Have you ever tried to get some shut-eye after a long day only to be kept awake by the incessant drip, drip, drip of the bathtub faucet?  If you are nodding your head yes, then this article is for you.  In this article, we will discuss how to fix a leaky faucet so you will not have to be tortured by the constant drip of water going down the drain.

What Causes Bathtub  Faucets To Leak?

There can be many causes that lead to a leaky bathtub faucet.  The most common cause is a worn-out washer.  Whatever the cause may be, you will need to make sure you have the proper tools to make the repairs.

What Are The Tools To Use?

The following list is the most common tools needed to replace a leaky faucet:

  • A towel or cloth for cleaning
  • Faucet handles
  • Washer
  • Socket wrench
  • Faucet stem
  • Screwdriver
  • Adjustable wrench

Before You Begin

Before you attempt any repair to any household plumbing, the first thing that needs to be done is to shut off the water supply valve.  Failure to do this step will ensure that you flood your bathroom which can lead to hundreds, if not thousands, of damages.  If you cannot find the supply valve to shut it off, then it is advisable to shut off the water to the house completely until the project is completed.

Remove The Old Faucet Handle

The first step in fixing a leak is to remove the old faucet handle.  To do this correctly, you will need to remove the decorative cap.  Use the screwdriver to loosen and remove the screws.  Once the screws have been removed, the decorative cap should pop right off.  Once this is done, a quick tug on the handle should detach it from the wall.

Now That You Can See The Components

Now that you can see the components, you will want to give a quick examination as to what the problem is.  Does the washer need to be replaced?  Is the valve stem or handle corroded?  Can you replace a small part of does the whole component needs replacing?

Out With The Old, In With The New

Replace the faucet stem with a new one.  When replacing the faucet stem, you need an adjustable wrench to loosen bolts and a socket wrench to remove them.

During this process, you will want to make sure that the rubber ring on top of the faucet stem that is used to tighten water flow is not damaged.  Additionally, you will want to replace the washer with a new one to ensure it will work properly.

Replace The Faucet Handle

After you are done swapping out the old components for the new ones, the last thing you will want to do is replace the faucet handles.  Faucet handles can become damaged and worn over time from use so it is best to replace them with the rest of the components.

If All Else Fails

If all else fails and the leak persists or you just do not have the time to fix the problem yourself, contact Conyers Plumbing and we will send one of our trained technicians to your house to fix the problem.