A leaky bathtub faucet with two handles can be a frustrating and annoying problem. Not only does it waste water, but it can also lead to mold and mildew growth. If you’re dealing with a leaky faucet, don’t despair! With a few simple tools and a little bit of know-how, you can fix it yourself in no time.
First, you’ll need to gather your tools. You’ll need a wrench, a screwdriver, and a pair of pliers. You may also need a new washer or O-ring, depending on the cause of the leak. Once you have your tools, you’re ready to start fixing the leak.
The first step is to turn off the water supply to the faucet. There should be two shut-off valves under the sink. Once the water is turned off, you can remove the handles from the faucet. To do this, simply unscrew the screws that are holding them in place. Once the handles are removed, you’ll be able to see the cartridge or stem that controls the flow of water. If the washer or O-ring on the cartridge or stem is worn or damaged, it will need to be replaced. To do this, simply remove the old washer or O-ring and replace it with a new one.
Identify the Leak Source
Identifying the origin of a leaky bathtub faucet is crucial for devising an effective repair strategy. Here’s a detailed exploration of common leak sources:
1. Handle Washer:
A worn or deteriorated handle washer is a frequent culprit for leaks. Inspect the washers beneath the faucet handles. If they appear cracked, pitted, or hard, they need replacement. Tightening the handle screws may also resolve a loose washer.
2. O-Rings and Gaskets:
O-rings and gaskets create seals to prevent leaks at various joints within the faucet. Over time, these seals can wear out, causing drips. Check for any visible damage or hardening of the seals, and replace them if necessary.
3. Cartridge:
In single-handle faucets, a cartridge controls water flow. A faulty or damaged cartridge can lead to leaks. Inspect the cartridge by removing the handle and inspecting its condition. If it’s worn or damaged, replacement is recommended.
| Common Leak Sources | Signs to Look For |
| — | — |
| Handle Washer | Cracked, pitted, or hard washers beneath the handles |
| O-Rings and Gaskets | Worn or hardened seals at joints within the faucet |
| Cartridge (Single-Handle Faucets) | Worn or damaged cartridge under the handle |
Gather the Necessary Tools
To fix a leaky bathtub faucet with two handles, you’ll need the following tools:
- Adjustable wrench
- Allen wrench (hex key)
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Flathead screwdriver
- Replacement faucet handles (if necessary)
If you’re not sure what size of Allen wrench or Phillips head screwdriver you need, you can usually find the correct size listed on the faucet’s packaging or in the manufacturer’s instructions.
Replacement Faucet Handles
Replacement handles come in a variety of styles to match your bathroom decor. If you’re not sure what style you want, you can bring a picture of your bathroom to the hardware store and ask for help choosing a new handle.
| Handle Style | Description |
|---|---|
| Lever | A single lever that controls both the water temperature and flow rate. |
| Cross | Two handles that are perpendicular to each other, one for hot water and one for cold water. |
| Knob | Two knobs that are turned to adjust the water temperature and flow rate. |
Turn Off the Water Supply
Before attempting any repairs on your leaky bathtub faucet, it’s crucial to cut off the water supply to the faucet to ensure your safety and prevent water damage. Follow these steps:
Locate the Shut-Off Valves:
Identify the cold and hot water shut-off valves located beneath the sink or behind the access panel in the wall.
Identify the Correct Valves:
Turn on the faucet and observe which shut-off valve stops the flow of water. The valve controlling the cold water supply typically has a blue handle or marking, while the hot water shut-off valve has a red handle or marking.
Turn Off the Valves:
Using a wrench or pliers, gently turn the shut-off valves clockwise until they are completely closed. Ensure both the cold and hot water supplies are turned off.
Check for Leaks:
After turning off the valves, turn on the faucet again to release any remaining water pressure. If there are no leaks, you have successfully turned off the water supply to the faucet.
| Valve Type | Identifying Feature |
|---|---|
| Cold Water | Blue handle or marking |
| Hot Water | Red handle or marking |
Remove the Handle Caps
Before you can access the internal components of the faucet, you need to remove the handle caps. These caps usually have small screws that hold them in place. Use a screwdriver to carefully remove the screws. Once the screws are removed, you can gently pry off the handle caps.
Caution:
Be careful not to damage the handle caps or the faucet when removing them.
Common Types of Handle Cap Screws
| Screw Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Phillips | Cross-shaped head |
| Hex | Six-sided head |
| Slotted | Straight, flat head |
Tips for Removing Handle Caps:
- If the screws are rusted or stuck, apply penetrating oil and let it sit for a few minutes before attempting to remove them.
- Use a screwdriver that fits snugly into the screw head to avoid stripping it.
- Apply gentle pressure when prying off the handle caps to prevent damaging them or breaking the faucet.
Remove the Handle Screws
To remove the handle screws, you will need a Phillips head screwdriver. Locate the screws on the top or side of the handle. Carefully remove the screws and set them aside in a safe place.
If the screws are corroded or difficult to remove, you can try using a penetrating oil lubricant. Apply a few drops of the lubricant to the screws and let it sit for a few minutes before attempting to remove them. Be careful not to use excessive force when removing the screws, as you may damage the handle or the faucet.
Once the screws have been removed, the handle should be able to be pulled off the faucet. If the handle is stuck, you may need to gently wiggle it back and forth until it comes loose.
Safety Precautions
When working on plumbing fixtures, it is important to take the following safety precautions:
| Safety Precaution |
|---|
| Turn off the water supply to the faucet before beginning work. |
| Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from debris. |
| Use caution when handling sharp objects, such as screwdrivers and pliers. |
Replace the Worn-out Washer
The washer is a small rubber or plastic disc that sits between the stem and the seat of the faucet. Over time, the washer can become worn or damaged, causing the faucet to leak. Replacing the washer is a relatively simple repair that can be done in a few minutes.
To replace the washer, you will need the following tools:
- Screwdriver
- Wrench
- Replacement washer
Once you have gathered your tools, follow these steps to replace the washer:
1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
Locate the water supply valves beneath the sink and turn them off. This will prevent water from spraying out of the faucet when you remove the handle.
2. Remove the handle.
Using a screwdriver, remove the screws holding the handle in place. If the screws are corroded, you may need to use a penetrating lubricant to loosen them. Once the screws are removed, pull the handle straight up to remove it.
3. Remove the packing nut.
Beneath the handle, you will see a packing nut. Remove the packing nut using a wrench. Be careful not to overtighten the wrench, as this can damage the packing nut.
4. Remove the stem.
Once the packing nut is removed, you can remove the stem. Grip the stem with a wrench and turn it counterclockwise to remove it.
5. Inspect the washer.
Inspect the washer for any signs of wear or damage. If the washer is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
6. Install the new washer.
Place the new washer on the stem. Make sure the washer is seated properly against the seat of the faucet. Then, replace the stem, packing nut, and handle in reverse order.
7. Turn on the water supply and check for leaks.
Turn on the water supply and check for any leaks. If there are no leaks, the repair is complete.
Replace the O-Ring if Necessary
The O-ring is a small, rubber washer that sits between the handle and the faucet body. Over time, the O-ring can become worn or damaged, causing the faucet to leak. Replacing the O-ring is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes.
To replace the O-ring, you will need a new O-ring that is the same size as the old one. You can find new O-rings at most hardware stores or home improvement centers.
Once you have the new O-ring, follow these steps to replace it:
1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Remove the handle from the faucet.
3. Locate the O-ring on the handle or the faucet body.
4. Use a small screwdriver or your fingernail to remove the old O-ring.
5. Apply a small amount of plumber’s grease to the new O-ring.
6. Install the new O-ring on the handle or faucet body.
7. Reinstall the handle on the faucet.
8. Turn on the water supply and check for leaks.
Here are some additional tips for replacing the O-ring:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Make sure that the new O-ring is the same size as the old one. | If the new O-ring is too large, it will not fit properly and the faucet will still leak. |
| Apply a small amount of plumber’s grease to the new O-ring before installing it. | This will help to create a watertight seal and prevent the O-ring from leaking. |
| Test the faucet for leaks after replacing the O-ring. | Turn on the water supply and check for any leaks around the handle or faucet body. If there are any leaks, tighten the handle or replace the O-ring. |
Reinstall the Handle
Once the new cartridge is in place, you can reinstall the handle. First, insert the handle’s stem into the opening on the front of the faucet. Then, use a screwdriver to tighten the handle’s screw. Be sure to tighten the screw until the handle is snug, but do not overtighten it. Once the handle is in place, you can turn on the water and check for leaks.
If you continue to experience leaks, you may need to replace the O-rings in the handle. O-rings are small, rubber washers that create a seal between the handle and the faucet body. Over time, O-rings can become worn or damaged, which can lead to leaks. To replace the O-rings, you will need to remove the handle from the faucet. Once the handle is removed, you can use a pick or a small screwdriver to remove the old O-rings. Then, apply a small amount of silicone grease to the new O-rings and install them in the handle.
Once the new O-rings are in place, you can reinstall the handle on the faucet. Be sure to tighten the handle’s screw until it is snug, but do not overtighten it. Once the handle is in place, you can turn on the water and check for leaks.
Turn on the Water Supply Slowly
Once you have replaced the washer, turn on the water supply slowly. Open the hot water handle first, and then the cold water handle. This will help to prevent any sudden bursts of water from damaging the new washer.
Check for Leaks
Once the water is turned on, check for any leaks around the faucet. If there are any leaks, tighten the packing nut with a wrench until the leak stops. Be careful not to overtighten the packing nut, as this can damage the faucet.
Adjust the Handles
If the handles are loose, tighten them with a screwdriver. If the handles are too tight, loosen them with a screwdriver. The handles should be snug enough to stay in place, but not so tight that they are difficult to turn.
Lubricate the Handles
If the handles are squeaky or difficult to turn, lubricate them with a silicone-based lubricant. Apply the lubricant to the base of the handles, where they meet the faucet body. This will help to reduce friction and make the handles easier to turn.
Reset the Cartridge
If the faucet is still leaking after you have replaced the washer and tightened the packing nut, the cartridge may need to be reset. To reset the cartridge, turn off the water supply to the faucet and remove the handle. Then, use a wrench to loosen the cartridge nut and remove the cartridge. Clean the cartridge and the inside of the faucet body with a cloth. Apply a silicone-based lubricant to the cartridge and reinstall it. Finally, tighten the cartridge nut and reinstall the handle.
| Tools You’ll Need: | Materials You’ll Need: |
|---|---|
| Wrench | Faucet washer |
| Screwdriver | |
| Silicone-based lubricant |
Test the Faucet for Leaks
Locate the two handles on your bathtub faucet and turn them fully counterclockwise to turn off the water supply.
Open the faucet handles all the way to allow any remaining water to drain out.
Put a small bucket or bowl beneath the faucet to catch any dripping water.
Turn both handles back on fully to allow water to flow through the faucet.
Observe the faucet for any leaks. If you notice water dripping from the handles, the base of the faucet, or the spout, proceed to the next steps.
Identify the Type of Leak:
| Type of Leak | Cause |
|---|---|
| Handle Leak | Worn or damaged O-rings or washers |
| Base Leak | Loose or broken gasket |
| Spout Leak | Deteriorated O-rings or seals within the spout |
Once you have identified the type of leak, you can proceed to the appropriate repair steps. If you are unsure about the cause of the leak, consult a professional plumber for assistance.
How To Fix A Leaky Bathtub Faucet With Two Handles
A leaky bathtub faucet can be a major annoyance, but it’s also a relatively easy problem to fix. With a few simple tools and a little bit of time, you can quickly get your faucet back in working order.
Here’s what you’ll need:
* Adjustable wrench
* Phillips head screwdriver
* Flathead screwdriver
* O-rings (if necessary)
Once you have your tools and materials, follow these steps:
1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet. You’ll find the shutoff valves under the sink.
2. Remove the aerator from the faucet spout. This is usually done by unscrewing it by hand.
3. Remove the handle(s). This is usually done by removing the screws that hold them in place.
4. Remove the cartridge(s). This is done by unscrewing the retaining nut(s).
5. Inspect the O-rings on the cartridge(s) for wear or damage. If the O-rings are worn or damaged, they will need to be replaced.
6. Apply a thin layer of silicone grease to the new O-rings.
7. Reinstall the cartridge(s) and tighten the retaining nut(s).
8. Reinstall the handle(s) and tighten the screws.
9. Reinstall the aerator.
10. Turn on the water supply and check for leaks.
People Also Ask About How To Fix A Leaky Bathtub Faucet With Two Handles
How do I know if my bathtub faucet is leaking from the handle or the spout?
If the water is leaking from the base of the handle, it is likely coming from the cartridge. If the water is leaking from the spout, it is likely coming from the O-rings on the cartridge.
How often should I replace the O-rings on my bathtub faucet?
The O-rings on your bathtub faucet should be replaced every few years, or more often if you notice any leaks.
Can I fix a leaky bathtub faucet myself?
Yes, fixing a leaky bathtub faucet is a relatively easy repair that can be done with a few simple tools.
