Why Is My Bathtub Faucet Dripping?

Drip. Drip. Drip. It’s another case of a leaky faucet. Not only can leaks be a nuisance and make you want to rip your hair out, they can cost you a small fortune. So, what exactly is causing your bathtub faucet to leak? Find out below!

Why is My Bathtub Faucet Dripping?

When our customers call to complain that their tub faucet is dripping and they can’t turn it off, it is usually because there’s something wrong with the washer. Washers are rings that resemble rubber bands, though they are thicker and more rigid.

So, how do washers lead to leaks?

They create watertight seals, but over time they wear out or crack. When the seal is compromised, there’s nothing to hold back the water which in turn, can lead to drips and leaks.

How to Fix a Leaky Bathtub Faucet

Sure, you’ve probably replaced a washer in a sink faucet, but the spigot and faucet in most bathtubs are wall-mounted, which makes the job a little more complex.

To access the problematic washer, the handle inserts have to be pried off, then the screws beneath them have to be taken off.

Next, the handles have to be disconnected from their stems and in many cases, the tub is so old that the stems and handles have corroded into each other. Special tools are often needed to pull them apart without damaging them and this is where our professionals at Hero Plumbing, Heating & Cooling come in.

What Else Causes a Bathtub to Leak?

Faulty washers aren’t the only things that can cause a tub faucet to leak. There can be other problems with the stem, the pipes or even problems with the tile and grout.

There may be no other recourse but to completely replace the tub and shower faucet. Unless the tub and shower have an access panel behind them, this will mean opening up the wall to take out the old faucet and install the new faucet.

Don’t allow that leak to continue for one more day! Call Hero Plumbing, Heating & Cooling for leak repair or faucet installation. We’ve been serving the Twin Cities for over 100 years, so you know you can count on us!

Need bathtub faucet repair? (612) 324-1004 to schedule same day service