Bathtub Faucet Won T Stop Running

Bathtub Faucet Won't Stop Running? Here's How to Fix It!

A dripping or running bathtub faucet is not only annoying, but it can also waste a significant amount of water and increase your water bills. If you're facing this issue, don't worry, as it's often a relatively easy fix that you can handle yourself with a few basic tools. ### Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Materials Before you begin, make sure you have the following tools and materials: - Adjustable wrench - Phillips head screwdriver - Flat head screwdriver - New faucet cartridge (if needed) - Plumber's tape - Rags or towels - Bucket or basin ### Step 2: Turn Off the Water Supply The first step is to turn off the water supply to your bathtub faucet. This is typically done by locating the shutoff valves under the sink or behind the access panel in your bathroom. Once you've found the valves, turn them clockwise to turn off the water. ### Step 3: Remove the Faucet Handle Once the water supply is turned off, you can remove the faucet handle. This is usually done by loosening the set screw on the handle with a Phillips head screwdriver. Once the set screw is loose, you can pull the handle off. ### Step 4: Remove the Cartridge With the handle removed, you will now have access to the faucet cartridge. The cartridge is a cylindrical-shaped component that controls the flow of water. To remove the cartridge, loosen the retaining nut with an adjustable wrench. Once the nut is loose, you can pull the cartridge out. ### Step 5: Inspect the Cartridge Once you have removed the cartridge, inspect it for signs of damage or wear. If the cartridge is damaged or worn, it will need to be replaced. ### Step 6: Install the New Cartridge (if needed) If you need to replace the cartridge, insert the new cartridge into the faucet body. Make sure to align the splines on the cartridge with the slots in the faucet body. Then, tighten the retaining nut until it is snug. ### Step 7: Reassemble the Faucet Once the cartridge is installed, you can reassemble the faucet. Start by placing the faucet handle back on. Then, tighten the set screw to secure the handle. ### Step 8: Turn on the Water Supply Once the faucet is reassembled, turn on the water supply. Check for leaks around the faucet. If you see any leaks, tighten the connections until the leaks stop. ### Step 9: Test the Faucet Finally, test the faucet to make sure it is working properly. Turn the faucet on and off several times to ensure that the water flows smoothly and that there are no leaks. ### Additional Tips: - If you are replacing the faucet cartridge, make sure to purchase a cartridge that is compatible with your faucet model. - If you are unable to stop the leak by following the steps above, you may need to call a professional plumber for assistance. - Regular maintenance of your bathtub faucet can help prevent leaks and other issues. Clean the faucet regularly with a mild detergent and water. You can also apply a sealant to the faucet to help prevent leaks.