Leaking Bathtub Spout - Home Bathtub

Leaking Bathtub Spout: Causes and Solutions

A leaking bathtub spout is a common plumbing problem that can waste water and cause damage to your bathroom. If you notice water leaking from the base of the spout or from around the handle, it's important to fix the problem as soon as possible.

There are a few different things that can cause a bathtub spout to leak. The most common cause is a worn-out washer. The washer is a small rubber or plastic seal that fits between the spout and the valve body. Over time, the washer can become worn or damaged, which can allow water to leak. Another common cause of bathtub spout leaks is a loose packing nut. The packing nut is located at the base of the spout and it helps to keep the spout in place. If the packing nut is loose, it can allow water to leak out.

Fixing a leaking bathtub spout is a relatively simple repair that you can do yourself with a few basic tools. Here are the steps on how to fix a leaking bathtub spout:

1. Turn off the water supply to the bathtub. This is usually done by turning off the valves under the sink. 2. Remove the spout. Most spouts are held in place by a single screw or nut. Once the screw or nut is removed, the spout should pull straight off. 3. Inspect the washer. The washer is a small rubber or plastic seal that fits between the spout and the valve body. If the washer is worn or damaged, it will need to be replaced. 4. Replace the washer. If the washer is worn or damaged, it will need to be replaced. To do this, simply remove the old washer and replace it with a new one. 5. Tighten the packing nut. The packing nut is located at the base of the spout and it helps to keep the spout in place. If the packing nut is loose, it can allow water to leak out. To tighten the packing nut, simply use a wrench to turn it clockwise. 6. Turn on the water supply and check for leaks. Once you have replaced the washer and tightened the packing nut, turn on the water supply and check for leaks. If there are no leaks, then you have successfully repaired the leaking bathtub spout.

If you are not comfortable fixing the leak yourself, you can call a plumber to do it for you. However, fixing a leaking bathtub spout is a relatively simple repair that you can do yourself with a few basic tools.