Plumbing Makeover: Swapping Faucets, Drains, and Shower Trim | Carrollwood FL
This week, we tackled a big plumbing job, swapping out old fixtures for new ones. We replaced several faucets, angle stops, supply lines, and even some tub and shower trim kits. It was a full house refresh, and we picked up some handy tips along the way.
Getting Started: The Upstairs Job
We kicked things off upstairs. The first order of business was dealing with a double shower. Both cartridges needed replacing. We also swapped out the shower trims. Over by the toilet, we replaced an old angle stop and supply line. The sinks were next. We replaced the faucets, installed new pop-up drains, new angle stops, and new supply lines. We also got rid of the old accordion-style P-traps under both sinks and put in new ones.
Downstairs Refresh
Downstairs, we continued the faucet replacements. Under the sink, we changed out the P-trap and extension tube drain piping, along with the angle stops and supply lines. The toilet also got a new angle stop and supply line. The bathtub was next for a makeover. We installed brand new shower trim and new trim for the tub waste and overflow.
Tackling the Kitchen Sink
The kitchen sink presented a few challenges. We had to replace three angle stops. To make things easier, we disconnected everything, including pulling out the garbage disposal. For the faucet itself, the easiest way to get it off was to cut it out with a reciprocating saw, going slowly and carefully right along the granite. Once the faucet body was cut, the whole thing dropped down.
Key Takeaways
Angle Stops: Always use a little pipe dope on the threads for a good seal.
Tight Spots: Sometimes you need to get creative with tools, like using pliers when a special wrench won't fit.
Stripped Screws: Don't be afraid to use a drill bit to remove stubborn or stripped screws.
Shower Cartridges: Pay attention to the orientation of the new cartridge (look for the 'P' marking for the top).
Drain Sealing: Silicone can be a great alternative to plumber's putty for sealing drains.
Shower Valve Cartridge Replacement
For the Price Pfister shower valve, we found a small Allen key slot under the handle. After removing the handle, a piece threads onto the valve body to hold the plate. Loosening this piece gives access to the cartridge. To remove the old cartridge, we loosened four screws, pulled it straight out, and then used pliers to gently wiggle out the second half. We made sure to note the CPVC connection and the primer/glue used.
Dealing with a Stripped Screw
One of the shower trims had a stripped screw, making removal difficult. After trying a few drill bit sizes, a 9/64ths bit did the trick to get the handle off. We noticed there wasn't a piece holding the trim in place, suggesting it was installed too far back and secured with silicone sealant. We repeated the cartridge replacement process: four screws, pull the old cartridge, insert the new one, and then clean up and install the new trim.
Kitchen Sink Drain Reconfiguration
The kitchen sink drain lines needed some work. We had to reconfigure them because the original setup with a double Y wouldn't fit. After getting the new faucet and basket strainers installed, it looked much better, but it was definitely a lot of work.
Bathtub Drain and Overflow
We started by removing the old tub stopper, which came out easily. Then, we used a tub wrench to remove the old tub drain. The new trim kit came with options for different thread types, which is handy for older homes. For sealing the drain, we opted for 100% silicone instead of plumber's putty, as we find it provides a better seal. The overflow was a similar process, with a bracket that tightens in the middle.
The Final Wrap-Up
By the end of the day, we had completed a lot of work: all three lab faucets were changed out, new supply lines, P-traps, kitchen faucet, basket strainers, and drain piping were installed. We also fixed the laundry sink, added new angle stops, supply lines, and a P-trap, plus a new ice maker line with a hammer arrestor. Upstairs, new shower trims were installed, and downstairs, we updated the tub waste and overflow trim, along with the shower head trim plate, handle, and tub spout. It was a long day, but the results were worth it. Even with a few unexpected issues, that's just part of plumbing – you work through the problems until the job is done.
