How to fix a leaky bathtub faucet

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How to Fix a Leaky Bathtub Faucet

(Guide from a handyman with 20+ years on the job)

Introduction

A leaky bathtub faucet can waste a lot of water and money. The drip may seem small, but it can add up to gallons every day.

Most leaks come from worn-out parts inside the faucet, not from the pipes in the wall. The good news: you can usually fix it yourself in under an hour.

Pro Tip: Before you start, take clear photos of your faucet from different angles. These pictures will help you match parts at the store and remember how everything goes back together.

Common Causes of a Leaky Bathtub Faucet

  • Worn rubber washer or gasket
  • Bad O-rings
  • Worn cartridge or stem
  • Mineral buildup (hard water) causing parts not to seal

You do not usually need to replace the whole faucet. Often, replacing a few small parts solves the problem.

Safety First

  • Turn off water before working.
  • Do not force stuck parts too hard. Use the right tools.
  • If anything feels loose in the wall or you see damaged pipes, stop and call a plumber.

Tools and Supplies You’ll Need

  • Adjustable wrench
  • Phillips screwdriver (cross-point)
  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Allen wrench (hex key) – if your handle has a small side screw
  • Pliers (regular or channel-lock)
  • Faucet socket set or deep socket (helpful for some stems)
  • Replacement parts (washer, O-ring, cartridge, or stem – match to your faucet)
  • Plumber’s grease (faucet-safe silicone grease)
  • Plumber’s tape (Teflon tape)
  • Old towel or rag
  • Small container or tray for screws and parts

Step 1: Turn Off the Water

  1. Locate the water shut-off.

    • Look under the bathroom sink or behind an access panel near the tub.
    • If you do not see valves, you may need to shut off the main water to the house.

  2. Turn off the water.

    • Turn the shut-off valves clockwise until they stop.
    • If using the main shut-off, turn the main valve off at the water meter or where it enters the house.

  3. Test the faucet.

    • Turn the bathtub handle(s) on to make sure water has stopped.
    • Let any leftover water drain out.

Step 2: Plug the Drain and Protect the Tub

  1. Close or plug the drain.

    • Use the tub stopper or place a rag over the drain.
    • This keeps tiny screws and parts from dropping down the drain.

  2. Lay down a towel.

    • Place a towel in the tub under the faucet area.
    • This protects the tub from scratches and gives you a soft place to set tools.

Step 3: Remove the Faucet Handle

  1. Find the screw holding the handle.

    • Look for a small cap in the middle of the handle with “H” or “C” on it.
    • On some handles, the screw is under a plug or on the side.

  2. Remove the cap.

    • Gently pry off the cap with a flathead screwdriver.
    • Be careful not to crack it if you plan to reuse it.

  3. Unscrew the handle screw.

    • Use the correct screwdriver or Allen wrench to remove the screw.
    • Put the screw in your small container so you don’t lose it.

  4. Pull off the handle.

    • Pull the handle straight out from the wall.
    • If stuck, wiggle it gently or use a handle puller if you have one. Do not yank too hard.

Step 4: Remove the Trim and Access the Valve

  1. Take off any decorative trim.

    • Unscrew the escutcheon plate (the round or square cover against the wall) if needed.
    • Some plates pull off once screws are removed; others twist.

  2. Inspect inside.

    • Look at the stem or cartridge that the handle was attached to.
    • Check for obvious damage, corrosion, or buildup.

Step 5: Identify Your Faucet Type

  1. Single-handle vs. two/three-handle.

    • Single-handle: one handle controls hot and cold.
    • Two- or three-handle: separate hot and cold handles (and sometimes a third for the shower).

  2. Cartridge vs. stem/washer type.

    • Cartridge: usually a single piece you pull straight out, common in newer faucets.
    • Stem/washer: long brass or metal piece that threads (screws) into the valve in the wall; common in older homes.

  3. Take a photo of the valve.

    • Snap a close-up photo of the part in the wall.
    • This will help you find the right replacement if needed.

Step 6: Remove the Cartridge or Stem

For Cartridge-Type Faucets

  1. Remove the retaining clip or nut.

    • Look for a U-shaped metal clip or a nut holding the cartridge in place.
    • Use pliers or a screwdriver to carefully pull the clip out, or use a wrench to remove the nut.

  2. Pull out the cartridge.

    • Grip the cartridge with pliers and pull straight out.
    • Wiggle gently as you pull; do not bend it.

  3. Check O-rings and seals.

    • Look for cracked or flattened rubber rings on the cartridge.
    • These are common causes of leaks.

For Stem/Washer-Type Faucets (Two-Handle)

  1. Use a wrench to loosen the stem.

    • Place the adjustable wrench on the hex part of the stem (the flat-sided section).
    • Turn counterclockwise to unscrew the stem from the valve.

  2. Pull out the stem.

    • Slide the stem straight out of the wall.
    • Look at the bottom end for a rubber washer held by a small screw.

Step 7: Inspect and Replace Worn Parts

  1. Check the rubber washer (for stem faucets).

    • Look at the washer on the end of the stem.
    • If it is hard, cracked, or worn, remove the small screw and replace the washer with a new one of the same size.

  2. Check O-rings on the stem or cartridge.

    • Look for O-rings around the body of the stem or cartridge.
    • If they are dry, cracked, or flattened, slide them off and replace them.

  3. Compare old parts to new ones.

    • Take the old parts to the hardware store and match them exactly.
    • Brand, size, and shape matter. Ask staff for help if you are unsure.

  4. Apply plumber’s grease.

    • Lightly coat new O-rings and washers with plumber’s grease.
    • This helps them seal better and last longer.

Step 8: Reinstall the Stem or Cartridge

For Stem/Washer Faucets

  1. Wrap threads with plumber’s tape.

    • Wrap the threaded part of the stem (the part that screws into the wall) with 2–3 turns of plumber’s tape.
    • This helps prevent small leaks around the threads.

  2. Reinsert the stem.

    • Slide the stem back into the valve the same way it came out.
    • Turn it clockwise with the wrench until snug, but do not over-tighten.

For Cartridge Faucets

  1. Align the cartridge.

    • Match the tabs or flat sides of the new cartridge with the valve body in the wall.
    • Push the cartridge straight in until it is fully seated.

  2. Reinstall the clip or nut.

    • Slide the retaining clip back into place or screw the nut back on.
    • Make sure it is secure so the cartridge cannot pop out.

Step 9: Reassemble the Trim and Handle

  1. Reinstall the escutcheon plate.

    • Slide the plate back against the wall and tighten the screws.
    • Make sure it sits flat and straight.

  2. Reattach the handle.

    • Place the handle back on the stem or cartridge.
    • Insert and tighten the handle screw, then press the cap back on.

  3. Remove the drain plug and towel.

    • Clear the drain and tub of any tools and rags.
    • You are now ready to test.

Step 10: Turn the Water Back On and Test

  1. Turn on the shut-off valves.

    • Turn the valves counterclockwise slowly to open them.
    • If you shut off the main, turn the main water back on slowly.

  2. Test the faucet.

    • Turn the bathtub faucet on and off a few times.
    • Switch between hot and cold if it is a single-handle faucet.

  3. Check for leaks.

    • Look closely around the handle and under the trim for any drips.
    • Then turn the faucet off and watch the spout. It may drip once or twice as leftover water drains, but it should stop after a few seconds.

If the Faucet Still Leaks

  • You may have the wrong size washer, O-ring, or cartridge.
  • There could be damage inside the valve seat (where the washer presses to stop water). In that case, you may need a seat wrench to remove and replace the valve seat, or you may need a plumber.
  • On older faucets, heavy corrosion can make repairs difficult and replacing the whole faucet might be smarter.

Maintenance Tips to Prevent Future Leaks

  • Do not crank the handles too hard when turning off the water. Gentle but firm is enough.
  • Clean mineral buildup around the spout and handle with vinegar from time to time.
  • Move the handle through full hot and cold range every so often to keep the cartridge from sticking.

If you tell me your faucet brand (Moen, Delta, Kohler, etc.) and whether it’s single-handle or two-handle, I can walk you through the exact parts you probably need.

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