Leaky bathtub faucets can be a huge inconvenience, leading to wasted water and higher water bills. If you’re tired of listening to that constant drip-drip-drip, you may be wondering how to fix a leaky bathtub faucet. Fear not; with a little know-how and some basic tools, you can repair your tub faucet and regain control of your water flow.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the steps necessary for fixing a leaking bathtub faucet, covering everything from identifying the problem to making the necessary repairs.
Identifying the Problem
The first step in fixing a leaking bathtub faucet is to identify the source of the leak. Not all leaks are created equal, and depending on the type of faucet you have, the leak may be caused by a variety of different issues. Two-handle faucets often leak because of worn-out O-rings or washers, while single-handle faucets may leak due to a damaged cartridge or worn-out seals. Once you’ve identified the type of faucet you have, you’ll be better equipped to diagnose the issue.
Shut Off the Water
When learning how to fix a leaky bathtub faucet, it’s important to start at the very beginning. So, before you start working on your faucet, it’s important to shut off the water supply. Most tub faucets have a water supply valve located beneath the sink or behind the wall. Simply turn this valve clockwise to shut off the water supply to the faucet.
Removing the Handle
Once the water supply has been shut off, you can begin the process of removing the handle. The method for removing the handle will vary depending on the type of faucet you have. For two-handle faucets, you’ll need to remove the decorative cap on the handle and then use an adjustable wrench to remove the screw holding the handle in place. For single-handle faucets, you’ll need to remove the set screw located under the handle.
Remove the Stem
After the handle has been removed, you’ll need to remove the stem assembly. This is what allows you to turn the faucet on and off. To do this, use a stem wrench to loosen the nut holding the stem in place. Once the nut is loose, you can remove the stem assembly from the faucet.
Replace the Washer or Cartridge
With the stem assembly removed you’ll be able to access the washer or cartridge that is causing the leak. For two-handle faucets, you’ll likely need to replace the washer on the stem. For single-handle faucets, you’ll need to replace the cartridge. These parts can be purchased at most hardware or plumbing supply stores.
Reassemble the Faucet
After you’ve replaced the necessary parts, it’s time to reassemble the faucet. Simply reverse the steps you took to remove the faucet and make sure everything is tightened down properly. When everything is back in place, turn the water supply back on and test the faucet to make sure the leak has been fixed. Congratulations; you now know how to fix a leaky bathtub faucet!
Do You Need Help With Your Faucet?
If you’ve followed these instructions for how to fix a leaking bathroom faucet and the issue persists or you are unsure you want to try and tackle this on your own, AP Plumbing is here to help. Whether it may be time to replace the entire faucet or have our experts repair it for you, it’s not a difficult process for an experienced plumber at AP Plumbing to quickly fix.
In fact, at AP Plumbing, we offer a wide range of plumbing repair services and can assist with fixing a leaking bathtub faucet. If you’re located in Syracuse or Rochester, NY, we’re here to help. Our bathroom plumbing services are designed to provide high-quality, professional solutions to all your plumbing needs.
Schedule Your Leaky Faucet Repair Today!
A leaky bathtub faucet can be a frustrating and costly problem. However, with the right tools and a bit of know-how, you can learn how to fix a leaky bathtub faucet and quickly fix the issue, saving yourself from paying higher water bills month after month. Whether you opt to fix your faucet yourself or call in a professional plumber, make sure to take care of the problem sooner rather than later. The longer you wait, the more damage can be done, leading to more expensive repairs down the line.
Are you having trouble fixing a leaking bathtub faucet all by yourself? Do you need professional assistance? AP Plumbing is here to help with our plumbing repair services. Don’t let a leaky bathtub faucet control your water flow — take action today and contact us to schedule your repair!
