Drip sound can make anyone crazy at night. I once had a bathtub faucet leaking so badly that I started placing a bucket under it. At first, I thought it was just annoying. But then came the high water bill. That’s when I decided to fix a leaking bathtub faucet myself.
If you’ve got a leaking bathtub faucet from spout, base, or handle you don’t always need a plumber. With a little patience and the right tools, you can handle it.
Why Your Bathtub Faucet Is Leaking:
It’s essential to understand why your bathtub faucet is leaking. Most leaks are caused by a few common issues and once you identify which one you’re dealing with, it becomes much easier to fix a leaking bathtub faucet correctly.
1. Worn-Out Washers or Cartridges
This is the most common reason behind a dripping faucet. Inside every faucet, rubber or silicone washers press against the valve seat to stop water flow. Over time, constant pressure and friction wear them down, creating small gaps where water seeps through.
If your faucet continues dripping even when tightly closed, the washer or cartridge is most likely worn out. Replacing these parts is often a quick and effective way to fix a leaking bathtub faucet, and the dripping usually stops immediately after installation.
2. Corroded Valve Seat
The valve seat connects the faucet to the spout. Since it’s constantly exposed to water, it can corrode or accumulate mineral deposits, especially in areas with hard water. A corroded valve seat prevents a tight seal, which results in slow leaks.
If you’ve replaced washers or cartridges and the leak persists, check the valve seat next. Sometimes, a simple cleaning or replacement can solve the problem entirely.
3. Loose Handles, Gaskets, or Seals
When water leaks from around the handle instead of the spout, the issue often lies with worn-out handle gaskets or seals. These rubber components naturally degrade over time, losing their flexibility and ability to contain water pressure.
Tightening the handle or replacing the internal seals can stop this type of leak. It’s also a good idea to clean out any mineral buildup or debris inside the handle assembly to ensure smoother movement and prevent future leaks.
4. Faulty Diverter Valve
If your bathtub faucet leaks when the shower is running, the diverter valve may be malfunctioning. This valve directs water between the tub and shower, and mineral buildup or internal wear can prevent it from fully closing.
To fix it, remove and clean the diverter. If that doesn’t stop the leak, replacing it is usually the most reliable long-term solution.
5. General Wear and Tear
Even high-quality faucets have a lifespan. Metal components can corrode, rubber parts dry out, and hard water accelerates deterioration. If your faucet is more than a decade old and continues to leak despite multiple repairs, it may be more practical to replace it entirely. Modern faucets are more water-efficient and designed to last longer.
How to Fix a Leaking Bathtub Faucet:
1. Switch Off the Water Supply
Simple but important. No one wants water flowing all over the bathroom.
2. Remove the Faucet Handle
Almost all handles have a small screw hidden under a cap. Remove the screw from it and pull out the handle. If the bathtub faucet leaking from the handle this process majority of the time disclose the problem.
3. Take Out the Stem or Cartridge
Inside the faucet is a stem or cartridge controlling water flow. Worn ones cause leaks. Pull it out using pliers or a wrench.
4. Inspect and Replace Washer or Cartridge
If you see a crack in the washer or worn out cartridge, change it to a new one. This usually solves a bathtub faucet leaking from spout issue.
5. Reassemble Everything
Put it all back in reverse order. Tighten carefully. Don’t overdo it.
6. Test the Faucet
Turn the water back on. If dripping stops, you just did a successful **repair bathtub faucet leak.
Special Cases:
* Bathtub faucet leaking hot water – Usually the hot-water valve seat or washer is worn out. Replace it.
* Bathtub faucet leaking from base – Often caused by when the faucet is mount loosely.Tight or reseal the faucet.
* Leaking or dripping shower head and bathtub faucet – Likely the diverter valve is faulty. Replacing it fixes both.
FAQs:
Q1: How to fix the leaking faucet in the bathtub?
Turn off water, remove handle, pull out the stem, replace washer or cartridge, reassemble.
Q2: Why is my bathtub faucet leaking?
Usually worn washers, corroded seats, or faulty cartridges.
Q3: Why is hot water leaking from my bathtub faucet?
The hot-water valve seat or washer is damaged. Replacing it solves the issue.
Q4: How to change a leaking bathtub faucet?
Remove the old faucet body completely, clean the threads, and install a new faucet.
Q5: How to fix a leaking bathtub faucet quick and easy?
Shut off water, replace the washer or cartridge. In many cases, this quick swap stops the drip.
