How To Repair A Broken Bathtub Faucet

How to Repair a Broken Bathtub Faucet

A broken bathtub faucet can be a major inconvenience, but it's usually a relatively easy fix that you can do yourself. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to repair a broken bathtub faucet:

1. Gather Your Tools and Materials

You will need the following tools and materials:

Adjustable wrench
Phillips screwdriver
Flathead screwdriver
Replacement faucet cartridge
Plumber's putty
Teflon tape

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 off the valves located under the sink. If there are no valves under the sink, 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. To do this, use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screw that is holding the handle in place. Once the screw is removed, you can pull the handle off.

4. Remove the Cartridge

Once the handle is removed, you can remove the cartridge. To do this, use a flathead screwdriver to pry the cartridge out of the faucet body. Be careful not to damage the cartridge or the faucet body.

5. Install the New Cartridge

Take the new cartridge and wrap a few layers of Teflon tape around the threads. Then, screw the cartridge into the faucet body. Be sure to tighten the cartridge securely, but do not overtighten it.

6. Reinstall the Faucet Handle

Once the cartridge is installed, you can reinstall the faucet handle. To do this, simply insert the handle into the faucet body and tighten the screw that is holding it in place.

7. Turn On the Water Supply

Once the faucet handle is reinstalled, you can turn on the water supply. Check for leaks around the faucet. If there are any leaks, you can tighten the cartridge or the handle until the leaks stop.

8. Apply Plumber's Putty

Finally, apply a bead of plumber's putty around the base of the faucet. This will help to prevent leaks and keep the faucet in place.

Conclusion

Repairing a broken bathtub faucet is a relatively easy task that can be completed in a few hours. By following these steps, you can save yourself the cost of hiring a plumber.