Listening to the constant dripping of the bathtub faucet is annoying, but it also wastes hundreds of gallons of water per year. There’s no need to live with a leaky bathtub faucet or call a professional right away. Take charge with these step-by-step instructions on how to quickly and easily repair a bathtub faucet leak with Powell Property Services in Florida.
Tools and Materials:
- Flathead screwdriver
- Allen wrench set
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Channel lock pliers
- Needle nose pliers
- A new bathroom faucet cartridge
What Causes a Bathtub Faucet to Leak?
The most common causes of a leaking bathtub faucet are a corroded washer or a failing cartridge. In some cases, it could be old bathtub faucet handles that have worn over time; generally, it’s easier to identify because you will notice rust or cracking. If the source of the bathtub faucet leak is the pipe leading to the faucet, the repair may be trickier and require the help of a plumber.
Before You Start the Bathtub Faucet Repair:
Locate your home’s water shut-off valve, usually in the basement, and turn off the water supply. Once closed, turn on the bathtub faucet to drain any remaining water in the pipe.
Instructions:
Step 1: Remove the Bathtub Faucet Handle
Every bathtub faucet cover might be slightly different. Start by assessing what screwdriver or Allen wrench you need to remove the cover from your single-handle bathtub faucet. Gently remove the handle and set it aside on a towel with its corresponding screws.
Step 2: Remove the Trim Sleeve or Trim Plate
Unscrew the screws using whatever corresponding screwdriver or Allen wrench best suits your bathtub faucet.
Step 3: Remove the Bonnet or Retainer Clip
Depending on how your bathtub faucet is constructed, use channel lock pliers to remove the bonnet/retainer nut or use your pliers to grab the top of the retainer clip and pull up to remove it. Place these pieces on the towel as well.
Step 4: Remove the Bathtub Faucet Cartridge
Use your hand or a pair of pliers to remove the cartridge from the faucet, pulling it straight out of the faucet handle. Don’t be discouraged if it takes a little bit of strength to remove this piece. Once out, compare your old cartridge to the new one to ensure you’ve purchased the right one. Check the interior opening to make sure the metal doesn’t look corroded or damaged.
Step 5: Install the New Bathtub Faucet Cartridge
Push the new cartridge into the bathtub faucet opening, making sure to line up the corresponding grooves so it clicks into place. Replace the bonnet nut or retainer clip.
Step 6: Check Your Work for Leaks
Go to the water valve that you turned off and turn it back on to check for leaks around the bathtub faucet. Look beyond the cartridge you just replaced to see if there is another source for the leak. If everything looks good, reassemble the bathtub faucet with its trim plate.