A leaky bathtub faucet is annoying, wastes water, and can damage your home. Learn how to fix a dripping faucet and when to call a professional for help.

A leaky faucet can waste more than 3,000 gallons of water a year, increase your water bill, and potentially damage your home. You can repair your leaky faucet without the help of you a plumber if you properly prepare your workspace, gather the necessary tools and materials, and follow the instructions below carefully. Learn how to repair a dripping bathtub faucet in our step-by-step guide below, which addresses double-handed bathtub faucets and single-handed bathtub faucets.

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The Anatomy of Your Bathtub Faucet

Familiarize yourself with the basic components of the bathtub faucet below before you begin repairs.

Types of Bathtub Faucets

Fixing a leaking bathtub faucet involves replacing parts within the faucet’s assembly. The parts you’ll need for the job depend on the type of faucet you have.

• Double-handled bathtub faucet: This setup features one handle that controls hot water and another that controls cold water. A rubber washer prevents the double-handed tub faucet from leaking.
• Single-handled bathtub faucet: This setup features one handle that controls both hot and cold water. This faucet type uses a metal, plastic, or rubber valve cartridge to control the amount of water that flows through the faucet. 

Common Causes of Drips

Most bathtub faucet leaks are caused by worn-out parts. A deteriorated rubber washer can cause issues for double-handed faucets, and a corroded cartridge or damaged O-rings can cause issues for single-handed faucets.

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Tools and Materials You’ll Need to Repair a Leaky Faucet

You’ll need materials and materials below to repair a double-handled faucet. You can find these at your local hardware store or home improvement center:

• Adjustable wrench
• Flashlight
• Flathead screwdriver
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Rubber flat faucet washer and screw kit assortment 
• Seat wrench
• Towel
• Two replacement faucet seats

Repairing your single-handled faucet requires the following tools and materials:

• Adjustable wrench
• Allen wrench set
• Cartridge puller tool
• Flashlight
• Flathead screwdriver
• Needle-nose pliers
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Replacement valve cartridge
• Towel

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How To Fix a Leaking Double-Handle Bathtub Faucet

Fixing your leaking double-handled bathtub faucet is a fairly straightforward do-it-yourself project. Follow the steps below.

Step 1: Determine Which Side Is Leaking

If you have a steady leak, hold your hand under the leaking water to determine whether it’s cold or hot. A slow leak can make it difficult to determine whether water is hot or cold. You may need to fix both sides if this is the case.

Step 2: Shut Off the Water

You’ll need to shut off the water flow to the bathroom before you begin work. Find your home’s shut-off valve, which is typically in the basement or crawlspace, and use an adjustable wrench to twist the valve shut. Once you’ve turned the water off, open the bathtub faucets to allow the remaining water to drain out. 

Step 3: Remove the Cap and Handle

Accessing your faucet’s hardware requires you to remove the handle, which is usually hidden beneath a plastic or metal cap. Use a flathead screwdriver to pry off the cap, and inspect the screw underneath. Set the cap in a safe place, and use your Phillips screwdriver to unscrew the faucet handle. You may need to use a handle puller tool if the screw is especially stubborn.

Step 4: Inspect and Replace the Rubber Washer

After you remove the handle, you’ll see a metal or plastic piece called the escutcheon, which covers the pipe openings. You can pull it out if it doesn’t connect to a screw, or unscrew it if it’s screwed in. 

Examine the faucet stem assembly and look for two small screws that hold the washer in place. Remove the screws, then remove the worn-out washer and discard it. Insert the new washer, and use screws to fasten it in place. 

Step 5: Inspect and Replace the Faucet Seat

Inspect the faucet seat for corrosion or damage, and use a flashlight if you need to see more clearly. If the faucet seat looks like it’s damaged, use the seat wrench to remove the faucet seat. Screw the new faucet seat in place, and secure it with the seat wrench.

Step 6: Replace the Handle

Once you’ve firmly secured the new washer and faucet seat, put the stem assembly back in place. Install the escutcheon, and slide the faucet handle back onto the stem. Tighten the screw to secure the handle, and replace the cap. Turn the faucet off, and turn the water back on to the house. Test the faucet for leaks by turning it on for a few seconds, then shutting it off.

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How To Fix a Leaking Single-Handle Bathtub Faucet

Valve damage is the typical cause of a single-handle bathtub faucet leak. Follow the steps below to fix your leaky single-handle faucet:

Step 1: Shut Off the Water

Turn off the water supply to your bathroom. Locate your home’s shut-off valve, and use your adjustable wrench to twist the valve shut. Return to the bathroom, and open the bathtub faucet to release the remaining water and pressure.

Step 2: Remove the Handle and Retainer Clip

If you have a single round handle, use a flathead screwdriver to pry off the cover. Use a Phillips screwdriver to loosen the screw. Once you’ve loosened the screw, pull the handle off the assembly. 

Lever faucets usually feature a recessed Allen screw near the base of the lever. Use an Allen wrench to remove the screw, then slide the handle off. 

Once you remove the handle, unscrew the screws that hold the escutcheon in place. Locate the U-shaped retainer clip, and use needle nose pliers to pull it out. Set the clip aside.

Step 3: Inspect and Replace the Cartridge

Inspect the valve cartridge, and take note of its position. Pull the faucet cartridge out using pliers. If pliers don’t work, use the cartridge puller tool. Discard the old valve cartridge.

Position the new cartridge and use your hand to firmly push it into place. Replace the retainer clip.

Step 4: Check for Leaks

Turn the water back on at the water shut-off valve before you replace the faucet handle. Inspect the faucet area and the area behind the surrounding wall for leaks with a flashlight.

Step 5: Replace the Faucet Handle

Put the escutcheon back into place. Secure the handle back in place with the same tool you used for removal. If your handle includes a cap, simply pop it back into place.

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When To Call a Professional Plumber

If your repair efforts don’t stop your leak, call a professional for a more intensive inspection. You should also contact a professional plumber if you encounter any of the issues below.

• Cracks in the faucet body
• Difficulty accessing or removing parts
• Extensive corrosion or damage to pipes
• Leaks that come from behind the wall

A licensed plumber has the tools and expertise necessary to handle complex plumbing issues safely and effectively.

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Preventive Maintenance Tips for Bathtub Faucets

You can prevent leaks and extend the life of your bathtub faucet with regular maintenance work. Follow the tips below to keep your faucet in good working order for as long as possible.

Regular Cleaning Techniques

Clean your faucet regularly with a mild soap solution to prevent mineral buildup. If deposits are especially stubborn, soak a cloth in vinegar and wrap it around the faucet for an hour before scrubbing gently.

Periodic Inspections

Check your faucet for signs of wear or leaks every few months. Look for mineral deposits, corrosion, or drips. You can prevent significant problems by catching issues early.

Seasonal Considerations

Temperature changes might affect your faucets. Drastic temperature shifts may cause parts to expand or contract, and lead to leaks or other issues. Consider insulating exposed pipes and checking faucets regularly during extreme weather conditions.

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FAQ About How to Fix a Dripping Bathtub Faucet

Is it easy to fix a leaky faucet?

It’s easy to fix a leaky faucet if you have the right tools and knowledge. Call a professional to handle broken pipes, corrosion, and other types of more extensive damage.

What causes a faucet to drip?

Worn-out rubber washers and seals are the most common issues that cause a faucet to drip. Rubber parts shrink as they wear and become prone to cracks. This damage allows water to leak through.

Is a dripping faucet dangerous?

A dripping faucet isn’t immediately dangerous, but it can lead to mold and mildew that can make people in your home sick.

How do you stop a dripping faucet temporarily?

You may be able to stop your faucet from dripping temporarily by tightening the tap with an adjustable wrench or pliers. Look for loose faucet components under the handle or spout. Turn off the water to the faucet, then gently grasp the loose component with pliers or a wrench and turn it clockwise to tighten it.

Can you fix a leaky faucet without turning off the water?

You may be able to fix a leaky faucet without turning off the water, but it’s not a good idea. If you can’t find an accessible shut-off valve for the faucet, find the valve that turns off the water to the entire house.

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