Replacing Your RV Shower Faucet: Step by Step
Most RV owners don’t have the slightest idea of how to replace the RV faucet. You may have recently installed a new shower head, caddie, and hose, but the shower faucet also needs replacement every once in a while.
My shower faucet was working just fine but quite frankly I didn’t like the way its dingy off-white color looked next to my new shower head and hose. Replacing your shower faucet should take you less than thirty minutes and the cost is less than 30 dollars. Below is a step-by-step tutorial on how to replace your RV shower faucet.
Step 1: Drain all the water
Before you start replacing your RV shower faucet, the first thing you need to do is turn off your water pump. This might seem like an obvious thing to do, but most people simply forget to carry out this simple step.
You then need to drain all the water from the system, and this is achieved by turning on the cold and hot water in the shower. Replacing your RV shower faucet can prove to be tedious when you don’t drain all the water from the system.
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Step 2: Remove the mounting plate and faucet
The mounting plate and shower faucet are usually screwed in, and it won’t take you a lot of time to remove them. Use a screwdriver and be very careful to ensure you do not cause any damages to your water system. Once you remove the mounting plate and faucet, you get access to your RV’s water lines.
There is a removable panel located behind the shower in many RV’s to make it easier for you to access the plumbing. If this isn’t the case for your RV, then you will have to go to the basement storage area to access the plumbing.
To separate the water lines from the faucets, you will need a wrench. The most important thing is to keep track of the cold and hotline. You may not be a plumber but this is a straightforward job that you can easily do by yourself.
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Step 3: Install the new faucet
You need to start by connecting the cold and hot water lines to the new faucet. Since you kept track of the two lines, this will be a rather easy task to accomplish. The next step is to screw in the new faucet and mounting plate.
To ensure there are no leakages, you must place a silicone rubber sealant over the seams during the installation process.
Once you are done, you will want to test out your system to ensure it is working as it should. This is very important, and if there are any problems then you will have to check your work.
Video Overview: How to Replace an RV Shower Faucet
Conclusion
Replacing your RV shower faucet is simple and straightforward. However, should you encounter difficulties, then consider hiring a plumber to carry out the work for you. Keep your expenditure low by carrying out online research before purchasing the shower faucet.
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Related questions:
How do you replace an RV shower faucet?
The first step is to remove the old faucet. This can be done by removing the two retaining clips that are located on the side of the valve. A special tool known as a retainer puller is usually necessary for this task. The next step is to disconnect and remove any pipes that are attached to the faucet.
You will want to place these aside in order for them not to get accidentally damaged or broken during installation. Next, use a basin wrench and twist it until it breaks free from its fitting at the back of the RV shower valve drain pipe assembly, then twist it off from its connection in front of the RV shower assembly.
Finally, disconnect the hose bib behind the RV coach shower valve drain pipe socket and put the water source shut-off valve back in place.
The next step is to install the new shower faucet and then connect the pipes to it. You will want to place a bead of silicone around the threads of the new faucet, which will make it water-tight.
The shower faucet should be installed by attaching the back-on RV shower valve drain pipe assembly and tighten it with a basin wrench.
Finally, attach the front of the RV shower valve drain pipe assembly and tighten with a basin wrench as well.
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Can you replace RV faucets with regular faucets?
RV faucets are different from regular household plumbing. They have an external handle that opens and closes the valve, and they often have higher flow rates than regular faucets. These features are designed to provide RVers with better control over their water pressure. However, it’s important to note that not all shower valves are standard.
They are too expensive for most people, and they typically have a particular diameter or thickness of the tubing. Installation of their RV shower faucet will be more cumbersome and time-consuming than installing a regular one. In the end, the RV equivalent might end up being even more expensive than buying a new shower faucet in the first place.
Video overview: RV faucet to Residential faucet
How much does a plumber charge to replace a shower faucet?
The best way to know how much a plumber will charge for their service is by calling them up and asking. The typical cost of installing a new shower faucet is about $100-$150. That’s not too bad considering that it’s the plumbing system in your RV, and your new shower faucet will last for many years to come.
So how quickly can you do this yourself? It all depends on how comfortable you are with DIY projects, and how good of a handyman you are. If you’re comfortable working on pipes and valves, then there is no reason why you can’t do it yourself!
If you need help with installing an RV shower faucet, I highly suggest consulting with an RV plumber for help. They have the tools they need to make sure that everything goes smoothly so that your installation doesn’t have any hiccups.
Can I replace my shower faucet?
Many RV owners go to a local hardware store and purchase a replacement shower faucet and install it themselves at home in less time than it takes to go directly to the local RV dealer. With the right tools and some knowledge of how they function and what parts are required, basic plumbing concepts are easily understood by even those who have never tried it before. Installation of a shower faucet is just like changing out a sink faucet, and the most complicated part is pulling out the old one.
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