How To Update a Shower (HowToLou.com)

It is pretty easy to replace your old shower hardware and give it a whole new look.

[@themysticsupreme5946]

You saved me $250 and taught me a new skill. Thank you

[@theANGRYjap]

Holy crap! I just time traveled back to 1994 to receive a plumbing lesson from my old English teacher...... Great video! Thanks!

[@michellem9392]

I always wondered how to remove the drain because color on ours is spotty. Great video--clear instructions and to the point!🤗

[@MrsGarks]

This is a very well done tutorial. Good tempo and easy to follow steps. I’ll be referring back to this video during my attempt. Thanks!

[@alisawalker8967]

Great video. Directions were easy to understand for a DIYER. I can finally change mine this week since I already brought a kit. Thanks.

[@noreenpurple8617]

I so enjoy how these “how to’s”make it all look so easy…..until you get into the job and things aren’t quite the same.🤣😆🙌🏻

[@HowToLou]

I try to sugar coat em, but no gettin around that!

[@joeyjconlon5251]

@@HowToLou Facts!! My drain didn’t want to spin, it snapped, so now how do I get the drain out that has only threads now and nothing to grab?

[@wymeranth]

Excellent video. Very informative and great tips & tricks, too.

[@YVR1975]

Nicely done ! You’ve given me hope !

[@NancyRileyNuniverse]

THIS IS THE BEST VIDEO I HAVE WATCHED!!! Thank you, Lou!!

[@itschelsea]

Thoroughly explained. Thank you. I’ve been wondering how to replace my drain. I didn’t know it was that simple!

[@JenVills]

Thank you so much!! This gives me confidence to try to update my fixtures myself!

[@justinlaguna8933]

great vid, quick and straight to the point!!

[@kristopherdetar4346]

Short and sweet !! Thank you Sir !!

[@paulkim1998]

Just the tutorial I needed. Thank you! 👍

[@TruthSayer2007]

Thank you for this video! I didn't realize it was so simple. :)

[@kevinfades]

Was it easy?

[@KCostelloe]

Thank you so much! That’s exactly what I was looking for!

[@estevewit]

Thank you!! You answered all my questions!

[@coty.thompson]

Thank you for making this video! Helped out a lot!

[@javS197]

Nicely done! Great instructions too

[@DanBlackburn1]

Thanks Lou, really helpful tips.

[@mecruzn]

Going to give it a try this weekend. Thanks

[@michaelallen5505]

Use an adjustable wrench on that showerhead and other chrome/brass fittings. You won't get ugly tooth marks that channel locks or pliers make. And thanks for the tips Lou!

[@robertschecter410]

This is GOLD! Thank you.

[@sutton590]

Thanks for video. Looks like I can do this. The good luck at the end made me nervous. Lol

[@lolaost9559]

Thanks! To the point and easy to follow

[@anaaguilar3304]

Just gotta get my blow torch, I know I left it laying around somewhere

[@HowToLou]

Lol you left it at the hardware store. They are holding it for you for a $20 fee.

[@christopheronwumere6641]

🎯

[@dmbrumit00]

Thank you .... helped me a lot and saved a bunch of money.

[@anonymousachote.testing3485]

excellent demonstration👍🏽🙏🏾

[@chief5981]

Awesome video and great job with the editing

[@sarendale11]

Short and sweet, thank you!

[@gened9787]

Excellent Video. Very Helpful.

[@avismorris6079]

Awesome video, looking forward to more from you guys......

[@HowToLou]

+Avis morris - Thank you! We have over 200 videos at HowToLou.com

[@heleadstheway]

Thank you so much. What a great video!

[@wushufanatic]

Awesome stuff Lou, including the other video that had the additional "challenges." As a new home owner, these are indispensable. With that being said, I have loosened the screw to the turn handle of the faucet and the handle simple doesn't want to come off. It definitely feels loose but pull as I might, it doesn't come off. Should I keep at it or am I risking damage to the underlying piping? As usual, always some fun unexpected encounters with this old house! Thanks again for helping the community. Means a lot!

[@HowToLou]

Take that screw all the way out. Look on other side. Sometimes there are two. Try squirting some CLR in there if you can. There might be s calcium build up

[@Danismiley12321]

Omfg, I used the blow torch method - totally worked! Thanks Lou!

[@leorionj]

Great DIY vid! Thanks!

[@joannhill9738]

Excellent info. Thank you.

[@jlamblpn2012]

Thank you for the video now I can update my shower

[@joellehner6643]

Great tips here. Thank you!

[@Kivutar]

Perfect length and to the point. Thank you so much. Wish me luck !

[@krisrtinkoss136]

Thank you my husband renovated the downstairs bathroom with new Cabinet new sink new paint and all new moldings new tall toilet. That bathroom and the house is 26 old. As he’s telling me the bathtub fixtures are so old they cannot be removed and replaced. Because the bathtub is behind the drywall I believe that’s what he told me. I am showing him this video thank you I can even do this. I have a ton of money coming from you know and I want new bathroom fixtures the fixtures are from kohler and the knob is old it keeps falling off when we turn water on. He tells me just order a new knob and I said no why renovate a bathroom and have 26 year-old bathtub fixture

[@biscuitblanco5599]

Huge help! Thank you!

[@bobpair1234]

Thanks very helpful.

[@simplybeautyfull]

exactly what i wanted! thanks you

[@SakhaGaming]

Thanks, gonna give it a shot soon😁

[@missmartpants2269]

I have to do this.... Thank you!

[@tyronewaters7117]

Great video 👍🏿

[@johnricke7612]

Great Video.

[@madmick1955]

AWESOME! THANK YOU SIR!

[@lilj882]

Very informative 👏 👌

[@countryfrau8328]

LOU! Thank you! Quick question: I'm thinking of replacing my chrome set up like you had with a dark set--I wonder how that does with water marks etc. Any ideas? I have a farm house and in the bathroom I have almost black sink pieces and then I have these shiny chrome ones in the bathtub/shower.

[@HowToLou]

From a practical standpoint, a chrome or brushed nickel hides water marks better, if you have hard water. Also, if you are trying to maintain an older period look, the original faucets were likely chrome, so you might be better off replacing the sink faucet. I don’t have a video on replacing a sink faucet, but I do have one on replacing a sink drain at HowToLou.com. Also, you might find some other interesting stuff on my farmhouse remodel page. Www.farmhouse1888.com.

[@thegirlsmom511]

Hi does the water need to be cut off from the main source before replacing ?

[@carpii]

great video, thanks

[@kg20231]

Thank you! ❤

[@parecearabe]

Thank you lou

[@FMarie-po4mh]

Great video. Easy to follow. Thank you Lou! One question, do you have to shut off the water supply?

[@HowToLou]

No you do not have to shut off the water supply. Just be careful when you’re changing out the knob that you don’t accidentally turn on the shower on yourself. I speak from experience :-)

[@fleurrie6329]

THANK YOU!!!!!!

[@halesbells0460]

Thanks dad! 😂😂😂 but really, very helpful! Thank you!

[@TheEtbetween]

Wow, Thanks So Much!!!!

[@justin5538]

Different setup than what I am going for. But I really enjoyed your video.

[@deniseshipley9831]

Thank you!!!!!

[@user-yw5bq8xi1n]

On mine it has a handle and under the handle it has a alen key screw were you have ti take it off with an alen key but it is stripped what do I do

[@sladeeb]

Thank you so much!!!! 🙏🏾 Gonna try this soon myself on both my bathrooms!

[@jenniferjones1448]

This was quick and to the point... how do you remove it from old houses?

[@HowToLou]

I am not sure I understand your question. Here is a video that shows more in depth behind the wall. Does that help. How To Fix a Dripping Tub Faucet kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYCvi2RsbcSfeJY

[@AR-scorp]

Thank you for this video. Really helped. Is there anyway ee can ensure there is no water leaking inside the wall after we made these changes?

[@HowToLou]

After a week of use, and right after taking a shower, pull the cover plate away from the wall, behind the shower head and check for moisture. The handle area will be fine, because you didn’t break into the water path. Undo the set screw and pull the faucet off and check for moisture.

[@marcusmazza2255]

Thank u thank u!

[@allisonsurian4482]

Great video Lou, for the piece after the plate that you just pop off, what should I do if it won’t pop off easily?

[@HowToLou]

Try twisting to loosen it. Try spraying really hot water on it for a few minutes to loosen it up. You can tie a plastic garbage bag over the shower head and cut about a half inch diameter hole in a bottom corner to guide the hot water to the faucet. Use gloves after that, so you don’t burn yourself. You are going to replace that part, so you can twist with a pipe wrench if needed.

[@PhanoftheShow]

this may be the best done tutorial on this subject, well done

[@awesomepumashoes]

No waterproofing on the handle faucet plate?

[@ZDOG2U]

In addition, you'll also want to add some plumber's putty under your drain when you tighten it to prevent it from leaking.

[@HowToLou]

In the old days, that was true. Now the rubber washer prevents leaks, just like the rubber washer in a garden hose, so plumbers putty is not needed.

[@ZDOG2U]

HowToLou I'm not trying to argue with you, but I just installed a new tub and waste drain assembly in my house, and the instructions say to put the rubber gasket between the tub and the waste drain elbow, then to screw in the drain and use plumbers putty under the drain to seal it off. But maybe you're instructions say different? Anyway, great video otherwise!

[@LouHowTo]

Zach - Yeah, maybe some do. I get this plumbers putty comment a lot, on my sink drain replacement video. I have done many drains and never used putty, and never had any leaks. The rubber gasket conforms and fills in any gaps, when you tighten it down. Of course, it absolutely can't hurt to add putty.

[@landon21and1]

what kind of spray cleaner did you use to get that gunk off?

[@HowToLou]

409 works well for that.

[@hboomer6091]

Did you turn off the main water or is that step unnecessary for this type of job?

[@HowToLou]

+H Boomer - You don't need to shut off the water main for any of the things I replaced in the video. If you replace the shower valve, behind the control handle, you will need to shut off the water

[@fizzycapone3746]

Remember guys like he said if the manifold doesn’t match which he didn’t say manifold because he is probably a handy man your in a world of trouble most of the time if you are replacing your shower accessories they are installed with an old manifold I remodel houses all the time that are like this actually I learned my lesson one time I installed a manifold had the whole shower tiled and all lol I ended up having to cut out and replace the manifold because the delta oil rub bronze setup I used didn’t match the manifold installed but it’s easy once you get the concept make sure your manifold is right on the money or you’ll have a water leak from your habdle

[@Z5Z5Z5]

Remoding bathrooms is like my favorite thing idk why

[@HowToLou]

You will love this then How To Remodel a Basement Bath kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIfGqGp9p79phc0

[@jessicahall864]

At least you didn't mansplain the entire process. Thank you!

[@TheEtbetween]

I did realize how easy it was

[@austindillard8936]

Does a turn style handle just work with the older push pull moens?

[@HowToLou]

Both of the handles in the video were turn style. I know the old one looked like a push pull, but wasn’t.

[@ladycrystal3293]

Hey Lou, what if I do not have a torch or hack saw to take bar off the pipe for new faucet?? 🤔

[@HowToLou]

Buy a hack saw for $5 at any hardware store.

[@kjt1985]

Can I replace a pull out handle with a twist one, same brand?

[@HowToLou]

No. Sorry. You must keep same brand and type. The parts in the wall are different.

[@richricogranada9647]

Mine is the turn push/pull type and just got the one that is the new one you just installed. Is it an easy conversion or the wall needs to be opened?

[@HowToLou]

The wall needs to be opened to replace the valve module, if you get a different style, as you described.

[@royzalias8660]

Good stuff brother . Thank you for this video

[@wendygaines886]

1 11a Replacing shower pipe from behind shower tiles

[@AJNETTE1]

what if you are new to the house, is there a way to figure out what type of bathroom model/make that it is? I purchased a Pfister Venturi 8p8- and the box reads "if you currently do not have a pfister STANDARD OX8 valve behind your wall you will need to install the valve included in the box" ===what to do? There is one behind the wall, already but I dont know if it's compatible!! looks the same anyway but i dont know if it is, help what to do.

[@HowToLou]

The easiest and quickest way to see if your new part fits, is to take off the old handle and trim plate. You have have it off in under 5 minutes. If your new part fits, Great! Proceed. If not, take pictures of what is there and put the old handle and trim back on. Take the pictures to the hardware/plumbing store and get help finding a match. Installing the valve is a much bigger project. I will post my other video of fixing a leaky tub faucet. In it, I replace the valve in that same tub.

[@HowToLou]

How To Fix a Dripping Tub Faucet kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYCvi2RsbcSfeJY

[@LilChelle]

I’m worried when I have to remove the neck from the wall because it’s 25 yrs old I may crack the pipe. Would it help to turn on hot water til it’s heated to make the previous glue or tape come loose easier without breakage?

[@HowToLou]

That could help a little yes

[@shamikbera9617]

I prefer to install a new cartridge when I update a shower valve so that water comes out smoothly at 1:51

[@robertovelasco6320]

Hey. Good job. Question , how much you charge for a job like that?

[@HowToLou]

You should be able to get a plumber to do this for $150 labor if u buy the parts

[@robertovelasco6320]

@@HowToLou thank you appreciate it.

[@cj7397]

awesome

[@warrensmith1005]

So with your drain you did not have to use plumbers putty?? correct?

[@HowToLou]

That is correct. Nearly all modern drains now have rubber gaskets that eliminate the need for plumbers putty.

[@21ventura]

I have a question. Only one bathroom in my home has a shower and shower faucet that when the water is turned on it comes with tiny black spots that will stain the tub. The water is not black, it looks just like water but when you look closer you will see that there are tiny black specks. What could this be? Do I have to change the shower head and faucet? I don’t get this anywhere else in the home and my home was built in 1996.

[@HowToLou]

I have never heard of anything like this but it sounds like your water supply is ok. I suspect the shower head has a black rubber diffuser that is slowly disintegrating and coming out as black specs. Unscrew the shower head and run the shower without it. Go slow. Water will come out faster without a head. If there are no spots, replace the head.

[@21ventura]

HowToLou thanks

[@kamikazeeOG]

so was the brand that was in there before you replaced it, a delta as well?

[@HowToLou]

Yes, you have to buy the same brand to make it fit.

[@kamikazeeOG]

@@HowToLou my faucet handle says delex on it but the drain stopper plate says American Standard. The one you have in there looks super similar to mine.

[@tlgwat]

@4:09 Doesn't that washer go between the drain pipe and the bottom of the tub?

[@HowToLou]

Look at 4:04 where the old one comes out. The new one goes in the same place.

[@mansaaron1]

El Qwat, you’re correct. Where he put the washer should be plumbers putty.

[@KristineMLow]

Thank you so much! We just moved into a home in Oklahoma with no water softener and there's 10+ years of hard water build up on these parts of the guest bathroom. I'm hoping to just replace these parts myself to give it a fresh look. Sure saves $$ not to hire a plumber to do something like this.

[@LastBastian]

This would be great... except that I can't find any match for my shower set up! My shower has a button sticking out of the main valve that switches from bath to shower... But every single set up I see now, has the button located down on the bath spigot. ???? Guess I'm S*@T out of luck?

[@HowToLou]

Yeah not looking great for an easy swap. Call the manufacturer, Delta or whoever, and ask if they have easy swap option for you. If not, you will need to replace the inner valve assembly. I did that later in this same tub/shower, in this video. How To Fix a Dripping Tub Faucet kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYCvi2RsbcSfeJY

[@doubler8000]

Was the eater supply on or off?

[@HowToLou]

You can do this with the water supply on.

[@annaw9492]

What's the purpose of the teflon tape?

[@HowToLou]

+Anna W - Screw together metal pipes don’t form a tight enough seal to hold water. In the old days, we used plumbers putty on all these joints. Today, teflon tape provides that final seal. Garden hoses also screw together, but have a rubber washer inside to provide the seal.

[@stevegreening3509]

Pipe dope was (and sometimes still is) used on threads, not putty. Plumber's putty is used on compressed areas, like the bottom drain you replaced, except yours came with a washer.

[@raiwismatara2398]

How to change shower position without changing shower valve position, please help

[@HowToLou]

You may need to tear into the wall behind the shower. This video might help. How To Fix a Dripping Tub Faucet kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYCvi2RsbcSfeJY

[@concretecharlie51]

Need to caulk? Silicone?

[@HowToLou]

No. You can caulk if you want, but minimal water gets on the wall where these are mounted, so they are typically not caulked. Notice there was no caulking on old fixtures as they came out.

[@Ryandoesdifferentthings]

Unfortunately for me I have a MODEL#: RP54870 which means I can’t do anything unless we replace the shower valve cartridge and the only way to do that is to cut the fiberglass, which means I need a new fiberglass surround! Because on the other side of the wall is my water heater and my heat pump. My question is, am I right? And, if I demo my fiberglass and install a new tub, change the cartridge etc, how hard is that for a novice?

[@HowToLou]

Wow! Are you sure there is no way to replace the cartridge from the front? A complete tub install is a LOT for a novice. I would call a plumber at least to get a professional opinion. He might know how to replace the cartridge without tearing out the tub.

[@Ryandoesdifferentthings]

@@HowToLou yes if you look up the model I sent, it’s old school delta. So none of the new fixtures work. I’ll have a plumber come, I’m just going to demo the old shower/tub.

[@HowToLou]

One thought. Its actually pretty easy to disconnect and move a water heater. Typically the water lines unscrew from the top, and the gas line and screws from the bottom. If it’s electric it’s even easier. Then you just drain it and it’s not that heavy to move. With that out of the way, maybe you or a plumber could manage to get in from the backside so you don’t have to rip out the tub

[@Ryandoesdifferentthings]

@@HowToLou you are right! We have a service panel behind it. May do that, but the shower is so outdated haha, may just rip it out snuwsy

[@HowToLou]

If you do replace the shower, I have a tip. I build all my showers completely sealed (not open to bathroom) and put a vent fan inside. No more steamed up mirrors and nail pops!

[@TennisOnAction]

I don't need to shut off the water first is better. Thanks

[@sabretooth717]

The gold looked better