How To Fix A Bathtub Faucet Drip

How to Fix a Bathtub Faucet Drip: A Step-by-Step Guide

A dripping bathtub faucet is not just an annoyance; it can also waste a lot of water and increase your water bills. Fixing a leaky faucet is a relatively simple task that you can do yourself with a few basic tools and materials. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to fix a bathtub faucet drip: ### 1. Gather Your Tools and Materials Before you start, gather the following tools and materials: - Adjustable wrench - Phillips head screwdriver - Flat head screwdriver - Replacement faucet cartridge (if necessary) - Plumber's putty - Teflon tape - Bucket or container to catch water - Rags or towels to clean up ### 2. Turn Off the Water Supply The first step is to turn off the water supply to the bathtub faucet. This is usually done by turning the valve located underneath the sink. If there is no valve, you will need to turn off the main water supply to your home. ### 3. Remove the Faucet Handle Once the water supply is turned off, you can remove the faucet handle. This is usually done by unscrewing the screws that hold the handle in place. If the handle is stuck, you may need to use a penetrating oil to loosen it. ### 4. Remove the Cartridge or Washer Once the handle is removed, you will be able to see the cartridge or washer that is causing the leak. To remove the cartridge, simply unscrew it from the faucet body. To remove the washer, use a flat head screwdriver to pry it out of place. ### 5. Inspect the Cartridge or Washer Once you have removed the cartridge or washer, inspect it for damage. If the cartridge is cracked or the washer is torn, it will need to be replaced. ### 6. Apply Plumber's Putty If you are replacing the cartridge, apply a small amount of plumber's putty to the threads of the new cartridge before screwing it into place. This will help to create a watertight seal. ### 7. Wrap the Faucet Threads with Teflon Tape If you are replacing the washer, wrap the threads of the faucet body with Teflon tape before screwing the new washer into place. This will also help to create a watertight seal. ### 8. Reattach the Faucet Handle Once the cartridge or washer has been replaced, reattach the faucet handle. Be sure to tighten the screws securely. ### 9. Turn on the Water Supply Once the faucet handle is reattached, turn on the water supply. Check for leaks around the faucet. If there are any leaks, tighten the screws on the faucet handle until the leak stops. ### 10. Test the Faucet Once the leak has been stopped, test the faucet to make sure it is working properly. Turn the faucet on and off several times and check for leaks. If the faucet is working properly, you have successfully fixed the drip. ### Conclusion Fixing a bathtub faucet drip is a relatively simple task that you can do yourself with a few basic tools and materials. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can save yourself money and time and get your faucet working properly again.