Repairing a leaky bathtub faucet can be a DIY project with the right instructions.
A bathtub faucet is a durable piece of equipment that is designed to last for quite some time. But, just like any other piece of machinery, it has moving parts--such as a washer--that are subject to wear and tear. The washer acts as a plug or stopper to control or block the flow of water, but over time, the washer can become worn-out or damaged. Repairing a faucet is easy, but without repair instructions, the repair could be difficult and confusing.
Instructions
1. Turn off all water supply to the faucet by shutting off the main water valve located near the water meter. Turn off the hot water supply by shutting off the hot water valve located beside the water heater. Cover the tub drain with a piece of rag to avoid accidentally losing small parts such as a screw.
2. Pry off the plastic or metal cap located on top of the faucet handle using a knife or thin edge of a flat head screwdriver. Unscrew the exposed screw on top of the handle using a slotted screwdriver, and pull out the handle once the screw has been removed.
3. Remove the escutcheon--or stem cover--by grasping it with a rag and twisting counterclockwise. The escutcheon is a cone-shaped cylinder that extends from the wall to the rear of the faucet handle. Its primary purpose is to cover the whole stem and make the faucet look neat.
4. Unscrew the stem sleeve. The stem sleeve refers to the threaded plastic cylinder that is visible after you remove the escutcheon. Its purpose is to hold the escutcheon in place. Cover it with a piece of rag, then grab its edge with a pair of pliers, and unscrew it counterclockwise to remove it.
5. Remove the stem nut or bonnet using an adjustable wrench. The stem nut is visible immediately after you remove the stem sleeve. It prevents the stem from coming out of the faucet. The stem nut contains a slip-on washer and O-ring which prevents water from seeping thought the stem. Remove both the O-ring and washer and replace them with a new set.
6. Twist out the stem by turning it clockwise or counterclockwise as the case may be. Observe the stem once it is completely out of the faucet, and note the location of a round rubber washer that is held by a single screw at the bottom of the stem.
7. Remove the washer by unscrewing the screw. Replace the washer with an exactly identical size and fasten it back onto the stem. Put the stem back into the faucet and reassemble the faucet by following the above steps in reverse order. Apply plumbers caulk around the base of the escutcheon before installing it.
8. Turn on the water shut off valves both at the meter and beside the water heater, and check the faucet for leaks.
Tips Warnings
Bring the stem and stem nut to your local hardware to get the right type of washers and O-ring.
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