How To Fix Leaky Bathtub Faucet Single Handle

How to Fix a Leaky Bathtub Faucet with a Single Handle

A leaky faucet can be a frustrating and costly issue. Not only can it lead to wasted water, but it can also damage your bathroom fixtures and floors. If you have a leaky bathtub faucet with a single handle, there are a few simple steps you can take to fix the problem.

Identifying the Source of the Leak

Before you start repairing the leak, it's important to determine where it's coming from. The most common sources of leaks in single-handle faucets are:

The cartridge
The O-rings
The washer

To identify the source of the leak, turn off the water supply to the faucet and then remove the handle. If water continues to leak, it's likely coming from the cartridge. If it stops leaking, it's likely coming from the O-rings or the washer.

Fixing the Leak

Once you've identified the source of the leak, you can start repairing it. Here are the steps for each of the common sources:

Cartridge

To replace the cartridge, you'll need to remove the old one and insert the new one. The steps for this will vary depending on the type of faucet you have, so consult your manufacturer's instructions.

O-rings

To replace the O-rings, you'll need to remove the handle and then use a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the faucet body in place. Once the faucet body is removed, you can replace the O-rings and reassemble the faucet.

Washer

To replace the washer, you'll need to remove the handle and then use a wrench to remove the packing nut. Once the packing nut is removed, you can replace the washer and reassemble the faucet.