A leaky bathtub faucet is a common household problem that can lead to high water bills and even structural damage to your home. The good news is that it’s usually an easy fix that you can do yourself with a few basic tools.
Causes of a Bathtub Faucet Leak
There are a variety of reasons that a bathtub faucet might leak, including:
- A damaged faucet stem
- A worn washer in the stem of the faucet
- A damaged faucet spout
Determining the cause of your leak is the first essential step in fixing it. Read on to learn how to fix a leaky faucet no matter the cause.
Here’s how to fix a leaky faucet step by step:
- Turn off the water supply to the sink that’s leaking. The shut-off valve is often found in your basement or outdoors. Not confident about shutting off the water supply? Taskers can help make the whole process easier.
2. Remove the faucet handle next. You may need to use a screwdriver or wrench to remove it from the center of the faucet and use some force to pull it off.
3. Next, inspect the inside of the faucet, including the washer, valve stem, and cartridge. Determine which part might be causing the leak. Disassembling the faucet should only take around 15 minutes.
4. If the washer is damaged, remove the damaged piece and replace it with a new one. This should only take about 15 minutes. If you still have a leak after replacing the washer, move onto the next step.
5. The faucet stem (also called the cartridge) may be the cause of the leak. To fix this piece, you need to remove the old one and determine if it is damaged, rusted or altogether broken. Then you’ll need to assess exactly what type of cartridge is needed and purchase a new one that matches the old. Then you can replace the old cartridge and fit it into place with bolts. This process will take around 30 minutes.
6. If your faucet is still leaking and neither the washer nor cartridge is the culprit, you’ve likely got an issue with your faucet spout. Removing this can be a difficult and complex process. First you’ll need to remove the spout itself by unscrewing it with a wrench or socket wrench. Then you’ll need to remove any sealant that’s binding the faucet and spout to the wall. Finally you’ll need to remove the length of the pipe with a wrench and wrap both ends of the length of pipe with plumber’s tape.
7. To replace the spout, you’ll first need a new spout. Then you’ll need to reinsert it into the elbow pipe within the wall and reapply sealant. This should resolve your leak in most cases. This process should take about 30 minutes, up to an hour.
8. If none of these steps resolves the leaky faucet, it might be time to hire help, such as a Tasker who’s available to provide plumbing services.
Different Types of Faucets
There are several different types of faucets, including:
- Compression faucets: Compression faucets are the most common type of faucet and are typically found in older homes. They work by using a washer to stop the flow of water.
- Cartridge faucets: Cartridge faucets use a cartridge to regulate the flow of water. They are typically found in newer homes.
- Ball faucets: Ball faucets use a ball bearing to control the flow of water. They are typically found in kitchens.
Cost to Fix a Leaky Faucet
The cost to fix a leaky bathtub faucet can vary depending on the severity of the problem and the type of faucet. On average, it can cost about $200 to fix a leaky faucet. This includes parts and labor and can vary depending on your location.
Save Time With Help From a Tasker
If you need help fixing a leaky bathtub faucet, hire a Tasker! Taskers are experienced and ready to help at a moment’s notice. So don’t feel like you need to do it all on your own. Just task!
