How to Install a New Tub and Shower Faucet

Things You Need:

• Pipe cutter
• Hammer
• Circular saw
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Nails
• Wood (2 inches by 6 inches or equal to floor framing)

While there are some elements that will require the aid of a professional plumber, learning how to install a new tub and shower faucet is a relatively simple task. This home improvement project isn't a small one, however, and may require more than one person. Follow the steps outlined in this article to install a new tub and shower faucet.

Installing Your Faucet:

1. Mark the new tub location. Use the tape measure and a pencil to mark the location for the new tub.

2. Cut wood framing for the tub drain. Use the circular saw to cut the framing of the bathroom floor below the drain position to allow room for the tub's drain pipe.

3. Reinforce the floor framing. Measure distance between floor joists. Measure and cut wood to length. Use nails and a hammer to put in reinforcing blocking near tub drain.

4. Open wall. Use your hammer to remove the existing wall board behind the shower faucet location.

5. Attach the shower faucet per manufacturer's instructions to wall studs. You may have to measure and cut wood blocking to support the shower faucet. Cut wood with the circular saw. Use nails and hammer to fasten wood block between the studs per manufacturer's instructions.

6. Put the tub in place. With the help of others, position the tub.

7. Attach the drain control mechanism. A shower faucet and its drain control mechanism are frequently in a single unit. Attach the drain to the tub. Attach the drain control mechanism near the shower faucet per manufacturer's instructions.

8. Let a professional finish it off. Call a local licensed plumber to make final drain and water supply connections as well as the final adjustments to the shower faucet.