How To Fix A Leaky Bathtub Faucet With Two Handles

How to Fix a Leaky Bathtub Faucet with Two Handles

A leaky bathtub faucet is a common household problem that can waste water and increase your utility bills. If you have a leaky two-handle bathtub faucet, you can usually fix it yourself with a few simple tools. ### Step 1: Gather Your Tools Before you start, make sure you have the following tools on hand: * Adjustable wrench * Phillips head screwdriver * Flat head screwdriver * Pliers * Rags * Bucket * New faucet washer (if necessary) ### Step 2: Turn Off the Water Supply The first step is to turn off the water supply to the bathtub. There are usually two shutoff valves located under the sink. One valve controls the hot water supply, and the other valve controls the cold water supply. Turn both valves clockwise until they are completely closed. ### Step 3: Remove the Faucet Handle Once the water supply is turned off, you can remove the faucet handle. To do this, use the Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the handle in place. Once the screws are removed, you should be able to pull the handle off of the faucet. ### Step 4: Remove the Faucet Stem With the handle removed, you can now see the faucet stem. The faucet stem is a long, cylindrical piece of metal that connects the handle to the faucet body. To remove the faucet stem, use the adjustable wrench to loosen the packing nut. The packing nut is located at the base of the faucet stem. Once the packing nut is loose, you should be able to pull the faucet stem out of the faucet body. ### Step 5: Inspect the Faucet Stem and Washer Once you have removed the faucet stem, inspect it for damage. If the faucet stem is damaged, you will need to replace it. You should also inspect the faucet washer. The faucet washer is a small, rubber washer that sits at the end of the faucet stem. If the faucet washer is worn or damaged, it can cause the faucet to leak. If necessary, replace the faucet stem and washer with new ones. ### Step 6: Reassemble the Faucet Once you have inspected the faucet stem and washer, you can reassemble the faucet. To do this, insert the new faucet stem into the faucet body. Then, tighten the packing nut until it is snug. Finally, reattach the faucet handle. ### Step 7: Turn on the Water Supply Once the faucet is reassembled, turn on the water supply. Check for leaks around the faucet handle and stem. If there are no leaks, your faucet is fixed! ### Tips for Preventing Bathtub Faucet Leaks Here are a few tips to help prevent bathtub faucet leaks: * Regularly inspect the faucet for leaks. * Tighten the packing nut on the faucet stem periodically. * Replace the faucet washer every few years. * If you have hard water, install a water softener. Hard water can damage the faucet stem and washer, causing leaks. By following these tips, you can help prevent bathtub faucet leaks and keep your bathroom dry.