DIY Plumbing Home Repairs

It's cheaper to replace a leaky tub spout than repair it.

DIY home plumbing repairs aren't as scary as you might think. There are many plumbing repairs that homeowners can do with a little time and some basic tools. One popular repair is to fix leaks, such as the pesky tub-filler spout that won't stop dripping or the leaky toilet supply line. Neither repair is particularly difficult.

Things You'll Need

• Eye protection
• Gloves
• Knee pads
• Dust mask
• Utility knife
• Channel lock pliers
• Screwdrivers
• Allen wrenches
• New tub spout
• Towel
• Silicone
• Bucket
• Toilet supply line washers

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Instructions

Tub Spout Repair

1. Cut away any old silicone around the tub spout unit and the wall with a utility knife.

2. Inspect the bottom of the tub spout to see whether there is a screw. If there is, then your tub spout connects to copper pipe. If there is no hole, then your tub spout is a thread-on style. Repairing leaky spouts costs more than a new unit, so in this case, just replace the tub spout.

3. Remove thread-on style tub spouts with a pair of channel lock pliers. Turn the unit counterclockwise. Remove copper-fit tub spouts by using a screwdriver or Allen wrench and removing the screw that was located underneath the tub spout. Then just twist the unit and pull it off the wall pipe.

4. Slide on or thread on the new tub spout. Wrap a few turns of Teflon tape around any threads. Tighten down the new spout with the channel lock pliers or screwdriver/Allen wrench set. Position a small towel between the pliers' teeth and the tub spout to prevent scratching the tub spout finish.

5. Apply a bead of silicone around the tub spout and let dry for a few hours.

Leaking Toilet Supply Line

1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet. Flush the toilet. Place a bucket under the toilet supply line.

2. Remove the end of the line that is leaking with the channel lock pliers.

3. Pull out the rubber or metal washers.

4. Push the new rubber or metal washers over the supply line. Pull the compression nut snug up against the washer. Tighten down the line with the channel lock pliers.

5. Turn on the water supply and flush the toilet. Check for leaks.

Tips & Warnings

• Use care to protect the metal surface when making adjustments with channel lock pliers.

• Match up the new supply line washers by taking them to the hardware store when you buy new ones.

References

• Reader's Digest:: How to Replace a Bathtub Spout

Resources

• Naturalhandyman: DIY Plumbing Home Repairs