January 24, 2023 •Reid Geiler
Are you trying to figure out why your bathtub faucet is leaking? You're not alone! A leaky faucet is an issue that many homeowners experience. And it can be detrimental in many ways. Water damage can occur in the walls and floors around the leak, leading to costly repairs. The water going down the drain wastes water and raises your water bill. Not to mention, a continuous dripping sound can be annoying and disruptive.
But don't worry; by the time you finish reading this blog, you'll better understand why your bathtub faucet is leaking and what you can do to stop it. Let's get started!
The Bathtub Faucet Washer Is Worn Or Broken
Replacing a worn-out or broken washer in a faucet is a relatively straightforward project:
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First, shut off the water supply to the faucet.
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Next, remove the handle and use a wrench to unscrew the faucet stem.
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Carefully remove the old washer, or if necessary, use pliers to remove any broken pieces. Next, inspect the faucet seat for any damage and replace it if needed. After that, insert the new washer and reassemble the faucet.
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Turn the water supply back on and test the faucet for leaks.
A Loose Or Improperly Installed Bathtub Faucet
If your faucet is loose or improperly installed, you can take a few steps to remedy the problem. First, check to ensure that all the nuts and bolts that secure the faucet to the sink are tight. If not, tighten them.
Once securely fastened to the sink, you should check the faucet for leaks taking care to replace worn or damaged parts. If the faucet is still loose, consider replacing the faucet washers and O-rings. If the tap still does not feel secure, you should contact a plumber to have them check the installation.
The Water Pressure Is Too High
If the water pressure is too high, it can cause a leaky faucet. The higher pressure forces water through the tap, causing leaks. Increased pressure strains the pipes, increasing the chances of a leak.
Check your home's water pressure and ensure it does not exceed the manufacturer's recommended level. If it does, speak to a plumber about adjusting the pressure or installing a pressure-regulating valve.
Worn Bathtub Faucet Gaskets Or Cracked O-Rings
Worn gaskets or cracked O-rings are common culprits causing a leaky faucet. Gaskets and O-rings are rubber seals that fit between objects, such as between the faucet handle and the valve body. Over time, these gaskets and O-rings become worn or cracked, causing water to leak. Replacing them is the fix to stop the leak.
A Faulty Bathtub Faucet Cartridge
A faulty faucet cartridge can lead to a leaky faucet in several ways. First, a defective cartridge can cause water to leak out of the tap due to a faulty seal, or it can cause water to flow through the faucet even when the handle is in the "off" position.
It can cause improper water pressure, or the faucet handle may become stuck due to an improper seal. Finally, a faulty cartridge could cause the faucet's handle to break off altogether. In any of these cases, the defective cartridge must get replaced to fix the leaky faucet.
A Faulty Diverter Valve
A faulty diverter valve can lead to a leaky faucet in several ways. First, the diverter valve redirects water from the faucet spout to the showerhead or other appliance. When the diverter valve malfunctions, it can cause water to escape through the faucet spout, leading to a leaky faucet.
In addition, if the diverter valve gets stuck in the "on" position, it will prevent water from reaching the destination and force excess water to leak through the faucet spout, causing a faucet leak.
Finally, a faulty diverter valve can lead to leaks if not sealed. A gap or crack between the diverter and the faucet can allow water to escape, leading to a dripping faucet.
Homeowners can proactively prevent leaks from a faulty diverter valve by inspecting and replacing the valve when necessary.
Bring In The Professionals
If you have questions or feel uncomfortable trying to fix a leaky bathtub faucet yourself, calling a professional plumber is the most efficient and reliable way to fix a leaky faucet.
With years of experience, trained technicians with all the right tools and parts can quickly and correctly identify the problem and provide a solution. Why not save time and effort and avoid frustration by leaving this work to professionals?
