How To Fix A Bathtub Faucet Leak

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

A leaky bathtub faucet can be a real pain, not to mention a waste of water and money. If you've got a leaky faucet, don't despair - it's usually a relatively easy fix that you can do yourself with a few basic tools. ### Step 1: Gather Your Tools Before you start, make sure you have all the tools you'll need: * Adjustable wrench * Phillips head screwdriver * Flat head screwdriver * Pliers * Teflon tape * Replacement faucet parts (if necessary) ### Step 2: Turn Off the Water Supply Once you have your tools, turn off the water supply to your bathtub. There should be a valve under the sink or behind the tub that you can turn to do this. ### Step 3: Remove the Faucet Handle Once the water is turned off, you can remove the faucet handle. This is usually done by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place. If the screws are hidden, you may need to use a flat head screwdriver to pry the handle off. ### Step 4: Remove the Faucet Cartridge Once the handle is removed, you'll see the faucet cartridge. This is a cylindrical piece of metal that controls the flow of water. To remove the cartridge, use a wrench to loosen the nut that holds it in place. ### Step 5: Inspect the Cartridge Once the cartridge is removed, inspect it for damage. Look for cracks, leaks, or other signs of wear and tear. If the cartridge is damaged, you'll need to replace it with a new one. ### Step 6: Clean the Faucet Body While the cartridge is out, take a moment to clean the faucet body. Use a sponge and some mild detergent to remove any dirt or grime. ### Step 7: Apply Teflon Tape Before you reinstall the cartridge, wrap the threads with Teflon tape. This will help to create a water-tight seal. ### Step 8: Reinstall the Cartridge Once you've wrapped the threads with Teflon tape, reinstall the cartridge. Tighten the nut until it's snug, but don't overtighten it. ### Step 9: Reinstall the Faucet Handle Once the cartridge is reinstalled, you can reinstall the faucet handle. Screw the screws back in place, or snap the handle back into place. ### Step 10: Turn On the Water Supply Once the faucet is reassembled, turn the water supply back on. Check for leaks around the faucet. If you see any leaks, tighten the nuts or screws until the leaks stop. ### Conclusion Fixing a leaky bathtub faucet is a relatively easy task that you can do yourself with a few basic tools. By following the steps in this guide, you can save yourself the time and expense of calling a plumber.