It can be frustrating when you notice your bathtub faucet is dripping or leaking water. Not only is the sound of a constant drip aggravating, but it can also lead to a significant waste of water over time. And if left unfixed, a leaky faucet can cause further damage to your bathtub or surrounding areas. It’s important to address the issue as soon as possible to prevent any unnecessary expenses and conserve water. Let’s look at some of the common reasons why your bathtub faucet might be leaking and what you can do to stop the drip.
Worn Out Washers or Seals
One of the most common reasons for a leaky bathtub faucet is worn out washers or seals. The washers and seals are rubber parts inside the faucet that help regulate water flow and prevent leaks. Over time, these parts wear out from the constant use and need to be replaced. You’ll usually notice the faucet starts to drip from the spout or handle. Replacing the old washers or seals with new ones can often fix the leak.
Mineral Buildup and Corrosion
Mineral deposits from hard water and corrosion can also cause a bathtub faucet to leak. As water flows through the pipes and faucet, it leaves behind mineral deposits over time. These mineral deposits can corrode and damage the faucet’s parts leading to leaks. You may be able to remove built-up mineral deposits by soaking the faucet in white vinegar overnight. For corrosion damage, replacement of the faucet’s internal parts may be necessary.
Loose Faucet Handles
Loose handles on a bathtub faucet, a common issue in plumbing, can also be a source of leaks. The screws that hold the handle in place can become loose over time, especially in Moen bathtub faucets. This allows water to drip out around the base of the handle. To address this, perform a Moen bathtub faucet repair by tightening the loose screws with a screwdriver. If the issue persists, you may need to replace stripped screws or tighten the packing nut under the handle. This simple maintenance step can help prevent water wastage and ensure the efficient functioning of your bathtub faucet.
Problems with Cartridge or Stem
Cartridge and stem style faucets use inner cartridges or stems to control water flow and mixing. Damage to the cartridge or stem assembly can cause the faucet to leak from the spout or handles. Replacing old worn cartridges or stems is usually the solution in this case. Make sure to purchase the correct replacement cartridge designed for your specific faucet make and model.
Dripping Tub Spout Diverter
If you have a tub spout with a diverter, a leak coming from the spout when the shower is on may indicate problems with the diverter. The diverter is designed to stop the spout’s water flow and redirect it to the showerhead. A worn out or faulty diverter will allow water to drip from the tub spout while showering. Replacing the diverter assembly can fix this frustrating leak.
How to Stop a Leaky Bathtub Faucet
If your bathtub faucet is leaking, here are some step-by-step tips for diagnosing and stopping the drip:
1. Turn Off Water Supply Lines
Start by shutting off the hot and cold water supply lines under the sink or tub. Turning the knob clockwise closes the valves. This prevents water from spraying when you take the faucet apart.
2. Take the Faucet Apart
Take apart the faucet handle and trim piece to access the internal parts. You may need to pry off a decorative cap and loosen set screws to remove the handle. Then unscrew the escutcheon plate around the stem with a wrench.
3. Examine Washers, Seals, Cartridge
Check the condition of the rubber washers/seals and the cartridge/stem unit. Look for cracks, wear, and corrosion. Damaged parts will need to be replaced by matching ones.
4. Clean Mineral Buildup
Remove any mineral deposits with white vinegar and scrub with an old toothbrush. Flush the faucet body with water to clear out debris.
5. Replace Necessary Parts
Install new replacement washers, seals, cartridges, or other parts as needed. Use silicone-based grease on all seals and o-rings during reassembly.
6. Reinstall Handles and Turn Water Back On
Reinstall the faucet handle components in reverse order. Turn the main water supply back on slowly and check for leaks. Give a test run to ensure proper water flow and mixing.
Preventing Future Leaks
Here are some tips to help prevent leaks from recurring and maximize your faucet’s longevity:
- Use a sediment filter on supply lines to reduce mineral buildup.
- Wipe down the tub faucet after each use to prevent mineral deposits.
- Avoid slamming or jerking the faucet handle which can loosen parts.
- Lubricate o-rings and seals regularly with plumber’s grease.
- Tighten the handle set screw under the lever periodically.
- Replace washers and seals preventively every few years.
With proper care and maintenance, your bathtub faucet should give you years of drip-free performance. But when the inevitable leak does show up, identifying the cause and repairing the problem yourself can often be a quick and easy fix.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common causes of a leaky bathtub faucet?
The most common causes are worn out washers or seals, loose handle screws, mineral deposits, and problems with the cartridge or stem.
Where exactly should I look for leaks on a bathtub faucet?
Check around the spout, handles, and base of the faucet for any water droplets which indicate a leak. Leaks may slowly drip or spray out.
Can I fix a leaky bathtub faucet myself or do I need a plumber?
In most cases, you can fix a leaky tub faucet yourself by replacing washers, seals, cartridges, and other parts. No plumbing experience is needed.
What type of tools do I need to repair a dripping bathtub faucet?
Basic tools like adjustable pliers, screwdrivers, hex wrenches, penetrating oil, rags, white vinegar, and replacement parts are typically all that’s needed.
Are there any safety concerns when repairing a leaky bathtub faucet?
Yes, make sure to turn off the hot and cold water supply valves before taking apart the faucet to prevent water spraying out under pressure.
Conclusion
A leaky bathtub faucet can often be repaired by the homeowner by identifying the source of the leak and replacing worn parts like washers and seals. The most common culprits are mineral buildup and corrosion, worn seals, loose handles, and issues with cartridges or stems. When learning how to clean a bathroom sink drain, start by ensuring you turn off the water supplies before dismantling the faucet; this precaution, akin to the basic troubleshooting and repair steps for fixing a dripping bathtub faucet, ensures an uninterrupted flow and years of drip-free operation with proper maintenance.
