Quck answer
To fix a leaky tub faucet, follow these steps:
1. Turn off the water supply: Locate the shutoff valves under the sink or near the tub and turn them clockwise to shut off the water supply.
2. Remove the faucet handle: Use a screwdriver or an Allen wrench to remove the handle. Look for a small set screw on the handle and unscrew it.
3. Inspect and replace the cartridge or washer: Check the cartridge or washer inside the faucet for damage or wear. If necessary, replace it with a new one.
4. Reassemble the faucet: Put the handle back in place and tighten the set screw.
5. Turn on the water supply: Open the shutoff valves counterclockwise to restore water flow.
By following these steps, you can fix a leaky tub faucet and prevent water wastage.
Dealing with a leaky tub faucet can be quite bothersome, but fortunately, it is usually a simple fix that can be done by swapping out a damaged washer, gasket, or O-ring. Even if you are not an expert in home improvement, this repair can be completed by most homeowners in just an hour or two.
However, in rare cases, a bathtub faucet leak may be caused by a damaged valve or pipes that are inaccessible without demolition. In such a scenario, it is best to call a plumber, but this almost never happens.
While the procedure for replacing a bathroom faucet washer, gasket, or O-ring is usually quick, you may encounter some challenges. If you have hard water and the faucet hasn’t been serviced for a long time, the faucet handle may be stuck to the valve stem or the valve itself may be welded to the valve housing. In such cases, you will need heavier duty tools like a handle puller or valve pullers.
Checking for a Leak Behind the Wall
The visible part of the tub faucet is just the tip of the iceberg. The actual valve housing, responsible for directing cold and hot water to the tub spout and showerhead, is permanently connected to the water pipes behind the tub wall. While these parts don’t usually leak, there is a possibility of a leak behind the wall.
If the bathroom plumbing is well-designed, there will be a panel that allows access to the valve behind the tub wall. In case you notice water on the floor, it is wise to check inside this panel for signs of a leaky valve or pipes. If you see water spraying, you should call a plumber as soon as possible to prevent damage to the wall framing or floor. If there’s no panel, water around the base of the wall or bathtub is a clear indication of a leak and requires prompt action.
Single-, Double-, and Triple-Handle Faucets
Tub and shower faucets can be operated by one of four different valve mechanisms. The most common is a cartridge valve, which has strategically placed holes that control the flow of water when you turn the handle. Bathtub faucets with cartridge valves usually have one handle, but they can have two. When a double-handle faucet has cartridge valves, you can only turn the handles through 90 degrees.
Most double-handle tub faucets have compression valves, which screw down onto the valve seat when you turn the handle clockwise and let water flow when you turn counterclockwise. Older compression valve bathroom faucets may have a third handle to operate a diverter that switches water flow from the tub spout to the showerhead. However, the diverter is hardly ever responsible for a leak from the spout.
Faucets on sinks commonly use disk valves or ball valves, while tub faucets tend to use disk valves. Ball valves were introduced by Delta but stopped being supplied on tub faucets in the 90s. If your faucet is quite old and has a single handle, it might have a ball valve. Fortunately, disk valves are more reliable and easier to repair than other valve types.
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Preparing to Replace a Washer
To replace washers and gaskets to fix a leaking tub faucet, it’s best to have replacement parts ready before disassembling the faucet. You can identify the manufacturer by the logo on the cap that hides the handle screw, or by the manufacturer’s name on the faucet escutcheon. With this information, you can search for a model-specific repair kit online and purchase it from a hardware store. If the faucet has mineral deposit stains, you may want to invest in a handle puller and cartridge puller, which will also work on other faucets. Additionally, plumbers’ grease is useful for lubricating the rubber parts being replaced.
Before starting any repair work, you must turn off the water supply to the bathroom. The shutoff valve may be in the basement underneath the bathroom, near the point of entry of the main water line into the house, or outside on the side of the house. If you can’t find the valve, contact the water company to schedule a worker to shut it off for you.
Materials Needed:
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Vinegar
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Plumbers’ grease
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Flathead screwdriver
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Phillips screwdriver
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Allen wrench
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Handle puller
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Slip-joint pliers
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Adjustable wrench
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Needle-nose pliers
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Cartridge puller
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Flashlight
Fixing a Leaky Bathtub Faucet
To fix a leaky bathtub faucet, start by shutting off the water to the bathroom. After that, you can begin the repair process.
Step 1: Identify the Valve that Requires Servicing
If the faucet has a single handle, then it has only one valve that requires servicing. If the faucet has two handles, only one of the valves may require attention. Check the temperature of the water dripping from the spout. If the water is warm, service the hot water valve first, and if it is cold, service the cold water valve first. If the faucet still leaks after servicing one valve, try servicing the other one.
Step 2: Remove the Faucet Handle
Use a flathead screwdriver to pry off the cap that is concealing the handle screw. In the case of lever-style faucets, the setscrew is usually located below the lever. Once you remove the cap, unscrew the setscrew using a Phillips screwdriver or Allen wrench. After the screw is removed, you can pull the handle off. If the handle does not come off easily, use the handle puller that you have bought.
Step 3: Release the Valve
The manner in which you release the valve is contingent upon the type of faucet:
- A compression valve is held in position by a retaining nut that you can unscrew using slip-joint pliers or an adjustable wrench.
- A ball valve also has a retaining nut that you can unscrew using pliers. Once the nut is removed, the ball will fall out of the valve housing.
- A cartridge valve may be held by a retaining nut or clip that you can remove using needle-nose pliers. Depending on the model, you may have to remove a temperature limiting ring and a stop tube and take off the faucet escutcheon before accessing the retaining clip or nut.
- A disk valve is typically held in place by screws that you can remove using a Phillips screwdriver.
Step 4: Remove the Valve
If you have a cartridge valve, grasp the valve stem with pliers and remove the cartridge straight out of the housing. If the cartridge is stuck, avoid wiggling it excessively as this could damage the valve housing. Use a cartridge puller to remove the valve instead.
Step 5: Inspect the Valve
Cartridge and ball valves are often constructed from plastic, which is susceptible to chipping or cracking. If you see any imperfections on the valve, replace it with a new one. If the valve is covered in scale but has no other defects, the scale may be the cause of the leak. Soak the valve in vinegar for several hours to clean it.
Step 6: Replace All Rubber Parts
The rubber components that require replacement depend on the type of faucet:
When repairing a leaking bathtub faucet, the type of valve it has will determine the steps to follow. A compression valve has a single rubber washer that needs to be replaced. A ball valve has a spring-loaded seat washer, which must be pried out and replaced. A cartridge valve usually has one or more O-rings that need to be replaced with lubricated ones. A disk valve has a pair of gaskets that should be pulled out and swapped with new ones. After all repairs, the faucet needs to be reassembled and tested for leaks. If it continues to leak, the valve seat may be damaged and must be replaced by a seat wrench.
FAQ
1. Why is my tub faucet leaking?
A leaky tub faucet can be caused by several factors. One common cause is a worn-out washer. Over time, the washer inside the faucet can become worn or damaged, causing water to leak out. Another possible cause is a loose or faulty valve stem. The valve stem controls the flow of water and if it is loose or damaged, it can result in a leaky faucet. Additionally, mineral deposits can build up inside the faucet, obstructing the flow of water and causing leaks.
2. How can I fix a leaky tub faucet?
To fix a leaky tub faucet, you will need to first identify the cause of the leak. If the washer is worn out, you can replace it by turning off the water supply, removing the handle and trim, and replacing the washer. If the valve stem is loose or faulty, you may need to tighten or replace it. In some cases, you may need to clean the faucet to remove mineral deposits. This can be done by soaking the faucet in vinegar or using a commercial cleaner. If the issue persists, it is best to consult a professional plumber.
3. Are there any preventive measures to avoid a leaky tub faucet?
Yes, there are preventive measures you can take to avoid a leaky tub faucet. Regular maintenance is key. Inspect the faucet for any signs of wear or damage and replace any worn-out parts promptly. Avoid using excessive force when turning the faucet on or off as this can cause damage over time. Additionally, be mindful of the water pressure in your home. High water pressure can put stress on the faucet and lead to leaks. Installing a pressure regulator can help regulate the water pressure and prevent leaks.