If you have ever had a problem with a leaking bathroom sink or tub faucet, then you know how annoying it can be. The water keeps dripping down, making noise, and possibly even reaching your flooring and tiles, causing further damage.
This can happen even if you have tried to tighten the screws and put new washers on the faucet.
Luckily, we have written this article to tell you all about how to fix a leaky bathtub faucet, as well as what tools and materials you might need and whether you will need a professional or not. Let's dive right in!
How To Fix A Leaky Bathtub Faucet
The following steps will guide you through the process of how to fix a leaky bathtub faucet. You should not have to endure the slow and annoying drip coming from a leaky faucet, nor the big stain it can eventually leave in the tub.
By following the instructions below, you can identify and fix the issue to prevent excess water bills, whilst preventing you from developing a headache from the constant dripping.
Doing it yourself rather than hiring a professional can also save you quite a bit of cash, which is always a bonus!
- Before you begin, it's important to know those leaky faucets are often caused by damaged washers, so you may need to have a replacement on standby if this is the case.
- The first thing you should do is shut off the main valve at the top of the pipe. If you don't turn off the water supply, you could end up having a flood in your house. This valve can be found in the basement of your house most times.
- Once you have turned your water off, you can turn on your faucet to drain the residual water before you attempt to fix the leak.
- Now this is complete, you need to reach the stem or the cartridge, which should be behind the faucet or the handle plate on the wall. This will depend on the faucet type.
- To reach the faucet stem or cartridge, you need to remove your handle. The best way to do this will depend on your type of faucet.
- If your handle is directly attached to the faucet, you might notice a little screw under the handle which keeps it in place. You can use a screwdriver to remove the screw and release the faucet handle.
- If your handle is attached to the wall with a cap, you can often remove the cap first by just twisting it off.
- Next, you need to take the faucet away from the wall completely or remove the handle plate. Both should be possible by removing some further screws in the mechanism. These screws should be visible using a screwdriver.
- Once these are unscrewed, the faucet or handle plate should be able to come away. Some might need a tug as the casing often fuses to the wall from corrosion and limescale.
- Remember only to gently tug and avoid forcing it, as this can ruin and break it. Try warming it under hot water first and try again if it still doesn't come off.
- Keep the screws safe with the handle and faucet, and make sure you don't lose them.
- If you have an escutcheon, this will look like a keyhole cover over your wall, this will also need removing too. This can be unscrewed or twisted.
- You should now be staring at the internal stem or cartridge. Remove this with a wrench that is ideally adjustable and search for wear or damage.
How To Replace A Washer
If there is any damage to the washer, you'll need to replace it. There are many different types of washers available; however, they are usually made out of plastic and metal.
Metal ones tend to last longer than their plastic counterparts. It is recommended that you get one that has a rubber seal around it as this will help prevent further leaks.
- When replacing the washer, you will need to loosen the nut holding it in place, but make sure you don't drop it into the hole. You will then need to tighten the nut back down.
- Make sure that the new washer fits snugly into its hole. If not, you can adjust it until it does.
- After adjusting the washer, you can put it back together by tightening the nut and securing it with a locknut.
- Now, you may want to test your washer to see if it works properly. Turn your tap on slowly and watch for bubbles. If there are no bubbles, you're good to go!
- Finally, fill up your bathtub and enjoy your newly-repaired bathroom!
You may also like: How to Clean a Bathtub
Why Is My Faucet Leaking?
Leaky faucets are often caused by a worn-out or broken washer. The washer is pressed against the valve each time the water is turned off and on again. This can, over time, wear it down, until it completely hardens, then cracks, and causes a leak.
However, leaks can also be caused by a stem or cartridge that has turned faulty, or by a rusty handle. Be prepared that one of these parts may need replacing if this is the case.
Other causes of a leaky faucet include:
• Improper installation
• Poor quality parts
• Damaged pipes
• Corrosion
• Excessively high water pressure
• Inadequate maintenance
• Dirty filters
• Clogged drains
• Faulty valves
You may also like: Clogged Drain Home Remedies
Final Thoughts
We hope you have learned all you need to know about fixing a leaky faucet in this article, and how it can save you time and money if you follow these instructions instead of hiring a professional.
Most times, a leaky faucet is caused by a damaged washer, so as long as you have a replacement, you should be on your way to fixing that leak in no time. We wish you luck in fixing your leaky faucet!