Replacing a Bathtub Faucet | No Access Door

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Bathtub faucet used in video: www.homedepot....
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[@ericbailey4787]

The entire front panel will come out. You just need to cut the caulking around the whole thing. Then you have the whole panel removed to do the job. I have done many of these as a handyman myself.

[@fullmoon5739]

Thank you, i was thinking the same thing. How does he think it was put together?

[@utubehandyman]

Make a video please, it will save time next time.

[@glenallen4148]

That is exactly what I would do, Remove the whole front panel

[@1965mstngmike]

If you notice at the end of the video the vanity cabinet blocks him from being able to pull the panel out, he would have to remove the vanity also

[@chrisanthony579]

That front panel does not come off. First choice is to do what this guy did and cut in an ugly ass access panel or do it from underneath or pull the whole tube. If hacking a hole is the only option, at least discuss with the Owner about laminating a whole new front panel over the old front. A piece of 1/4' solid surface isn't expensive.

[@OhItsJake]

“Because I can do everything” except realize that panel comes off 😂😂

[@flinch622]

It occurred to me that somebody sweated those fittings in on install, so yeah: front panel was the last detail of install. I cant really tell from the video, but I'm betting whoever tiled the bath also unknowingly locked it in place with their work. Tile doesn't usually come out without a piece or two damaged. And try finding a match on old tile: typical homeowners or landlords don't keep records that detailed. Hotels might, and maybe keep spares on hand to boot. Freeing up that panel...maybe could have turned into a full re-tile? The real mistake was cutting the tub support - should have reworked the manifold to go around it as the original did. I'm not a fan of modern faucets: old designs might need some maintenance once in a while but were easily repairable with simple parts. Today... you gotta buy some plastic replacement cartridge assembly [within two years of the faucet purchase], stash it away, and hope 1) any o-rings or seals don't die before it gets used and 2) the plastic doesn't frac out or become embrittled. Weird stuff happens to old plastics: I have some Craftsman screwdrivers made in the 60's and... the handles smell like barf. They stay in the garage, but I keep them [despite the fact that cleaning provides no relief] because they are bulletproof and stil have miles to go. I like the old timers version of "going green" better than than what gets served up today: make something well enough it can be handed down to the next generation as useful instead of clogging our landfills after a few short years.

[@johne3999]

Removing the whole panel is not always an option though. Not sure if this one is locked in, with the tile or otherwise but I've seen others were the vanity cabinets are tight against the bathtub.

[@woohunter1]

I had to change a faucet in the opposite corner, towards the outside wall. Had to take vinyl siding off the house and cut open the sheathing, fun times.

[@HB-yq8gy]

Yikes awful!

[@ivandemiguel8607]

I’ve noticed two things. you weakened the structure by cutting that “ridge”, ( maybe the whole bathtub is sturdy enough) you placed an access panel when (maybe with two more hours of work) you could have taken off the hole front panel. So yes, you made the job and it is not bad, but there is room for improvement.

[@ranger178]

the whole front panel is the support for the tub it is all molded together how are you going to take it off and have tub stay up?

[@-clif1987]

The tub is on framing. Theses walls aren’t structural.

[@PfukYT]

Did you see the vanity?

[@rickdiego5]

I would have looked for a faucet that had separate parts connecting together with hose like many 8-in spread faucets. I'm happy to see you soldering instead of using shark bites. Overall, nice work.

[@utubehandyman]

This is a Moen Banbury, customer wanted matching faucets. I did the faucets in the sink as well.

[@MichaelBarnes-ey7sj]

My cheeks literally puckered when I saw him cutting that stringer. I mean cutting a hole in the tub, I cringed, but I gave him the benefit of doubt when he said he could patch and "paint" it. Then he installed Moen ?

[@utubehandyman]

@@MichaelBarnes-ey7sj what's wrong with moen?

[@jordanlawson6132]

Great job man. I’ve done a few cartridge/internal parts replacements on these damn Roman tubs. There’s never an access panel/Hole haha. Last one I did was a Moen Monticello cartridge and parts replacement it was a major pain in the ass. I hate these things. Your right alot of guys won’t touch them even plumbers. Love the smell of cutting cultured marble.

[@utubehandyman]

how much do you charge for a job like this?

[@MtPockets14U]

Yup. Had one of those Gold trim Monticellos recently myself, What a PIA

[@chrisardern4594]

It looks like a complete molded composite unit but its hard to say but it kept us entertained all the same.

[@pinoyhandymanofalltrades]

I do fix those are tub tile like a tick granite they have always access to fix that tub faucet the whole piece is removable

[@JessicaT-qp9uv]

I just love when blow and go's build something in a way that it seems they decided no problem would ever arise down the line.

[@chriscalderin6677]

That panel comes off that he cut through

[@JessicaT-qp9uv]

@@chriscalderin6677 you're kidding?

[@dougpeters1625]

I’ve had to do a couple of those and let me tell you you did a tremendous job, well done.

[@62Cristoforo]

Good for you for tackling a complex job like this. If I didn’t know any better I’d say you were using all my tools, even down to the faded mini pipe cutter it’s all the red paint worn off! Personally, I would’ve used a file to remove those blobs of excess solder from the original plumbing. And I would’ve used straight stops instead of angled stops, but that’s just me. Good work.

[@chriscalderin6677]

All you had to do was cut the silicon and that entire panel comes off ! How do you think it was installed!

[@maustank8864]

Great video and pov. Front panel is removable with a razor and suction cups. Install is a little tricky. I like the idea for faucet access.

[@Shawn_RHVAC]

Would recommend that instead of using the angle stops, you should be using a full port valve so you don’t reduce flow. For a tub that size the 3/8” supply will take a significant longer fill time than a 1/2” supply. Just a thought? Unless the angle stops are 5/8” comp x 1/2”

[@utubehandyman]

faucet has a flow restrictor making this a moot point.

[@markd2322]

Moen specifications state that faucet is designed to deliver 16 gpm. You're not going to get that through a ⅜ supply line. You just turned that tub into a giant hand sink! Understand that property management means this is a rental unit, therefore the tenant is none the wiser and the landlord only cares about the lowest cost. Done cheap, not correct.

[@boxerpop82]

The tragedy in all of this is that he didn't even have to do all that to fix the leak. Just remove the handle and swap out the cartridge, seat, spring. Delta roman handle tub faucets do that all the time, and give the appearance the leak is originating from the valve body, however the valvebody holding the cartridge has holes that causes the leak from the handle to drip down and go unnoticed from the surface of the tub.

[@utubehandyman]

lol you're so smart

[@blue03r6]

Did you notice the fucet matches the sinks? Theres a reason😂

[@clayjones553]

Dang bro, grab a towel!😅 Nice video. Good work

[@solo8820]

Soldering adapters with the valve cartridge in place is something a handy man would do.

[@HB-yq8gy]

Awesome job! I'm a handyman, and only my house can't image doing daily troubleshooting problems. Where did you learn your skills? How long have you been in business?

[@johnlangley6449]

I have done something similar in past access plates are a life saver 😅

[@danstansbury2389]

Same thing the faucet and the water valves were loose on a Roman tub that we had ended up taking the entire Roman tub out and putting the cabinet instead, but there was no access panel in the tub was a flimsy fiberglass shell

[@beninchesapeake]

Great video. I just want to know what brand is that ratcheting wrench you used on the compression fittings toward the end. I have never seen those wrenches but they are nice.

[@discostu483]

Man it would be nice to do about 3 of those a day at that price. You could get the work done and play a round of golf in 8 hours.

[@chrisardern4594]

If no access how was the tap connection to the pipe work in the first installation.?

[@utubehandyman]

you got me

[@branthonkanen8681]

Installed.before the shower

[@bigjoe8922]

The front panel comes off all he had to do was cut some adhesive caulk it comes off

[@Bennysol]

​@@branthonkanen8681exactly. They blocked off the access side when they installed the shower

[@HaroldJackson]

Most tubs like this the whole front comes off. No need to cut a hole?😮

[@michaelSteffler]

Yeah bro, that whole side your cutting on is a access panelwhole thing ehpuld pop off thats how there made

[@networkedperson]

In order to give context to the price, it would be helpful to know what specific market or what kind of market you are in. With $1350 you are losing money in New York, but maybe over-charging in some rural market.

[@jasonredman2265]

You didn’t give them a price/quote before you started the project . What happens when the customer says I’m not paying that much?

[@utubehandyman]

Written approvals on all jobs over $1k for me. I can read red flags before working for a customer. Havent had that happened yet. If it did, I would spend 10x what the job was worth in legal fees just to teach them a lesson.

[@louiewld3963]

This guy sounds like Mr know it all 😂😂 not even the master plumbers 😂😂😂 management companies usually don’t pay much I stay away

[@ranger178]

an interesting idea for a repair. I like to use those wire brush cups to remove old solder from pipes that hook up to a drill they make it nice and clean to solder or use other fittings.

[@62Cristoforo]

I use a metal file, and clear the chips out of the file occasionally, with a wooden-handled wire brush, the kind welders use. They’re cheap

[@ranger178]

@@62Cristoforo yeah that is another option they even make a special lead floating file for soft metals like lead and aluminum has large open teeth to prevent clogging.

[@rickcinway2312]

Man, I got fibreglass powder all over watching this video.

[@seetheforest]

@@rickcinway2312 it's not fiberglass it's actually marble dust mixed with styrene epoxy.

[@wolfywolfhowl]

Did you say "shit" about the 9:32 point, friggin hilarious, very faint but certain you did lol.

[@utubehandyman]

i plead the 5th

[@lambition]

Why was this faucet replaced instead of repair? They are usually repairable and even replacement trims are available if name brand faucet was used. Old one looks like Delta.

[@utubehandyman]

The faucet itself rusted thru and was leaking under the tub.

[@shantor100]

Does the bathroom have a light

[@terriharman]

Front comes off!

[@utubehandyman]

I'd love for you to make a video doing just that

[@charging7]

Everyone's a critic

[@chriscalderin6677]

@@utubehandyman you just cut the silicon it comes right out

[@utubehandyman]

@@chriscalderin6677 sure lol

[@chriscalderin6677]

@@utubehandyman it should I figured it out on the first one I did

[@thomasalison6188]

Never could understand why people make things like this so inaccessible. It's just a matter of time before the faucet will need some maintenance.

[@Itdontwork1]

Umm the bottom skirt comes off why would you cut the tub skirt?

[@utubehandyman]

because you didn't make a video showing me this magical trick.

[@1965mstngmike]

The vanity on the right would prevent him from pulling the panel out, you can see it at the end of the video

[@ksavage681]

@@utubehandymanyou need to find new profession. 😂

[@chriscalderin6677]

@@1965mstngmike not at all there was plenty of room

[@paulboomer7109]

I had this problem with the Delta system all I did was buy a new trim kit went from chrome to antique bronze no plumbing required!

[@shaylynford859]

Ok help a girl out! I’m getting ready to switch out the trim on my tub, and it’s a Jacuzzi that they literally TILED in with no access that I can find. What did you do to just change the trim without diving into any of the plumbing?

[@Flash-rg8bf]

@@shaylynford859 I did the same thing as Paul. find a tub facet from the same manufacturer and make sure it has the same fit to the valve. You can call the manufacturer of the old faucet and they should be able to help you out. In my case it was a Delta as well. Went from that same chrome/gold Roman tub faucet/knobs to a rubbed bronze. Easy, while you are replacing those knobs it is best to replace the valve components as well this way you won't have to go back later when it starts leaking.

[@kevingaddis7276]

Very nice job young man.

[@user27278]

i did one like this but we had access to the drywall on the left side of it, installed access door too

[@aaronsherwood4835]

Ahhhhh, this peice of $h!t lol. I've been there many times. Great work

[@Blah-blah-sure]

Question unless I missed something. Why did the faucet need to be changed?

[@utubehandyman]

it was leaking inside the tub from the valves.

[@LIAM_FE]

Great work!

[@ccc822007]

I have a faucet that is located on the upstairs, and to access it, I would have to pull the tub or go through an exterior wall. Is there any easier way to repair this type of faucet?

[@utubehandyman]

you can access it from the bottom floor ceiling

[@ccc822007]

Thanks!

[@richardharris8399]

Used to put cultured marble in all the time. Just cut the caulk around the edges and try to slip a pry bar behind it so you can get the front panel off. Just be careful, because if they put any glue on the frame behind it, it could break. The hole and fiber optics, seems smart, but that hole is unnecessary.

[@utubehandyman]

keyword is frame. Did you see any in the video?

[@JoseGonzalez-kt8ti]

Why did u cut the corner gusset. It is part of the tub structure. Just lengthen the pipe

[@utubehandyman]

umm no. I would've had to take the assembly off and lengthen all 3 pipes not just the one.

[@sosocrazy1234]

Yes, you can repair the cut, but if you had done a little research, you'd found that you didn't have to do that. Pretty much all tub inserts/vanity covers are simply held together with caulking/bonding of some sort.

[@eddiejohnhurst1]

Dude that looks 😍

[@Nancy-y8q1n]

It's not that a plumber couldn't do this, they just don't want to because it involves some extra work

[@SteveAustin-jp3ev]

Nice work

[@platinumhandymansolutions]

Great video btw! Couldn't you have used sharkbites on some of that instead of soldering? Or you don't like em?

[@utubehandyman]

I know solder will never come off. The rubber seal inside sharkbites will break down over time. For that reason, I don't use them eventhough they would probably hold for a couple of decades.

[@AL-vo3oh]

Where is the cover ''door'' coming from??

[@Kudeghraw]

Looks like he repurposed the fart fan cover

[@MichaelJohnson-jt5cu]

Was there any access from under the tub?

[@utubehandyman]

there is a concrete slab under the tub

[@SteveAustin-jp3ev]

Are you blind

[@briancarlisle4491]

I work at a property that has nearly 300 cultured marble tubs similar the this one and the front panels (skirts) are usually just caulked into place. Fairly easy to remove with a utility knife, scraper and a suction cup tool.

[@utubehandyman]

@@briancarlisle4491 yea there is nothing just caulked in this tub lol

[@mikevalencia5131]

What kind of shut off valves are those that can be installed with no soldering?! What type of wrench is that I would like to know where I can get one. Please.

[@berealandread3107]

Are you in Los Angeles?

[@babooll5632]

Use a snap in access cover in you or someone later needs in there

[@jose2226]

All the guys who refused to do the job are in the comments telling you how to do it haha

[@utubehandyman]

🤣 so true

[@hothmobile100]

The economy doesn't "suck" . The corporations raised prices beyond real inflation. Our GDP is huge but the rich capture all the gains.

[@telecomgear]

Shut Up

[@hothmobile100]

@@telecomgear ​​⁠ But it’s true. Corporate profits broke records over the last 5 years. They raised prices beyond inflation. If you don’t like the truth then I can’t help you. Are you telling the plumber to shut up? He made the incorrect statement about the economy, not me.

[@telecomgear]

@@hothmobile100 which corporations? Your argument is 100% emotional.

[@rb8049]

They could have 3 squares in the front to make it decorative. The hoses were kinked a bit tight. I would have used longer hoses and looped.

[@62Cristoforo]

And cover each of the plastic access panel doors with a 12” X 12” square marble tile, if it’s not too heavy. Use PL400 adhesive.

[@kodiham7532]

What kind of wrench did you use? Link?

[@stringlarson1247]

Basin wrench.

[@edthelasttribe9580]

End of a video there’s a vanity unit with sink in the way , to pull that panel out you have to pull the whole vanity unit, what he have done here is safe the money for that lady , for future maintenance, if you listen 👂 carefully what he said at the beginning video you understand , he said few plumbers turn the job down …

[@chriscalderin6677]

Plenty of clearance in the video

[@Dixler683]

This seemed like a hack job and very expensive….650 for parts?

[@thehandymanexperience226]

Awesome fix!!

[@JesusFriend]

great work

[@map7463]

I would have used a longer supply hose to make a loop to eliminate stress at the connection.

[@richardharris8399]

"Frame" is a loose term for what I'm talking about. There's USUALLY some type of light frame to support the POSITION of the panel. It's not to support the tub, just to keep the panel plumb, straight and in position until the caulk or silicone dries. Most of the time you'd see some 2x2's , one across the top and bottom, one on each side, and maybe one or two in the middle. The fact that you don't have one in this video isn't relevant to my point, because in my 40 years (40+), experience in the tile business, that's the way MOST marble tubs were installed. The fact that they didn't do it that way here says more about the people who installed your tub.

[@Hanzo741]

I clicked on the video, just incase i have to fix it in the middle of the night.

[@jessebrown1497]

I would have cut the calking around the front panel and pulled the hole slab off.

[@gregdoyle829]

Materials $650 or you mean $6.50?

[@matthewg7835]

😂 right! Those must be some really nice angle stops and premium solder 😮

[@troyrupp9068]

Yes the front panel can come off but looking at this situation . It was the best cost solution

[@unreasonableman7008]

Excellent

[@62Cristoforo]

Not knocking your skills, but I personally would never use compression stops on copper pipe, unless I knew it was temporary, like for a few hours or maybe a day. I don’t trust them. Always solder. In a tight space like that I use a much lower flame with a propane torch, not MAP gas. It takes about a half minute longer to get up to melting point.

[@utubehandyman]

nothing wrong with compression for shutoff valves.

[@rheuss1]

Couple of things, that’s cultured marble not fiberglass. That whole panel easily comes off. No need to but that hole.

[@phineusphineas]

Excellent work! I definitely think you could have charged at least an extra $500 you mentioned.

[@CarlAyers-x8h]

You forgot to use the chainsaw on the tub. Stop wasting time and tape. Then when you're done charge them 28,000$.😅😅😅 I figure if i do that on a few jobs...I can retire early. I do that with roofing also. 700$ For material. 13,300$ in labor. I learn this from our politicians.

[@animalbeast6564]

I did this in my uncles it was a pain and some change man

[@cosmicallyderived]

Skills

[@simoncameron4355]

This is exactly why I do most of the plumbing myself.... I would have found a different faucet instead of structurally destroying the tub, not to mention being charged extra just because nobody else wants to do it. People who aren't out to screw others over, charge an hourly rate and that's it.

[@utubehandyman]

I charged far less than anyone out there. I mentioned this in the vid. I don't see you complaining about the government screwing you over with taxes but yet you're here complaining about actual work being done and charging for it.

[@troyjackson3164]

No!!!! don’t cut it just remove the caulk

[@iangregoryhome]

Look under the bath lip there's little tabs holding the panel on, so maybe that's why he didn't remove it 🤔

[@Bunnyymann]

Florida is loaded with cultered marble tubs like this. The front panel comes off. Cut the caulk join. There is always a possibility the panel will break. Especially if it had a hair line crack when first installed........ive done hundreds of these in south west Florida....... that repair panel looks like ASS!!!!!!!! And how do you think the moen faucet got intalled in the first place????. It wasnt installed on the tub before it was set. DUH!!!!

[@utubehandyman]

magic, that's how it was installed

[@charging7]

This is why I don't make videos, douchey commenters..no thx

[@2-old-Forthischet]

Where ever you are in this video, is there a maximum you can charge PER job as a handyman? Where I live it's $500 per job and it has to be completed in one attempt, not multiple attempts at $500 each time. Many people don't know that here.

[@utubehandyman]

I'm a licensed contractor my limit is 50k per project. But as a regular handyman, 1k is the limit in my area.

[@2-old-Forthischet]

@@utubehandyman you're one of the smart ones to have a license. Where I live, if a customer is unhappy about a job, they can literally not pay and the handyman has no recourse without a contractor's license. We learned that from a judge in small claims court.

[@ericbailey4787]

Im not trying to be disrepectful but its not necessary to cut a whole in the panel to access. Not to mention, now you have a hole that needs to be repaired by someone else. Then you need to get a painter to have it paint matched. Now you have 2 many subs involved which will cost you even more money.

[@ericbailey4787]

Im watching the video again. Look at where he puts the first piece of tape at the beginning of the video. You can clearly see the silicone bead. Cut it at the top, then the side by the shower door then over by the vanity. Get a small suction cup from where ever and pull the panel out. Come on guys.

[@ericbailey4787]

I think next tgime i will make a video on this. Much easier than how your going about it.

[@wllingtonsingh5080]

Plumber is very expensive these days and most of the problems are caused by building inspectors.That should have never happened.

[@hectorworksout]

Everything was perfect but the sand paper lol You must have ran out, happened to me

[@utubehandyman]

couldn't find anything else and I wasn't going back to the store :)

[@jonleone777]

I hope this doesnt happen to me anytime soon. Could never afford 1350.00 on a disabled vets limited income.

[@utubehandyman]

I would give you a discount

[@JayCee4-u7u]

First off the whole panel DOES NOT COME OFF THAT WAS DRYWALL NOT PART OF THE TUB. 2ND YOU COMPROMISED THE STRENGTH OF THE TUB. 3RD THERE IS ANOTHER LEAK THE BACK OF THE DRYWALL WAS COVERED IN MOLD.

[@williereagan7351]

I’m a handyman and I think you did a great job! You definitely should have charged a little more money though.

[@tonyr8443]

😅 you made a mess Bro. That whole panel is the access panel 😂 Made your work looks expensive and ruin the panel with an ugly hole with a cover😂

[@utubehandyman]

Bro I'd like to see you take that panel off. The hole is beautiful, I don't know what you're talking about

[@soulsplit63]

Holy 😅

[@EXECUTIVE_LUCKY]

As a plumber I’ve already done repairs like this. It’s not that uncommon.

[@vernonrichards9816]

Accent was a dead giveaway

[@blue03r6]

Why are you all acting like the front of that comes off? How do you think its attached? Plus the vanity is blocking 24 to 26 inches of it. I highly doubt it comes off and why the person was getting high dollar remodel quotes. You weren't there to know what could be done. Its ine thing to ask are you sure it couldn't be removed instead if make a dumb comment it comes off just because you seen one off before

[@utubehandyman]

common sense is not common friend. People going nuts nowadays and this is just a video lol. Imagine bigger issues in life how they react.

[@babooll5632]

The economy sucks ? I've worked in rental property maintenance for 13 years, our work has never slowed down

[@CiscoWes]

Past 4 years, economy had taken a nosedive.

[@retireearly7223]

@@CiscoWeswhat country do you live in. The USA has the strongest economy in the world

[@CiscoWes]

@@retireearly7223 I’m in the US. We were doing great four years ago. Now it’s a dumpster fire over here.

[@sladeoriginal]

All basic life items have drastically increased, at least 50%. Gas, food, electricity, natural gas, homes, vehicles. You being busy at work doesn't mean a national economy is stable or that people with lower incomes aren't feeling the squeeze.

[@PfukYT]

Good for you. I'm a handyman in SW Virginia/NE Tennessee. Work has slowed big time! Especially compared to the Covid era.

[@JoshMclean-h3q]

The panel comes off with full access of the plumbing . Now they have a shitty looking access panel

[@ourlifeinwyoming4654]

Nothing wrong with this at all.

[@abackimages5351]

Idk I would have just piped around the support now you risk a crack with your warranty labor.

[@utubehandyman]

if it cracks I'll buy them a new tub.

[@tedd7028]

This has been painful to watch.

[@tonymirtamayo8534]

He doesn't know what he is doing

[@HouseofHammersLLC]

Wtf!😂 I’m sorry my guy but this was horrible. Definitely not a professional way of doing this type of repair…folks please don’t think this was the correct way 🤦‍♂️ Love the video though