DIY Fix Leaky Bathtub Faucet

Fixing your leaky bathtub faucet is an excellent DIY project.

A leaky bathtub faucet is an indication that it's time for some internal repairs. Although the majority of the faucet fixture, called the valve stem, is made of tough and long-lasting metal, there are a few parts of a faucet made out of less-durable materials. These are the packing material and the rubber washer. Fixing a leaky bathtub faucet makes for an excellent DIY project for a homeowner looking to get started in home improvement and maintenance.

Things You'll Need

• Pliers
• Wrench
• Knife
• Phillips screwdriver
• Flat-bladed screwdriver
• Needle-nose pliers
• Packing material
• Rubber washer
• Pipe thread compound
• Silicone grease

Instructions

1. Cut the water supply off for the leaky bathtub faucet that you will be repairing. Check in the vicinity of the bathtub faucet for a water supply shut-off valve--it may be in a cabinet or behind an access panel. Turn the knob to the right to shut off the water supply. If you do not locate a separate water supply for the leaky bathtub faucet, you will need to shut off the water supply at the main valve for your house. The main shut-off valve is usually installed next to the water meter. In most installations, the meter and main valve can be found in a plastic or concrete utility box in the front or side yard. Use a pair of pliers to rotate the main valve to cut off the water supply.

2. Detach the faucet handles. Examine the "Hot" and "Cold" labels on the faucets. You should see a thin line running around the edge. Insert the edge of a knife blade under this to pry off the label to expose the faucet screw. Unscrew this with a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the handle off the faucet stem.

3. Remove the escutcheon, if present. This is the decorative flange that covers the stem. This may either unscrew counterclockwise, or be held in place with a small screw on the bottom. Unscrew and remove the screw before pulling the escutcheon off the stem.

4. Unscrew the packing nut. This nut, located at the top of the stem, holds the faucet packing in place, which helps prevent leaks while the faucet is being used. Pull out the packing beneath with a pair of needle-nose pliers. Replace with new packing material. Slip the packing nut over the stem and tighten by turning clockwise.

5. Remove the valve stem from the faucet socket by turning it counterclockwise. The base of the valve stem is the second hex shaped nut beneath the packing nut.

6. Examine the rubber washer on the bottom of the faucet. Replace if it is worn or damaged. To replace, first unscrew the retaining screw with (usually) a flat-bladed screwdriver. Pull out the old washer and replace with the new washer. Secure the new washer with the retention screw. Dab a few drops of silicone grease to the face of the washer.

7. Squeeze a few drops of pipe thread compound onto the threads on the stem. Insert the stem into the socket and tighten clockwise with the wrench. Replace the escutcheon and secure.

8. Insert the faucet handle over the end of the stem. Slowly turn the faucet handle until you feel it slip into the grooves on the stem. Insert and tighten the handle screw. Press the faucet cap back into place.

9. Restore the water supply.

Tips & Warnings

• Bring your old parts into your hardware or plumbing store to get the proper sizes for replacement.

• Take care when removing the valve stem from the socket, turning too hard on a stuck stem can damage pipes.

References

• Hammerzone: Replacing a Faucet Washer
• The Family Handyman: Fix a Leaky Bathtub Faucet