How To Repair Leaky Bathtub Spout

How to gear up a leaky bathtub faucet without a professional

A leaky faucet in a bathroom representing how to fix a leaky bathtub faucet

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Ever wondered how to set up a leaky bathtub faucet? Not just is a leaky faucet abrasive, it tin add to your water bill if information technology goes ignored. It's one of those problems we don't think we're capable of facing without a professional plumber, a bit like bleeding a radiator. But the truth is you lot tin repair a leaky faucet yourself, rapidly and easily.

You should repair a leaky faucet equally shortly as yous can for sustainable reasons besides — think about it, if you've got a faucet which regularly drips 24 hours a day, over a year it could waste matter hundreds of liters of water.

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Fixing takes a matter of minutes with a few household tools, so there's no reason not to exercise it. Hither'south how to fix a leaky faucet.

How to fix a leaky bathtub faucet

What you lot will need

Screwdriver

Adjustable wrench

New washer (potentially)

one. Before you starting time, it's worth mentioning that most leaky faucets are acquired by damaged washers, so you may want to have a replacement ready if this is the case.

2. First, shut off your water supply. Y'all're going to exist removing some components and the last affair you lot want is water impairment. Your water supply valve can usually exist establish in the basement or crawl space of your house. Some will also be located outside.

A water valve being turned off — (Image credit: Shutterstock)

3. Once that'due south off, turn on your faucet to bleed whatsoever residue water before you gear up the leak.

four. Once you've done this, you lot're going to desire to reach the stem or cartridge, which will either be behind the faucet itself, or behind the handle plate on the wall, depending on your faucet type. Refer to your manual if yous're unsure.

v. To accomplish the stem or cartridge, yous're going to demand to remove your faucet handle. The best method to practice this volition depend on your type of faucet. If your handle is attached to the faucet, you may notice a small-scale screw under the handle which holds it in place — you can use a screwdriver to remove the spiral and release the handle. If your handle is fastened to the wall with a cap, you should be able to remove the cap start by simply twisting information technology off.

A dismantled faucet — (Epitome credit: Shutterstock)

6. Next, you lot demand to either take the faucet abroad from the wall, or remove the handle plate completely. Either should be possible by removing some additional screws which should now be visible using a screwdriver.

7. Once you've unscrewed these, exist prepared for the faucet or handle plate to come away. Some might need a slight tug every bit the casing can fuse to the wall from limescale and corrosion. Don't force it as this can break it. Instead, attempt warming it by running hot water over it first, then try again.

eight. Continue the screws safe with the handle and faucet, and then yous don't lose them.

9. If yous have a escutcheon, which looks similar a keyhole comprehend on your wall, that volition need removing too. Some will need to be unscrewed, while others should twist off.

x. At present, you lot should be looking at the internal stem or cartridge. Remove this using an adjustable wrench and take a good look over it for wear or harm.

A broken washer next to a stem from a faucet — (Paradigm credit: Shutterstock)

xi. You should spot a small safety band on the top of the stem, which is the washer. If this looks worn or cracked, it's likely what'due south causing the leak. Replace this with a new one after unscrewing the washer screw, and so reassemble the faucet. If y'all can't see a washer, so you demand to replace the cartridge instead.

12. If this doesn't stop the leak, your stem or handle could demand replacing — check these besides for damage and club a compatible part if necessary.

13. In one case everything is back in identify, switch your h2o back on.

If this doesn't solve the problem, so it'due south time to telephone call in a professional. But, hopefully this has put a terminate to your leaky faucet.

What causes a leaky faucet?

Most leaky faucets are acquired by a worn washer. The washer is essentially pushed against the valve every time the water is turned on and off. This will slowly wear it down, until it hardens, cracks and causes a leak. However, leaks can besides be caused by a faulty stem or cartridge, or by a rusty handle. Be prepared that at least i of these parts may need replacing.

Katie looks after everything homes-related, from kitchen appliances to gardening tools. She also covers smart dwelling products too, so is the best point of contact for any household advice! She has tested and reviewed kitchen appliances for over half dozen years, so she knows what to look for when finding the best. Her favorite matter to test has to be stand up mixers as she loves to bake in her spare fourth dimension.