A leaky bathtub faucet with two handles is usually a irritating and annoying drawback. Not solely does it waste water, however it will possibly additionally result in mildew and mildew progress. When you’re coping with a leaky faucet, do not despair! With a number of easy instruments and slightly little bit of know-how, you possibly can repair it your self very quickly.
First, you will want to assemble your instruments. You will want a wrench, a screwdriver, and a pair of pliers. You may additionally want a brand new washer or O-ring, relying on the reason for the leak. Upon getting your instruments, you are prepared to begin fixing the leak.
Step one is to show off the water provide to the tap. There ought to be two shut-off valves below the sink. As soon as the water is turned off, you possibly can take away the handles from the tap. To do that, merely unscrew the screws which are holding them in place. As soon as the handles are eliminated, you can see the cartridge or stem that controls the movement of water. If the washer or O-ring on the cartridge or stem is worn or broken, it can should be changed. To do that, merely take away the outdated washer or O-ring and exchange it with a brand new one.
Establish the Leak Supply
Figuring out the origin of a leaky bathtub faucet is essential for devising an efficient restore technique. Here is an in depth exploration of frequent leak sources:
1. Deal with Washer:
A worn or deteriorated deal with washer is a frequent offender for leaks. Examine the washers beneath the tap handles. If they seem cracked, pitted, or arduous, they want substitute. Tightening the deal with screws might also resolve a free washer.
2. O-Rings and Gaskets:
O-rings and gaskets create seals to forestall leaks at varied joints throughout the faucet. Over time, these seals can put on out, inflicting drips. Test for any seen injury or hardening of the seals, and exchange them if mandatory.
3. Cartridge:
In single-handle taps, a cartridge controls water movement. A defective or broken cartridge can result in leaks. Examine the cartridge by eradicating the deal with and inspecting its situation. If it is worn or broken, substitute is beneficial.
| Frequent Leak Sources | Indicators to Look For |
| — | — |
| Deal with Washer | Cracked, pitted, or arduous washers beneath the handles |
| O-Rings and Gaskets | Worn or hardened seals at joints throughout the faucet |
| Cartridge (Single-Deal with Taps) | Worn or broken cartridge below the deal with |
Collect the Essential Instruments
To repair a leaky bathtub faucet with two handles, you will want the next instruments:
- Adjustable wrench
- Allen wrench (hex key)
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Flathead screwdriver
- Alternative faucet handles (if mandatory)
When you’re unsure what measurement of Allen wrench or Phillips head screwdriver you want, you possibly can often discover the proper measurement listed on the tap’s packaging or within the producer’s directions.
Alternative Faucet Handles
Alternative handles are available quite a lot of types to match your lavatory decor. When you’re unsure what fashion you need, you possibly can deliver an image of your lavatory to the ironmongery store and ask for assist selecting a brand new deal with.
| Deal with Fashion | Description |
|---|---|
| Lever | A single lever that controls each the water temperature and movement charge. |
| Cross | Two handles which are perpendicular to one another, one for decent water and one for chilly water. |
| Knob | Two knobs which are turned to regulate the water temperature and movement charge. |
Flip Off the Water Provide
Earlier than trying any repairs in your leaky bathtub faucet, it is essential to chop off the water provide to the tap to make sure your security and stop water injury. Observe these steps:
Find the Shut-Off Valves:
Establish the cold and warm water shut-off valves positioned beneath the sink or behind the entry panel within the wall.
Establish the Appropriate Valves:
Activate the tap and observe which shut-off valve stops the movement of water. The valve controlling the chilly water provide sometimes has a blue deal with or marking, whereas the new water shut-off valve has a purple deal with or marking.
Flip Off the Valves:
Utilizing a wrench or pliers, gently flip the shut-off valves clockwise till they’re fully closed. Guarantee each the cold and warm water provides are turned off.
Test for Leaks:
After turning off the valves, activate the tap once more to launch any remaining water stress. If there are not any leaks, you could have efficiently turned off the water provide to the tap.
| Valve Kind | Figuring out Characteristic |
|---|---|
| Chilly Water | Blue deal with or marking |
| Sizzling Water | Purple deal with or marking |
Take away the Deal with Caps
Earlier than you possibly can entry the inner parts of the tap, it’s essential take away the deal with caps. These caps often have small screws that maintain them in place. Use a screwdriver to rigorously take away the screws. As soon as the screws are eliminated, you possibly can gently pry off the deal with caps.
Warning:
Watch out to not injury the deal with caps or the tap when eradicating them.
Frequent Forms of Deal with Cap Screws
| Screw Kind | Description |
|---|---|
| Phillips | Cross-shaped head |
| Hex | Six-sided head |
| Slotted | Straight, flat head |
Suggestions for Eradicating Deal with Caps:
- If the screws are rusted or caught, apply penetrating oil and let it sit for a couple of minutes earlier than trying to take away them.
- Use a screwdriver that matches snugly into the screw head to keep away from stripping it.
- Apply light stress when prying off the deal with caps to forestall damaging them or breaking the tap.
Take away the Deal with Screws
To take away the deal with screws, you have to a Phillips head screwdriver. Find the screws on the highest or facet of the deal with. Fastidiously take away the screws and set them apart in a protected place.
If the screws are corroded or troublesome to take away, you possibly can attempt utilizing a penetrating oil lubricant. Apply a number of drops of the lubricant to the screws and let it sit for a couple of minutes earlier than trying to take away them. Watch out to not use extreme power when eradicating the screws, as it’s possible you’ll injury the deal with or the tap.
As soon as the screws have been eliminated, the deal with ought to be capable to be pulled off the tap. If the deal with is caught, it’s possible you’ll want to softly wiggle it forwards and backwards till it comes free.
Security Precautions
When engaged on plumbing fixtures, you will need to take the next security precautions:
| Security Precaution |
|---|
| Flip off the water provide to the tap earlier than starting work. |
| Put on security glasses to guard your eyes from particles. |
| Use warning when dealing with sharp objects, reminiscent of screwdrivers and pliers. |
Substitute the Worn-out Washer
The washer is a small rubber or plastic disc that sits between the stem and the seat of the tap. Over time, the washer can grow to be worn or broken, inflicting the tap to leak. Changing the washer is a comparatively easy restore that may be performed in a couple of minutes.
To interchange the washer, you have to the next instruments:
- Screwdriver
- Wrench
- Alternative washer
Upon getting gathered your instruments, observe these steps to interchange the washer:
1. Flip off the water provide to the tap.
Find the water provide valves beneath the sink and switch them off. This may forestall water from spraying out of the tap while you take away the deal with.
2. Take away the deal with.
Utilizing a screwdriver, take away the screws holding the deal with in place. If the screws are corroded, it’s possible you’ll want to make use of a penetrating lubricant to loosen them. As soon as the screws are eliminated, pull the deal with straight as much as take away it.
3. Take away the packing nut.
Beneath the deal with, you will notice a packing nut. Take away the packing nut utilizing a wrench. Watch out to not overtighten the wrench, as this could injury the packing nut.
4. Take away the stem.
As soon as the packing nut is eliminated, you possibly can take away the stem. Grip the stem with a wrench and switch it counterclockwise to take away it.
5. Examine the washer.
Examine the washer for any indicators of damage or injury. If the washer is broken, it can should be changed.
6. Set up the brand new washer.
Place the brand new washer on the stem. Ensure that the washer is seated correctly towards the seat of the tap. Then, exchange the stem, packing nut, and deal with in reverse order.
7. Activate the water provide and verify for leaks.
Activate the water provide and verify for any leaks. If there are not any leaks, the restore is full.
Substitute the O-Ring if Essential
The O-ring is a small, rubber washer that sits between the deal with and the tap physique. Over time, the O-ring can grow to be worn or broken, inflicting the tap to leak. Changing the O-ring is a comparatively easy job that may be accomplished in a couple of minutes.
To interchange the O-ring, you have to a brand new O-ring that’s the similar measurement because the outdated one. You’ll find new O-rings at most {hardware} shops or dwelling enchancment facilities.
Upon getting the brand new O-ring, observe these steps to interchange it:
1. Flip off the water provide to the tap.
2. Take away the deal with from the tap.
3. Find the O-ring on the deal with or the tap physique.
4. Use a small screwdriver or your fingernail to take away the outdated O-ring.
5. Apply a small quantity of plumber’s grease to the brand new O-ring.
6. Set up the brand new O-ring on the deal with or faucet physique.
7. Reinstall the deal with on the tap.
8. Activate the water provide and verify for leaks.
Listed here are some further ideas for changing the O-ring:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Ensure that the brand new O-ring is identical measurement because the outdated one. | If the brand new O-ring is simply too massive, it is not going to match correctly and the tap will nonetheless leak. |
| Apply a small quantity of plumber’s grease to the brand new O-ring earlier than putting in it. | This may assist to create a watertight seal and stop the O-ring from leaking. |
| Check the tap for leaks after changing the O-ring. | Activate the water provide and verify for any leaks across the deal with or faucet physique. If there are any leaks, tighten the deal with or exchange the O-ring. |
Reinstall the Deal with
As soon as the brand new cartridge is in place, you possibly can reinstall the deal with. First, insert the deal with’s stem into the opening on the entrance of the tap. Then, use a screwdriver to tighten the deal with’s screw. You should definitely tighten the screw till the deal with is comfortable, however don’t overtighten it. As soon as the deal with is in place, you possibly can activate the water and verify for leaks.
When you proceed to expertise leaks, it’s possible you’ll want to interchange the O-rings within the deal with. O-rings are small, rubber washers that create a seal between the deal with and the tap physique. Over time, O-rings can grow to be worn or broken, which might result in leaks. To interchange the O-rings, you have to to take away the deal with from the tap. As soon as the deal with is eliminated, you should utilize a decide or a small screwdriver to take away the outdated O-rings. Then, apply a small quantity of silicone grease to the brand new O-rings and set up them within the deal with.
As soon as the brand new O-rings are in place, you possibly can reinstall the deal with on the tap. You should definitely tighten the deal with’s screw till it’s comfortable, however don’t overtighten it. As soon as the deal with is in place, you possibly can activate the water and verify for leaks.
Activate the Water Provide Slowly
Upon getting changed the washer, activate the water provide slowly. Open the new water deal with first, after which the chilly water deal with. This may assist to forestall any sudden bursts of water from damaging the brand new washer.
Test for Leaks
As soon as the water is turned on, verify for any leaks across the faucet. If there are any leaks, tighten the packing nut with a wrench till the leak stops. Watch out to not overtighten the packing nut, as this could injury the tap.
Regulate the Handles
If the handles are free, tighten them with a screwdriver. If the handles are too tight, loosen them with a screwdriver. The handles ought to be comfortable sufficient to remain in place, however not so tight that they’re troublesome to show.
Lubricate the Handles
If the handles are squeaky or troublesome to show, lubricate them with a silicone-based lubricant. Apply the lubricant to the bottom of the handles, the place they meet the tap physique. This may assist to cut back friction and make the handles simpler to show.
Reset the Cartridge
If the tap remains to be leaking after you could have changed the washer and tightened the packing nut, the cartridge might should be reset. To reset the cartridge, flip off the water provide to the tap and take away the deal with. Then, use a wrench to loosen the cartridge nut and take away the cartridge. Clear the cartridge and the within of the tap physique with a material. Apply a silicone-based lubricant to the cartridge and reinstall it. Lastly, tighten the cartridge nut and reinstall the deal with.
| Instruments You will Want: | Supplies You will Want: |
|---|---|
| Wrench | Faucet washer |
| Screwdriver | |
| Silicone-based lubricant |
Check the Faucet for Leaks
Find the 2 handles in your bathtub faucet and switch them absolutely counterclockwise to show off the water provide.
Open the tap handles all the way in which to permit any remaining water to empty out.
Put a small bucket or bowl beneath the tap to catch any dripping water.
Flip each handles again on absolutely to permit water to movement by way of the tap.
Observe the tap for any leaks. When you discover water dripping from the handles, the bottom of the tap, or the spout, proceed to the following steps.
Establish the Kind of Leak:
| Kind of Leak | Trigger |
|---|---|
| Deal with Leak | Worn or broken O-rings or washers |
| Base Leak | Unfastened or damaged gasket |
| Spout Leak | Deteriorated O-rings or seals throughout the spout |
Upon getting recognized the kind of leak, you possibly can proceed to the suitable restore steps. If you’re not sure about the reason for the leak, seek the advice of knowledgeable plumber for help.
How To Repair A Leaky Bathtub Faucet With Two Handles
A leaky bathtub faucet is usually a main annoyance, however it’s additionally a comparatively simple drawback to repair. With a number of easy instruments and slightly little bit of time, you possibly can rapidly get your faucet again in working order.
Here is what you will want:
* Adjustable wrench
* Phillips head screwdriver
* Flathead screwdriver
* O-rings (if mandatory)
Upon getting your instruments and supplies, observe these steps:
1. Flip off the water provide to the tap. You will discover the shutoff valves below the sink.
2. Take away the aerator from the tap spout. That is often performed by unscrewing it by hand.
3. Take away the deal with(s). That is often performed by eradicating the screws that maintain them in place.
4. Take away the cartridge(s). That is performed by unscrewing the retaining nut(s).
5. Examine the O-rings on the cartridge(s) for put on or injury. If the O-rings are worn or broken, they may should be changed.
6. Apply a skinny layer of silicone grease to the brand new O-rings.
7. Reinstall the cartridge(s) and tighten the retaining nut(s).
8. Reinstall the deal with(s) and tighten the screws.
9. Reinstall the aerator.
10. Activate the water provide and verify for leaks.
Folks Additionally Ask About How To Repair A Leaky Bathtub Faucet With Two Handles
How do I do know if my bathtub faucet is leaking from the deal with or the spout?
If the water is leaking from the bottom of the deal with, it’s probably coming from the cartridge. If the water is leaking from the spout, it’s probably coming from the O-rings on the cartridge.
How usually ought to I exchange the O-rings on my bathtub faucet?
The O-rings in your bathtub faucet ought to be changed each few years, or extra usually in case you discover any leaks.
Can I repair a leaky bathtub faucet myself?
Sure, fixing a leaky bathtub faucet is a comparatively simple restore that may be performed with a number of easy instruments.
