How to Replace or Fix a Bathtub Faucet

Replace or fix your bathtub faucet if it leaks.

Bathtub faucets allow you to control the flow of water going into your tub. The faucet handle is connected to a fixture called a valve stem. As you turn the handle, the stem rotates, which raises or lowers a rubber washer. Because the stem and rubber washer are constantly in contact with water, they can wear out and sometimes break. When this happens, you need to replace or fix your bathtub faucet at the first opportunity.

Things You'll Need

• New faucet stem (if replacing)
• New faucet washer (if replacing)
• Flat-bladed screwdriver
• Phillips screwdriver
• Adjustable wrench
• Wire brush
• Pipe thread compound

Send to Phone

Brought to you by

Send to Phone

Please enter your 10 digit phone number only.

Send

A link to this article has been sent to the phone number provided.

Close

Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. Message and data rates may apply.

Instructions

1. Turn off the water for the bathtub faucet. In newer houses, there usually will be a water cut-off valve somewhere in the bathroom, perhaps underneath a sink or behind an access panel. In an older house, you will have to cut off the supply for the entire house. Locate your water utility box. This will be a concrete or plastic box usually buried at ground level somewhere near where your front yard meets the street. Open up the box and locate the shut-off valve near the water meter. Rotate the valve counterclockwise to turn off the water.

2. Use the edge of a flat-bladed screwdriver to pop off the faucet handle screw cover. These usually are concealed as the "hot" or "cold" faucet labels. Remove the faucet handle screw with a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the faucet off the stem.

3. Remove any decorative flanges from the faucet. These will either screw off counterclockwise or can be removed after unscrewing a screw somewhere on the flange, usually underneath.

4. Remove the packing nut -- the first hexagonal nut located on the stem -- with the adjustable wrench. Pull the nut off the stem. Turn the second hexagonal nut with the adjustable wrench. Pull out the entire valve stem from the socket.

5. Examine the valve stem. Use a wire brush to clean off any calcium or sediment deposits. Replace the valve stem if it is cracked or chipped. Turn the faucet over and examine the rubber washer on the bottom. If it is torn or cracked, remove the screw holding it in place. Replace with another rubber washer of the same size. Secure with the screw. Place a few dabs of silicone grease on the face of the washer.

6. Apply pipe thread compound to the threads on the valve stem. Slip this into the faucet socket. Tighten with the wrench. Place a few dabs of silicone grease on the valve stem. Slip the packing nut over the stem. Tighten with the wrench.

7. Replace the faucet flange, if present. Slip the handle on the end of the stem. Secure with the faucet handle screw. Press the faucet screw cap cover back into place.

8. Restore the water supply. Run the faucet and check for proper operation.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't force the faucet handle back on in step 7. The faucet handle fits into grooves on the valve stem. Forcing the handle could strip the stem.

References

• Hammerzone: Replacing A Faucet Washer To Fix A Leaky Tub Faucet