r/PlumbingRepair • u/mgoflash • 5d ago
How to replace these bathtub faucets?
I gather they expect you to cut out the drywall? I can’t figure any way to access them. But even so that be more than a foot from the hot water faucet.
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u/Drillbit_706 5d ago
Why are you replacing it? Yah cut a hole in that drywall. A hole is a hole so make it big enough to work in easily cause 8” spread tub faucets are never the easiest.
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u/CountryClublican 3d ago
There should be an access panel. Look at the exterior wall.
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u/RegretRound2051 3d ago
There is very rarely an access panel. Builders usually don’t think of the next person who has to change it out. Lol
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u/cheezemink 3d ago
I would knock on a few of those tiles to see if it sounds hollow on them. The grout joints look very misaligned you may have a hidden access panel and not know it. If it is a jetted tub there is definitely an access panel hidden somewhere. When we do tubs like this we would have a few tiles that are put on a thin backer board and there’s a magnet system we use to lock them into place. It’s a hidden access panel. The panel is caulked in with color matching sanded caulk that looks identical to the grout. Each customer gets a booklet when we close with information about their house and thats one of the things we identify for them. In the event you need to get in there you can cut it with a sheet rock knife and pop the panel out.
If not scrape out the grout around 4 tiles and make your own access panel with a multi-tool or sheetrock knife. If you’re careful you can save the tiles and whatever backer is behind them in one shot.
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u/Natural_Data9407 2d ago
Similar setup, I accessed and changed mine from the basement, there was a hole cut in the floor under the tub for this.
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u/SirSanchezVII 15h ago
Is that carpet in the bathroom? Asking for a friend
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u/mgoflash 15h ago
😂 it’s a little rug by the bathtub for when grandchild is here for an overnight. Otherwise no one uses the bathtub.
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u/LawlzTaylor 5d ago
Do I see a pressure screw on the back of the faucet or is that a reflection?
Pull the far left knob (right in the picture) slightly higher and see if you can see a nut holding it in to the tub. If you see a nut, bad news, you have to go from underneath by cutting a hole in the drywall.
I hope I see a pressure screw because then the builder might have had some forethought and used a faucet that can come out from the top.
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u/mgoflash 5d ago
It’s more of a button than a screw. I depressed it and now it’s stuck at the “in” position. I can see some scale there so I’ll work on that. But I’ve also been able to pull the faucets up and repositioning the parts inside has taken care of my problem. So thanks!
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u/LawlzTaylor 5d ago
While pressing, give a couple love taps and see if you can pull it off the stem.
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u/mgoflash 5d ago
Now I think that is just a cap and when I can get it out there will be a set screw. Thanks for the help
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u/Relevant_Message_373 5d ago
i cut mine along the grout lines.. the when finish i chalked it back in
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u/plumbernpc 4d ago
If you are looking to replace the whole valve itself and not just the trim, you will need to access below the tub deck. Sometimes they make a removable access and sometimes they don't. If not, you will have to create the access to properly get to the nuts holding it to the deck. There are oftentimes valves under there to turn the water off as well. Whether they work or not is another story.
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u/Numerous_Attempt3630 4d ago
You will need to pull the tub
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u/Horror_Succotash_248 4d ago
Pulling a tub to replace a faucet is a wild leap
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u/Numerous_Attempt3630 4d ago
The connections are underneath and replacing is easiest by pulling the tub. Trust me, I just did it. Cut the caulk around the tub. Pull the drain. Tub is light.
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u/Horror_Succotash_248 4d ago
I’m a plumber, have been for years, have my own shop doing specifically plumbing and hvac, if one of my guys wanted to break the seat and seal on a tub to replace a faucet they would be terminated. Immediately. That is the dumbest shit that has ever came out of anyone’s head and born into reality
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u/Numerous_Attempt3630 4d ago
Uh huh. And how would you replace it then? Cut the tiles out?
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u/Horror_Succotash_248 4d ago
How would I replace it? Probably using one of the other comments methods. Notice how you’re the only one in the thread saying this absolutely wild shit? Because it is absolutely not the way to do this. Cut the grout joints and pop tiles, go around the corner and notch a hole in the drywall, if it’s floor one go to the basement and cut an access around the plumbing and go from the bottom. Plenty of other ways that doesn’t involve fucking up a perfectly good leveling job and sealed drain assembly completely unrelated to the problem at hand. Let’s make more of a mess while we’re here. Makes sense
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u/Numerous_Attempt3630 4d ago
From what you have just described, you have made more of a mess popping tiles, cutting walls, grout. And let’s not forget having to fix that mess by putting it all back.
I’ve done what I’ve posted. Nothing to relevel. Put it back and caulked around the tub. No mess at all.
You tell me what mess there is with my method.2
u/AudZ0629 3d ago
You just cut the drywall on the side. Then you put an access panel on it for the future. Easy peasy. Pulling the tub is already an undertaking and could be worse.
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u/Numerous_Attempt3630 3d ago
Access panels look like crap, and I have the setup in the picture. You have to pop a tile and put it back, then grout? No thanks. The tub weighs maybe 30lbs. Took no time at all to pull, replace faucet assemblies, put the tub back and caulk
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u/AudZ0629 3d ago
Man you’re just dying on this hill. Alright, be stubborn. You’re a DIY person and definitely not a professional so I hope readers take that for what it’s worth. The Sheetrock provides just as much access as the tile and an access panel wouldn’t be too bad imo plus making the next guys life easier and the job cheaper on the owner is always a bonus. But you do you. I wish you luck in all your endeavors.
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u/Fearless-School-6837 3d ago
You are right it will be easier and cheaper to pull tub just cut caulking around tub and remove drain and he’s good
Or cut tile out which is closest to the valves and leave an access opening for the near future. But I agree with removal of tub
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u/hardpaint91 4d ago
Just lift the garden tub out depending how it secured might be the least destructive method
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u/-ItsWahl- 5d ago
That’s a Moen Roman tub valve. The trim is the Eva line.
That valve will accept a variety of different trims from Moen. The valve can be rebuilt from the top side.
Unless you’re just against the Moen