Is your bathtub faucet constantly dripping? That slow, steady leak might seem harmless, but over time it wastes gallons of water and drives up your utility bill. Even worse, it can lead to long-term water damage if ignored.
If you’ve been wondering how to fix a leaky bathtub faucet with two handles, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, including why faucets leak, how to diagnose the issue, and the exact steps to fix it without calling a plumber.
Ready to stop that drip and save money? Let’s dive in.
Why Does Your Bathtub Faucet Leak? 4 Potential Causes
Before jumping into learning how to stop a leaky faucet in a tub, it’s important to understand why a bathtub faucet leaks in the first place. This knowledge can save you from wasting time on the wrong fix and help prevent issues in the future. A leak is usually a sign that something inside the faucet assembly has worn out or isn’t functioning correctly. Over time, constant water pressure, mineral deposits, and everyday wear and tear can damage the internal parts that keep water sealed in place.
Knowing the root cause matters because different issues require different solutions. For example, replacing a washer is simple, but if the valve seat is corroded, you’ll need a more involved repair. Below, we break down the most common reasons for a leaky bathtub faucet with two handles, so you can diagnose and fix a dripping bathtub faucet confidently.
1. Worn-Out Washers or O-Rings
Washers and O-rings are small but critical components inside your faucet. They create a watertight seal when the handle is turned off, preventing water from escaping. Over time, these parts can deteriorate due to constant friction, high water pressure, or mineral buildup. When this happens, water will leak through even if the handles are tightly closed.
This type of wear and tear is one of the most common reasons your bathtub faucet drips. Fortunately, it’s also one of the easiest to fix. Replacing washers and O-rings is inexpensive, quick, and doesn’t require advanced plumbing skills. Regular inspection and timely replacement can extend your faucet’s life and keep leaks from coming back.
2. Damaged Cartridge or Valve Seat
Are you wondering what’s causing the bathtub tap to drip and how to stop the bathtub faucet from dripping constantly? The culprit might be a damaged cartridge or valve seat. The cartridge is the part that controls water flow inside the faucet, while the valve seat forms the connection between the faucet and the spout. If either of these parts cracks, corrodes, or suffers from mineral deposits, it won’t be able to maintain a proper seal, causing water to leak even when the handles are off.
Unlike washers, cartridges and valve seats are a bit more complex to replace. If you notice visible corrosion, cracks, or rough edges, these parts should be swapped out immediately. Ignoring this problem can lead to bigger issues like uneven water flow or complete faucet failure. The good news? With the right tools and a little guidance, you can still handle this repair yourself.
3. Corroded Plumbing Parts
If you live in an area with hard water, mineral deposits like calcium and lime can accumulate inside your faucet and pipes. Over time, this buildup corrodes metal components, weakens seals, and causes leaks. Corrosion can also damage the threads on your faucet assembly, making it difficult to achieve a watertight connection even if you replace other parts.
This type of issue usually develops slowly, so you might not notice it until the leak becomes significant. Cleaning and descaling your faucet regularly can help prevent corrosion. If the corrosion is too severe, you may need to replace the entire faucet assembly. Using a water softener can also reduce mineral buildup and extend the life of your plumbing fixtures.
4. Loose Handles or Connections
Sometimes the reason for a dripping faucet is much simpler than expected, such as loose handles or connections. When the screws that secure your faucet handles become loose, the internal components may not fully engage, leaving a small gap where water can escape. This problem often occurs after years of regular use or if the faucet wasn’t tightened properly during installation.
The good news is that fixing this issue usually requires just a screwdriver and a few minutes of your time. Tighten the screws inside the handle or around the stem assembly to restore a proper seal. If tightening doesn’t help, the handle or stem may be worn out and need replacing. Regularly checking and tightening connections can prevent leaks before they start.
Bottom line: Most leaks happen due to worn or damaged internal parts, but the fix is usually simple if you catch it early. Now that you know what causes a bathtub faucet to leak, let’s move on to how you can repair it quickly and effectively.
Why Fix a Leaky Bathtub Faucet Quickly?
A dripping faucet might not seem like an emergency, but leaving it unchecked can lead to bigger problems than you might imagine. Many homeowners ignore small leaks, thinking they’re just a minor inconvenience, but over time, the impact is significant. Not only does it waste water, but it can also cause hidden damage and higher costs that add up fast. Addressing the problem early ensures your bathroom stays in great shape and saves you from expensive repairs down the road.
Here are the 4 main reasons you should take action immediately:
- Water Waste: A single drip per second may seem harmless, but it can waste more than 3,000 gallons of water in a year. That’s like letting a small swimming pool drain away for no reason. This is not only bad for your wallet but also for the environment.
- Higher Bills: Every drop that goes down the drain without being used is money you’re literally flushing away. Over time, the cost of that wasted water adds up on your monthly utility bill. Fixing the leak now is much cheaper than paying for that excess water.
- Mold and Mildew: Continuous moisture around your tub creates the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. Once these start growing, they can be tough and expensive to eliminate. They also pose health risks, especially for people with allergies or asthma.
- Structural Damage: Water has a sneaky way of causing trouble behind the scenes. Over time, leaks can seep into walls and floors, weakening the structure and leading to costly repairs. In severe cases, you might even face subfloor rot or water-damaged drywall.
Fixing a leak now isn’t just about convenience; it’s an investment in your home’s long-term health. With just a few simple steps, you can stop the drip and avoid hundreds of dollars in repairs.
How to Fix a Leaking Bath Tap with Two Handles Step-by-Step
Here’s the fun part: rolling up your sleeves and fixing that leak. But first, it’s important to ensure you know how to use the basic tools. Otherwise, you may end up with a mess that would require an emergency call to the plumbing professionals.
Step 1: Gather the Tools
Before starting, gather these items to make the job quick and easy:
- Adjustable wrench
- Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
- Replacement washers or cartridges
- Plumber’s grease
- Towels or a small bucket
- Penetrating oil (for stubborn screws)
Step 2: Turn Off the Water Supply
You don’t want water spraying everywhere. Locate the shut-off valves near your bathtub. If you can’t find them, turn off the main water supply for your home.
Pro tip: Open the faucet after shutting off the water to release any remaining pressure.
Step 2: Remove the Faucet Handles
Most two-handle faucets have decorative caps covering the screws. Use a flathead screwdriver to gently pry off the caps, then remove the screws with a Phillips screwdriver.
Once the screws are out, pull off the handles to reveal the stem assembly.
Step 3: Take Out the Stem Assembly
Use an adjustable wrench to loosen and remove the stem assembly. This piece controls the water flow inside the faucet.
Step 4: Inspect and Replace the Washer or Cartridge
Look at the washer and cartridge inside the stem assembly. If the washer looks worn or the cartridge is cracked, replace it.
Apply plumber’s grease to the new part before putting everything back together. This ensures a smooth fit and prevents future leaks.
Step 5: Reassemble the Faucet
Slide the stem assembly back in, tighten it with the wrench, and reattach the handle. Don’t forget the decorative caps.
Step 6: Turn On the Water and Test
Turn the water supply back on and check for leaks. If the dripping has stopped, you’ve fixed it.
But What If It Still Leaks?
If you’ve already replaced the washers and cartridges but the leak continues, the problem may run deeper than just worn-out parts. In many cases, a persistent leak indicates that the faucet assembly itself has reached the end of its lifespan. Constant dripping not only wastes water but can also drive up utility bills and even cause staining or damage around your tub over time.
At this stage, it’s often more cost-effective to replace the entire faucet rather than continuing with temporary fixes. This also presents the perfect opportunity to give your bathroom a fresh, updated look. Consider upgrading to a modern fixture that complements your space and enhances your bathing experience. You can explore our bathtub collection, which includes elegant freestanding tubs for a bold statement or drop-in tubs for a sleek, built-in style. A new fixture paired with the right bathtub can completely transform your bathroom into a more stylish and functional retreat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Fixing a Dripping Faucet
Even the simplest faucet repair can go wrong if you overlook small but important details. By keeping these common mistakes in mind, you’ll save yourself from extra hassle and prevent further damage.
Forgetting to Turn Off the Water
One of the most common (and messy) mistakes is skipping this step. Always shut off the water supply before you start, otherwise you risk flooding your bathroom mid-repair.
Using Wrong Replacement Parts
Washers, cartridges, and O-rings come in different sizes depending on your faucet brand. Using mismatched parts won’t solve the problem and may even worsen the leak.
Overtightening Screws
It’s tempting to crank screws down as hard as possible, but overtightening can strip the threads or crack delicate components. Tighten firmly, but stop before resistance turns into strain.
When to Call a Professional
Persistent leaks can signal corrosion in your plumbing system, poor water pressure regulation, or hidden water damage that DIY fixes can’t address. A licensed plumber has the tools to run pressure tests, check for internal pipe leaks, and ensure your bathroom’s plumbing system is functioning safely and efficiently.
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