Installing Gaskets on Bathtub Faucets

Removing the Bathtub Faucet

Bathtub faucets are either screw-on or slip-on types. For a screw-on faucet, you can usually use your hands to screw the faucet off counter-clockwise; otherwise, you can use a rubber-coated pipe wrench (to prevent scratches) to screw the faucet off. For slip-on faucets, purchase a slip-on faucet puller from your hardware store. Hook the puller on the faucet and jerk the faucet off the pipe.

Purchasing the Bathtub Faucet Gaskets

First take note of the brand and model number of the bathtub faucet. If you don't have the original packaging, just take the faucet stem or individual gasket to the hardware store with you. Purchase the proper-sized gasket and any other seal that may have been worn in the faucet. If the hardware store doesn't have the size, they can order it direct from the faucet manufacturer.

Installing the Bathtub Faucet Gaskets

The stem inside the faucet is what almost 99 percent of leaky faucet problems come from. First, unscrew the packing nut. Slide off all the washers and gaskets and take note of their order. The main gasket we are replacing usually is the large red bonnet washer. As long as you have the stem and faucet off, replacing all the gaskets and washers won't cost you over $20, and it is well worth replacing them all. Before you slide each new gasket and washer onto the stem, coat each in grease.

Resources

• Purchase Gaskets