A leaky bathtub faucet can be a major inconvenience, not to mention a waste of water. If you’re dealing with this problem, don’t worry – you can fix it yourself with a few simple tools and a little bit of time. In this article, we’ll show you how to fix a leaky bathtub faucet with two handles.
The first step is to identify the source of the leak. If the water is leaking from the handle, then the packing nut needs to be tightened. If the water is leaking from the spout, then the washer needs to be replaced. Once you’ve identified the source of the leak, you can follow the steps in this article to fix it.
If the leak is coming from the handle, you’ll need to tighten the packing nut. To do this, use a wrench to turn the nut clockwise until it’s snug. Be careful not to overtighten the nut, or you could damage the faucet. If the leak is coming from the spout, you’ll need to replace the washer. To do this, use a screwdriver to remove the handle and then unscrew the spout. The washer is located at the base of the spout. Remove the old washer and replace it with a new one. Then, screw the spout back on and reinstall the handle.
Identifying the Leak Source
Determining the precise source of a leaky bathtub faucet with two handles is crucial for effective repair. Several common areas can develop leaks, each requiring specific troubleshooting methods. By carefully examining the faucet and its components, you can pinpoint the culprit and proceed with the appropriate repair.
Handle Washer or O-Ring
One potential leak source is the handle washer or O-ring, responsible for sealing the handle stem from the water supply. Over time, these components can become worn or damaged, allowing water to seep through. To identify this as the leak source, check for water dripping from the base of the handle or around the handle stem. If you notice any signs of leakage, replacing the handle washer or O-ring should resolve the issue.
Additional Troubleshooting Tips:
- Inspect the handle washer or O-ring for any visible cracks, tears, or deformation.
- Check for any signs of corrosion or mineral buildup on the handle stem or washer.
- Ensure that the handle washer is properly seated and not twisted.
| Handle Type | Washer Type |
|---|---|
| Compression Handle | Rubber washer |
| Cartridge Handle | O-ring |
Shutting Off Water Supply
The first step in repairing a leaky bathtub faucet is to shut off the water supply to the faucet. To do this, you will need to locate the water shut-off valves for the bathtub. These valves are typically located under the sink or behind the bathtub. Once you have located the valves, turn them off by turning them clockwise. If the valves are difficult to turn, you may need to use a pair of pliers or a wrench to help you.
Once the water supply is shut off, you can proceed to remove the faucet handles. To do this, use a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the handles in place. Once the screws are removed, you can pull the handles off the faucet.
With the handles removed, you will now have access to the faucet cartridge. The faucet cartridge is the part of the faucet that controls the flow of water. To remove the cartridge, use a wrench to loosen the nut that holds it in place. Once the nut is loose, you can pull the cartridge out of the faucet.
| Tools Needed | Description |
|---|---|
| Screwdriver | Used to remove the screws that hold the faucet handles in place. |
| Pliers or wrench | Used to turn off the water shut-off valves and loosen the nut that holds the faucet cartridge in place. |
Replacing Washer and/or Cartridge
If the washer or cartridge is worn out, it can cause the faucet to leak. To replace the washer, you will need to remove the handle and unscrew the packing nut. Once the packing nut is removed, you can remove the old washer and replace it with a new one. To replace the cartridge, you will need to remove the handle and unscrew the cartridge nut. Once the cartridge nut is removed, you can remove the old cartridge and replace it with a new one.
Removing the Handle
To remove the handle, you will need to use a screwdriver to remove the screw that is holding it in place. Once the screw is removed, you can pull the handle off of the faucet.
Unscrewing the Packing Nut
To unscrew the packing nut, you will need to use a wrench. Once the packing nut is loose, you can remove it by hand.
Removing the Old Washer
To remove the old washer, you can use a screwdriver or a pair of pliers. Once the old washer is removed, you can replace it with a new one.
Unscrewing the Cartridge Nut
To unscrew the cartridge nut, you will need to use a wrench. Once the cartridge nut is loose, you can remove it by hand.
Removing the Old Cartridge
To remove the old cartridge, you can use a screwdriver or a pair of pliers. Once the old cartridge is removed, you can replace it with a new one.
| **Replacing the Washer** |
| **Replacing the Cartridge** |
Reassembling Faucet Handles
Now, we’ll guide you through reassembling the faucet handles:
6. Reassemble the Handles
This part requires a bit more precision, so follow these steps carefully:
- Align the Handle Insert: Line up the insert correctly onto the valve stem.
- Insert the Handle: Slide the handle onto the stem, making sure the insert aligns with its grooves.
- Tighten the Handle Screw: Use an Allen key or a screwdriver to tighten the screw located on the side or underside of the handle. Don’t overtighten.
- Check Alignment: Ensure that the handle is level and aligns with the other handle or spout.
- Reattach the Trim Ring: If there’s a trim ring around the handle, carefully snap it back into place.
- Test the Handle: Turn the handle back and forth to check for any leaks or resistance. Adjust as needed.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully fixed your leaky bathtub faucet. Now you can enjoy a relaxing bath or shower without any interruptions.
Tightening Packing Nut
The packing nut is located around the base of the faucet handle. It is responsible for keeping water from leaking out around the handle. If the packing nut is loose, it can cause the faucet to leak. To tighten the packing nut, you will need a wrench.
Follow these steps to tighten the packing nut:
1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Open the faucet to relieve any water pressure.
3. Remove the handle by unscrewing the handle screw with a screwdriver.
4. Locate the packing nut around the base of the faucet handle.
5. Use a wrench to tighten the packing nut. Be careful not to overtighten the packing nut, as this can damage the faucet.
6. Wrap the packing rope around the stem.
7. Start by making several loose loops around the stem, leaving about 1/4 inch of packing rope extending beyond the end of the stem.
8. Gradually tighten the packing nut by hand, using a wrench to further tighten it if necessary.
9. Ensure the packing is tight enough to prevent leaks but not so tight that it binds the handle movement.
10. Reassemble the faucet handle and turn the water supply back on.
11. Check for leaks and adjust the packing nut as needed.
How to Fix a Leaky Bathtub Faucet with Two Handles
A leaky bathtub faucet can be a frustrating problem, but it’s one that you can usually fix yourself with a few simple tools and a little bit of time. Here’s how to do it:
- Turn off the water supply. The first step is to turn off the water supply to the faucet. You can usually do this by turning the handles all the way off, but if that doesn’t work, you may need to turn off the main water supply to your home.
- Remove the handle. Once the water is turned off, you can remove the handle. To do this, you’ll need to unscrew the cap that is located at the base of the handle. Once the cap is removed, you can pull the handle straight off.
- Remove the packing nut. Once the handle is removed, you’ll be able to see the packing nut. The packing nut is a round, brass-colored nut that is located at the base of the stem. To remove the packing nut, you’ll need to use a wrench or pliers to loosen it.
- Replace the washer. The washer is a small, rubber washer that is located inside the packing nut. To replace the washer, you’ll need to remove the old washer and then insert the new washer into the packing nut.
- Reinstall the packing nut. Once the new washer is in place, you can reinstall the packing nut. To do this, you’ll need to tighten the packing nut until it is snug. Do not overtighten the packing nut, as this can damage the faucet.
- Reinstall the handle. Once the packing nut is installed, you can reinstall the handle. To do this, you’ll need to slide the handle over the stem and then tighten the cap.
- Turn on the water supply. Once the handle is installed, you can turn on the water supply. Check for leaks at the base of the faucet. If there are no leaks, then you have successfully fixed the leaky bathtub faucet.
People Also Ask
What is the most common cause of a leaky bathtub faucet?
The most common cause of a leaky bathtub faucet is a worn-out washer. The washer is a small, rubber washer that is located inside the packing nut. As the washer wears out, it can start to leak water.
How long does it take to fix a leaky bathtub faucet?
The time it takes to fix a leaky bathtub faucet will vary depending on your level of experience and the severity of the leak. However, most leaks can be fixed in about 30 minutes to an hour.
How much does it cost to fix a leaky bathtub faucet?
The cost to fix a leaky bathtub faucet will vary depending on the parts that need to be replaced and the labor costs in your area. However, most repairs will cost between $20 and $50.
