A leaky bathtub faucet or shower head can be a frustrating and costly problem. Not only is the constant dripping noise annoying, but it can also significantly increase your monthly water bill. The good news is that in many cases, a leaky faucet can be easily fixed without the need for a professional plumber. In this DIY guide, we will go over the steps involved in fixing a leaky bathtub faucet or shower head.

Materials Needed

Before starting, make sure you have the following materials:

• Adjustable wrench
• Plumbers tape
• Replacement O-ring or washer (if needed)
• Rag or cloth
• Teflon grease (if needed)

Step 1: Turn off the Water Supply

The first step in fixing a leaky bathtub faucet or shower head is to turn off the water supply. Locate the main water shutoff valve for your home and turn it off. If you are unable to find the main valve, turn off the water supply at the valve under the sink that is closest to the leaky faucet.

Step 2: Remove the Handle

Next, remove the handle of the leaky faucet. This will vary depending on the type of faucet you have, but in most cases, you can use an adjustable wrench to loosen the screw that holds the handle in place. Once the screw has been removed, gently lift the handle off.

Step 3: Identify the Problem

Once the handle has been removed, take a look at the valve stem to identify the problem. If you see a worn-out washer or O-ring, this is likely the cause of the leak. If the problem is not immediately obvious, gently turn the valve stem with your hand to see if it moves smoothly. If it does not, it may be worn out and will need to be replaced.

Step 4: Replace the Washer or O-ring

If the problem is a worn-out washer or O-ring, use your adjustable wrench to remove the valve stem from the faucet body. Clean the valve stem and the inside of the faucet body with a rag or cloth. Apply a small amount of Teflon grease to the new O-ring or washer and place it on the valve stem. Reinsert the valve stem into the faucet body and tighten it with the adjustable wrench.

Step 5: Reassemble the Faucet

Once the valve stem has been replaced, it’s time to reassemble the faucet. Wrap plumbers tape around the threads of the valve stem and attach the handle. Turn on the water supply and check for any leaks. If there are no leaks, turn the water off and tighten the handle with the adjustable wrench.

Step 6: Test the Shower Head

If you are fixing a leaky shower head, the process is similar to fixing a leaky bathtub faucet. First, turn off the water supply and remove the shower head by unscrewing it from the pipe. Look for any worn-out washers or O-rings and replace them if necessary. Wrap plumbers tape around the threads of the pipe before reattaching the shower head. Turn the water supply back on and check for leaks. If there are no leaks, tighten the shower head with an adjustable wrench.

Conclusion

Fixing a leaky bathtub faucet or shower head is a relatively simple DIY project that can save you time and money. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can quickly and easily fix the leak and restore your bathroom fixtures to good working order.