How to Fix a Leaking Delta Tub Faucet: Step-by-Step Instructions

AvatarByLiana Farrell Faucet Queries

Do you have a leaky tub faucet? It can be a frustrating problem, but it’s one that you can usually fix yourself with a few simple tools and some basic instructions. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to fix a leaking tub faucet Delta. We’ll cover everything from identifying the source of the leak to replacing the faucet parts. So if you’re ready to get started, let’s get started!

Step Tools Instructions
1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet. – Adjustable wrench – Pliers
2. Remove the handle and escutcheon. – Flathead screwdriver – Tape measure
3. Inspect the faucet for damage. – Penetrating oil – Replacement parts
4. Repair or replace the faucet. – Pipe wrench – Tape
5. Reassemble the faucet and turn on the water supply. – Screwdriver – Penetrating oil

Identifying the Source of the Leak

The first step to fixing a leaking tub faucet is to identify the source of the leak. This can be done by following the following steps:

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet. This can usually be done by turning a valve located under the sink or behind the toilet.
2. Remove the faucet handle by unscrewing the setscrew located on the back of the handle.
3. Inspect the faucet body for any visible leaks. If you see any leaks, you will need to replace the faucet.
4. If you do not see any leaks, you will need to check the O-rings and washers. The O-rings are located inside the faucet body, and the washers are located between the faucet body and the spout.
5. To check the O-rings, you will need to remove the faucet cartridge. The cartridge is a small, cylindrical-shaped part that is located inside the faucet body.
6. To remove the cartridge, you will need to use a faucet wrench to loosen the setscrews that hold the cartridge in place.
7. Once the cartridge is removed, you can inspect the O-rings for any damage. If the O-rings are damaged, you will need to replace them.
8. To replace the O-rings, you will need to use a pair of pliers to carefully pry them out of the faucet body.
9. Once the O-rings are removed, you can apply a small amount of plumber’s grease to the new O-rings.
10. Then, you can insert the new O-rings into the faucet body.
11. Finally, you can reinstall the cartridge and the faucet handle.

Once you have replaced the O-rings, you should turn on the water supply to the faucet and check for leaks. If there are no leaks, the faucet is fixed.

Turning Off the Water Supply

Before you can begin to fix a leaking tub faucet, you will need to turn off the water supply to the faucet. This can usually be done by turning a valve located under the sink or behind the toilet.

To turn off the water supply to the faucet, follow these steps:

1. Locate the water supply valve. The water supply valve is usually located under the sink or behind the toilet.
2. Turn the water supply valve to the “off” position. This will stop the flow of water to the faucet.
3. Verify that the water supply is turned off by checking the faucet. If the faucet is no longer leaking, the water supply is turned off.

Once you have turned off the water supply to the faucet, you can begin to fix the leak.

Leaking tub faucets can be a nuisance, but they can be easily fixed by following the steps outlined in this article. By identifying the source of the leak and turning off the water supply, you can quickly and easily get your tub faucet back in working order.

Removing the Faucet Handle

To remove the faucet handle, you will need to:

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Remove the screws that hold the handle in place.
3. Pry the handle off of the faucet.

Turning Off the Water Supply

To turn off the water supply to the faucet, you will need to find the shut-off valve. This is usually located near the faucet, either behind the wall or under the sink. Once you have found the shut-off valve, turn it clockwise to turn off the water supply.

Removing the Screws

The screws that hold the faucet handle in place are usually located on the back of the handle. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws.

Prying the Handle Off

Once you have removed the screws, you can pry the handle off of the faucet. To do this, you can use a flathead screwdriver or a pry bar. Gently pry the handle off of the faucet until it comes loose.

Replacing the O-Ring or Washer

Once you have removed the handle, you can inspect the O-ring or washer. If the O-ring or washer is damaged, you will need to replace it.

To replace the O-ring or washer, you will need to:

1. Remove the old O-ring or washer.
2. Apply a thin coat of plumber’s grease to the new O-ring or washer.
3. Insert the new O-ring or washer into the faucet.

Reassembling the Faucet

Once you have replaced the O-ring or washer, you can reassemble the faucet. To do this, you will need to:

1. Place the handle back on the faucet.
2. Secure the handle with the screws.
3. Turn on the water supply to the faucet.

Testing the Faucet

Once you have reassembled the faucet, you should test it to make sure that it is working properly. Turn on the water supply to the faucet and check for leaks. If there are no leaks, the faucet is fixed.

Replacing the O-Ring or Washer

If the O-ring or washer is damaged, you will need to replace it. To do this, you will need to:

1. Remove the old O-ring or washer.
2. Apply a thin coat of plumber’s grease to the new O-ring or washer.
3. Insert the new O-ring or washer into the faucet.

Removing the Old O-Ring or Washer

To remove the old O-ring or washer, you will need to:

1. Use a pair of pliers to grip the O-ring or washer.
2. Gently pry the O-ring or washer out of the faucet.

Applying Plumber’s Grease

Plumber’s grease is a type of lubricant that helps to create a seal between the O-ring or washer and the faucet. To apply plumber’s grease, you will need to:

1. Dip a Q-tip into the plumber’s grease.
2. Apply a thin coat of plumber’s grease to the new O-ring or washer.

Inserting the New O-Ring or Washer

To insert the new O-ring or washer, you will need to:

1. Hold the new O-ring or washer in place with your fingers.
2. Gently insert the O-ring or washer into the faucet.

Reassembling the Faucet

Once you have inserted the new O-ring or washer, you can reassemble the faucet. To do this, you will need to:

1. Place the handle back on the faucet.
2. Secure the handle with the screws.
3. Turn on the water supply to the faucet.

Testing the Faucet

Once you have reassembled the faucet, you should test it to make sure that it is working properly. Turn on the water supply to the faucet and check for leaks. If there are no leaks, the faucet is fixed.

How do I fix a leaking tub faucet Delta?

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 set screw or clip holding it in place.
3. Inspect the faucet stem. This is the part that connects the faucet handle to the faucet body. If it is worn or damaged, you will need to replace it.
4. Apply a sealant to the threads of the new faucet stem. This will help to prevent leaks.
5. Replace the faucet handle. Make sure it is tightened securely.
6. Turn on the water supply to the faucet. Test the faucet to make sure that it is not leaking.

What are the most common causes of a leaking tub faucet Delta?

  • Worn or damaged faucet stem
  • Loose faucet handle
  • Clogged faucet aerator
  • Damaged O-ring
  • Mineral buildup

How can I prevent a leaking tub faucet Delta?

  • Keep the faucet clean and free of mineral buildup.
  • Replace the faucet stem regularly if it is worn or damaged.
  • Tighten the faucet handle securely.
  • Replace the faucet aerator if it is clogged.
  • Use a faucet lubricant to prevent the O-ring from drying out and cracking.

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

If you are unable to fix the leak yourself, you should contact a qualified plumber. They will be able to diagnose the problem and fix it quickly and efficiently.

In this guide, we have shown you how to fix a leaking Delta tub faucet. We have covered the steps involved in diagnosing the problem, removing the faucet, repairing the leaking parts, and reinstalling the faucet. We hope that this guide has been helpful and that you are now able to fix your leaking Delta tub faucet.

Here are some key takeaways from this guide:

  • Before you start working on your faucet, turn off the water supply to the faucet.
  • To remove the faucet, you will need to remove the escutcheon, the handle, and the stem.
  • To repair the leaking parts, you will need to replace the O-rings and the seat washer.
  • When reinstalling the faucet, make sure that the O-rings are properly seated and that the faucet is tightened securely.

By following these steps, you can easily fix a leaking Delta tub faucet and restore your faucet to its former glory.

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.