tub surface, effectively preventing leaks. Apply a generous, continuous bead under the flange before seating it. While silicone sealant can also be used, plumber's putty allows for easier future removal if necessary.
The project says 5 hours, but what if my old drain is severely corroded or stuck?
Heavily corroded or seized drain components can indeed extend the project time beyond the estimated 5 hours. Have penetrating oil on hand to help loosen stubborn threads and allow it to sit. You might also need a hacksaw, like the Husky Close Quarters Hacksaw, to cut away old components if they cannot be unscrewed.
Do I need to turn off my home's main water supply before starting this project?
While you are not directly working on pressurized water lines that require the main supply to be off, it's a wise safety precaution to do so. This minimizes the risk of accidental water damage if a pipe is inadvertently compromised or if you want to prevent water from inadvertently entering the tub during the process. It also helps manage any residual water in the pipes.