How To Repair Leaky Bathtub Faucet

How to Repair a Leaky Bathtub Faucet

A leaky bathtub faucet is a common household plumbing issue that can waste water and increase your water bill. Fortunately, it's often possible to repair a leaky faucet yourself with just a few basic tools and materials.

Before you begin any repairs, it's important to turn off the water supply to the faucet. You can do this by closing the shut-off valves located under the sink. Once the water is turned off, you can remove the faucet handle by unscrewing the set screw that holds it in place.

Once the handle is removed, you will see the faucet stem. The stem is a cylindrical piece of metal that controls the flow of water through the faucet. If the stem is worn or damaged, it can cause a leak.

To replace the stem, you will need to remove the packing nut that holds it in place. The packing nut is located at the top of the faucet body. Once the packing nut is removed, you can pull the stem straight out of the faucet body.

When you have removed the stem, inspect it for damage. If the stem is worn or damaged, you will need to replace it with a new one. You can purchase a new stem at a hardware store or home improvement center.

To install the new stem, simply insert it into the faucet body and tighten the packing nut. Once the packing nut is tight, replace the faucet handle and turn on the water supply. Check for leaks at the stem and handle.

If you are still experiencing a leak after replacing the stem, the leak may be coming from the faucet body. The faucet body is the part of the faucet that is attached to the sink. If the faucet body is cracked or damaged, it will need to be replaced.

Replacing a faucet body is a more complex repair than replacing the stem. If you are not comfortable performing this repair yourself, you may want to call a plumber.