Fixing A Leaking Bathtub Faucet

Fixing a Leaking Bathtub Faucet

A leaky bathtub faucet can be a nuisance, wasting water and potentially leading to more serious problems down the line. Fortunately, fixing a leaking faucet is a relatively simple task that can be completed in just a few minutes with the right tools and materials.

Before you start, gather the following tools and materials:

Adjustable wrench
Allen wrench (if necessary)
Phillips head screwdriver
Flat head screwdriver
Replacement washers (if necessary)
Plumber's putty

Once you have your tools and materials, follow these steps to fix the leak:

Turn off the water supply to the faucet. There should be two shut-off valves under the sink, one for the hot water and one for the cold water. Turn both valves clockwise to shut off the water.
Open the faucet to release any remaining water in the line.
Remove the aerator, if there is one. The aerator is the small screen at the end of the faucet. Use a wrench to unscrew the aerator counterclockwise.
Remove the handle. Most handles are held in place by a screw. Use a screwdriver to remove the screw and then pull the handle straight off.
Remove the packing nut. The packing nut is the large nut that surrounds the base of the handle. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the packing nut and then remove it by hand.
Replace the washer. The washer is the small, rubber gasket that sits inside the packing nut. If the washer is worn or damaged, it will need to be replaced. To replace the washer, simply remove the old washer and insert a new one in its place.
Reinstall the packing nut. Tighten the packing nut by hand until it is snug. Then, use an adjustable wrench to tighten the packing nut another 1/4 to 1/2 turn.
Reinstall the handle. Insert the handle into the base of the faucet and tighten the screw to secure it in place.
Reattach the aerator. Screw the aerator back onto the end of the faucet.
Turn on the water supply and check for leaks. If there are no leaks, you have successfully fixed the leaking faucet.

If you are unable to fix the leak yourself, you may need to call a plumber for assistance.