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

AvatarByLiana Farrell Faucet Queries

How to Fix a Leaking Delta Tub Faucet

A leaky Delta tub faucet can be a major annoyance, wasting water and money. Fortunately, it’s a relatively easy fix that you can do yourself in just a few minutes. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of how to fix a leaking Delta tub faucet, so you can get your faucet back in working order and save money on your water bill.

We’ll start by explaining the different types of leaks that can occur with Delta tub faucets, and then we’ll show you how to fix each type of leak. We’ll also provide some tips on how to prevent future leaks.

So if you’re tired of dealing with a leaky Delta tub faucet, read on for all the information you need to know to fix it yourself!

Step Instructions Image
1 Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2 Remove the handle by unscrewing the set screws.
3 Inspect the cartridge for damage.
4 Replace the cartridge if necessary.
5 Reassemble the faucet.
6 Turn on the water supply to the faucet.

How to Fix a Leaking Delta Tub Faucet

Identifying the Source of the Leak

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

1. Turn on the water to the faucet and let it run for a few minutes.
2. Look around the faucet for any signs of water, such as drips, wetness, or rust.
3. Listen for any dripping sounds coming from the faucet.
4. Feel around the faucet for any warm or wet areas.

Once you have identified the source of the leak, you can begin to troubleshoot the problem.

Turning Off the Water Supply

Before you can begin to fix the leak, you will need to turn off the water supply to the faucet. This can be done by following these steps:

1. Locate the shut-off valve for the faucet. This is usually located near the faucet, but it may be in a different location depending on your plumbing system.
2. Turn the shut-off valve clockwise until it is completely closed.
3. Make sure that the water is turned off by checking the faucet to see if it is still dripping.

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

Repairing the Leak

Once you have identified the source of the leak and turned off the water supply, you can begin to repair the leak. The following are some common causes of leaking Delta tub faucets and how to fix them:

  • Loose or damaged O-rings: O-rings are small rubber rings that seal the connection between the faucet and the water supply lines. If an O-ring is loose or damaged, it can allow water to leak out of the faucet. To fix this problem, you will need to remove the old O-ring and replace it with a new one.
  • Damaged washers: Washers are small metal or rubber discs that are used to create a watertight seal between the faucet and the water supply lines. If a washer is damaged, it can allow water to leak out of the faucet. To fix this problem, you will need to remove the old washer and replace it with a new one.
  • Clogged or damaged faucet cartridges: Faucet cartridges are the heart of a faucet. They control the flow of water and prevent leaks. If a faucet cartridge is clogged or damaged, it can cause the faucet to leak. To fix this problem, you will need to remove the old cartridge and replace it with a new one.

Once you have repaired the leak, you can turn the water supply back on and test the faucet to make sure that the leak is fixed.

Leaking Delta tub faucets can be a nuisance, but they can usually be repaired by following the steps in this guide. If you are not comfortable doing this type of repair yourself, you can always call a qualified plumber to help you.

Removing the Faucet Handle and Stem

To remove the faucet handle and stem, you will need:

  • A flathead screwdriver
  • A Phillips head screwdriver
  • A pair of pliers

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Locate the setscrews on the faucet handle. These are typically located on the underside of the handle.
3. Use a flathead screwdriver to loosen the setscrews.
4. Remove the faucet handle.
5. Locate the stem nut on the faucet stem. This is typically located at the base of the faucet.
6. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to loosen the stem nut.
7. Remove the faucet stem.

Replacing the O-Ring or Cartridge

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

  • A new O-ring or cartridge
  • A pair of pliers
  • A screwdriver

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Remove the faucet handle and stem (see instructions above).
3. Locate the O-ring or cartridge. The O-ring is a small, circular gasket that sits between the faucet handle and the faucet stem. The cartridge is a cylindrical-shaped device that contains the water valves.
4. Use a pair of pliers to remove the old O-ring or cartridge.
5. Apply a thin coat of plumber’s grease to the new O-ring or cartridge.
6. Insert the new O-ring or cartridge into the faucet.
7. Reassemble the faucet handle and stem (see instructions above).
8. Turn on the water supply to the faucet.

By following these steps, you can easily fix a leaking Delta tub faucet. If you are not comfortable working with plumbing, you can always call a professional plumber to help you.

How do I fix a leaking Delta tub faucet?

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet. This is usually located under the sink.
2. Remove the handle and stem. To do this, you will need to use a wrench to loosen the setscrews that hold the handle in place. Once the setscrews are loosened, you can pull the handle off of the stem.
3. Inspect the O-ring. The O-ring is a small rubber gasket that sits between the handle and the stem. If the O-ring is damaged or worn out, it will need to be replaced.
4. Replace the O-ring. You can find replacement O-rings at most hardware stores. To replace the O-ring, simply slide it over the stem and then replace the handle.
5. Turn on the water supply to the faucet and test it. The faucet should now be fixed. If it is still leaking, you may need to replace the faucet cartridge.

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

  • Damaged or worn O-ring. The O-ring is a small rubber gasket that sits between the handle and the stem. If the O-ring is damaged or worn out, it will allow water to leak out of the faucet.
  • Clogged cartridge. The cartridge is a small valve that controls the flow of water through the faucet. If the cartridge is clogged, it will prevent water from flowing properly and may cause the faucet to leak.
  • Loose or damaged faucet connections. The faucet connections can become loose or damaged over time, which can allow water to leak out of the faucet.

How do I prevent a Delta tub faucet from leaking?

  • Inspect the faucet regularly for signs of wear and tear. If you notice any damage, such as a damaged O-ring or a clogged cartridge, have it repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
  • Keep the faucet clean and free of debris. A build-up of debris can clog the faucet and cause it to leak.
  • Turn off the water supply to the faucet when you are not using it. This will help to prevent the faucet from leaking if there is a sudden loss of water pressure.

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. A plumber will be able to diagnose the problem and fix it properly.

In this article, we have discussed how to fix a leaking Delta tub faucet. We have covered the steps involved in diagnosing the problem, removing the faucet, and replacing the O-rings. We have also provided tips on how to prevent future leaks.

We hope that this article has been helpful. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

  • The most common cause of a leaking Delta tub faucet is a worn O-ring.
  • To fix a leaking Delta tub faucet, you will need to remove the faucet and replace the O-rings.
  • You can prevent future leaks by tightening the faucet handles and keeping the faucet clean.

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.