Fixing A Leaky Bathroom Tub Faucet

Fixing a Leaky Bathroom Tub Faucet

A leaky bathroom tub faucet can be a frustrating and costly issue. Not only can it waste water, but it can also lead to water damage if left unchecked. Fortunately, fixing a leaky tub faucet is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few hours with the right tools and materials.

Tools and Materials

Wrench
Allen wrench
Phillips screwdriver
Flathead screwdriver
Putty knife
O-rings
Washers
Faucet seat wrench or a cartridge puller (if necessary)
Plumber's putty
Teflon tape

Step by Step Instructions

Turn off the water supply. There should be two shut-off valves under the sink or behind the faucet. Turn both valves clockwise until the water is completely turned off.
Disassemble the faucet. This will vary depending on the type of faucet you have. However, most faucets can be disassembled by removing the aerator, handle, and trim plate. Once the trim plate is removed, you will have access to the cartridge or stem.
Replace the O-rings and washers. The O-rings and washers are small rubber or plastic gaskets that seal the faucet and prevent leaks. Over time, these gaskets can wear out and cause leaks. To replace the O-rings and washers, simply remove the old ones and replace them with new ones.
Reassemble the faucet. Once you have replaced the O-rings and washers, you can reassemble the faucet in reverse order. Be sure to tighten all of the screws and bolts securely.
Turn on the water supply and check for leaks. Once the faucet is reassembled, turn on the water supply and check for leaks. If there are any leaks, you may need to tighten the screws and bolts further or replace the O-rings and washers again.

Tips

If you are not comfortable fixing the faucet yourself, you can call a plumber to do it for you.
Before you start working on the faucet, make sure to lay down a towel or cloth to protect the floor from water damage.
If you are replacing the cartridge, be sure to use a cartridge puller to remove the old cartridge. Trying to remove the cartridge by hand can damage the faucet.
When you reassemble the faucet, be sure to apply Teflon tape to the threads of all of the screws and bolts to prevent leaks.