In these economically trying times, understanding a bit about simple home repairs and renovation can come in handy. In fact, what to know about a bathtub faucet replacement can save a fair amount of money that might otherwise go to a plumber to perform what is, in actuality, a simple do-it-yourself project.

The first thing to keep in mind is that certain faucets will only work with certain plumbing configurations, and more than a few aren’t actually interchangeable. Therefore, make sure an exact measurement of the faucet holes — done center-to-center — and then take the old faucet, once it’s been removed, along to the store where the new faucet will be purchased.

Keep in mind as well that a typical mixer faucet (the tap where the intermingled hot and cold water emerges) can come in many different sizes and types. It’s important as well to remember that while the style is completely optional, the size must be exact. Now, once the new faucet’s been purchased make sure that all instructions are read completely before installing.

Besides making sure the correct tools are used (pipe wrenches, an open-end wrench with smooth jaws for hex or square nuts or other specialty wrenches), it’s recommended that converting from iron piping to new copper or even plastic tubing be done, if possible. There’s no threading required for either of the two materials, in fact. And always check on local plumbing codes before starting.

Make sure that what’s called a “transition union” set-up be used to attach copper piping to threaded pipe, if that’s the material to be used. One-half of the union is threaded onto the old pipe while the other half is soldered onto the copper pipe. Thread the two halves together after that. One can also use this type of union to join iron pipe to plastic tubing or copper to plastic with a solvent cement, as well.

When it comes to a bathtub faucet replacement job, getting the assembly behind the wall will be the first challenge, but there’s usually a rear access panel in the wall opposite the faucet, so look for that first of all. Look in the closet behind the tub, for instance. The most common faucet assembly is the two-valve, and it’s usually a matter of just unhooking the old faucet assembly and attaching the new assembly, always making sure that all screws and nuts are tightened appropriately and that and threaded assemblies are sealed with pipe tape, where called for.

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