Fixing a Leaking Tub Faucet like the Pros

The two most common faucet types are compression and cartridge faucets. If you have a leaking tub faucet, you’ll need to know which type of faucet you have in your bathroom to know how to fix it. A compression faucet has separate hot and cold handles, while a cartridge faucet does not. A leaking compression faucet is most likely due to a broken washer, while a leaking cartridge faucet is most often due to a broken cartridge.

To fix a leaking compression faucet turn off the water supply and take off the decorative cap on the handle using a flat head screwdriver. Unscrew the retaining screw on the handle to remove the handle. If there’s a nut holding the stem assembly on, remove that with an adjustable wrench and then take out the stem assembly. At the bottom of the assembly there should be a rubber washer attached. This is most often the cause of your leak because it is more likely to break down than the other materials around it. Replace the washer (and the O-ring as well if it is also showing wear) with one of the same size and reverse the steps you just took to reattach everything. Turn the water supply on and check for leaks. If it’s still leaking, you may need to call a professional plumber to diagnose and fix the issue because there may be something more serious occurring inside your faucet.

To fix a cartridge faucet turn off the water supply and remove the faucet handle with a screwdriver. If there’s a retaining clip or nut securing the cartridge inside you will need to remove that to access the cartridge. (Every model varies slightly so go slow and take pictures of what you did as you went so you know how to put it back together afterwards.) Pull out the cartridge using pliers and gently wiggling it free from the housing. Replace the cartridge with a new one of the same kind following the installation instructions on the package. Reassemble the faucet by reversing the actions you took previously and then turn on the water supply to check for leaks. If you still have a leak, it’s time to call a professional plumber to take a look. Keep the old cartridge and leave the new cartridge in place so that they can examine both when they arrive and be prepared to walk them through which steps you took to attempt the repair. This may help them troubleshoot the problem and get it fixed more quickly.

If fixing your faucet seems too overwhelming or your own efforts haven’t stopped the leak, call a licensed plumber for help! Give our team of local plumbers a call at 1 (800) 674-9130 to get your leak fixed right away!

Additional Resources:
Is DIY Faucet Repair Possible?
How Do I Fix My Leaky Faucet?
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How Tricky Is Faucet Installation?
Repair Costs for Leaky Faucets
Is Fixing a Broken Faucet Expensive?
Is a Leaky Outdoor Faucet a Problem?
The Faucet in My Bathtub Is Leaking
How Expensive is Leaky Faucet Repair?
Reasons Your Shower Faucet Is Leaking
Important Information About Kitchen Faucet Replacement
Is a Leaky Shower Faucet a Problem?
Pro Tips on Shower Faucet Repair
Costs to Install a Faucet
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How to Easily Repair a Leaky Faucet