How to Repair Leaking Tub Faucets
A leaking bathtub faucet can cause some damage to the tub and can also increase water bills or potentially keep you awake at night. However, a water leak can usually be fixed by replacing a couple of washers. These washers prevent the water from flowing through the faucet when the handle is in the "off" position and let the water through when the handle is in the "on" position. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Flathead screwdriver
- Phillips screwdriver
- Adjustable wrench
- Packing washer
- Retaining washer
Instructions
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1
Turn off the main water supply to the home, which is usually located in the garage, basement or outside around the house, by twisting the handle in line with the pipe. Turn on the bathtub faucet to release any pressure in the lines.
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2
Pry off the small decorative cap in the center of the faucet handle with a flathead screwdriver. Remove the screw underneath the cap with a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the handle off to reveal the valve stem assembly, the piece sticking out of the sink that was under the faucet handle.
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3
Remove the nut closest to the handle front with an adjustable wrench, twisting the nut in a counterclockwise motion. Once the nut is removed, locate the packing washer that is located inside the nut, and pry it out with a flathead screwdriver. Replace it with a new washer. Tighten the nut back onto the valve stem assembly.
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4
Place an adjustable wrench on the base of the valve stem assembly. Turn it in a counterclockwise motion until you can remove the stem from the water line.
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5
Remove the screw that sits on the base of the valve stem assembly with a Phillips screwdriver. Pry out the retaining washer that the screw was holding on with a flathead screwdriver, and replace it with a new one. Tighten the screw that holds the washer in place.
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6
Screw the valve stem assembly back into the water pipe. Place the handle back onto the valve stem assembly. Tighten the screw down that holds the handle on the valve stem assembly. Snap the cap back onto the handle.
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7
Turn the main water supply on, and test your faucet.
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