How to Install a Shower Faucet – Step-by-Step Guide

Are you stuck in your bathroom plumbing tasks for delaying calls of your plumber? I’m sad you wasted your precious time when this is not a big deal. You can easily do it yourself by charging yourself with a cup of tea or coffee, whatever you love!

If you have your toolbox kit, that’s great. If not, just borrow it from your neighbors or any friend for just one to two hours. You are going to install your bathroom shower faucet with me. First, I have mentioned which tools you must have, second, the types of shower faucets so that you can easily select a new faucet. In the end, you will know how you can install your faucet. So, are you ready? Let’s start!

Things You Need

Pipe wrench or adjustable wrench
Pliers
Screwdrivers
Teflon tape or plumber’s tape

Shower Faucet Types

There are mainly three types of shower faucets, based on the number of handles. When you have to install or update your bathroom, check all the types, their features and select the best shower faucets.

Single Handle: In these facets, there is a tee connection for a hot and cold-water supply that controls the flow of water with just one handle.

Two-handle Faucet: In 2-handle faucets, one is to control hot water and the other is for cold water.

Three-handle faucet: These faucets work the same as double handle faucets, but the difference is they have an additional handle. The third handle is for the bathtub and it determines the flow of water to the shower or tub.

How to Install A Shower Faucet? Step-by-Step

When you are all set with the tools and new faucet, follow these simple steps to install your shower faucet. Here we go!

Turn Off the Water Supply

The very first thing you have to do is to turn off the water supply. Some of the houses have a main water supply valve. While some have separate valves for each bathroom. Locate what type of valves you have in your house and turn the water off by rotating it clockwise. This will immediately stop the flow of water. When you have cut the water supply, open the valve of the shower faucet, and release the remaining water. Before doing this, keep a bucket under the tap and then drain the water. This will help you lessen the mess of water.

Remove the handles

Next, you have to remove the handles with the use of a flathead screwdriver. Remove all the caps from the handles. When you will do it, screws will be visible. Remove all the screws and pull the handle.

Detach the Spout

When handles are gone, remove the spout. If screws are holding it, unscrew with pliers or using a pipe wrench. It may take some extra time if the setup is corroded but the tools will work the best for you. When you have separated the screw, rotate the spout counter-clockwise, and pull it towards you to detach it.

Remove the Remaining Setup

Now separate the remaining set up of the faucet. You will see a flange over there, pick up a pair of pliers and remove it by rotating counterclockwise. Similarly, take adjustable wrench or pliers and remove valve assemble including hex-shaped base near the wall. When you have removed these things, take a damp cloth and clean the wall surface for the installation of a new shower faucet.

New Faucet Valve Assembly

Open up the new faucet package and check all the valves before installation. Open all the valves and wrap plumber’s tape on the threads. This helps to make a fit seal between the valves and the faucet. One main thing you must not forget is to open the valves before you install them as it will help to fully seat the valves at the place.

Now place the valves on the pipe and tighten by rotating clockwise. You will feel some resistance when securing the valves. But if the valves do not seat properly on the pipe, do not try to force it. As it may result in a leak. After hand tightening, use an adjustable wrench or pliers to make it fully tight.

Install the Sleeve and Flange

Take a nylon sleeve and slip it on the valve base. Do it with your hands and not use any wrench or plier as they may damage the sleeve. Similarly, attach the flange as you removed it from the faucet.