Replacing an old or damaged tub spout is simple, low cost, and doesn’t require too much equipment. The major difference between the slip-on and screw-on Delta faucets is that the slip-on Delta faucets are characterized by a screw-on underneath that needs to be unscrewed for you to remove the faucets. The screw-on Delta faucets can easily be unscrewed from the wall directly. As long as you follow the instructions, it is very easy to remove and replace the Delta bathtub faucets.
How to Remove a Slip-on Bathtub Faucet
Tools:
An Allen wrench
Putty knife
1. Locate the screw.
Remember that slip-on faucets are characterized by a screw on the underside. The purpose of this screw is to secure the spout onto the water supply pipe. You can use a flashlight to aid in locating the screw.
2. Scrape the caulk off the wall.
If there is no caulk around your Delta bathtub faucet, you can skip this step. With the putty knife, scrape off the caulk if there is any. The caulk is meant to seal cracks between the faucet and the wall. Peel the caulk away at the edges. Keep scraping until you get rid of all of it. You can also use a razor blade instead of a putty knife.
3. Remove the screw.
Use the Allen wrench to remove the screw from underneath the faucet in a counterclockwise manner. Remove the screw entirely and set it aside.
4. Detach the Delta bathtub faucet from the wall.
Pull the faucet from the wall with both hands. Be careful not to bend the faucet on either side since you may damage the pipe that is inside of it. When you have removed the faucet, you will see a copper pipe — this is the water supply pipe.
How to Remove a Screw-on Delta Bathtub Faucet
Tools:
Putty knife
A screwdriver
Hex key
1. First, remove the caulk from around the faucet.
If there is no caulk around your faucet, you can skip this step. Scrape the caulk around the faucet with a putty knife until there is nearly no more caulk left.
2. Turn the spout.
In a counterclockwise manner, turn the spout using both hands. This motion will unscrew the faucet and remove it from the wall. Screw-on faucets are usually screwed onto the water supply pipe using metal threads.
3. Use a wrench.
In the case that you are unable to detach the faucet from the wall using only your hands, you can use the wrench to remove it. Place the adjustable wrench on the faucet after opening the wrench’s handles. Tighten the hold of the wrench on the faucet and rotate in a counterclockwise manner. This may take approximately 2-3 full rotations. When the faucet is loose enough, you can proceed to remove it using your hands.
4. Use a screwdriver.
If at all you do not have an adjustable wrench, you may as well use a screwdriver. The screwdriver acts as a lever. Stick the screwdriver on the inside of the hole in your faucet and push it up to turn the spout in a counterclockwise manner. Once the faucet becomes loose, you can unscrew it with your hands.
You can pull out the spout from the plumbing after you have rotated the faucet about 4-5 times and slide it off of the water supply pipe that the faucet is attached to.
6. Remove the set screw in the adapter.
If there is a set screw in the adapter, you can remove it by turning it in a counterclockwise manner using a hex key or an Allen wrench. The adapter looks like a threaded metal piece and it usually fits over the water supply pipe.
7. Remove the adapter.
Slide the adapter off the water supply pipe and take the adapter off the pipe.
Installing The New Delta Bathtub Faucet
Tools
Tape measure
Pen
A paper
Teflon tape
Allen wrench
The replacement faucet
For the screw-on faucet:
1. Make sure the new faucet is the exact same model as your old one.
2. Wrap the threads around your water supply pipe at least 3 times with Teflon tape, as this will make screwing the tub faucet easier.
3. Screw the faucet to the threads that are on the water supply pipe. Ensure that the faucet is tightly attached to the pipe by turning it in a clockwise manner.
For the slip-on faucet:
1. Line up the faucet with the water supply and simply push the open end of the faucet directly onto the pipe.
2. Tighten the screw underneath the faucet using an Allen wrench in a clockwise manner until it's tight. Your faucet should be secure and in place.
Conclusion
The Delta bathtub faucets are definitely one of the best brands out there!