How to Fix a Leaky Delta Tub Faucet in 5 Easy Steps

AvatarByLiana Farrell Faucet Queries

How to Fix a Leaky Delta Tub Faucet

A leaky Delta tub faucet can be a major annoyance, not to mention a waste of water. But don’t despair – fixing it is usually a simple task that can be completed in just a few minutes.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of how to fix a leaky Delta tub faucet, from identifying the source of the leak to replacing the necessary parts. We’ll also provide some tips on how to prevent future leaks.

So if you’re ready to get started, let’s get to work!

Step Instructions Image
1 Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2 Remove the handle and stem from the faucet.
3 Inspect the O-ring and washer for damage.
4 Replace the O-ring and washer if necessary.
5 Reassemble the faucet.
6 Turn on the water supply to the faucet and test it for leaks.

A leaky faucet can be a major annoyance, and it can also waste a significant amount of water. If you have a leaky Delta tub faucet, you may be able to fix it yourself with a few simple tools and supplies.

In this guide, we will walk you through the steps of identifying the source of the leak and troubleshooting the problem. We will also provide tips on how to prevent future leaks.

Identifying the Source of the Leak

The first step to fixing a leaky Delta tub faucet is to identify the source of the leak. There are four possible sources of a leak:

  • Dripping from the faucet handle
  • Dripping from the spout
  • Dripping from the base of the faucet
  • Water leaking behind the wall

Let’s take a closer look at each of these possible sources of leaks.

Dripping from the faucet handle

If the faucet handle is dripping, the most likely cause is a worn-out washer. The washer is a small, round disk that sits between the faucet handle and the faucet body. It helps to create a seal that prevents water from leaking out of the faucet.

To check for a worn-out washer, turn off the water supply to the faucet and remove the faucet handle. You will need to use a wrench to loosen the setscrew that holds the handle in place. Once the handle is removed, you can inspect the washer. If the washer is cracked, damaged, or missing, you will need to replace it.

Dripping from the spout

If the faucet spout is dripping, the most likely cause is a clogged aerator. The aerator is a small, perforated screen that sits at the end of the faucet spout. It helps to reduce splashing and also helps to filter out impurities in the water.

To check for a clogged aerator, remove the aerator from the faucet spout. You can usually do this by unscrewing the aerator with your fingers. Once the aerator is removed, you can inspect it for clogs. If the aerator is clogged, you can clean it by soaking it in a vinegar solution.

Dripping from the base of the faucet

If the faucet is dripping from the base, the most likely cause is a worn-out cartridge. The cartridge is a small, cylindrical valve that controls the flow of water through the faucet.

To check for a worn-out cartridge, turn off the water supply to the faucet and remove the faucet handle. You will need to use a wrench to loosen the setscrew that holds the handle in place. Once the handle is removed, you can access the cartridge. If the cartridge is damaged or worn out, you will need to replace it.

Water leaking behind the wall

If you see water leaking behind the wall behind the faucet, the most likely cause is a faulty valve. The valve is a metal or plastic device that controls the flow of water through the faucet.

To check for a faulty valve, you will need to remove the faucet. This can be a difficult and time-consuming process, so it is best to leave this task to a professional plumber.

Troubleshooting the Leak

Once you have identified the source of the leak, you can begin troubleshooting the problem. Here are some tips for troubleshooting a leaky Delta tub faucet:

  • Check for a loose or damaged washer. If the washer is loose, it can allow water to leak out of the faucet. To tighten the washer, you will need to use a wrench to turn the setscrew that holds the washer in place. If the washer is damaged, you will need to replace it.
  • Check for a clogged aerator. If the aerator is clogged, it can restrict the flow of water and cause the faucet to drip. To clean the aerator, you can soak it in a vinegar solution.
  • Check for a worn-out cartridge. If the cartridge is worn out, it can cause the faucet to drip. To replace the cartridge, you will need to remove the faucet handle and access the cartridge.
  • Check for a faulty valve. If the valve is faulty, it can cause the faucet to leak. To replace the valve, you will need to remove the faucet.

Preventing Future Leaks

Once you have fixed the leak, you can take steps to prevent future leaks. Here are some tips for preventing future leaks:

  • Install a water filter. A water filter can help to remove impurities from the water, which can help to prevent clogs in the aerator and cartridge.
  • Inspect the faucet regularly. Inspect the faucet regularly for leaks and signs of wear and tear. If you see any problems, have the faucet repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
  • Use the faucet properly. Do not turn the faucet

3. Replacing the Parts

If you’ve determined that the leak is coming from a specific part of your Delta tub faucet, you can usually fix it by replacing that part. Here are instructions on how to replace the washer, aerator, cartridge, and valve.

Replacing the washer

The washer is a small, flat disk that sits between the faucet stem and the faucet body. It helps to create a seal and prevent water from leaking. If the washer is worn out or damaged, it can cause a leak.

To replace the washer, you will need to:

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Remove the faucet handle.
3. Remove the faucet stem.
4. Remove the old washer.
5. Install the new washer.
6. Reassemble the faucet.

Replacing the aerator

The aerator is a small, perforated disk that screws onto the end of the faucet spout. It helps to aerate the water and create a more gentle stream. If the aerator is clogged or damaged, it can cause a leak.

To replace the aerator, you will need to:

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Remove the faucet handle.
3. Remove the faucet spout.
4. Remove the old aerator.
5. Install the new aerator.
6. Reassemble the faucet.

Replacing the cartridge

The cartridge is a cylindrical, plastic or metal part that contains the valve seals. It is located inside the faucet body. If the cartridge is worn out or damaged, it can cause a leak.

To replace the cartridge, you will need to:

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Remove the faucet handle.
3. Remove the faucet spout.
4. Remove the faucet body.
5. Remove the old cartridge.
6. Install the new cartridge.
7. Reassemble the faucet.

Replacing the valve

The valve is a metal part that controls the flow of water through the faucet. It is located inside the faucet body. If the valve is worn out or damaged, it can cause a leak.

To replace the valve, you will need to:

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Remove the faucet handle.
3. Remove the faucet spout.
4. Remove the faucet body.
5. Remove the old valve.
6. Install the new valve.
7. Reassemble the faucet.

4. Preventing Future Leaks

There are a few things you can do to prevent future leaks from your Delta tub faucet:

  • Install a water filter. A water filter can help to remove impurities from the water, which can help to prevent the formation of scale and sediment. Scale and sediment can build up on the faucet parts and cause them to malfunction.
  • Use a faucet lubricant. A faucet lubricant can help to keep the faucet parts moving smoothly and prevent them from sticking.
  • Replace the faucet regularly. Faucets have a lifespan of about 10 years. After that, they are more likely to start leaking. Replacing the faucet regularly can help to prevent leaks.

Leaking Delta tub faucets can be a nuisance, but they are usually easy to fix. By following the steps in this guide, you can quickly and easily get your faucet back in working order.

How do I fix a leaky Delta tub faucet?

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet. This is usually located under the sink.
2. Remove the faucet handle. There may be a screw or clip holding it in place.
3. Inspect the faucet stem. This is the part that connects the handle to the faucet body. If it is worn or damaged, it will need to be replaced.
4. Apply plumber’s grease to the new faucet stem. This will help to prevent leaks.
5. Reinstall the faucet handle.
6. Turn on the water supply to the faucet.

What are the common causes of a leaky Delta tub faucet?

  • Worn or damaged faucet stem
  • Loose faucet handle
  • Clogged faucet cartridge
  • Defective faucet gasket

How can I prevent a leaky Delta tub faucet?

  • Keep the faucet clean and free of debris.
  • Replace the faucet stem regularly (every 5-10 years).
  • Tighten the faucet handle regularly.
  • Repair or replace a clogged faucet cartridge or defective faucet gasket as soon as possible.

What should I do if I can’t fix the leak myself?

If you are unable to fix the leak yourself, you can call a licensed plumber.

Additional tips for fixing a leaky Delta tub faucet:

  • If you are unsure of how to fix the leak, it is best to call a professional.
  • Be careful not to damage the faucet when you are removing the handle or inspecting the faucet stem.
  • Use plumber’s grease sparingly. Too much grease can cause the faucet to malfunction.
  • If you are replacing the faucet stem, make sure to get the correct replacement part.
  • When you are reinstalling the faucet handle, make sure it is tightened securely.

    In this blog post, we have discussed how to fix a leaky Delta tub faucet. We have covered the steps involved in identifying the source of the leak, as well as the necessary tools and materials for the repair. We have also provided step-by-step instructions on how to complete the repair.

We hope that this blog post has been helpful in providing you with the information you need to fix a leaky Delta tub faucet. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Author Profile

Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell is the owner of toiletty.com. She is a mom of two and is very passionate about home improvement.

Liana has ten years of home improvement experience, and in her own words, she said: “I love improving the home, and I’m very passionate about keeping the home in the best possible condition. I love it!”

Liana Farrell balances beauty and functionality when she goes about her home improvement jobs.