How To Fix a Dripping Bathtub Faucet
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.
Written by
A leaky faucet can waste more than 3,000 gallons of water a year, increase your water bill, and cause damage to your home. Repairing your leaky bathtub faucet may seem daunting, but you don’t need to be a plumber to get the job done. Many homeowners can approach the task as a DIY home improvement task. Read our guide on how to fix a leaky bathtub faucet below, which includes information on bath faucet types, a list of tools you’ll need to perform repairs, and a step-by-step guide to help you achieve an easy fix.
If your faucet is too far gone read our article about how to replace a bathtub faucet.
Identifying Your Bathtub Faucet Type
Fixing a leaking bathtub faucet requires you to replace parts within the assembly. Determine which type of bathtub faucet you have, and buy the corresponding parts you’ll need to perform repairs.
Below are the two main bathtub faucet types, which leak for different reasons.
- Double-handled bathtub faucet: A double-handled faucet has two handles: One controls hot water, and one controls cold water. Your double-handled tub faucet depends on a rubber washer to keep water from leaking.
- Single-handled bathtub faucet: A single-handled faucet includes 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. Corrosion in the valve cartridge or its O-rings is the most common cause of leaky single-handled bathtub faucets.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
You can find the parts you’ll need for your repair at your local hardware store or home improvement center. To repair a double-handled faucet, you’ll need the following:
- 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:
- Adjustable wrench
- Allen wrench set
- Cartridge puller tool
- Flathead screwdriver
- Needle-nose pliers
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Replacement valve cartridge
- Towel
How To Fix a Leaking Double-Handle Bathtub Faucet
Fixing your leaking double-handled bathtub faucet is a fairly straightforward DIY project. Identify which faucet is causing the leak, or fix both sides if you can’t tell which is leaking. Then, follow the steps below.
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 tell if the water is hot or cold, in which case you’ll need to fix both sides.
Shut Off the Water
You’ll need to shut off the water flow to the bathroom before beginning 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 water pressure to dissipate, and let the remaining water drain out.
Remove the Cap and Handle
Accessing your faucet’s hardware will require 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. Once you’ve loosened the screw, you can easily detach the handle with a firm tug.
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’s not attached by a screw, or unscrew it if it’s screwed in.
Examine the faucet stem assembly, where you’ll see two small screws holding 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.
Inspect and Replace the Faucet Seat
Inspect the faucet seat for corrosion or damage, and use a flashlight if you need additional visibility. If the faucet seat appears damaged, use the seat wrench to remove the faucet seat. Screw the new faucet seat in place, and secure it with the seat wrench.
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.
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:
Shut Off the Water
Start your repairs by turning off the water supply in 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.
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.
After removing 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 straight out. Set the clip aside.
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.
Check for Leaks
Before you replace the faucet handle, turn the water back on at the water shut-off valve. Inspect the faucet area and the area behind the surrounding wall for leaks with a flashlight.
Replace the Faucet Handle
Put the escutcheon back into place. Secure the handle back in place using the same tool you used for removal. If your handle includes a cap, simply pop it back in place.
When To Call a Professional
If your repair efforts don’t stop your leak, you’ll need to call a professional for a more intensive inspection. You should also contact a professional plumber if you have difficulty accessing the working parts of your faucet or notice any other issues after you remove your faucet handle. Problems such as corrosion or damaged pipes can signal deeper plumbing issues.
Our Conclusion
A dripping bathtub faucet is more than a mere annoyance. It wastes gallons of water each day, causes mold growth, and can damage the wall behind the faucet. Repairing a leaky faucet is a job you can complete yourself with the right tools and knowledge. If you experience additional problems or fail to fix the leak, call in the professionals.
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.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
