How to Replace Your Bathtub Faucet (by Capitan Farloc)

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Replacing Your Bathtub Faucet: A Practical Guide

Thinking of replacing your old two-handle bath tap with a modern single-lever mixer? Great idea! In this step-by-step guide, I’ll show you how to remove the classic dual-handle tap and install a new mixer tap on your bathtub using just a few basic tools. With clear photos and practical tips, even DIY beginners can complete the job safely and confidently

Removing the Old Faucet

After shutting off the main water supply, open the taps of the faucet you’re replacing to release any remaining water under pressure. Then, using the appropriately sized wrench (a 30mm in my case), unscrew the two nuts securing the faucet to the pipes coming out of the wall.

Unscrew the nuts that hold the tap attached to the water pipes

Loosening the Nuts with an Adjustable Pipe Wrench

If you don’t have the right-sized wrench, you can use an adjustable pipe wrench. To prevent damage to the chrome finish, place a cloth between the wrench and the nuts. Start by loosening both nuts, then unscrew them alternately—about one full turn to a turn and a half each time.

With the parrot wrench, use a rag to avoid damaging the chrome plating of the nut.

What Are "Eccentric Fittings" and Why Are They Used?

After removing the faucet unit, sliding off the chrome rings will reveal threaded pipe connectors screwed into the wall pipe. These fittings have an offset axis where the faucet attaches, compared to the section screwed into the wall, resembling a sort of crank. These connectors are called "eccentric fittings."
They are used because it would be difficult for a plumber installing pipes in the wall to position them precisely at the right distance for the faucet. Additionally, not all faucets have the same pipe spacing (center distance), so...

The fittings under the tap are called "eccentric fittings"

Replacing the Old Eccentric Fittings

If you’re lucky enough to find a new faucet with the same center distance as the old one (bringing the old faucet as a sample when purchasing the new one is ideal), the installation will be much easier. Otherwise, you’ll need to remove both eccentric fittings and install new ones, properly sealed with Teflon tape or hemp (known as "oakum") and green sealing paste.

Dismantle the eccentric fittings

Adjusting the New Eccentric Fittings

The eccentric fittings should not be screwed in completely. After about five or six turns, they need to be adjusted to the correct height and spacing to ensure the new faucet can be attached without excessive strain on the nuts.
Once the eccentric fittings are properly positioned, insert the supplied gaskets into the nuts of the new faucet—no Teflon tape or hemp is needed for this step.

Place the eccentric fittings in the correct position

Installing the New Faucet

At this point, simply insert the new chrome rings (usually supplied with the new faucet set) and screw on the nuts. As when removing the old ones, tighten them alternately—about one full turn to a turn and a half each time—until they are fully secured, avoiding excessive force.

Install the new tap

Now that your new faucet is in place, I can say goodbye and hope to meet you again in another article on the site.

Best regards
Luciano (Capitan Farloc)

Warning!

The advice and instructions provided on this site come from hobbyists rather than professional technicians, meaning there is no guarantee that they are accurate or represent the best solution.
Additionally, using the tools and techniques described here should be done with careful consideration of one’s own abilities.
These articles assume that the tasks will be performed by individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to use the required tools safely, without risking harm to themselves, others, or property.
Therefore, the owners of this site cannot be held responsible for any direct or indirect damages resulting from the application of the content found here.
Before undertaking any DIY activity, it is strongly recommended to read the Safety Notice, which provide a basic (though non-exhaustive) list of precautions to follow.

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