Tub Shower Faucet Replacement Tip
0 Comments | Posted by armchairbuilder in Bath Remodel, Owner-Builder, Save Money
Tub Shower Faucet Replacement Questions and Answers
Armchair Builder Response: Hey Evelyn. Congrats on the new bath. Here are some suggestions for determining the faucet manufacturer and type. 1) Look for manufacturer label on the faucet exterior…Moen for example usually has the name somewhere on it, 2) Determine whether you have full control of water flow (i.e. volume) or just temperature control (this helps determine valve type 3) Take a photo and send it to the manufacturer asking for the model number (and let them know about flow control from 2 above & give approximate age of faucet). For our last remodel, I sent a photo to Moen and they were able to tell me the faucet model and the available trim kits.
1. “Do I need a channel lock or can I use adjustable pliers when removing the old showerhead arm?” Armchair Builder Response: I typically do it by hand, but if you do use channel locks, be sure to use a towel between the grips and the pipe to prevent scratches.
2. ” When attaching the new showerhead arm to the inside pipe, the showerhead arm is the male – should I use teflon tape or pipe dope? One site says if using teflon tape, to wrap it 4 times if it’s the thin kind, 2 times if it’s commercial grade. Another site recommends using teflon tape and then finishing it off with some pipe dope. Any thoughts?” Armchair Builder Response: Use teflon tape and wrap it a minimum of three times around. Turn the water on and carefully watch for any leaks before pushing the escutcheon tight to the wall.
3. “When I removed the faceplate/handle/knob, I also removed the collar around the cartridge as well as the existing 2-piece plastic temperature limit pieces. I assume we’ll be using the new trim kit’s plastic temperature limit pieces? I also assume that we don’t need to do anything with the cartridge and that I’ll just put the collar back on?” Armchair Builder Response: The tub shower faucet replacement trim kit comes with everything you need and typically, this is just the trim pieces you see on the outside of the wall. The cartridge, limiter…etc. all stay original. FYI: The trim kit comes with detailed instructions on how to install it.
Gene P. says, “The Moen Caldwell currently sells for $160 at Lowes in Connecticut. Also, you need to give more info as to how to match the new valve to the existing valve as many demos on the internet are currently assuming you will have to break into the wall and do the plumbing to replace the regulator. In fact most of the units are sold with new regulator plumbing assuming you will do this job. This certainly requires a fair amount of expertise as you will be soldering in a tight space.” Armchair Builder Response: It does require some expertise to replace the valve inside the wall and it requires you to have access to it…and that’s why it is best to use a tub shower faucet replacement trim kit. With the trim kit, all of the work is done on the outside of the wall. You don’t need to cut drywall or remove wall tiles.
Still have questions? Send us an email at info@armchairbuilder.com For another great source for information about tub shower faucet replacement trim kits, check out this Moen customer support page.
