A bathtub faucet leak is not just a nuisance, but can also be a major waste of water. One bathtub faucet that drips every three seconds will result in a loss of nearly 700 gallons of water annually.
Luckily, fixing a leaky faucet is a simple task that anyone can do with a few tools and some patience.
First things first
No matter if the bathtub faucet has a single or double handle, you can replace certain parts instead of buying a new one.
Double-handled bathtub faucet
On a double-handled bathtub faucet there is a rubber washer that contacts the metal faucet seat when it is closed. This can be found on back end of the faucet stem assembly.
The rubber washer may be cracked, corroded or severely compressed. These conditions can cause the washer to stop holding back water. Most leaks can be fixed by simply replacing the rubber washer.
Single-handled bathtub faucet
Behind the single-handled faucet is a valve cartridge that controls water flow. This cartridge is made from rubber, metal and plastic.
A valve cartridge cannot be repaired. They are intended to be replaced with the new valve cartridge made for your faucet’s brand and model.
Fixing a leaky two-handle bathtub faucet
1- Find the leaking faucet
With your hand, feel the temperature of the water leaking from the tub spout. Hot or warm water will tell you that the leak is coming from the hot faucet. Cold water will indicate that your leak is coming from the cold faucet.
You may not be able to distinguish the temperature if the leak is slow. In this case you may have to repair both the faucets.
2 – Turn off the water
Turn off the main water valve in your home. To relieve water pressure and to let water drain out, open both bathtub faucets.
To prevent any small objects from falling into the drain, place a towel on top.
3 – Take off the cap on the handle
To remove the metal or plastic cap covering the faucet handle screw, use a flathead screwdriver. Set the cap aside.
4 – Remove handle
Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screw holding the handle. Once the screw is completely loosened, you can pull out the handle to release it. Although the screw may still be in the handle, it should come free when the handle is removed.
5 – Take out the escutcheon
The escutcheon is the metal decorative piece that covers up the pipe openings.
Remove the escutcheon. Hopefully, this can be done by simply pulling on it with your hand. If not, you may need to unscrew a tiny screw from the side with a Phillips-head screwdriver.
6 – Take out the stem assembly
An adjustable wrench can be used to loosen the brass nut that holds the stem assembly in place. After the brass nut is removed, remove the stem assembly.
7 – Remove the rubber washer
Take a look at the back of the stem assembly. A Phillips head screwdriver can be used to remove the screw holding the rubber washer. The washer should be thrown away
8 – Replace the rubber washer
Install the rubber washer replacement onto the stem assembly. Use the new screw included in the replacement rubber washer kit. If a new screw is not included, wipe off the old screw and reuse it.
9 – Examine the faucet seat
Use a flashlight to inspect the brass seat washer for any damage. The conical-shaped piece should not be damaged, corroded or worn out. If needed, replace with a new one.
10 – Replacing the faucet seat
Use a seat wrench to unscrew and take out the faucet seat. Place the new faucet seat onto the seat wrench and screw into place. Make sure you don’t drop the new or old seat into the shower wall.
11 – Reinstall the bathtub faucet
Reassemble the bathroom faucet. Place the stem back into place and secure it using the brass nuts. Install the escutcheon. Place the faucet handle on the stem. Fix the faucet to its base. Secure the cap by snapping it into place.
The faucet should be turned off. The water main should be turned on. Turn on the faucet and check for leaks.
Fixing a leaky single-handle bathtub faucet
1 – Turn off the water
Find the main water shutoff valve for your home. To turn off the water supply to your home, the knob must be turned clockwise.
To drain any remaining water, turn on the faucet in the bath. To prevent objects from falling down the drain, cover it.
2 – Take out the faucet handle
You will need to remove the plastic cover from a single-handle round plastic faucet in order to reach the screw. You can do this by prying off the plastic cover with a flathead screwdriver. Pull the handle out.
Lever-shaped single-handle faucets have an Allen screw recessed near the base. To unscrew the screw, use the Allen wrench. Slide the handle out.
3 – Take out the escutcheon
The escutcheon is the large round trim plate. Remove it by unscrewing the screws using a Phillips head screwdriver.
4 – Take out the retainer clip
Use needle-nose pliers to grasp the U-shaped wire retainer clip and pull it out. The clip should not be dropped behind the shower wall.
5 – Take out the cartridge
Use regular or needle-nose pliers to grasp the cartridge end and remove it. A cartridge puller tool is useful if the cartridge is hard to maneuver.
6 – Install the new cartridge
Push the new cartridge in place by hand. Reinstall the retainer clip.
7 – Inspect for leaks
Turn on the main water supply valve. Look for any leaks in the faucet. You can use a flashlight to check behind the wall for leaks.
8 – Reassemble the faucet
Screw faucet escutcheon back into place. Reinstall the faucet handle.
Three quick tips to quiet your leaking bathtub faucet
Fixing the leaking faucet in your bathtub is the best option. However, you won’t be fixing anything at three o’clock in the morning. Luckily, you can stop the dripping sounds from making a loud noise.
- Soap: Fill you tub with several inches of water. Add a large amount of dish soap to the tub and mix it well. Research has shown that water drips can be stopped by changing its surface tension.
- Sock: To make the water slowly flow into the drain, tie a long sock to the faucet.
- Sponge: To stop the water dripping sound, use a sponge or towel to cover the tub faucet.
When to call a professional plumber
If the repairs don’t stop the leakage, call a plumber. If you are unable to access the cartridge of the single-handle valve, call a plumber.
FAQ’s – How to fix a leaky bathtub faucet
Is it possible for the tub faucet to leak from the shower head?
Both the water supply function for the bathtub and shower are linked. The shower will leak if the diverter lever is switched to the shower mode. The bathtub leak can also be fixed by replacing the diverter lever.
Are bathtubs equipped with shut-off valves?
Toilets and sinks usually have shut-off valves, but bathtubs do not.
