How To Fix Bathtub Faucet Leak

A leaky bathtub faucet can be a real nuisance, wasting water and driving up your utility bills. Fortunately, it's usually a relatively easy fix that you can do yourself with a few basic tools.

Here are the steps on how to fix a leaky bathtub faucet:

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

Remove the aerator. The aerator is the small screen on the end of the faucet spout. Use a wrench to unscrew it.

Remove the handle. Most faucet handles are held on by a small screw. Use a screwdriver to remove the screw and then pull the handle off.

Remove the cartridge. The cartridge is the part of the faucet that controls the flow of water. Use a wrench to loosen the packing nut that holds the cartridge in place. Then, pull the cartridge out.

Inspect the cartridge. Look for any signs of damage or wear. If the cartridge is damaged, you will need to replace it.

Reassemble the faucet. If the cartridge is not damaged, you can simply reassemble the faucet in reverse order. Start by inserting the cartridge into the faucet body. Then, tighten the packing nut. Next, put the handle back on and tighten the screw. Finally, screw the aerator back on.

Turn on the water supply. Slowly turn on the water supply and check for leaks. If there are no leaks, you have successfully fixed the faucet.

Here are some additional tips for fixing a leaky bathtub faucet:

If you are not comfortable working on plumbing, you can call a plumber to fix the faucet for you.

Be sure to use the correct size wrench when removing and tightening the packing nut.

If you are replacing the cartridge, be sure to get the correct size and type of cartridge for your faucet.

Once you have fixed the faucet, be sure to check for leaks regularly. This will help you catch any problems early on and prevent them from becoming more serious.