11 Easy Steps to Fix a Leaky Bathtub Faucet
- Shut off the water supply The first step when fixing a leaky bathtub faucet is shutting off the water supply. ...
- Remove the cap from the faucet The next step is to pry off the cap that covers the faucet handle screw. ...
- Unscrew the handle screw Once the cap has been removed, you will see the screw inside the faucet handle that holds the handle in place. ...
- Remove the handle After removing the screw, you can then remove the handle. ...
- Remove the escutcheon The next step is to remove the escutcheon, the plate that covers the hole in the wall. ...
- Remove the stem assembly With the escutcheon out of the way, you now have access to the stem assembly. ...
- Check the washer The most likely reason for a faucet to start leaking is that the washer needs to be replaced. ...
- Replace the washer If the washer is the culprit, you need to change it. If you have spare washers, simply go ahead and put a new one on. ...
- Check the seat for damage Another possible reason why you might have a leak is that the seat is damaged. ...
- Replace the seat if necessary If you find any signs of damage to the seat, you will need to remove it and replace it. ...
- Put everything back in place
Full Answer
How to fix a leaking bathtub faucet quick and easy?
- Clear any rust, wax or caulk from around the base.
- Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the bolts that hold it together. ...
- Remove the stem and install a new one in the fitting using new bolts. ...
- If the bathtub faucet is still dripping after replacing the handle, washer and stem, you may need to replace the entire bathtub spout.
How to repair a dripping outdoor faucet?
To replace an outdoor faucet washer:
- Turn the water off to the faucet.
- Unscrew the packing nut by turning it counterclockwise.
- Pull the handle and stem out of the faucet housing.
- Remove the screw on the end of the stem that holds the rubber washer.
- Replace the rubber washer on the stem with one of the same size.
- Tighten the screw holding the washer back up.
How do you fix a leaking bathroom faucet?
- If the handle has a cap, remove it with a flat head screwdriver. Use a Phillips screwdriver to unscrew the handle.
- Remove the faceplate behind the handle from the shower wall. ...
- Find the metal sleeve over the shower valve. ...
- If the shower valve has a locking clip, pry it off with needle nose pliers or a screwdriver.
How to fix a dripping or leaky double handle faucet?
Remove the Handle
- If there is a set screw behind the handle, insert a hex key or Allen wrench into the screw and turn it to remove.
- If the handle has a top screw cover, pry it off with a flat screwdriver and set aside. ...
- Pull the handle free.
How do I stop my tub faucet from dripping?
5:0810:48My tub faucet is leaking/dripping - won't stop dripping - EASY FIX! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis. The next thing I did was visited my local Lowe's you can go to Home Depot or Menards. And thisMoreThis. The next thing I did was visited my local Lowe's you can go to Home Depot or Menards. And this is a pro value pack. These are the rubber gaskets that are inside the actual cartridge.
What causes a bathtub faucet to drip?
A cracked or worn washer in the stem is a common source of a dripping bathtub faucet. Each time the water is turned on the washer is pushed against the valve. This repeated friction over time causes the washer to wear out. The tub faucet stem or cartridge itself may be the cause of the leak.
Why is my tub faucet leaking single handle?
Most leaks in single handle faucets are the result of a worn O-ring around the valve stem. But before you do anything else, make sure to locate the water cutoff so you can turn off the water to the faucet.
How do you change a washer on a bathtub faucet?
1:222:35How Do I Replace Bathtub Faucet Washers? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd that way you can get a good grip on it just turn that undo the screw remove the old washer.MoreAnd that way you can get a good grip on it just turn that undo the screw remove the old washer. Replace the new washer. Put the screw. Back. In tighten it down don't over tighten it just make it snug.
Why does my faucet drip after I turn it off?
If you notice your bathroom sink drips or leaks out of the faucet head when turned off, there is likely an issue with the seal inside the faucet head, allowing the water to run through or drip. Before calling a professional plumber, consider whether you're able to repair the leak in your bathroom sink yourself.
How do you take apart a single handle bathtub faucet?
0:172:38Repairing a Leaky Single Handle Tub/Shower Ball-Type FaucetYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTurn off the main water supply to your home. For an obstacle remove the index button by prying offMoreTurn off the main water supply to your home. For an obstacle remove the index button by prying off with the screwdriver. Then unscrew the handle screw. And remove the handle.
How do I stop my single handle shower faucet from dripping?
Gather Tools and Materials. ... Turn Off the Water Supply and Open the Faucet. ... Remove the Handle Cap, Handle and Faceplate. ... Remove the Locking Clip. ... Remove and Replace the Cartridge. ... Replace Other Parts and Test. ... Remove the Metal Stem in a Shower Faucet with Two Handles. ... Replace the Metal Stem if Needed.More items...
How do I fix a single handle bathroom faucet?
1:064:00How to Replace the Seats & Springs in a Single Handle Faucet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUse the needle nose pliers to unscrew the adjusting ring. Place a cloth over top and use the channelMoreUse the needle nose pliers to unscrew the adjusting ring. Place a cloth over top and use the channel lock pliers to unscrew the cap. Now pull out the ball the cam and packing.
Where are the washers in a bathtub faucet?
If your bathtub faucet is dripping when closed, it is time to replace the washers in the valve assembly. These washers press down on the valve seat and seal off the flow of water when the faucet is closed.
What does a faucet washer look like?
0:221:54How to Replace a Washer in a Leaky Faucet For Dummies - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSome faucets have a spring under the washer like this one valve washers come in many shapes. AndMoreSome faucets have a spring under the washer like this one valve washers come in many shapes. And sizes.
Where to take old plumbing parts?
Take your old parts to a hardware store or home center. Since there are thousands of replacement parts available, bringing your old parts with you will ensure you purchase the correct replacements. In some cases, the parts may need to be purchased from a plumbing supplies distributor.
How to remove a stem bonnet?
Remove the stem bonnet, which is the packing nut that holds the stem in place . These are sometimes also called “cartridges.”. Insert a bath socket wrench and turn it counterclockwise. If you are unable to find a bath socket wrench, you can use a vice grip to hold onto the stem bonnet and loosen it.
Can a dripping bathtub faucet increase your water bill?
Dripping bathtub faucets can increase your water bill every month. Many people attempt to turn the faucet handles tighter and inadvertently shred the seals even further. Although a plumber is needed to fix major problems, you can repair most broken washers, gaskets and seals yourself with a few special tools. Steps.
Why is my bathtub faucet leaking?
The most common reason for a leaky faucet is an old washer that needs to be replaced. Here are the steps for how to do it – and these steps apply to most kinds of bathtub, including walk-in bathtubs, corner bathtubs and so on. However, for a freestanding bathtub with a separate faucet, the steps would be slightly different.
Why does my faucet leak?
The most likely reason for a faucet to start leaking is that the washer needs to be replaced. When you remove the stem assembly, the first thing you can do is check the washer on the end.
Why is my washer leaking?
Another possible reason why you might have a leak is that the seat is damaged. The seat is the part that is in contact with the washer, and it may become damaged either as the washer wears away or through corrosion.
What happens if you forget to turn off the water in your bathtub?
If you forget to do it, you will end up spraying water everywhere when you start to remove the faucet from its fitting. There may be a simple valve in your house or apartment that allows you to turn off the water to the bathtub.
Can a damaged seat cause a leak?
A damaged seat may cause a leak itself, and it can also quickly damage the new washer you have just fitted, causing the leak to return. For these reasons, before you replace the stem assembly with the new washer installed, you should also check the seat for any signs of damage. Step 10. Replace the seat if necessary.
Is it cheaper to call a plumber?
Calling in the plumber for such a basic job can seem like a waste of money. While you might need to spend some money buying specialist tools like the seat wrench, it’s still cheaper than paying a professional, and you’ll always have the tool ready if you ever need it again.
Can a leaky bathtub faucet be fixed?
However, you may be hesitant to spend money on a plumber because you know they can be expensive. In fact, fixing a leaky bathtub faucet is not ...
In This Article
A leaky tub faucet is annoying, but luckily the fix is almost always a very simple DIY: swapping out a worn-out washer, gasket, or O-ring. Even if you don't consider yourself a home improvement whiz, this repair is easy enough for most homeowners to get done in about an hour or two.
Check for a Leak Behind the Wall
The part of the tub faucet you can see from the bathroom is the tip of the proverbial iceberg. The actual valve housing, which is where cold and hot water are directed to the tub spout and showerhead, is permanently connected to the water pipes behind the tub wall.
Single-, Double-, and Triple-Handle Faucets
Like sink faucets, tub and shower faucets can be operated by one of four different valve mechanisms. The most common is a cartridge — a barrel-shaped insert with strategically placed holes that control the flow of water when you turn the handle. Bathtub faucets with cartridge valves usually have one handle, but they can have two.
Getting Ready to Replace a Washer
Replacing washers and gaskets to stop your tub faucet from leaking will take less time if you're ready with replacement parts before you start disassembly, and all you need to have those on hand is the make and model of the faucet.
How to Fix a Leaky Bathtub Faucet
The repair procedure begins with shutting off the water to the bathroom. Once you've done that, you're ready to begin.
Step 1: Determine Which Valve Needs Servicing
If the faucet has a single handle, it has only one valve, and that's the only one you need to worry about. If the faucet has two handles, only one of the valves may need servicing. Feel the temperature of the water that's dripping from the spout. If it's warm, service the hot water valve first, and if it's cold, start with the cold water valve.
Step 2: Remove the Faucet Handle
Pry off the cap hiding the handle screw using a flathead screwdriver. The setscrew for lever-style faucets is usually right under the lever. Once you get the cap off, remove the setscrew with a Phillips screwdriver or Allen wrench. Once the screw is removed, you should be able to pull the handle straight off.
How long does water run in a faucet?
The water needs to run for one minute. For kitchen & bathroom faucets, be sure to put a bucket upside down over top of the faucet in order to direct the water down to the sink, or water will spray everywhere. Turn the water off at the supply lines again before re-assembling. 8.
Do you need an adjusting ring for a faucet?
Depending on the age of your faucet, you may not have an adjusting ring. For those with newer faucets that don’t contain adjusting rings, please skip this step. If you have an older faucet with an adjusting ring, it will not be needed after the repair if the cam/packing is replaced.
What Causes Bathtub Faucets to Drip?
There are many bathtub faucet designs, from single-hole wall-mounted versions to three-hole center-set tub faucet spouts. A stem or cartridge regulates the flow of water from the mixing valve that the hot and cold water lines run into.
Shut Off the Water Supply
The first task is to shut off the water supply to the bathroom. This stops the full flow of water to the house. The shut-off valve is commonly found in the basement or crawlspace of the house. Turn the shut-off valve clockwise to stop the water flow.
Remove the Faucet Handle
Dismantle the faucet next to get access to the faucet hardware and check the hardware for wear and tear.
Assess the Parts
After removing the handle, examine the stem or cartridge and the inside of the handles to determine what kind of condition they’re in.
Replace the Faucet Washer
The exposed rubber part at the top of most faucet stems or cartridges is the washer. Many washers are used for specific brands of stems or cartridges, so you may have to have the washer checked to make sure you get a new one that is compatible with the faucet parts.
Replace the Faucet Stem
The stem or cartridge may be the problem if replacing the washer fails to stop the leak. These steps show how to stop a leaky bathtub faucet if the stem or cartridge is the source of the problem.
Replace the Handle
Replace the bathtub faucet handle with a new one according to your faucet type.
