How to Fix a Leaky Bathtub Faucet

Leaking bathtub faucets are not just an annoyance; they lead to significant water waste and increased utility bills. A single dripping faucet in your bathtub could waste approximately 34 gallons of water annually.

Depending on the condition of your tub, leaks can result in structural damage in your bathroom with moisture seeping into floors and walls. Learn the common causes of leaking faucets, how to repair your tub and stop leaks and when to call in professionals for bathtub repair.

Common Causes of a Leaking Bathtub Faucet

Most faucet leaks stem from wear and tear of their components. However, knowing the common reasons for leaks helps you more accurately diagnose and resolve the problem.

• Worn out washer. The washer, a small rubber disc, regulates water flow and prevents leaks. Regular wear from friction eventually weakens it, making it ineffective at forming a tight seal.
  
• Corroded valve seat. The valve seat connects the faucet and the spout. Over time, sediment in the water can corrode this part, causing leaks around the spout. 
  
• Improper washer installation. If the washer was recently replaced or you have a new bathtub, poorly installed or improperly sized washers may be the reason for your leaking faucet. 
  
• O-ring issues. The O-ring is a small disc attached to the stem screw that holds the faucet handle in place. O-rings can become loose or wear out over time, resulting in a leak near the handle.
  
• Loose or damaged fasteners. Continuous usage can loosen faucet parts, such as the adjusting ring or packing nuts. These loose parts can contribute to a leak.
  
• Excessive water pressure. The ideal water pressure for a residential building is typically between 40 and 60 PSI. If your home’s water pressure exceeds those levels, it can prematurely wear down your faucet’s internal parts, leading to leaks. 

How to Fix a Two-Handle Bathtub Faucet

With some basic tools and a bit of DIY know-how, you can quickly fix a leak in your two-handle bathtub faucet. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you address this common plumbing issue:

Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply

Before starting any repair, switch off the water supply to the bathtub faucet by turning off the valves under the sink or shutting off the main water supply to your house.

Step 2: Remove the Handles

Open the faucet to release any remaining water in the pipes. Then, locate the screw on each handle. These may be hidden under a decorative cap (escutcheon) that you can gently pry off with a flathead screwdriver. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws and then carefully remove the handles from the stem.

Step 3: Remove the Stem Assembly

Use an adjustable wrench to unscrew and remove the stem assembly from the faucet body. Do this for both handles.

Step 4: Inspect and Replace Damaged Parts

Check the condition of the O-ring and washer at the bottom of the stem. If they’re worn or damaged, replace them with a new one. Apply a small amount of plumber’s grease to the new washer and O-ring before installation.

Step 5: Clean the Valve Seat

Inside the faucet body, you’ll find the valve seat. Clean any debris or buildup using a cloth. For stubborn deposits, soak the cloth in distilled white vinegar before cleaning.

Step 6: Reassemble the Faucet

Once everything is clean and you’ve replaced damaged parts, reassemble the stem assembly in the faucet body. Tighten it securely with the wrench. Then, reattach the handles and secure them with the screws, replacing any decorative caps if they were removed.

Step 7: Turn the Water Back On

Turn the water supply back on and test the faucet for leaks. Open and close the faucet a few times to ensure it’s operating smoothly and the leak has been fixed.

How to Fix a Single-Handle Bathtub Faucet

To fix a leaky single-handle bathtub faucet, you’ll primarily focus on the cartridge, often the culprit behind leaks. Here’s a step-by-step guide to walk you through the process:

Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply

Locate the shut-off valves for your bathtub faucet found under the sink or near the bathtub and turn off the water supply by rotating the valves clockwise.

Step 2: Remove the Faucet Handle

Drain any water remaining in the line by opening the faucet. Then, find the screw on the faucet handle, unscrew the handle and remove the handle from the stem.

Step 3: Remove the Cartridge Cover

Use an adjustable wrench to unscrew the cap or bonnet that covers the cartridge. This should be done carefully to avoid damaging the faucet.

Step 4: Remove and Inspect the Cartridge

Carefully remove the cartridge from the faucet body. Check the cartridge for signs of damage, such as broken parts or worn O-rings.

Step 5: Clean or Replace Parts

Check the inlet ports and seat washer for mineral buildup for ball-type cartridges. Clean them thoroughly or replace them if necessary. If the cartridge has an internal balancing spool, ensure it moves freely and clean off any debris or buildup with white vinegar.

Step 6: Reassemble the Faucet

Reinstall the cartridge, applying plumber’s grease to new O-rings or washers to ensure they operate smoothly and form an airtight seal. Screw the cartridge cap back on, ensuring it’s tight but not overly tightened. Finally, reattach the faucet handle and secure it with the screw.

Step 7: Turn the Water Back On

Turn the water supply back on by turning the shut-off valves counterclockwise and 

test the faucet for leaks. If the faucet still leaks, the connections may need tightening or the cartridge might need to be replaced.

When to Call a Professional?

Recognizing when to hire a professional plumber is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your plumbing system. Contact an experienced emergency plumber if:

• You have a newer tub faucet with a complex cartridge system or special tools that are needed for disassembly
• The faucet finish is damaged and needs reglazing or refinishing
• The leak originates from piping in the wall rather than the faucet
• You have no shut-off valves to isolate the water supply during repairs
• DIY repairs fail to fix the leak and you need replacement parts

Signs that warrant bathtub faucet repair:

• Bathtub faucet leaks that are large, rapidly worsening or causing property damage.
• Total failure of the faucet requiring full faucet replacement.
• Any tub faucet leak that affects your home’s water supply system.

Contact Blue Collars for Professional Plumbing Repairs

Prioritize your safety and the well-being of your home by recognizing what is considered a plumbing emergency and seeking the expertise of a 24-hour emergency plumber. 

When facing stubborn leaks or complex plumbing issues in the Charleston, SC, area, trust Blue Collars. Contact Blue Collars for emergency plumbing to prevent water waste, avoid escalating utility costs and mitigate potential water damage to your home.