How to Fix a Leaky Bathtub Faucet?

If you have a leaky bathtub faucet, there are several things you can do to fix it. In fact, some homeowners will have to shut off their main water supply to stop the water from flowing out of the tub. Not only will this save you a lot of money, but it will also ensure that you don’t waste any more water. 

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There are a number of common culprits that cause a leaky bathtub faucet. These include old washers, a rusted faucet handle, or a cracked pipe. The most important thing to do is to stop the leak and test your faucet to make sure it is working correctly. 

You will need to use some specialist tools to get the job done. For example, a small flat blade screwdriver is the ideal tool to unscrew the buttons on a faucet handle. To loosen the handle, you may want to turn on the hot water. This will loosen the sealant and allow easier removal. 

You can also check your valve for leaks. Some water systems have a lever or valve near the water meter that will shut off water to certain areas of your house. A leaking bathtub faucet may require a repair of both the spout and the seat. 

Another important item to replace is the escutcheon plate. When you remove the escutcheon, you can now access the stem assembly and faucet hardware. Most faucets will have a decorative plate covering a hole in the wall. If you cannot remove this, you will need to find a way to unscrew the decorative plate. 

If your faucet handle is rusted or corroded, it might be hard to unscrew. For this reason, you may want to purchase a special tool called a handle puller. It is designed to remove stubborn handles. 

Other parts to look for in a leaking bathtub faucet are the seals and the caulk. If you notice that the sealant on the base of the faucet has worn off, you can remove it for a minor fix. Alternatively, you can replace the sealant with a plumber’s putty. 

One of the most difficult components to remove is the faucet handle. Because the handle is a part of the faucet, removing it is often the most complicated part of the entire repair process. However, this is the best way to make sure the leak won’t return. Fortunately, a faucet handle can be easily replaced. 

The most important step in fixing a leaking bathtub faucet is to turn off the main water supply. Normally, this is located in the basement or crawlspace. If this isn’t possible, you can turn off the supply using an adjustable wrench. After you’ve turned off the water, let the rest of the water drain. 

Once you’ve turned off the main water supply, you’re ready to take a look at the faucet. Taking this a step further will help you figure out the best way to go about replacing your faucet.