Repairing Guides

how to repair leaky bathtub faucet

by Prof. Ronny Gerlach Sr. Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

  • If your tub faucet is leaking, the first step is to locate the water supply valve and turn it off.
  • If you cannot find the main valve, turn off your home’s main water supply lines instead.
  • Turn the handle (or handles) to the on position and let all remaining water from the pipes drain into the bathtub.

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 fix a leaking bathtub faucet the Family Handyman?

Remove and Replace the Seats and Springs

  • Lift out the two rubber seats and springs with a screwdriver.
  • Drop the new springs in the recesses and press the new rubber seats over the top with your fingertip.
  • Align the groove in the ball with the pin in the socket and drop the ball in.
  • Align the lug on the plastic cam with the notch in the valve body and set it over the ball.

More items...

What is the best way to repair a cracked bathtub?

Tools you will need when fixing your tub

  • You definitely need a putty knife.
  • A nylon-bristled paintbrush
  • A fiberglass mesh
  • Epoxy resin
  • A patch filler
  • Grit sandpaper
  • A utility knife.

How do you fix a leaky faucet?

How Do You Fix a Dripping Outside Faucet Handle When Water is Turned on?

  1. Turn off Water Supply. Before starting the leaking outdoor faucet repairing process, you should turn off the water supply to the faucet.
  2. Drain Water. After turning off the valve. ...
  3. Remove Handle. To remove the handle, you need to remove the screw of it. ...
  4. Replace Washer. Use a nose-needle plier to remove the washer. ...

image

How do you fix a dripping bathtub faucet?

0:361:52How to Fix a Leaky Bathtub Faucet | The Home Depot - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTurn clockwise until tight. Now thread the new tub spout on to the pipe. And turn clockwise untilMoreTurn clockwise until tight. Now thread the new tub spout on to the pipe. And turn clockwise until hand tight against the wall. Then turn on the water to flush out any debris.

Why is bathtub faucet dripping?

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.

How do you fix a leaky bathroom faucet single handle?

1:202:32How to Repair a Leaky Lavatory Faucet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt next unscrew the adjusting ring if it doesn't loosen very easily you can use a delta faucetMoreIt next unscrew the adjusting ring if it doesn't loosen very easily you can use a delta faucet repair wrench to help next unscrew the chrome cap.

How much does a plumber charge to fix a leaky bathtub faucet?

Reviewed by Jeff Botelho, Licensed Journeyman Plumber. Written by HomeAdvisor. It costs an average of $350 to replace or repair a bathtub faucet, with a typical range of $300 to $400. However, it may cost you as much as $1,000 to replace a faucet entirely or as little as $25 to do a simple repair.

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 fix a leaky faucet with one handle?

0:543:00How to Fix A Dripping or Leaky Single Handle Faucet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can replace one specific part but it's usually best to get a kit and replace all the parts alsoMoreYou can replace one specific part but it's usually best to get a kit and replace all the parts also buy a new aerator if yours is damaged.

How do you take apart a single handle faucet?

0:182:44Repairing a Leaky Single Handle Ball-Type Faucet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis may require using an Allen wrench to loosen the handle. There may be a button that covers theMoreThis may require using an Allen wrench to loosen the handle. There may be a button that covers the screw that needs to be removed first and then you can loosen the screw and remove the lever handle.

How do you fix a leaky faucet stem?

0:121:48How to Repair a Leaky Faucet Stem - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMake sure you turn the water off take your handle. Off. Then you can remove the stem you'll need aMoreMake sure you turn the water off take your handle. Off. Then you can remove the stem you'll need a crescent wrench or a pair of pliers. Once. You have the stem removed.

Can a handyman fix a leaky faucet?

A handyman is a “jack of all trades” and knows about so many different types of work, including plumbing. Most handymen (or handywomen) can tackle your every day to-do list, like replacing that leaky faucet, replacing your toilet or adjusting the temperature on your water heater.

Do you need a plumber to replace a faucet?

By hiring a plumber to handle the installation for you, you'll end up saving money in the long-run. They stand by their work and if a leak happens as a result of the new faucet, they'll make the necessary repairs. Even better, they'll be able to protect the rest of your plumbing during the installation.

Will replacing a faucet stop it from leaking?

If it's the first time the faucet has sprung a leak, a repair could be a smart, cost-effective option, but if the damage is extensive or the leak keeps recurring, it might be better for your wallet, in the long run, to replace it with a new one.

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 ...

How to Fix a Leaking Bathtub Faucet

The first thing to do here before getting down to business is to gather together all the tools and materials needed for the job. These are:

How to Fix a Leaking Single-Handle Bathtub Faucet

These are the steps to follow when fixing a leaking single-handle bathtub faucet:

How to Fix a Bathtub Faucet without Turning off the Water

It is actually possible to fix or replace a bathtub faucet without turning off the water to the whole house. This will however depend on the type of plumbing you have.

How to Fix a Dripping or Leaky Double-Handle Faucet

Learn how to repair three types of double-handle faucets: ceramic disc, compression/reverse-compression and cartridge.

Repairing Different Types of Faucets

Keep in mind that some cartridge bodies and ceramic disc bodies/cylinders can look similar. In most cases, the cartridge body doesn't have moving parts. The ceramic disc body/cylinder does have moving parts that pivot to open the ports on the bottom.

Locate the Leak

Determine which side of your faucet is leaking by shutting off the water supply valves one at a time. If the leak doesn’t stop after the first valve is turned off, it’s the other line that’s leaking.

Ceramic Disc Faucets

This type of faucet uses a cylinder with tiny discs on the bottom that control water flow. The most successful repair typically replaces the entire cylinder.

Compression & Reverse-Compression Faucets

In this repair, you’ll replace the washer and O-ring or gasket on the valve stem, as well as the valve seat in the faucet.

Aerator

After reassembling your faucet, run the water for a few minutes to clear debris from the new parts. Replace the aerator.

How to Fix a Dripping or Leaky Single-Handle Faucet

Learn to repair three types of single-handle faucets: ball, cartridge and ceramic disc.

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.

image
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9