A Step-by-Step Guide to Installing a New Clawfoot Tub Faucet with Minimal Struggle

Replacing a clawfoot tub faucet is a fairly easy task, regardless of your plumbing expertise. Rather than taking the entire tub out to the hardware store or a professional, you can handle the installation yourself with the help of a few simple steps.

The first step is to purchase your new clawfoot tub faucet. Many retailers and etailers specialize in vintage-looking plumbing, making it easy for you to get that classic clawfoot look without sacrificing contemporary features. However, keep in mind that a standard faucet won’t do the trick – you’ll need a specialized faucet specifically designed for the unique needs of a clawfoot.

Once you have your faucet, you’ll want to turn off the water to the house or, in some cases, at the water shutoff valves in the floor surrounding the tub. From there, place a drop cloth over the surrounding floor to catch any spills and to give you a clean workspace. Then, use an adjustable wrench to loosen all the slip nut connections – your faucet kit will likely include a new set of risers leading from the floor supply pipes to the new faucet, but if not, take extra care to preserve the old ones if possible. Depending on your tub, you may need to remove the drain as well.

Mount your faucet to the top of the tub and use an adjustable wrench to secure the locknuts on the back. Perform a careful cleanup, moving a putty knife around the sides of the tub to scrape away any remaining old putty to ensure a clean seal between the faucet and the tub. Finally, use plumber’s putty to form a nice tight seal so your faucet does not leak – if the supply risers are corroded, then replace them at this time as well.

The beauty of replacing a clawfoot tub faucet is that, other than cutting and connecting the pipes, you don’t need to do anything inside the tub and you don’t need to tear out the existing tub. As such, it’s a relatively quick and straightforward process – one that any DIY enthusiast could complete with the help of a few supplies and basic plumbing knowledge. You’ll have your new faucet up and running in no time, saving you time and money in the process.