How to Fix a Dripping Bathtub Faucet: A Step-by-Step Guide

AvatarByLiana Farrell Faucet Queries

How to Fix a Dripping Bathtub Faucet

A dripping bathtub faucet can be a major annoyance, wasting water and driving up your utility bills. But fixing it yourself is usually a simple and straightforward 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 dripping bathtub faucet, from identifying the problem to completing the repairs. We’ll also provide tips on how to prevent future leaks.

So if you’re tired of dealing with a dripping faucet, read on for all the information you need to get it fixed!

Step Tools Instructions
1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet. – Adjustable wrench – Pliers
2. Remove the old faucet handle. – Screwdriver – Penetrating oil
3. Remove the old faucet cartridge. – Basin wrench – Replacement cartridge
4. Install the new faucet cartridge. – Replacement cartridge – Teflon tape
5. Reattach the faucet handle. – Screwdriver – Penetrating oil
6. Turn on the water supply to the faucet.

A dripping bathtub faucet can be a major annoyance, and it can also waste a lot of water. If you’re tired of dealing with a leaky faucet, you’re in luck. Fixing a dripping bathtub faucet is a relatively simple task that you can do yourself in just a few minutes.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of identifying the problem, determining the cause of the leak, and fixing the leak. We’ll also provide some tips on how to prevent future leaks.

Identifying the Problem

The first step to fixing a dripping bathtub faucet is to identify the problem. Here are some of the signs that you may have a leaky faucet:

  • The faucet is dripping even when it’s turned off.
  • The faucet is dripping when it’s turned on, even if you’re not using it.
  • The faucet is dripping when you’re using it.
  • The water pressure at the faucet is lower than usual.
  • The water temperature at the faucet is different than usual.

If you’re seeing any of these signs, it’s likely that you have a leaky faucet. The next step is to figure out where the leak is coming from.

How to Tell Where the Leak is Coming From

There are a few different ways to tell where a leaky bathtub faucet is coming from. Here are two of the most common methods:

1. Visual inspection: The easiest way to tell where a leaky faucet is coming from is to visually inspect the faucet. Look for any signs of water damage, such as water stains or rust. You may also be able to see the leak itself if it’s coming from a visible part of the faucet.
2. Turn off the water supply: Another way to tell where a leaky faucet is coming from is to turn off the water supply to the faucet. This will stop the leak, and you’ll be able to hear where the water is coming from.

Once you’ve identified the leak, you can move on to the next step: determining the cause of the leak.

Determining the Cause of the Leak

There are a number of different things that can cause a bathtub faucet to leak. Here are some of the most common causes:

  • Loose or damaged O-rings: The O-rings in a faucet are small rubber rings that seal the faucet shut. If the O-rings are loose or damaged, they can allow water to leak out of the faucet.
  • Clogged cartridges: The cartridges in a faucet are small plastic or metal discs that control the flow of water through the faucet. If the cartridges are clogged, they can prevent the faucet from closing properly, which can lead to a leak.
  • Damaged valves: The valves in a faucet are small metal or plastic parts that control the flow of water through the faucet. If the valves are damaged, they can allow water to leak out of the faucet.
  • Corroded pipes: The pipes that connect the faucet to the water supply can corrode over time, which can lead to leaks.

Once you’ve determined the cause of the leak, you can move on to the next step: fixing the leak.

Fixing the Leak

Once you’ve identified and determined the cause of the leak, you can fix the leak yourself. Here are the steps involved in fixing a leaky bathtub faucet:

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet. This will prevent any further water from leaking out of the faucet.
2. Remove the faucet handle. This will give you access to the faucet internals.
3. Inspect the faucet internals. Look for any signs of damage or wear.
4. Replace any damaged or worn parts. This includes the O-rings, cartridges, valves, and pipes.
5. Reassemble the faucet. Make sure that all of the parts are properly seated and tightened.
6. Turn on the water supply to the faucet. Test the faucet to make sure that the leak has been fixed.

If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, you can always call a plumber to fix the leak for you.

Fixing a dripping bathtub faucet is a relatively simple task that you can do yourself in just a few minutes. By following the steps in this guide, you can save yourself time and money and get your leaky faucet fixed in no time.

Here are some tips for preventing future leaks:

  • Keep the faucet clean and free of debris.
  • Replace the O-rings and cartridges regularly.
  • Check the valves and pipes for signs of damage or wear.
  • If you notice a leak, fix it immediately.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your bathtub faucet in good working order and prevent future leaks.

Fixing the Leak

A dripping bathtub faucet can be a major annoyance, and it can also waste a lot of water. If you’re tired of dealing with a leaky faucet, you can usually fix it yourself with a few simple tools and supplies.

How to replace a worn-out washer

The most common cause of a dripping bathtub faucet is a worn-out washer. The washer is a small rubber O-ring that sits between the faucet stem and the faucet body. When the washer gets worn out, it can no longer create a tight seal, which allows water to leak out.

To replace a worn-out washer, you will need:

  • A new washer (the size of the washer will vary depending on the faucet)
  • A small flathead screwdriver
  • A pair of pliers

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Remove the faucet handle by unscrewing the setscrews that hold it in place.
3. Use the flathead screwdriver to pry off the old washer.
4. Insert the new washer into the faucet stem.
5. Replace the faucet handle.
6. Turn on the water supply to the faucet and test to make sure the leak is fixed.

How to tighten a loose faucet handle

If the faucet handle is loose, it can also cause a leak. To tighten the handle, you will need:

  • A pair of pliers

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Use the pliers to tighten the setscrews that hold the faucet handle in place.
3. Turn on the water supply to the faucet and test to make sure the leak is fixed.

How to repair a damaged faucet stem

If the faucet stem is damaged, you will need to replace it. To replace a faucet stem, you will need:

  • A new faucet stem (the size of the faucet stem will vary depending on the faucet)
  • A faucet wrench
  • A pair of pliers

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Remove the faucet handle by unscrewing the setscrews that hold it in place.
3. Use the faucet wrench to loosen the nuts that hold the faucet stem in place.
4. Remove the old faucet stem.
5. Insert the new faucet stem into the faucet body.
6. Tighten the nuts that hold the faucet stem in place.
7. Replace the faucet handle.
8. Turn on the water supply to the faucet and test to make sure the leak is fixed.

Preventing Future Leaks

Once you’ve fixed the leak, you can take steps to prevent future leaks from happening. Here are a few tips:

  • Keep the faucet clean and free of debris.
  • Lubricate the faucet stem with a thin coat of silicone grease.
  • Tighten the faucet handle regularly to make sure it’s not loose.
  • Replace worn-out washers as soon as possible.
  • If you notice a leak, fix it right away.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your bathtub faucet leak-free for years to come.

A dripping bathtub faucet can be a major annoyance, but it’s usually a simple fix. By following the steps in this guide, you can easily fix the leak and prevent future leaks from happening.

If you’re not comfortable fixing the leak yourself, you can always call a plumber. A plumber can quickly and easily fix the leak and make sure your faucet is working properly.

How do I fix a dripping bathtub faucet?

There are a few different ways to fix a dripping bathtub faucet. The best way to determine the best course of action is to first identify the source of the leak.

  • If the leak is coming from the spout, you can try tightening the packing nut under the spout. If that doesn’t work, you may need to replace the O-ring or washer inside the spout.
  • If the leak is coming from the faucet handle, you can try tightening the screw on the back of the handle. If that doesn’t work, you may need to replace the cartridge inside the faucet.
  • If the leak is coming from the faucet body, you may need to replace the faucet.

Here are the detailed steps on how to fix a dripping bathtub faucet:

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet. This is usually located under the sink.
2. Remove the faucet handle. There will be a screw on the back of the handle. Once you remove the screw, the handle should come off.
3. Inspect the faucet body. Look for any damage or corrosion. If there is damage, you will need to replace the faucet.
4. Tighten the packing nut. This is located under the spout. Use a wrench to tighten the nut until it is snug.
5. Replace the O-ring or washer. If the packing nut is tight and the leak is still occurring, you will need to replace the O-ring or washer inside the spout.
6. Replace the cartridge. If tightening the packing nut and replacing the O-ring or washer does not stop the leak, you will need to replace the cartridge inside the faucet.
7. Reattach the faucet handle. Once you have replaced the cartridge, you can reattach the faucet handle.
8. Turn on the water supply to the faucet. Test the faucet to make sure the leak has been stopped.

What are the common causes of a dripping bathtub faucet?

There are a few common causes of a dripping bathtub faucet:

  • Loose packing nut: The packing nut is located under the spout and helps to seal the faucet. If the packing nut is loose, it can allow water to leak out.
  • Damaged O-ring or washer: The O-ring or washer is a small rubber ring that helps to seal the faucet. If the O-ring or washer is damaged, it can allow water to leak out.
  • Clogged cartridge: The cartridge is a small valve that controls the flow of water to the faucet. If the cartridge is clogged, it can prevent the faucet from closing properly and allow water to leak out.
  • Damaged faucet body: If the faucet body is damaged, it can allow water to leak out.

How can I prevent a dripping bathtub faucet?

There are a few things you can do to prevent a dripping bathtub faucet:

  • Tighten the packing nut regularly. The packing nut is located under the spout and helps to seal the faucet. If the packing nut is loose, it can allow water to leak out.
  • Replace the O-ring or washer every few years. The O-ring or washer is a small rubber ring that helps to seal the faucet. If the O-ring or washer is damaged, it can allow water to leak out.
  • Clean the cartridge regularly. The cartridge is a small valve that controls the flow of water to the faucet. If the cartridge is clogged, it can prevent the faucet from closing properly and allow water to leak out.
  • Replace the faucet if it is damaged. If the faucet body is damaged, it can allow water to leak out.

What should I do if I can’t fix a dripping bathtub faucet myself?

If you can’t fix a dripping bathtub faucet yourself, you should call a plumber. A plumber will be able to identify the source of the leak and fix it quickly and efficiently.

Here are some additional tips for fixing a dripping bathtub faucet:

  • Be careful not to overtighten the packing nut. If you tighten the packing nut too much, you can damage the faucet.
  • Use the right tools for the job. You will need a wrench to tighten the packing nut and a screwdriver to remove the faucet handle.
  • Be patient. Fixing a dripping bathtub faucet can take some time. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t fix it the first time.
  • If you’re not comfortable fixing a dripping bathtub faucet yourself, call a plumber. A plumber will be able to identify the source

In this article, we’ve discussed how to fix a dripping bathtub faucet. We’ve covered the different types of faucets and the most common causes of dripping. We’ve also provided step-by-step instructions on how to fix a dripping faucet yourself.

If you’re not comfortable working on your own plumbing, you can always call a professional plumber. However, by following the steps in this article, you can save yourself some money and fix your dripping faucet in no time.

Here are the key takeaways from this article:

  • The most common cause of a dripping bathtub faucet is a worn-out washer.
  • To fix a dripping faucet, you will need to remove the old washer and replace it with a new one.
  • The type of washer you need will depend on the type of faucet you have.
  • You can find replacement washers at most hardware stores.
  • If you’re not comfortable working on your own plumbing, you can always call a professional plumber.

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.