A leaky bathtub faucet with two handles generally is a irritating and annoying downside. Not solely does it waste water, however it could possibly additionally result in mildew and mildew progress. When you’re coping with a leaky faucet, do not despair! With just a few easy instruments and a little bit little bit of know-how, you possibly can repair it your self very quickly.
First, you will want to collect your instruments. You will want a wrench, a screwdriver, and a pair of pliers. You might also want a brand new washer or O-ring, relying on the reason for the leak. After you have your instruments, you are prepared to begin fixing the leak.
Step one is to show off the water provide to the tap. There must 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 can be holding them in place. As soon as the handles are eliminated, you’ll see the cartridge or stem that controls the move of water. If the washer or O-ring on the cartridge or stem is worn or broken, it is going to should be changed. To do that, merely take away the previous washer or O-ring and exchange it with a brand new one.
Determine 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 wrongdoer for leaks. Examine the washers beneath the tap handles. If they seem cracked, pitted, or laborious, they want alternative. Tightening the deal with screws might also resolve a unfastened washer.
2. O-Rings and Gaskets:
O-rings and gaskets create seals to forestall leaks at numerous joints throughout the faucet. Over time, these seals can put on out, inflicting drips. Examine for any seen injury or hardening of the seals, and exchange them if crucial.
3. Cartridge:
In single-handle taps, a cartridge controls water move. 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, alternative is really helpful.
| Widespread Leak Sources | Indicators to Look For |
| — | — |
| Deal with Washer | Cracked, pitted, or laborious 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 Obligatory 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 crucial)
When you’re undecided what dimension of Allen wrench or Phillips head screwdriver you want, you possibly can normally discover the proper dimension listed on the tap’s packaging or within the producer’s directions.
Alternative Faucet Handles
Alternative handles are available in a wide range of kinds to match your rest room decor. When you’re undecided what type you need, you possibly can carry an image of your rest room to the ironmongery store and ask for assist selecting a brand new deal with.
| Deal with Model | Description |
|---|---|
| Lever | A single lever that controls each the water temperature and move fee. |
| Cross | Two handles which can be perpendicular to one another, one for warm water and one for chilly water. |
| Knob | Two knobs which can be turned to regulate the water temperature and move fee. |
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 forestall water injury. Observe these steps:
Find the Shut-Off Valves:
Determine the hot and cold water shut-off valves situated beneath the sink or behind the entry panel within the wall.
Determine the Appropriate Valves:
Activate the tap and observe which shut-off valve stops the move of water. The valve controlling the chilly water provide usually has a blue deal with or marking, whereas the recent water shut-off valve has a crimson 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 hot and cold water provides are turned off.
Examine for Leaks:
After turning off the valves, activate the tap once more to launch any remaining water stress. If there aren’t any leaks, you’ve got efficiently turned off the water provide to the tap.
| Valve Kind | Figuring out Function |
|---|---|
| Chilly Water | Blue deal with or marking |
| Scorching Water | Pink deal with or marking |
Take away the Deal with Caps
Earlier than you possibly can entry the interior elements of the tap, you have to take away the deal with caps. These caps normally have small screws that maintain them in place. Use a screwdriver to fastidiously 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.
Widespread Kinds of Deal with Cap Screws
| Screw Kind | Description |
|---|---|
| Phillips | Cross-shaped head |
| Hex | Six-sided head |
| Slotted | Straight, flat head |
Ideas 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 mild 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 will have a Phillips head screwdriver. Find the screws on the highest or aspect of the deal with. Rigorously take away the screws and set them apart in a protected place.
If the screws are corroded or tough to take away, you possibly can attempt utilizing a penetrating oil lubricant. Apply just a few 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 pressure when eradicating the screws, as you could injury the deal with or the tap.
As soon as the screws have been eliminated, the deal with ought to have the ability to be pulled off the tap. If the deal with is caught, you could want to softly wiggle it forwards and backwards till it comes unfastened.
Security Precautions
When engaged on plumbing fixtures, it is very important 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. |
Change 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 turn out to be worn or broken, inflicting the tap to leak. Changing the washer is a comparatively easy restore that may be accomplished in a couple of minutes.
To exchange the washer, you will have the next instruments:
- Screwdriver
- Wrench
- Alternative washer
After you have gathered your instruments, comply with 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 can forestall water from spraying out of the tap if 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, you could 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 is going to should be changed.
6. Set up the brand new washer.
Place the brand new washer on the stem. Make sure that the washer is seated correctly in opposition to the seat of the tap. Then, exchange the stem, packing nut, and deal with in reverse order.
7. Activate the water provide and test for leaks.
Activate the water provide and test for any leaks. If there aren’t any leaks, the restore is full.
Change the O-Ring if Obligatory
The O-ring is a small, rubber washer that sits between the deal with and the tap physique. Over time, the O-ring can turn out to be worn or broken, inflicting the tap to leak. Changing the O-ring is a comparatively easy process that may be accomplished in a couple of minutes.
To exchange the O-ring, you will have a brand new O-ring that’s the similar dimension because the previous one. Yow will discover new O-rings at most {hardware} shops or dwelling enchancment facilities.
After you have the brand new O-ring, comply with 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 previous 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 test for leaks.
Listed below are some extra ideas for changing the O-ring:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Guarantee that the brand new O-ring is similar dimension because the previous one. | If the brand new O-ring is just 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 can assist to create a watertight seal and forestall the O-ring from leaking. |
| Check the tap for leaks after changing the O-ring. | Activate the water provide and test 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. Make sure you 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 test for leaks.
When you proceed to expertise leaks, you could 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 turn out to be worn or broken, which might result in leaks. To exchange the O-rings, you will have to take away the deal with from the tap. As soon as the deal with is eliminated, you should use a choose or a small screwdriver to take away the previous 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. Make sure you 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 test for leaks.
Activate the Water Provide Slowly
After you have changed the washer, activate the water provide slowly. Open the recent water deal with first, after which the chilly water deal with. This can assist to forestall any sudden bursts of water from damaging the brand new washer.
Examine for Leaks
As soon as the water is turned on, test 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.
Modify the Handles
If the handles are unfastened, tighten them with a screwdriver. If the handles are too tight, loosen them with a screwdriver. The handles must be comfortable sufficient to remain in place, however not so tight that they’re tough to show.
Lubricate the Handles
If the handles are squeaky or tough 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 can assist to scale back friction and make the handles simpler to show.
Reset the Cartridge
If the tap continues to be leaking after you’ve got 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 fabric. 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 best way 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 move by means 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.
Determine 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 |
After you have 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 generally is a main annoyance, nevertheless it’s additionally a comparatively simple downside to repair. With just a few easy instruments and a little bit 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 crucial)
After you have your instruments and supplies, comply with 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 normally accomplished by unscrewing it by hand.
3. Take away the deal with(s). That is normally accomplished by eradicating the screws that maintain them in place.
4. Take away the cartridge(s). That is accomplished 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 are going to 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 test 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 seemingly coming from the cartridge. If the water is leaking from the spout, it’s seemingly 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 must be changed each few years, or extra usually should 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 accomplished with just a few easy instruments.
