How Do You Fix a Leaking Faucet?

Fix a leaking faucet by turning off the water supply, disassembling the faucet, and replacing worn parts such as washers, cartridges, or O-rings. Reassemble the faucet and test for leaks. If the leak persists, inspect the valve seat or call a plumber for advanced issues.

Is a Leaking Bathtub Faucet Dangerous?

A leaking bathtub faucet is not immediately dangerous, but it can lead to water damage, mold growth, and increased utility bills. Over time, constant dripping may corrode plumbing and damage surrounding materials, which could cause structural issues if ignored.

How to Repair a Dripping Bathtub Faucet in 7 Simple Steps

Q: Why Do Bathtub Faucets Leak?

Bathtub faucets leak due to worn-out washers, damaged valve seats, or corroded seals. Hard water buildup can also cause leaks by eroding internal parts. Continuous dripping usually signals a faulty cartridge or O-ring inside the faucet handle.

General

A leaking bathtub faucet may seem like a minor issue, but over time, it can waste thousands of gallons of water and lead to higher water bills, potential structural damage, and added strain on your plumbing system. Whether you’re looking to save time, money, or the hassle of calling a plumber, this guide offers clear, step-by-step instructions to help you fix a dripping bathtub faucet with confidence.

In this article, we break down the essential tools, walk you through the main faucet components, and explain how to identify and fix common issues. We also highlight when it’s best to call a professional plumber if the problem escalates.

Why Do Bathtub Faucets Leak?

Understanding the root cause of a leaking bathtub faucet is essential for making effective repairs. Several internal components can fail over time, leading to persistent drips that waste water and increase your water bills.

Common causes include:

Worn-Out Faucet Washer: Constant friction against the valve seat causes the faucet washer to wear down, allowing water to seep through and drip from the faucet spout.
Damaged Rubber O-Rings: O-rings seal moving parts like the faucet handle. When they dry out or crack, leaks can develop around the handle or base of the faucet.
Corroded Valve Seat: Water impurities and scale buildup corrode the valve seat, preventing a tight seal. This often results in continuous dripping, especially in compression faucets.
Faulty Faucet Cartridge: In cartridge faucets, worn or misaligned faucet cartridges disrupt water flow control and cause leaks, especially when the mixing valve fails to regulate temperature properly.
Loose or Damaged Valve Stem: A worn or loose valve stem or bonnet nut may allow water to escape around the stem assembly, causing intermittent or steady leaks behind the trim plate.

Think your faucet is leaking? Contact a plumber today!

A 7-Step Guide to Repairing a Dripping Bathtub Faucet

Fixing a dripping bathtub faucet may seem daunting, but with the right tools and approach, it’s a manageable DIY task. This step-by-step guide walks you through the entire process so you can stop leaks and save on water bills.

Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply

Safety comes first. Always begin by shutting off the main water supply shut-off valve near the bathtub faucet. This prevents further water waste and protects your home from unwanted flooding.

If your home has a water pressure regulator, turning off the main water shut-off valve will also relieve built-up water pressure in the lines. Open another faucet in the house to fully drain residual water before beginning the repair.

Step 2: Remove the Faucet Handle

Use an Allen wrench or Phillips head screwdriver to remove the faucet handle. Depending on your faucet type, the handle may be secured with a hidden set screw. Gently pry off the trim plate to expose the valve stem and other internal parts. This is also a good time to inspect the faucet spout and surrounding areas for soap scum, scale buildup, or signs of mold and corrosion.

Step 3: Identify Your Faucet Type

To make the correct repair, determine which of the following faucet types you have:

Compression Faucets: Use separate hot and cold faucet handles; typically have faucet washers and brass nuts.
Cartridge Faucets: Use a faucet cartridge to regulate flow; often have one or two handles.
Ball Faucets: Use a mixing valve and ball bearings to control water temperature.
Ceramic Disc Faucets: Use a valve cartridge and ceramic discs.

Step 4: Inspect the Faucet Internals

Once the faucet handle and trim plate are removed, you’ll gain access to internal parts such as the stem assembly, valve seat, bonnet nut, and retainer clip. Use needle-nose pliers to remove the retainer clip, if present.

Then, loosen the bonnet nut or brass nut with an adjustable wrench or channel lock pliers to extract the valve stem or faucet cartridge. Apply plumber’s tape to the threads of any removable components to prevent future leaks when reassembling.

Step 5: Replace Worn-Out Parts

Over time, rubber O-rings, faucet washers, and faucet cartridges deteriorate due to friction, heat, and water impurities. These parts are the most common causes of a dripping bathtub faucet.

Replace any damaged faucet washer, valve seat, or rubber O-ring with parts from a repair kit designed for your faucet model. You can also inspect and reseat the valve seat using a seat wrench, especially in compression faucets where wear is common.

Step 6: Apply Plumber’s Grease and Reassemble

Once all worn parts are replaced, lubricate the new parts with plumber’s grease. This extends their lifespan and helps ensure a watertight seal.

Reassemble the stem assembly, tighten the bonnet nut, reinsert the retainer clip, and reattach the faucet handle. Don’t forget to secure the trim plate and check that the faucet spout is properly aligned.

Step 7: Restore Water and Test the Faucet

Turn on the main water supply and test the repaired bathtub faucet. Make sure there is no leak around the faucet handle, valve stem, or faucet spout.

If you still experience drips, double-check the tightness of all connections and ensure your faucet components were correctly matched to the faucet type.

How to fix a leaking pipe: A step-by-step guide for homeowners

When to Call a Plumber for a Leaking Faucet?

You should call a plumber when a leaking bathtub faucet persists despite DIY repairs, or if you notice low water pressure, corrosion, or water seeping behind the bathroom wall. If you’re unfamiliar with faucet components, it’s best to call a licensed expert who can prevent structural damage and unnecessary water waste, ensuring your plumbing system runs safely and efficiently.

What are the Benefits of a Professional Plumber?

Accurate Leak Detection: Plumbing professionals use specialised tools to identify hidden leaks, preventing water damage, surface tension of water issues, and costly repairs caused by undetected faucet or pipe problems.
Proper Tool Usage: Pros know how to use tools properly, which ensures they avoid causing damage to delicate faucet components and surrounding fixtures.
Long-Term Fixes: Instead of temporary patches, licensed plumbers address root causes like worn valve stems, corroded faucet seats, or a broken pressure regulator, ensuring the issue won’t return prematurely.
System-Wide Assessment: A plumber will inspect your entire plumbing system, helping you avoid future problems caused by unseen deterioration.
Time and Cost Efficiency: Hiring a plumber can save you time and reduce the cost to fix leaking bathtub faucets by avoiding mistakes, repeat fixes, and potential structural damage to your home.

When to know if you need a plumber

Expert Plumbing Services in Quebec

At Plomberie Pro‑Drain, we offer comprehensive plumbing solutions for homes and businesses. From 24/7 emergency plumbing to installations and repairs of toilets, showers, bathtubs, sinks, and water heaters, we’re on call around the clock. Our certified team handles full plumbing for renovations, backs it with transparent quotes, and uses top‑quality tools to ensure fast, reliable results for all projects.