Replacing the Tub Faucet in Your Mobile Home
Whether you’re looking for a simple update to your bathtub, a better functioning faucet, or just want something different – changing your faucet can improve your bathroom experience. Mobile homes tend to have easier access to the hardware. However, it’s still a bit of a project so make sure you’re well equipped for this project or ask a friend with knowledge on the subject to help.
List of materials:
- Tarp or towel
- A helper
- Wrench
- Replacement faucet
- Rubber gasket
First, you’ll need to find an access panel for your bathtub faucet which will usually be located behind it. Most times the panel will be inside a closet. The panel can most often be opened with screws or it may be spring loaded.
If there’s not a panel, then more than likely you’ll have to cut an access point yourself. We recommend a professional in this situation (unless you have a good understanding of mobile homes and how pipes are placed). Also, consider contacting your manufacturer and/or manual to ensure you know the layout and how to cut without hitting anything.
Before you begin to work on removing the faucet, lay a towel or tarp down inside the tub to prevent damage.You may also want to have a second person to hold a flashlight and your tools as you work.
Once you’ve removed the panel and you can see the pipes and everything for the shower – you should see the shut off valve for the water. Make sure that you turn the water off before starting to remove the faucet unit. Turn the knobs and release the excess water before removal.
Then you’ll need to use the wrench to loosen the nuts attached to the water supply lines that connect to the faucet stem(s). Next, you’ll loosen the lock nut that attaches the faucet to the tub. This should free the faucet. Be sure to check for the cone washer (usually a rubber yellow or black washer that has a slight curve to it) and be sure it doesn’t get stuck as you move the faucet – if it does just put it back into place so it can continue to prevent leaks. You may need to tap the wall some for the faucet to come free.
Make sure that you’ve got a replacement part that will fit your mobile home tub. There are plenty of mobile home part stores that specialize in kits or all the necessary pieces you’ll need to replace. You could also find them at most large home improvement stores. You’ll need a rubber gasket between the tub and faucet. Once you’re ready, place the new unit in correctly and make sure that it’s a good fit and the faucet is level.
Lastly, you can tighten the nuts and lock nut onto the new stems by hand and then use the wrench to finish. Then you can attach the water lines back for the corresponding hot and cold side and to the shower. Next, turn on the water and check for leaks in the connection. If you don’t see any issues, then you’re ready to put the panel back into place and enjoy your new faucet.
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