Bathtub Spout Leaking - Home Bathtub

Bathtub Spout Leaking: Troubleshooting and Repair Guide

A leaky bathtub spout can be a frustrating problem that can waste water and even lead to water damage. If you're dealing with a leaky bathtub spout, don't worry - you can usually fix it yourself with a few simple tools and materials. ### Identifying the Source of the Leak The first step is to identify the source of the leak. There are a few common places where bathtub spouts can leak: *

The packing nut:

The packing nut is a small, round nut that is located behind the spout. It helps to keep the spout in place and prevent leaks. *

The O-rings:

O-rings are small, rubber gaskets that are used to seal the spout to the bathtub. Over time, O-rings can wear out and start to leak. *

The spout itself:

Sometimes, the spout itself can develop a crack or hole, which can cause a leak. ### Tools and Materials You'll Need Once you've identified the source of the leak, you'll need to gather the following tools and materials: * Adjustable wrench * Pliers * Screwdriver * Utility knife * Plumber's putty * Teflon tape * Replacement O-rings (if needed) ### Step-by-Step Repair Guide 1.

Turn off the water supply:

Before you start working on the spout, be sure to turn off the water supply to the bathtub. This will prevent water from leaking out while you're working. 2.

Remove the spout:

Once the water is turned off, you can remove the spout. To do this, use the adjustable wrench to loosen the packing nut. Once the packing nut is loose, you can unscrew the spout from the bathtub. 3.

Inspect the packing nut and O-rings:

Once you've removed the spout, inspect the packing nut and O-rings for damage. If the packing nut is damaged, you'll need to replace it. If the O-rings are worn out, you'll need to replace them as well. 4.

Apply plumber's putty:

If the leak is coming from the base of the spout, you can use plumber's putty to seal the leak. To do this, simply apply a small amount of plumber's putty to the base of the spout and then screw the spout back into place. 5.

Wrap the threads with Teflon tape:

If the leak is coming from the threads of the spout, you can wrap the threads with Teflon tape to seal the leak. To do this, simply wrap the threads of the spout with several layers of Teflon tape and then screw the spout back into place. 6.

Replace the O-rings:

If the leak is coming from the O-rings, you'll need to replace them. To do this, use the utility knife to cut the old O-rings off of the spout. Then, apply a small amount of plumber's grease to the new O-rings and slide them onto the spout. 7.

Reinstall the spout:

Once you've replaced the O-rings, you can reinstall the spout. To do this, simply screw the spout back into the bathtub until it is snug. Then, tighten the packing nut until it is snug. 8.

Turn on the water supply:

Once the spout is reinstalled, you can turn on the water supply to the bathtub. Check for leaks. If there are no leaks, you're finished! ### Conclusion Fixing a leaky bathtub spout is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can save yourself the time and expense of calling a plumber.