‘How to Fix leaky Bathtub faucet?’ a question many ask for a leaking bathtub tap.
A running tap can be very annoying and fretting. It not only drains the stored water but also overflows the bathtub unrestrainedly.
Besides, the sheer sight of the messed-up bathtub tap can send chills up the spine and make us wonder how we can fix the leaky bathtub faucet.
If you live in a place where you are billed per a specific quantity of water, or the place is known for the dearth of water, then the leaking tap can be all the more nightmarish.
What if you are not billed for water? Should you not care? The dripping of water often leaves a stain where the drops contact the bathtub’s surface.
However, it is important to keep our focus on the way to fix it. After all, repairing a bathtub tap is not that difficult as it may seem and is less troublesome than wondering How to Fix a leaky bathtub faucet?
There could be several reasons why the tap is dripping water or running unrestrainedly. Finding out how to fix it is the most crucial step while looking for a way to fix it.
At times, the problem is as simple as tightening some nuts; however, it may be complex and require a whole changeover of the plumbing system.
Calling a plumber can be your second reaction. Finding a plumber can be time-consuming; waiting for one to turn up can be testing your patience, and paying for their services can be more disheartening than the leaking tap.
With the right set of tools in hand, you can be sure to fix the running tap in minutes.
This article will guide you at every step in fixing your tap with professional efficiency. Don’t worry; even if it is the first time you’ve handled a spanner, the guide is elaborate and lucid in its explanation, so much so that even beginners can benefit from it.
1st step for resolution toward ‘How to Fix leaky Bathtub faucet?’:
Turn the water supply off
It is obvious to close the water supply. There is no point in keeping it open as the opened-up pipe will let the water keep flowing, causing a watery mess.
You need to look for the valve that controls water flow to the bathroom or the main valve and close it.
Step-2
Take the tap’s cap out
To access the screw of the tap, you have to remove the cap first. Look for a screw near the front of the cap. Remove it by means of a screwdriver.
Make sure to place the screw somewhere where you can easily find it later.
Step-3
Remove the handle screw
After removing the handle screw at the top, you will be able to see the screw that secures the handle there. You have to remove the handle screw to be able to remove the handle. You can use the screwdriver for this purpose too.
Even in this case, make sure to place the screw so that you can easily find it.
Step-4
Remove the handle
This step is very easy. Once the handle screw has been removed, the handle is easy to dislocate; a simple twist, turn and pull will mostly be enough. However, due to rusting, minerals’ deposition, etc., the handle may be fused with the pipe.
You may need to use a tap handle puller as your ultimate option.
Step-5
Dismantle the stem assembly
The stem assembly needs to be gained access after the removal of the escutcheon.
The escutcheon is a plate covering the hole otherwise left open due to the pipe that is let in through it. Removing it will help you gain access to the assembly.
You may have to pull out or unscrew the escutcheon simply. For removing the stem assembly, you have to use a spanner of the right size; a wrench is naturally more adjustable.
Step-6
Inspect the washer
It is the step that will help you know where the problem lies. In most situations, it is the washer that has gone bad.
Mostly, washers go bad due not due to constant mechanical pressure but due to constant exposure to water. It gets hardened and is misshaped. The inadequate contact of the washer’s surface with that of the tap’s other parts causes the water to leak.
Step-7
Fix the issue
Now that you have access to the point of failure, which lies with the deformed and thus malfunctioning washer, it is time for you to fix it.
Replace the washer with the one with the right size and shape. You can get a fair idea of these if you physically compare the old washer with a new one despite its malformed shape. You may have to visit a plumbing supply store; however, you can get the right part in a jiffy, albeit you’ll have to carry the old one.
Putting on the part is the same as removing it.
Step-8
Check for possible damage to the tap seat
The seat is the part of the tap that constantly holds the washer firmly to avoid leakage. The seat, too, goes bad at times due to continual erosion and corrosion.
A simple visual inspection after fitting the new washer can help you analyze whether it is making firm contact with the seat or not; if not, then changing it is the only option.
Step-9
Change the seat if it deteriorates
For replacing the seat, you need a seat wrench. The removal process for the seat needs just some twisting of the tool.
We advise you to carry your old seat along with the old washer to the plumbing supply stores to avoid repeated visits.
Step-10
Undo the removal
Now that you have fixed the issue, it is time for you to put things back in place. Tighten the seat, put the escutcheon back, put the handle back and screw it firmly, place the cap back and secure it with its screw, turn the valve on and examine your work.
Concluding Remarks
This article gives you the information on ‘How to Fix leaky Bathtub faucet?’
It is as simple as it sounds. With the right tools in hand, you can be sure to fix your bathtub tap by perusing or referring to this guide and never jitter about How to Fix leaky Bathtub faucet?
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