Leaky Tub Faucet Fix

A leaking bathtub faucet will grow worse over time, costing you more in wasted water.

Some homeowners will leave a leaking bathtub faucet alone, believing that leaking is normal or afraid of paying a plumber a large amount to fix the leak. A leaking faucet increases your water bill, though, and forms ugly stains on the bathtub. Fixing a leaking faucet does not require the assistance of a plumber and only a few specialized tools you can use over and over on future leaking faucets.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips screwdriver
• Allen wrench
• Handle puller
• Wrench
• Bath socket
• Seat wrench
• New faucet seat
• Pipe dope
• Valve replacement parts kit
• Plumber's grease

Instructions

1. Turn off the water supply going to the bathtub by closing the main water valve for the house. The main is often located in the basement or near the water heater. Turn on the faucet all the way to drain any leftover water from the pipes.

2. Remove the screw holding the faucet handle in place, using either a Phillips screwdriver or an Allen wrench. The screw will either be hidden under a plastic cap on the handle or in a small hole in the base of the handle.

3. Pull the handle off the faucet or clamp a handle puller to the handle and twist the tool's post counterclockwise to remove the handle. Use a wrench to twist any plastic adapters or nuts off the valve stem.

4. Slide a bath socket over the valve stem and turn the socket counterclockwise, using its handles. Continue turning the socket counterclockwise until the valve comes out of the water pipe.

5. Insert a seat wrench into the water pipe and turn the wrench counterclockwise until the seat comes out. Spread pipe dope onto the threads on the new seat and use the seat wrench to turn it clockwise in the pipe.

6. Remove the Phillips screw at the end of the valve assembly, then slide off the rubber washers, seat and packing nut. Coat the replacement parts with plumber's grease, then return them in reverse order on the valve assembly. Replace the screw on the end of the assembly.

7. Reassemble the rest of the faucet in the reverse order that you took it apart. Open the main water valve once you have replaced the faucet handle's retaining screw.

References

• The Family Handyman: How to Repair a Leaking Tub Faucet