For most homeowners, replacing a tub and shower faucet set is a big job best left to an experienced plumber. Replacing kitchen and bathroom sink faucets are a job that a competent handyman can handle, but in most cases a bathtub and shower set is another matter. Whether you are updating your bathroom with new bathroom fixtures or your old tub and shower faucet set has worn out, you will need to call a reputable faucet repair plumber to handle the job.
Kitchen and bathroom sink faucets are usually installed so that access is relatively easy. The hardware that attaches the faucet to the sink is accessible through the cabinet. In addition, the water supply lines that run to the faucet are easily removable with a wrench and pre-made flexible lines are available at any home supply center to hook up the new faucet.
A tub and shower faucet set presents a whole host of issues not present with sink faucet. There is usually no easy way to access the valve and water supply lines without tearing apart the bathroom wall. If you have a pre-formed tub or shower insert, it will need to be removed to get to the valve and plumbing.
You may get lucky and be able to access the plumbing from behind by going through the wall in an adjoining room, but it is still going to be a lot of work. Once you have access, tub and shower valves are soldered in place so it will not be a simple matter of unhooking the water supply lines.
The bottom line is if you need or want a new tub and shower faucet set, call a reputable local plumber and have the job done right.
