Are you feeling frustrated by that constantly dripping tap? That continual drip-drip-drip not only ruins your mood but also eats up your money. Almost, 700 gallons of water can be wasted annually by a tap that drips every three seconds. Leaking water can harm your house and even a tiny trickle can waste up to a gallon of water per day, increasing your water bill.
Bathtub Magic provides a detailed guide on fixing a Leaking single and double-handed bathtub faucet.
What causes the bathtub faucet to leak?
Dripping bathtub faucets is usually caused by outdated components that cannot maintain a seal. Washers, small rings of rubber or plastic that seal tightly around the stem, are usually suspected. These washers are worn out over time and become weaker. They can leak water if they’re not used properly. The cartridge in a single-handled tap may not be able to seal properly if it is damaged or worn out. Leaks can also happen if the base of the two-handled faucet is worn out from years of use.
Types of Bathtub Faucets
Single Handed Faucet
Faucet with two separate handles: one for hot water and one for cold water.
Double Handed Faucet
Faucet with one handle to control both the water temperature and flow.
Symptoms of a Leaking Faucet
- Dripping water from the faucet
- Dampness around the faucet area
- Rust marks
- Unusual sounds from the faucet
- Low water pressure
- Difficulty in turning off the faucet
Equipment Required For Single-Handled Faucet
- Flathead screwdriver
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Adjustable wrench
- Allen wrench set
- Needle-nose pliers
- Cartridge puller tool
- Towel
Equipment Required For Double-Handled Faucet
- Adjustable wrench
- Flathead screwdriver
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Flashlight
- Seat wrench
- Towel
Materials Required For Double-Handled Faucet
- Rubber flat faucet washer
- Screw kit
- Replacement O-rings
- Replacement faucet seats
Materials Required For Single-Handled Faucet
- Replacement valve cartridge
- Vinegar or a descaling solution (for cleaning mineral deposits)
- Cleaning Cloth
Steps to Fix a Leaking Double-handed Bathtub Faucet
- Shut off the water supply: Find the shutoff valve that controls the water supply for your bathtub. Close the valve by turning it clockwise. You may have to shut off your main water supply if there is no local shut-off.
- Remove the handle cap: Remove the decorative cap from the handle using a flathead or similar tool. Usually, the cap is made from plastic or metal.
- Remove the handle: Remove the cap and then use a screwdriver on the screw that holds the handle. Pull the handle gently away from the body of the faucet. Use a handle-pulling tool if the handle is stuck.
- Remove the Escutcheon: Remove the escutcheon (metal or plastic trim covering the openings of the pipes) by unscrewing or gently prying it off. Some escutcheons are secured by caulking, screws, or other means.
- Remove the stem assembly: Remove the stem assembly using a wrench or pliers. Take care not to damage threads.
- Take Out the Rubber Washer: Locate the rubber washer at the bottom of the stem assembly. Remove the screw holding it in place and then take off the washer.
- Install a New Rubber Washer: Obtain a new rubber washer of the same size and type. Attach it to the stem assembly with the screw you removed earlier.
- Examine the Faucet Seat: Look inside the valve body where the stem assembly was seated. Check for any damage or debris. If the seat is damaged, it will need to be replaced or resurfaced.
- Install a New Faucet Seat: If the faucet seat is damaged, use a seat wrench to remove it. Install a new faucet seat by threading it into place with the seat wrench.
- Rebuild the Bathtub Faucet: Reverse the disassembly steps. Start by reattaching the stem assembly into the valve body, then screw the escutcheon back in place, and finally, reattach the handle.
- Put the Bathtub Faucet Back Together: Open the shut-off valve by turning it counterclockwise. Turn the faucet on and off to check for leaks.
- Shut off the Faucet Off: After verifying the faucet functions correctly and there are no leaks, turn the faucet off. Ensure the handle turns smoothly and the water stops completely.
Steps to Fix a Leaking Single-Handled Bathtub Faucet
- Shut Off the Water: Find the main water valve and turn it off. While repairing, be careful not to let water in.
- Remove the Faucet Handle: Loosen the screw holding the handle in place using a screwdriver. With care, remove the handle from the faucet assembly.
- Remove the Escutcheon: You can twist or unscrew the decorative plate (escutcheon) that’s behind the handle. By this, you can see how the faucet works on the inside by sliding off the plate.
- Remove the Retainer Clip: Delicately unclip the cartridge using pliers. Set aside the clip for future assembly.
- Remove the Cartridge: Remove the cartridge from the faucet body with care. The cartridge may need to be twisted if it becomes stuck.
- Install the New Cartridge: Put the new cartridge into the faucet’s body. Ensure that it is correctly positioned. Simply replacing the retainer clip will secure the cartridge.
- Check for Leaks: To check for leaks, turn on the water and watch the faucet. Verify that the cartridge is intact and functioning properly.
- Reassemble the Faucet: Then fasten the escutcheon and handle it again. Make sure everything is properly fastened and tighten all screws for the last time before use.
Tips
The following tips will help you to have a drip-free faucet.
- Identify the source of the leak: Before starting repairing, you need to find the exact spot where the water is coming from. It will assist you in identifying the parts that need attention.
- Collect the right equipment: You’ll likely need a few basic tools to complete the job, such as screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, and possibly an Allen wrench. Having everything on hand before you start will save you time and frustration.
- Turn off the water supply: Before starting work, always turn off the water supply to the faucet.
3 Fast Fixes to Silence a Dripping Bathtub Faucet
Resolving a leaky bathtub faucet is usually the best course of action. But at 3 a.m., you won’t be fixing anything but all you need to do is stop the clinking sound. What swift action are you capable of?
- Soap: Stop the drain and add water to the tub. You can add a good amount of dish soap and stir it in slowly. Researchers discovered that the sound of water dripping can be stopped by altering the surface tension of the water.
- Sock: To reduce the flow of water, tie a long sock or bathrobe around the faucet.
- Sponge: Scatter a towel or sponge under the faucet. Although the sound will be distorted, the dripping will still be audible.
Repairing a leaky tap is a simple task that even you can complete. Whether your tap has one handled or two, you may learn how to fix a leaky bathtub tap on your own. You can fix minor leaks without a plumber’s help, but bigger leaks may require their assistance. For the best bathtub faucet fixing services, you can blindly trust Bathtub Magic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bathtubs do not have shut-off valves located near them. Most plumbing codes don’t require shut-off valves to be located near bathtubs. It is also difficult to conceal the valves in the bathtub, as opposed to sinks and toilets.
A cracked or worn washer is the most common cause of a dripping faucet. When you turn on the faucet, the washer is pushed up against the valve. Over time, this repeated friction wears out the washer.
There are two main types of bathtub faucets: Single-handled and Double-handled. The number of handles on your faucet will help you identify the type.
A worn-out washer is the most common cause of a dripping bathtub faucet.
Turning off the water will allow you to work on your tap without having to worry about flooding or water damage.
