How to Fix a Leaking Bathtub faucet - Why is my Bathtub faucet leaking?
Why is my Bathtub Faucet Leaking? How to Fix a Leaking Bathtub Faucet
There is nothing more annoying than the constant drop of a leaky bathtub faucet. However, you don’t always need a plumber to fix the problem. A leaking bathtub faucet generally stems from small rubber washer, seal or gasket failure. The replacement of these items can typically be handled at home with a couple of tools. If you need help, you can contact one of our professionals for a free quote here. There is never any pressure to hire a professional from Great Pros! Compare prices and profiles of our licensed, bonded, and insured contractors!
Follow this guide on resolving your leaky double-handled bathtub faucet once and for all!
Materials and tools
- Philips screwdriver
- Flat-blade screwdriver
- Shower stem socket
- Seat Wrench
- Lubricant
- Faucet seats
- Liquid thread sealant
- Seat washers
- Seat washer screws
How to Fix a Leaking Bathtub faucet
Most leaky bathtub faucet problems can be fixed with replacement part available at any home center or hardware store. There are hundreds of thousands of faucet parts available, so it’s a good idea to bring in your old parts for an exact match. If you notice that the valve is highly corroded, or that the finished is rather worn, you may want to replace your entire faucet set.
- Look for access to the bathtub faucet’s shut-off valves and turn off the water supply. If the shut-off valves are not accessible, turn off your home’s main water supply.
- Pry the buttons off of your double-handled faucet with a flat-blade screwdriver, exposing the handle’s screws. Remove these screws with a Philips screwdriver. Once removed, pull the handles off to expose the faucet’s stems.
- Place the socket over each one of the faucet stems and turn counterclockwise. If the stem appears to be frozen, remove and apply penetrating lubricant spray to each of the threads. Allow 15 to 20 minutes for the lubricant spray to work. Slide the socket back over the stem and turn counterclockwise to remove.
- Inset your sear wrench into the remaining opening. Turn counterclockwise to remove the remaining seats. Spray the liquid sealant onto the threads of the new seats. Install with a wrench and tighten clockwise to secure.
- Use the Phillips screwdriver to take off the seat washer screws from the ends of the stems. Pry out the old seat washers and install the new ones. Secure the new washer with new seat washer screws.
- Use the liquid thread sealant to coat the threads of the stems. Insert the stems back into the opening of the faucet. Tighten the stems clockwise using the shower stem socket.
- Cover the stems with your faucet’s handles. Secure the handles with the handle screws. Replace the handle buttons back into place to cover the screws. Test for leaks by turning on the water supply.
How Great Pros Can Help
If you are struggling to install your bathtub faucet leaking, don’t be afraid to reach out for professional help. Contact Great Pros Services for expert consultations and premium service.
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