How To Stop Leaking Bathtub Faucet

How to Stop a Leaking Bathtub Faucet

A leaky bathtub faucet is a common plumbing problem that can waste water and increase your utility bills. While it may seem like a daunting task, fixing a leaky faucet is relatively easy and can be done with a few simple tools and materials.

To stop a leaking bathtub faucet, you will need the following:

Adjustable wrench
Phillips screwdriver
Flathead screwdriver
Replacement faucet cartridge (if needed)
Plumber's putty
Teflon tape

Once you have gathered your tools and materials, follow these steps to stop the leak:

Turn off the water supply to the faucet. There should be two shut-off valves under the sink, one for the hot water and one for the cold water. Turn both valves clockwise to turn off the water.
Remove the faucet handle. Most faucet handles are held in place by a screw. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screw and pull the handle straight up to remove it.
Remove the faucet stem. The faucet stem is located behind the handle and is held in place by a packing nut. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the packing nut and pull the stem straight out.
Inspect the faucet stem and cartridge. The faucet stem is a long, thin rod with a washer at the end. The cartridge is a small, cylindrical piece that fits inside the stem. If the washer or cartridge is damaged or worn, it will need to be replaced.
Replace the faucet cartridge. If the cartridge is damaged, it will need to be replaced. To do this, insert the new cartridge into the stem and tighten the packing nut.
Reinstall the faucet stem. Push the stem back into the faucet body and tighten the packing nut.
Reinstall the faucet handle. Place the handle over the stem and tighten the screw.
Turn on the water supply and check for leaks. Open both shut-off valves under the sink to turn the water back on. Check for leaks around the faucet handle and stem.

If you have followed all of these steps and the faucet is still leaking, there may be a more serious problem with the faucet or plumbing system. In this case, it is best to call a professional plumber to diagnose and repair the problem.