Removing a bathtub tap is a straightforward process that you can often complete yourself with the right tools and a little patience. The key steps involve preparing the area, safely disconnecting the water supply, unfastening the tap from underneath the tub, and then carefully lifting it away.
Why Remove a Bathtub Tap?
You might need to remove your bathtub tap for several reasons:
- Upgrade or Replacement: To install a new tap that matches a bathroom renovation or replaces an old, inefficient model.
- Repair: To address leaks, drips, or other functional issues that require access to the tap's internal components.
- Maintenance: To thoroughly clean the area around the tap or perform maintenance on the bathtub itself.
Essential Preparations Before You Begin
Proper preparation is crucial for a smooth and safe removal process.
1. Gather Your Tools
Having these tools readily available will prevent interruptions and make the job easier:
- Adjustable Wrench or Pliers: For loosening and tightening various nuts and connections.
- Basin Spanner (or Basin Wrench): This specialized tool is indispensable for reaching nuts in confined spaces under the bathtub.
- Screwdriver Set: Both flathead and Phillips head, depending on the fasteners used on your specific tap.
- Bucket and Old Towels: To catch any residual water and protect your bathroom floor.
- Safety Glasses: To protect your eyes from debris or drips.
- Work Gloves: For a better grip and hand protection.
- Utility Knife or Scraper: To help remove old sealant around the tap base.
- Cleaning Supplies: For thorough cleanup after the tap is removed.
2. Safety First: Turn Off the Water Supply
This is the most critical step to prevent water damage.
- Locate Your Water Shut-Off Valves:
- Ideally, find the dedicated shut-off valves for your bathtub (often under the tub, behind an access panel, or in an adjacent cupboard). Turn both the hot and cold valves completely off.
- If dedicated valves aren't present, you'll need to turn off the main water supply to your entire home. This is typically found near your water meter or where the main water line enters your property.
- Drain the Lines: Turn on the bathtub tap to drain any remaining water from the pipes. This also confirms that the water supply has been successfully shut off.
Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Your Bathtub Tap
Follow these steps carefully to ensure a successful removal.
1. Gain Access to the Underside of the Tap
Most bathtub taps are deck-mounted, meaning they are installed directly onto the rim of the tub. Their connections and securing nuts are located underneath.
- Access Panel: Look for an access panel on the side of the bathtub enclosure. This is the easiest way to reach the plumbing.
- Under the Tub: If no panel exists, you may need to access the area from beneath the tub, which could involve removing a bath skirt or side panels.
2. Disconnect the Water Supply Hoses
Once you have access, locate the flexible hot and cold water supply lines connected to the tap's tailpieces.
- Loosen Connections: Use an adjustable wrench or pliers to carefully loosen the nuts that connect the supply lines to the tap. Turn counter-clockwise.
- Catch Water: Have your bucket and towels ready, as a small amount of residual water may spill out when the connections are broken.
- Detach Hoses: Once loose, carefully detach both hot and cold supply lines from the tap.
3. Detach the Tap from the Bathtub
This is the core step involving the tap's physical removal from the tub.
- Locate Securing Nuts: Look directly beneath where the tap penetrates the tub's surface. You'll find one or more nuts holding the tap body in place.
- Use a Basin Spanner: A basin spanner is designed for these hard-to-reach areas. Use it to loosen the nut on the tap itself.
- Loosen the Backing Nut: Next, continue using the basin spanner to loosen the backing nut on the base of the tap that secures it to your bathtub. This critical nut holds the tap firmly to the tub deck.
- Remove the Backing Nut: Once sufficiently loosened, remove this backing nut completely. There may be washers or other mounting hardware; keep track of these if you intend to reuse or reference them.
4. Remove the Tap
- Lift Away: With the water lines disconnected and the securing nuts removed, you should now be able to remove the tap by lifting it straight up from the top of the bathtub.
- Break Seal (if present): If the tap was sealed with silicone or plumber's putty, you might need to gently cut or pry around the base with a utility knife or scraper to break the old seal before lifting.
5. Clean and Inspect the Area
- Thorough Cleaning: After removing the tap, take this opportunity to give the area a good clean. Remove any accumulated grime, hard water deposits, old sealant, or debris from the mounting holes and surrounding tub surface.
- Dry Completely: Once cleaned, dry it thoroughly. A clean, dry surface is essential for proper installation and sealing of a new tap.
- Inspect: Check the mounting holes and the tub's surface for any signs of damage or wear that might need attention before installing a new fixture.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
| Issue | Potential Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Stuck or Corroded Nuts | Rust, mineral buildup, overtightening | Apply a penetrating oil (like WD-40) to the nuts and let it soak for 15-30 minutes. Use a pipe wrench or a larger adjustable wrench for more leverage, or specialized nut removers. Be cautious not to strip nuts or damage pipes. |
| Limited Access to Underside | No access panel, tight space | This is where the basin spanner is indispensable. If access is still severely limited, you might need to carefully remove a side panel of the tub surround. In extreme cases, professional help might be necessary. |
| Persistent Leaks During Removal | Incomplete water shut-off, residual pressure | Double-check that all hot and cold water supply valves (or the main water supply) are completely off. Ensure the tap was turned on briefly to drain as much water as possible. Keep your bucket and towels ready for any remaining drips. |
| Damaged Screw Heads | Using the wrong screwdriver, excessive force | Try a screw extractor kit. If the screw head is completely stripped, drilling it out might be an option, but this should be done with extreme care to avoid damaging the tap or tub. |
| Stubborn Old Sealant | Hardened silicone or plumber's putty | Use a utility knife or scraper to carefully cut and peel away the old sealant. Specialized sealant removers can also help soften tougher residues. Ensure the surface is perfectly clean and dry before applying new sealant. |
Final Thoughts
Removing a bathtub tap is a straightforward process when you're prepared. Always prioritize safety by turning off the water and wearing protective gear. Taking the time to properly clean and inspect the area afterward will ensure a smooth installation of your new tap.
