2-Handle Shower Faucet Replacement (You Ready for This?)

Okay, DIYers, I’m going to really test your plumbing skills on this 2-handle shower faucet replacement tutorial. But every now and then, a solid challenge is what we all need, right? 😉

You’ll need at least intermediate skills and plumbing experience for this plumbing project. But don’t worry, I’m going to walk you through this step-by-step. And if you need to change out your shower faucet handles, then learning how to do it can save lots of money.

Identify Your 2-Handle Shower Faucet Model

Your first step on this project is to determine who your shower faucet was made by — IF you just want to replace it with the same brand. This is probably a good starting point as the job might run into fewer issues if you’re sticking with the same brand.

If not, here’s how to find out. The trim plate on your shower handle (the plate between the handle and wall) should have a brand name or symbol on it that will tell you the manufacturer, like so:

• “K” = Kohler brand
• “M” = Moen brand
• “American Standard” = American Standard brand
• “Delta” = Delta brand
• “Pfister” = Pfister brand

Make note that some brands, like Pfister, don’t usually sell parts at your typical hardware stores. You might need to shop online or go to a plumbing supply center. They usually have better quality parts because they sell mostly to professional plumbers and contractors.

Instructions: 2-Handle Shower Faucet Replacement

The following instructions aren’t for a specific brand. But it will give you all the fundamentals and most of the details in replacing any brand of a shower faucet using two handles.

And be prepared for a full day’s work. This job can take an entire day if you’re good at it. Or longer if you’re just figuring it out. And you’ll need basic pipefitting skills. Frankly, this type of job is one of the most complex a professional plumber runs into on a regular basis. But I have faith in you, so let’s get started.

1. Gain Access to the Faucet Body

• Look for an access panel on the other side of the wall where the shower faucet is located.
• Remove the scrws and lift the panel awayfrom the wall.
• If there is no panel, you will need to install one (by cutting a large square in the wall). We have a lesson on how to patch the your temperorary access panel or hole here and below.
• Turn off the water supply and open the faucets.
• Remove all handles, escutcheons, and the tub spout from the old faucet body.

2. Cut the Pipes

• When judging where to cut the copper pipes leading into the faucet body, choose points where the pipes can be easily reconncted using couplings and elbows.
• Do NOT cut galvanized steel pipes (mark and unthread them instead).
• Cut the shower pipe and the cold and hot water supply pipes.
• Use a small tube cutter or mini-hacksaw for cramped locations.

3. Remove the Old Faucet Body

• Ease the faucet body assembly from the wall.
• If it is stuck, chip away at grout and plaster from the front or remove any silicone cauling with long-nose pliers.
• Take the faucet body, with the cut pipes still in it, to a plumbing supply store.
• Buy a replacement faucet body of the same make and models as the old one — or, at least, the same size.
• To calculate the amount of new pipe required, add the lengths exposed in the old faucet plus half an inch for each.
• Buy copper pipe and the necessary elbows and couplings.

4. Connect the Shower Pipe

• Cut the lengths of pipe needed to connect the new faucet to the shower pipe and the water supply pipes.
• Use a regular tube cutter, being careful not to cut any of the pipes too short.
• Set the pipes into the new faucet.
• Screw the spout nipple into the spout pipe.
• Place the faucet body inside the access panel, fitting the faucets and diverter, if there is one, through the holds in the wall.
• If any pipes are too long, cut off or file down as necessary.
• Use a coupling to attach the shower pipe to the faucet body.

5. Connect the Supply Pipes

• Hold the faucet in place while you perform the next step.
• Connect one of the water supply pipes (hot or cold) to the faucet body, using a coupling or an elbow (depending on the configuration of the pipes).
• Now connect the other water supply line.

6. Solder the Pipes

• Solder each of the joints. Here’s a soldering tutorial. This is a better method than using a snap-on type of product like Sharkbites (while those work and are easy to work with, they won’t last as long before they break down and leak). Soldering is by far the the most professional and long-lasting method for a watertight joint.
• From the front, slip on the escutcheons, attach the faucet handles and diverter knob (if any) and reconnect the tub spout.
• To prevent seepage (leaking) behind the wall, seal the fixtures with plumber’s putty or silicone.
• Leave the access panel open for a few days to check for leaks.
• If the pipes leak around the joints, you’ll need to resolder them.

Final Thoughts

I told you it would be complex. For those of you with intermediate or higher plumbing skills and experience, I hope this got you through the project. For beginners, I commend you for taking on this big job. It’s a doozy.

Related Resources

• How to patch an access hole/panel
• Here’s how to sweat/solder a copper pipe joint
• 5 soldering safety tips
• What to know about pipe fittings
• 5 main types of plumbing pipes
• How to replace a showerhead arm
• Removing a Moen bathroom faucet handle and stem
• How to use plumber’s putty

Call 1-Tom-Plumber

Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you need help repairing or replacing your shower faucet handles, valves, and cartridges.

1-Tom-Plumber’s certified team of plumbers and drain technicians respond immediately to any emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, or water damage problem. We also handle the excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines. Our immediate-response team is available every day and night of the year, even on holidays.