Fixing A Leaky Bathtub Faucet

Fixing A Leaky Bathtub Faucet - A Comprehensive Guide

A leaky bathtub faucet can be a nuisance, but it's also an easy problem to fix. With a few simple tools and about 30 minutes of your time, you can stop the leak and save yourself from a bigger water bill.

Tools You'll Need:

Adjustable wrench
Phillips head screwdriver
Flathead screwdriver
Washer (if needed)
Plumber's putty (if needed)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Turn off the water supply. There should be two valves under the sink, one for the hot water and one for the cold water. Turn both valves clockwise to turn off the water supply.

2. Remove the aerator. The aerator is the small, round piece on the end of the faucet. Use a wrench to unscrew it.

3. Remove the handle. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the handle in place. Gently pull the handle off.

4. Remove the packing nut. The packing nut is the large, round nut that holds the faucet in place. Use a wrench to loosen the packing nut.

5. Inspect the washer. The washer is a small, rubber washer that sits inside the packing nut. If the washer is worn or damaged, it will need to be replaced.

6. Replace the washer (if needed). If the washer needs to be replaced, remove the old washer and install a new one. Make sure that the new washer is the same size and shape as the old washer.

7. Reinstall the packing nut. Tighten the packing nut by hand until it is snug. Then, use a wrench to tighten the packing nut further.

8. Reinstall the handle. Place the handle back on the faucet and tighten the screws.

9. Reinstall the aerator. Screw the aerator back onto the faucet.

10. Turn on the water supply. Turn both valves under the sink counterclockwise to turn on the water supply.

11. Check for leaks. Turn on the faucet and check for leaks. If there are no leaks, the repair is complete.

Tips:

If you can't stop the leak by replacing the washer, you may need to replace the entire faucet.
If you're not comfortable working on plumbing, call a plumber to fix the leak.
Regularly check your faucets for leaks and fix them as soon as possible to prevent water damage.