How to Evaluate Repair of a Leaky Bathtub Faucet

Once you've finished repairing a leak on the bathtub faucet, you need to inspect the repaired leaky faucet to make certain that it's reassembled properly with no new leaks. Anyone that has worked with any type of plumbing understands that new leaks can develop when the faucet is reassembled.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Watch the faucet spout for a few minutes. If the leak still remains, it may take a few minutes before you see it. It's of utmost importance to wait. Even a small leak will get bigger as it wears away at the underlying metal.

2. Turn on the cold water and check to see that it comes out with adequate force. Continue by checking the hot water. If you find the water flows well when you inspect the repair to the faucet, you know you put the parts back together correctly.

3. Look at the handles as the next step when you inspect your leaky faucet repair. There should be no water coming from behind the handles. Look at the decorative rim and on the stem to see if there are any telltale water drips. You may need to go back in and tighten down the repair a little more if you find drips.

4. Check around the edge of the faucet where it's attached to the tub. If you removed the spigot when you did the repair, there could be some water coming through the area at the connection.

5. Retighten the repairs if you find a drip. Some of the problem can be in a washer not sealing, if the plumbing has washers. Problems may occur if you haven't tightened down the connections firmly enough. Always inspect leaky faucet repairs; it's easier to correct problems immediately to prevent further damage.