HOW TO FIX A LEAKY BATHTUB FAUCET

If beautiful, new tub faucets aren't in the cards, and neither is the plumber, what can you do to fix a leaky tub faucet? Although a bigger faucet leak may require the expertise of a plumber, it's relatively simple to fix minor leaks without sending in professional help. Our easy, step-by-step DIY tips can help you learn how to fix a leaky bathtub faucet on your own.

chart illustrating how to fix a leaky shower faucet H

Why Should You Fix a Leaky Faucet?

The good news is that the potential tub and shower faucet fix can be successfully handled by most people, whether you consider yourself handy or not. If the sound of a dripping faucet isn't enough to drive you up the wall (or to the phone to call your plumber), then the potential damage caused by the leak may be enough to spur you into action. It's worth taking care of a leak. It's far more than a minor annoyance — persistent leaks could prove damaging. In addition to the corrosion of your plumbing pipes, your leaking faucet can damage drywall and wood surfaces. Then there's the potential financial cost of leaking shower faucets.

If one faucet drips 10 times per minute, that's a water loss of one gallon in a day and close to 350 gallons in a year, according to the United States Department of the Interior (USGS). When you tack on the costs of water and the waste of energy, fixing that one little faucet could potentially result in tidy cost savings.

What Causes a Leaky Bathtub Faucet?

The cause of your bathtub faucet leak will depend on the type of faucet you have in your bathtub. Although the style of a tub faucet can vary, there are two kinds of bathtub faucets. Your faucet will be one of the following:

Double-Handled Faucet: This type of faucet has separate hot and cold taps that independently control the water temperature and flow
Single-Handled Faucet: This type of faucet uses one handle, or lever, to adjust the flow and the temperature

If you have a double-handled faucet, the leak could be caused by a worn or torn washer, or the rubber ring that prevents from leaking as it flows through your plumbing pipes and into your clawfoot tub. In this case, you'll need to replace the washer with a new one. You'll be able to view the condition of the washer, and know if that's the issue causing your leak, once we take apart the faucet, as shown below.

A single-handle faucet is set up differently. The metal, rubber, or plastic valve cartridge controls the amount of hot and cold water that moves through the faucet. Corrosion in the valve cartridge or its O-rings can lead to a leak and a less than a relaxing bathing experience. A valve cartridge can't be repaired, but it can be replaced.

two chrome shower faucet handles with separate hot and cold taps — Fixing a leaky shower tap is possible all on your own. For significant leaks, you may need professional assistance.

How To Fix a Leaking Two-Handle Bathtub Faucet

When it comes to how to fix a leaky bathtub faucet, double-handle faucets are just as fixable on your own as single-handle faucets. Although these faucet types appear to be more complicated, in this case, you may only need to replace a simple washer. It may not be as difficult as you think.

list of required tools and equipment to fix a leaky bathtub

Required Equipment and Tools to Fix a Two-Handled Tub Faucet

Before you start your project, gather together the following tools and replacement parts. Yes, it's a hassle, but it's also necessary, just in case someone else in the household walked off with your Phillips screwdriver and didn't put it back, or your flashlight needs new batteries. Double-check that you have the following items and get them ready to minimize potential project hiccups:

Adjustable wrench
Flathead screwdriver
Phillips screwdriver
Seat wrench
Flashlight
Towel
Assorted flat rubber washers and screws kit
Two replacement faucet valve seats

Now that you've grabbed the tools and materials necessary to fix your faucet, you're one step closer to enjoying your freestanding bathtub again. If this is your first time fixing a faucet leak, read over the following instructions and ensure you understand the steps before diving in. The towel may appear nonessential, but trust us, it's important.

The following steps will guide you through the process for fixing a two-handle faucet.

1. Determine Which Water Temperature Side is Leaking

Your first step will be to determine whether the hot or cold side is leaking. This should be easy enough to do by touching the water that's leaking from the faucet or showerhead. If you feel hot water, the leak is in the hot water faucet handle. If it's cold water, you'll know the leak originates on the other side. It's possible that you won't be able to test the water. A small leak can make it tricky to tell. If that's the case, plan to repair both sides.

turning off the whole house water supply before changing tub faucets

2. Turn Off the Whole House Water Supply

You may need to head to your basement or your crawlspace to turn off your home's water supply. For slab homes, check out the area under your farm kitchen sink or near your water heater. Do not skip this step. Go to your home's main water supply valve, and turn it to the off position. Next, turn on both of the tub's faucets to run the remaining water out of the pipes. Once the water flow stops, cover the drain with a towel to prevent small objects from falling into the drain as you go through the faucet repair process. Don't skip this part of the process either.

removing the cap and handle, or trim, to fix a leaking tub faucet

3. Remove the Cap and Handle, Also Called Trim

On the faucet handle you need to repair, use a flathead screwdriver to pry the plastic cap or faceplate off. Voilá! Taking off the plastic cap reveals the screw. Set the cap in a safe place to keep it from getting lost. You'll need to put it back on later.

Next, use your Phillips screwdriver in the exposed screw in order to unscrew the faucet handle. Once you turn the screw completely, you’ll be able to pull the handle out. It may take a little jiggling. Set the screw aside along with the handle cap.

4. Remove the Escutcheon (Decorative Plate) and Stem Assembly

The plumbing escutcheon is the decorative piece covering the opening on the tub wall. If you don't see screws in this decorative piece, you should be able to unscrew it or pull it off. Try turning it. Otherwise, if there are screws, use the screwdriver to remove it.

A brass nut secures the stem assembly. Once you loosen the brass nut with an adjustable wrench, you can pull the faucet stem out.

replacing the rubber washer of a double-handle faucet

5. Remove and Replace the Rubber Washer

As you look at the back of the stem assembly, you'll see that two small screws hold the washer in place. Unscrew these screws so you can remove the washer and discard it.

Clean the back of the assembly with a dry rag, and push the replacement rubber washer into the assembly. If the new washer came with new screws, use them to secure the washer in place. Otherwise, wipe the old screws with a rag and reuse them.

6. Inspect and Replace the Faucet Seat

Using a flashlight, look into the opening to inspect the faucet seat. This is a brass piece that acts as a seal and prevents water leakage. It may look similar in shape to a set screw. Now, take a closer look at the faucet seat. Is it in good working order? How do you know if the faucet seat is faulty?

Make sure the piece isn't corroded or damaged. Is there a lot of build-up? If the faucet seat does look faulty, use the seat wrench to unscrew and remove the faucet seat. Screw the new faucet seat in place, and use the seat wrench to ensure it's firmly secured.

replacing the handles after fixing a leaky tub faucet

7. Reassemble and Test Your Bathtub Faucet

Now that you have replaced the washer and faucet seat, you can put everything back together. Start by putting the stem assembly in place and securing it with the brass nut. After putting the escutcheon back, fit the faucet handle over the faucet stem. Tighten the faucet screw and press the cap back into position. Did it fix the leak? If so, congratulations. If not, then it may be time to call in the professionals.

How To Fix a Leaking Single-Handle Tub Faucet

Ready for some good news? A single-handle bathtub faucet is generally easier to fix than a double-handled faucet. Why? A single faucet has fewer parts and only one valve, so it's less complicated. Easy, peasy. Of course, you need the right tools. Fortunately, we've got a list of just what you need to tackle this project below.

tool and material required to fix a single-handle tub faucet

So, repairing a bathtub faucet with one handle will be different than the directions above. Annoying as it is, round up all the tools and materials listed below. The last thing you want is to discover your needle-nose pliers are missing from where they belong after you're knee-deep into this replacement project. Read through the directions before you start to ensure a little familiarity and to know you have everything you need to begin. Assemble the following items:

Required Equipment and Tools to Fix a One-Handled Tub Faucet

Adjustable wrench
Flathead screwdriver
Phillips screwdriver
Allen wrench set
Needle-nose pliers
Towel
One replacement valve cartridge

Read through the directions before you start to ensure a little familiarity and to know you have everything you need to begin.

The following steps will guide you through the process for fixing a single-handle faucet.

1. Turn Off the Whole House Water Supply

To prepare for this project, make sure the water flow is completely turned off at the main water supply valve. The shutoff valve may be located in your basement or crawlspace. If you have a slab foundation, look near your water heater or around your farmhouse kitchen sink. This is an important step. Do not skip this one. Afterward, run your bathtub faucet or showerhead to flush the remaining water out of the plumbing system. Make sure to cover the drain in the bathtub to avoid losing small items down the drain as you work on your faucet repair project.

removing the cap and handle, or trim, while fixing a tub faucet leak

2. Remove the Faucet Cap and Handle, Known as Trim

Similar to a double-handled faucet, a single-handled faucet will have a faceplate or plastic cap covering the screw. Remove the cap with a flathead screwdriver and loosen the screw. A sink with lever-shaped handles will have an Allen screw instead of a traditional screw. Allen wrenches come in an assortment of sizes. Use the appropriate Allen wrench to easily loosen the screw.

3. Remove the Escutcheon and Retainer Clip

You will need to unscrew and remove the escutcheon, or the decorative metal that hides the hole in the wall for the water pipes, at this point. Once you remove the escutcheon, you should see a U-shaped retainer clip. Needle-nose pliers will make it easier to remove the clip. Set the clip aside.

4. Remove and Replace the Valve Cartridge

Before you use your pliers to remove the valve cartridge, notice its position. This will help you install the new cartridge in just a moment. Using the pliers, pull the cartridge out. If it’s difficult to pull, you may need to use the cartridge puller tool. Throw the old cartridge away.

Properly position the new valve cartridge to match the position of the former (bad) cartridge, and push it in with your hand. Once you have the valve cartridge secured in place, you can return the U-shaped retainer clip to its former place.

5. Turn on the Water

After replacing the valve cartridge, you can check for leaks. Are you ready for this? Gradually turn on the water at the main water shut-off valve. Using a flashlight, look into the opening in your bathtub to spot leaks in the cartridge or plumbing pipes. If you do see leaks, you may need to call a plumber. Unfortunately, there could be more extensive repairs in order.

turning on the water after fixing the leaky faucet

6. Reassemble and Test Your Bathtub Faucet

Finally, restore the escutcheon, or decorative piece. Screw the faucet handle back into its proper position. Don’t forget to press the cap back onto the faucet and then applaud yoru handiwork for a moment. You just fixed your leaky tub and shower faucet.

white freestanding tub brass fixtures — If your old bathtub fixtures are becoming a headache, follow these directions for a simple (potential) fix.

How To Prevent Bathtub Faucet Leaks

Every bathtub faucet, even high-quality tub and shower faucets, will leak eventually (though cheaper, poorly-made varieties will wear out much faster than, say, faucets from a trusted brand). While washers in double-handled faucets and valve cartridges in single-handled faucets are purposefully designed to be sturdy, they will eventually fail.

Extend the lifetime of your faucet and its components by keeping the faucet clean. After showering or bathing, clean faucets and fixtures. Use a dry, soft cloth to wipe the faucet handles. Although this seems like a silly and unnecessary step for an item intended to get wet, wiping down bathtub faucets will reduce the amount of minerals, mildew, and soap scum that eventually corrodes rubber washers.

When Should You Replace Your Tub Faucet?

New bathtub faucets can help you add a fresh look when taking on a home improvement project or upgrading your current bathroom. But if your bathtub faucet just isn't working like it should, with frequent leaks, issues with water temperature, or tricky temperature adjustment, it might be time for a bathroom upgrade from Vintage Tub & Bath.

Have you redone a room or your home using our products? Tag @vintagetub or use #vintagetubandbath on social media to be featured.