You should be aware of the causes of leaky faucets before learning how to repair them. There is a stem or cartridge that controls the mixing valve where the cold and hot water lines come together. Water is turned on by pressing the washer against the valve. The cartridge or tub faucet itself could be to blame for the leak. Broken stems or cartridges may not properly block the water stream. It is possible for worn-out or old faucet handles to cause a dripping faucet.
The most typical reason for dripping bathtub faucets is an outdated washer. If this is the case with the tub you’re using, follow the instructions below to repair a drippy bathtub faucet.
1. Supplies, tools, and parts should be gathered
Most bathtub plumbing problems can be fixed with replacement parts accessible at home improvement stores and hardware stores. There will be a much greater selection of plumbing parts available through a plumbing parts distributor, and more difficult-to-find items can be specially ordered online as well. If the valve is significantly rusty or the finish is fading, consider replacing the entire faucet.
2. Turn off the main water supply
Turning off the bathroom's water source is the next step. Water is cut off to the entire house as a result of this action. Shut-off valves will usually be in the basements or crawl spaces. Sometimes, the shut-off valve may be put outside where the city water meter is in many properties. If the valve hasn't been turned in years, use a torque wrench to screw it shut.
3. Remove the faucet cap
After that, unscrew the faucet lever screw by prying off the lid. Pry off the cap using the appropriate tool after draining the water from the faucet. Make sure you store it safely.
4. Take the screw out of the handle
The lever is held in place by a screw within the faucet grip. Find it once the cover has been removed. A screwdriver is now required to remove this. Unscrew the screw and store it with the cap to avoid losing it.
5. Remove the handles
You can disconnect the handle after removing the screw since rust and water accumulation might cause the stem's handling to fuse. This step can be difficult depending on the age of the faucet. If you have an old faucet, it may have corrosion on the screw and handle due to frequent water deposits on the handle. These stains will not come easily and if you lay too much pressure you might end up damaging the product. Instead, you can use hot water heater to reheat it, use a hairdryer to blow things off, or spray white vinegar on the area.
6. Remove the stem assembly and escutcheon
It will be easier to repair the leak if you remove the escutcheon. In most cases, you can readily remove the branch bonnet by using an adjustable socket wrench. Once you have removed the escutcheon from the stem. Remove the stem assembly with a modifiable wrench.
7. Check the washer
The most typical source of water leaking from the tub spout when the shower is turned off is the washer, which has to be replaced. Examine the end washer first before removing the stem assembly. Replace it if it is old.
8. Washer should be replaced
The exposed rubber component at the top of most tap stems or cartridges is known as the washer. Replace the washer if it appears broken or worn. Use a ratchet wrench to remove the screw that keeps the washer together. Then, before replacing the screw, remove the washer and replace it.
9. Replace the faucet stem
If changing the washer does not stop the leak, the stem or cartridge may be to blame. If the cartridge or stem is the source of the problem, adopt these techniques to keep it from leaking. Clean the foundation of any rust, wax, or caulk. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the bolts that hold it together. Remove the bolts from the wall using a socket wrench. Remove the stem and replace it in the fitting with new bolts.
10. Look for any damage to the seat
A damaged seat can also cause a leak. The washer's seat can wear and corrode when it is in contact with the washer. In addition to causing leaking seats, a leaking seat can also cause other leaks. Prior to substituting the stem component with a replacement washer, it is recommended to inspect the seat for visible damage. Seat wrenches are specialized tools used for removing seats.
11. Reattach the components
The next step is to reassemble everything after changing the washer and inspecting and repairing the seat. Make sure the faucet is working properly by turning on the water. When the water flows properly and the tap does not leak, the repair procedure has been completed.
