How To Stop A Leaky Bathtub Faucet

How to Put an End to a Leaky Bathtub Faucet

The relentless dripping of a leaky bathtub faucet can be more than just a minor annoyance; it can also waste a significant amount of water and money. Fortunately, fixing a leaky bathtub faucet is a relatively straightforward task that can be accomplished with a few basic tools and a little bit of effort. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get rid of that pesky leak:

Step 1: Gather the necessary tools and materials

Before you start, you'll need to gather the following tools and materials:

Adjustable wrench
Phillips head screwdriver
Flathead screwdriver
Replacement faucet washer
Plumber's putty
Rags or towels

Step 2: Shut off the water supply

To avoid getting soaked during the repair, the first step is to shut off the water supply to the bathtub. There will be two shut-off valves located under the sink, one for hot water and one for cold water. Turn both valves clockwise to turn off the water supply.

Step 3: Remove the faucet handle

Once the water supply is turned off, you can remove the faucet handle. Locate the set screw on the handle and use a Phillips head screwdriver to loosen it. Once the set screw is loose, you can pull the handle straight up to remove it.

Step 4: Remove the faucet stem

With the faucet handle removed, you will now see the faucet stem. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the packing nut that is located around the base of the stem. Once the packing nut is loose, you can pull the faucet stem straight up to remove it.

Step 5: Replace the faucet washer

The faucet washer is a small rubber washer that sits inside the faucet stem and helps to create a watertight seal. Over time, the faucet washer can become worn or damaged, causing the faucet to leak. To replace the faucet washer, simply pull the old washer off of the faucet stem and install the new washer in its place.

Step 6: Reinstall the faucet stem and handle

Once the new faucet washer is in place, you can reinstall the faucet stem and handle. Insert the faucet stem into the faucet body and tighten the packing nut using an adjustable wrench. Then, replace the faucet handle and tighten the set screw.

Step 7: Turn on the water supply and check for leaks

Once the faucet is reassembled, turn on the water supply and check for leaks. If there are no leaks, you have successfully fixed the leaky bathtub faucet. If there is still a leak, you may need to repeat the steps above or call a plumber for assistance.