How to Repair or Replace a Mobile Home Bathtub Faucet

As a space-saving measure, the bathtub faucets in mobile homes and large RVs often use a single-body design in which the tub spout and hot- and cold-water handles are incorporated into a single unit. Mobile home tub faucets can be mounted either on the wall or to the side of the tub, as is often seen in older mobile homes. These tub faucets often have a diverter that can be pulled up to block the water in the spout and force it up into the shower head, which connects to the faucet via a separate pipe behind the wall.

Mobile home tub faucets come in many types, but replacing one is fairly easy if you buy a new one that matches the hole configuration that is already present. There are tub faucets for holes 4" on-center or 8" on-center--the measurement from the center of the hot water pipe to the center of the cold water pipe. Also, the point where the tub spout extends can be offset, or it can be in line with the hot and cold water supply pipes.

Repairing a leak in a mobile home tub faucet is almost identical to repairing a leak in a normal two- or three-handle tub valve.

  1. Shut off the water before you begin. You will then need to get a good look at the valve stem to see what type of seats and washers or cartridge it uses.
  2. To remove the handle, pry off the small cover that hides the handle screw, using a thin screwdriver something similar tool. 
  3. Use a screwdriver (usually a Phillip's head) to take off the handle. Handle pullers may be required, if the handle will not come off with a little wiggling.
  1. Remove the locking nut that holds the stem in, using a channel-type pliers. If there is no nut, then simply unscrew the stem from the faucet.
  2. With the stem out, take this into your local hardware or home improvement store to get replacement parts. The parts you buy will vary, depending on the style of faucet. It may be replacement washers or valve seats, or an entire cartridge. Your clerk at the store will be able to advise you. If this part proves too difficult to find, you may have to go to an RV supply store or order one online if you can find the name of the manufacturer. 
  1. Install the new parts. Put the new cartridge or seats and washers in the same manner as the old ones. Reinstall the locking nut and handle. Turn the water back on and test the valve.

If you cannot find the parts to repair your mobile home tub faucet, or if you simply fancy a new faucet, then you can buy a new tub faucet

Replacing a mobile home tub faucet

  1. Planning the project.  Before deciding to replace the tub faucet, have a look at the entire project--it could well turn into something bigger than you expect.

    First, check to see what type of plumbing you are dealing with behind the tub. Do you have polybutylene (PB) pipe or PEX tubing? Can you make adjustments to the pipes easily, or are they so rigid that you’ll have to make adjustments to the water supply lines? Most tub faucet water lines have swivel nuts that make for quick and easy connections.
    Second, how many holes are in the tub or wall and how many inches apart are they? If you are lucky you, can simply remove the water lines and reattach them to the new tub faucet, but in some cases, adjustments will have to be made.

  2. Shut off the water and remove the old tub faucet. With the water off, you should be able to disconnect the water supply tubes behind the tub faucet. Typically, there are swivel nuts or connectors holding the supply tubes and shower riser onto the faucet body. Swivel nuts can usually be loosened by hand, or by using pliers if they are too tight. With the water lines off, disconnect the mounting nuts that hold the tub faucet onto the wall or tub. Then, pull the tub faucet off and clean the wall surface behind it. 
  1. Prepare the new tub faucet. Lay a bead plumber’s putty around the tub faucet plate, then push the faucet into position against the wall. Thread the mounting nuts onto the faucet tailpieces, and make sure the faucet is level before tightening it down all the way.
  2. Connect the water to the new tub faucet.  If no changes were required, just tighten the water lines back onto the new tub faucet. 
  3. Turn the water back on. Make sure you check for any water leaks and run the valve as you normally would for a few minutes. Running water will let the air out of the lines and make any leaks visible sooner.

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