Bathtub Faucet Leaking Single Handle

Bathtub Faucet Leaking Single Handle: A Comprehensive Guide to Troubleshooting and Repair

A leaky bathtub faucet is a common plumbing problem that can cause water damage and increase your water bill. If you have a single-handle bathtub faucet that is leaking, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot and repair the problem. ### Step 1: Gather Your Tools Before you start, gather the following tools: - Adjustable wrench - Phillips head screwdriver - Flat head screwdriver - Allen wrench (if needed) - Plumbers putty - Teflon tape - Replacement cartridge (if needed) ### Step 2: Turn Off the Water Supply Before you start working on the faucet, turn off the water supply to the bathroom. This is usually a valve located under the sink or in the basement. ### Step 3: Remove the Faucet Handle Once the water supply is turned off, you can remove the faucet handle. To do this, use the Allen wrench to remove the set screw that is located on the side of the handle. Once the set screw is removed, you can pull the handle off the faucet. ### Step 4: Inspect the Cartridge Once the handle is removed, you will see the cartridge. The cartridge is a cylindrical-shaped component that controls the flow of water. Inspect the cartridge for any signs of damage, such as cracks or leaks. If the cartridge is damaged, it will need to be replaced. ### Step 5: Remove the Cartridge If the cartridge needs to be replaced, use the adjustable wrench to loosen the packing nut that is located around the base of the cartridge. Once the packing nut is loosened, you can pull the cartridge out of the faucet. ### Step 6: Apply Plumbers Putty Before you install the new cartridge, apply a thin layer of plumbers putty to the threads. This will help to create a seal and prevent leaks. ### Step 7: Install the New Cartridge Insert the new cartridge into the faucet. Hand-tighten the packing nut until it is snug. ### Step 8: Reinstall the Faucet Handle Reinstall the faucet handle. To do this, insert the handle onto the faucet stem. Tighten the set screw using the Allen wrench. ### Step 9: Turn On the Water Supply Turn on the water supply to the bathroom. Check the faucet for leaks. If there are no leaks, you have successfully repaired the faucet. ### Tips for Preventing Bathtub Faucet Leaks Here are a few tips for preventing bathtub faucet leaks: - Keep the faucet clean. Clean the faucet regularly with a mild detergent and water. This will help to remove any dirt or debris that could cause a leak. - Lubricate the faucet. Lubricate the faucet regularly with a silicone-based lubricant. This will help to keep the faucet moving smoothly and prevent leaks. - Tighten the packing nut. The packing nut is located around the base of the cartridge. Tighten the packing nut periodically to prevent leaks. - Replace the cartridge. The cartridge is a cylindrical-shaped component that controls the flow of water. Replace the cartridge every few years to prevent leaks.