How to Replace a Two Handle Bathtub Faucet Like a Pro

You are probably tired of your old two handle bathtub faucet leaking or looking rusty. Maybe you are facing low water pressure, or one handle just spins in place. Whatever the reason, you want it gone and replaced now. In this article, you will learn how to replace a two handle bathtub faucet step by step.

Turn Off the Water Supply and Get Ready

Before you start working on your bathtub faucet, you need to stop the water. This is the first and most important thing. If you skip this part, water will spray everywhere once you remove the faucet handles or the spout. Look for the main water valve in your home.

Most of the time, it is in the basement or near where the water enters your house. Turn it off by twisting the handle to the right. If you have shut-off valves near the bathtub, you can use them instead.

Once the water is off, turn on the hot and cold handles on the bathtub to let out any water left in the pipes. This will make sure everything is dry and easy to work with. Now take a look at what kind of faucet you have.

Two handle faucets can be different. Some are part of a three-piece set (two handles and one spout). Others are part of a solid single unit. Look at how your faucet is built before removing anything.

Now it’s time to get your tools ready. You will need:

• A screwdriver (flathead and Phillips)
• A wrench or adjustable wrench
• Pliers
• A cloth or rag
• Plumber’s tape
• A bucket or towel (to catch water)
• A flashlight (if it’s dark behind the tub)

Place a towel in the tub to protect it from scratches and falling tools. You may also want to wear gloves to protect your hands. If your bathtub has an access panel behind it, remove it. If not, you might have to cut a hole in the wall behind the tub. Be careful and check what’s behind the wall before cutting. This access is important because you need to reach the pipes to remove and install the faucet.

Take your time in this step. Being careful now will save you problems later. Don’t rush. Make sure you have everything in place and know where to start.

• Turn off the main water supply
• Open handles to release remaining water
• Check faucet style and access
• Gather tools like wrench, pliers, and screwdriver
• Protect the tub surface with a towel
• Open access panel or prepare wall for access

Remove the Old Handles and Spout

Now that the water is off and you are ready, it is time to remove the old faucet parts. Start with the handles. Look for a small screw on the front or under a plastic cap in the center of the handle. If there is a cap, use a flat screwdriver to pop it off. Then, use a screwdriver to remove the screw. Pull the handle straight out. If it is stuck, wiggle it gently. Sometimes handles get stuck because of rust or hard water. You can use a handle puller tool if needed.

After both handles are off, you will see the stems (they look like little pipes sticking out). These are connected to the valves inside the wall. Do not remove the stems yet. First, look at the spout. Some spouts screw off, and others have a set screw underneath. If your spout has a screw, use an Allen wrench to remove it, then slide the spout off. If it screws on, twist it counterclockwise. Use a cloth around it to protect the finish and grip it with pliers if it’s tight.

Now check the stems again. If your goal is just to replace the faucet handles and spout, you may stop here and skip removing the stems. But if you are replacing everything (handles, spout, and valve stems), then you need to unscrew the stems. Use a wrench to do this. Twist counterclockwise until the stem comes out. Be careful not to damage the threads or the pipes inside the wall.

Also, look at the wall around the faucet. Sometimes there is old caulk or grime. Clean this off now with a rag or scraper. You want a clean surface before putting in new parts. Check for leaks or damage around the pipe area. If the pipes look bad, rusty, or broken, you might need new plumbing parts before moving forward.

Removing old parts is sometimes harder than it sounds, especially if they’ve been there for many years. Take your time and don’t force anything too hard. If something feels stuck, spray a little lubricant like WD-40 and let it sit for a while.

• Remove plastic caps and screws from handles
• Pull off handles gently
• Take off spout by unscrewing or using Allen wrench
• Unscrew valve stems if replacing them
• Clean area and check for damage
• Don’t force stuck parts too hard

Choose and Prepare Your New Faucet Parts

With the old parts out, now is the fun part—choosing your new faucet! There are many styles of two handle bathtub faucets. Some are shiny chrome, some are brushed nickel, and others are matte black. Pick a style that matches your bathroom and fits your budget. But more important than the look is the fit. Make sure the new faucet matches the hole spacing and the type of valves you have. Most two handle faucets have 8-inch centers (distance between hot and cold valves), but check yours to be sure.

If you are unsure about what to buy, take the old parts to the hardware store. The staff can help you find the right size and type. Also, make sure your new faucet kit comes with everything—handles, spout, stems, and washers. Some kits also include plumber’s tape and screws.

Before installing, wrap plumber’s tape around all the threaded pipe ends. This helps prevent leaks. Just wrap the tape clockwise 2-3 times. Then check your new parts. Make sure nothing is cracked or broken. Test-fit the spout and handles without tightening to see how they line up.

Now, look at the wall area again. If there are old screw holes or gaps, patch them up with a waterproof filler or caulk. You want a smooth, clean surface before you begin. If needed, use a flashlight to look behind the wall. Check that all pipe fittings are tight and clean. If you have copper pipes and need to solder, that is a more advanced step, and you might want help for that. But most new faucets are screw-on and easy to install without soldering.

Take your time checking and preparing. Installing the new faucet is easier when you’ve done this part well.

• Pick a faucet style that matches your bathroom
• Make sure it fits your old setup (spacing and valves)
• Wrap plumber’s tape on all threaded parts
• Test-fit new parts before final install
• Fix any wall damage or gaps
• Double check for broken or missing pieces

Install the New Valve Stems and Handles

Now it is time to install the new valve stems. These are the small metal pieces that control water flow inside the wall. Carefully line them up with the pipe threads and screw them in by hand first. This avoids cross-threading. Once they are hand-tight, use a wrench to snug them up, but do not over-tighten. Over-tightening can damage the pipes or the threads.

After both stems are installed, it is time to attach the new handles. Slide the handles onto the stem shafts. Then insert the screws through the center holes and tighten them with a screwdriver. If your handles have decorative caps, snap those on at the end. Turn each handle to make sure they move freely and feel tight. If they wobble or feel loose, check the screw again.

Check for alignment too. The hot handle should turn left, and the cold handle should turn right. If they feel backward, you might need to switch the stems or turn them 180 degrees. Some faucet kits have reversible stems for this reason.

Now before moving on, you should test the handles with the water still off. Turn them back and forth to feel the motion. Everything should turn smoothly. If anything feels too tight or too loose, adjust it now.

You may also want to apply a small bead of waterproof silicone around the base of the handles where they meet the wall. This stops water from leaking behind the wall. Let the silicone dry for a few hours before testing the faucet.

• Hand-tighten valve stems first, then use wrench
• Attach handles and secure with screws
• Snap on decorative caps
• Check hot/cold alignment
• Test handle motion without water
• Add silicone seal around handle base

Attach and Secure the New Spout

Now focus on the spout. Look at your new spout and see what type it is. There are two main kinds: slip-on and screw-on. A slip-on spout has a small set screw underneath. A screw-on spout twists onto the pipe like a bottle cap. First, clean the pipe that sticks out of the wall. Wipe it with a rag and check for cracks or rust.

If you have a slip-on spout, slide it onto the pipe and make sure the spout opening is pointing down. Then tighten the set screw with an Allen wrench. Don’t over-tighten. Just enough to hold it in place firmly.

If you have a screw-on spout, wrap plumber’s tape around the pipe threads, then twist the spout on clockwise. Use a rag and pliers if it’s too tight to do by hand. Make sure the spout is lined up straight.

Once the spout is on, give it a small tug to make sure it is secure. Look underneath to see if the screw is tight or the threads are holding well. If it moves or leaks, take it off and try again. A good fit is very important to stop leaks.

After the spout is on, check the wall behind it. If there’s a small gap, add silicone to seal it. This stops water from getting inside the wall, which can lead to mold. Let the sealant dry before turning on the water.

• Clean the pipe before attaching spout
• Use plumber’s tape for screw-on type
• Align spout straight and secure it
• Check for leaks and movement
• Seal with silicone if there’s a gap

Turn On Water and Test Everything

Now that all parts are installed, you are ready for the final step. Go to your main water valve and turn it back on slowly. You may hear some air come through the pipes. That’s normal. Go back to the bathtub and turn on both handles—first cold, then hot.

Check the water pressure and watch closely for leaks around the spout and handles. If you see dripping, turn off the water and tighten the leaking part. Use more plumber’s tape if needed. It’s okay to repeat this step to get a perfect fit.

Let the water run for a few minutes to flush out any dirt or leftover parts. Feel the water with your hand. Make sure hot and cold are working as expected. Look around the wall and under the tub (if you have access) to check for hidden leaks.

Once everything works, clean up your tools and remove the towel from the tub. Wipe everything dry. Your bathtub now has a brand new faucet that looks clean and works well. You did it all by yourself.

• Slowly turn water back on
• Test hot and cold handles
• Check for leaks and tighten if needed
• Let water run to clear air and dirt
• Clean up and enjoy your new faucet

Final Thoughts

Replacing a two handle bathtub faucet is not as hard as it seems. With the right tools, some patience, and clear steps, you can do it yourself and save money. You do not need to call a plumber for every problem. Now your faucet looks new, works better, and no longer leaks. It’s a small job that makes a big difference in your bathroom. Keep your tools handy for future fixes and enjoy the fresh new look of your tub.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it hard to replace a two handle bathtub faucet on my own?

It might feel hard at first, but it becomes easier when you follow each step slowly. Many people think you need a plumber, but most of the work only takes basic tools and a little time. As long as you turn off the water first and have access to the pipes, it is not very hard. Be patient and take breaks if needed. Most problems come from rushing. If you go step by step, you can do it.

Is it okay to use plumber’s tape on all pipe threads?

Yes, it is not only okay—it is important. Plumber’s tape helps seal the connection between threaded pipes and stops leaks. You should always wrap the tape clockwise around the threads 2 to 3 times before attaching any part. This works for both the spout and the valve stems. It makes everything fit tighter and keeps water inside the pipe, where it belongs.

Can I use the same faucet parts for any bathtub?

Not always. Bathtub faucets come in different sizes and styles. You need to check your current setup before buying a new one. Measure the distance between the two handles and check if the spout is slip-on or screw-on. Taking the old parts to a hardware store is the best way to find a match. Also, not all faucets fit the same pipes, so be sure the new parts work with what you already have.

Do I need to cut a hole in the wall to change the faucet?

Sometimes, yes. If your bathtub does not have an access panel behind it, you may need to cut a small hole in the wall to reach the plumbing. This is usually done from the other side of the wall, like in a hallway or closet. Try to make a neat cut and cover it later with a panel or small door. This gives you easy access next time.

Is it safe to use silicone around faucet parts?

Yes, it is safe and even smart to do so. Silicone helps seal the small gaps between your faucet and the wall or tub. This keeps water from going behind the wall, which can cause mold or damage. Only use a thin bead and let it dry fully. Don’t block any moving parts, just seal around the base.

Can I change just one part, like only the spout or one handle?

Yes, you can change only one part if the others are working fine. If your spout is leaking or broken, just replace it. The same goes for a handle. Make sure the new part matches the old one in size and shape. Changing just one part is a good way to fix a small problem without spending a lot of money or time.

Do I need to solder any pipes?

Most of the time, no. Many bathtub faucets today are made to screw on without soldering. If your setup is very old and uses copper pipes, then maybe soldering is needed. In that case, you may want help from someone with plumbing skills. But for most homes, everything fits with wrenches, plumber’s tape, and screws.

Can I test the faucet before sealing everything?

Yes, and it is a good idea to do that. After installing all the parts, turn on the water and test everything before adding silicone or tightening everything fully. This way, if something leaks or doesn’t fit, you can fix it without starting over. Always test first, seal after.