How To Fix A Leaky Bathtub Faucet : Complete DIY Guide

If you’re wondering how to fix a leaky bathtub faucet, you’re not alone. A dripping tub spout or shower handle is one of the most common plumbing problems homeowners face. Not only does it waste water, but it can also drive up your bills and cause long-term damage.

This guide will walk you through every possible cause and solution — whether you have a two-handle tub faucet, a single-handle shower valve, or just need to know how to fix a leaky bathroom faucet without calling a plumber.

0) Safety & Preparation Before Fixing a Leaky Tub Faucet

Before diving into how to fix a leaky tub faucet, make sure you’re prepared.

• Turn off the water supply to the tub or main line.

• Open the faucet to release pressure.

• Cover the drain to avoid losing small screws or washers.

• Take a photo of each step so reassembly is easier.

Tools you’ll likely need: screwdrivers, Allen wrench, adjustable wrench, slip-joint pliers, cartridge puller, valve seat wrench, plumber’s grease, PTFE tape, replacement washers or cartridges.

1) Identify the Leak Source

Before deciding how to fix a leaky bathroom faucet or tub spout, check where the leak is happening:

• Drip from the tub spout: Usually worn washers (two-handle) or a bad cartridge (single-handle).

• Drip from the shower head: Often a failing valve or diverter.

• Leak around the handle: Packing nut or O-ring issue.

• Leak at the base of the tub spout: Loose slip-fit O-ring or failing threaded connection.

This diagnosis is the first step in how to fix a leaky shower faucet single handle or any type of bathtub fixture.

2) Determine Faucet Type

The type of faucet determines the fix:

• Two separate handles (multi-turn) → compression stems with rubber washers.

• Two handles (¼ turn) → ceramic disc cartridges.

• One single handle → cartridge valve (most common in modern showers).

Chrome bathroom faucet with two cross-shaped handles on a sleek, white surface.

Knowing whether you’re working on a two-handle tub or need to figure out how to fix a leaky shower faucet single handle helps you buy the right parts.

3) Fixes by Faucet Type & Symptom

For drippy baths, this step-by-step on fixing a leaky outdoor faucet can save a weekend call-out.

A) How to Fix a Leaky Bathtub Faucet With Compression Handles

If your tub has two handles that rotate several turns, it uses compression stems. These leak because washers and valve seats wear out.

Steps:

1. Remove handle & trim.

2. Unscrew and pull out the stem.

3. Replace the rubber washer at the stem tip.

4. Inspect and replace the valve seat if it’s pitted.

5. Replace packing/O-rings.

6. Reassemble and test.

This is the classic DIY method for how to fix a leaky tub faucet when you have older compression valves.

B) How to Fix a Leaky Shower Faucet Single Handle (Cartridge Style)

Single-handle faucets control both hot and cold with one cartridge. If water drips constantly, the cartridge is worn.

Steps:

1. Remove the handle (set screw or cap).

2. Take off the trim and escutcheon.

3. Remove the retaining clip and pull out the cartridge.

4. Clean the valve body with vinegar.

5. Insert the new cartridge (aligned correctly).

6. Reassemble and test.

This is the go-to solution if you searched how to fix a leaky shower faucet single handle.

C) Fixing Leaks Around Handles

If water seeps from behind the handle escutcheon:

• For compression valves: tighten the packing nut or replace packing/O-ring.

• For cartridge valves: replace cartridge O-rings or the whole cartridge.

This falls under how to fix a leaky bathroom faucet when the issue isn’t at the spout but the handle.

D) Fixing a Leak at the Tub Spout Base

A leak at the wall means the spout connection is failing:

• Slip-fit spout: Replace the O-ring and tighten the set screw.

• Threaded spout: Reseal with PTFE tape and reinstall.

If the diverter inside the spout fails, replace the tub spout entirely.

4) Special Cases to Watch For

• Shower head drips after showering: Normal drainage unless it continues for hours (then it’s the valve).

  
  

  

  Modern shower head in a bathroom with sleek, textured tile walls.

• Hot side only drips: The hot valve or cartridge seal has failed.

• Valve squeals or turns hard: Mineral buildup; clean and grease stem or replace cartridge.

• Persistent hammering/knocking: Not a leak but water hammer; requires arrestors or pipe stabilization.

These scenarios also come up when people look for how to fix a leaky bathtub faucet but find it’s another plumbing quirk.

5) Parts Matching Tips

• Always bring the old stem or cartridge to a plumbing supply shop.

• Note the seat size and thread for compression valves.

• Identify whether your tub spout is slip-fit or threaded before buying a replacement.

This prevents wasted trips when you’re halfway through fixing a leaky tub faucet.

6) Reassembly & Finishing Touches

• Wrap threaded parts with PTFE tape clockwise.

• Apply plumber’s grease to O-rings and washers.

• Seal trim plates with silicone on top/sides.

• Reset anti-scald stop rings on single-handle faucets.

• Flush the faucet body before reattaching the shower head.

7) When to Replace the Entire Valve

Sometimes the best answer to how to fix a leaky bathroom faucet is to replace it entirely:

• Corroded, stuck, or obsolete valve.

• Multiple leaks that keep returning.

• Wanting modern upgrades (pressure balance, thermostatic).

This usually means opening the wall, so it’s best for remodels.

8) When to Call a Professional

DIY is great, but call a plumber if:

• You don’t know where the water shutoff is.

• The valve body itself is cracked.

• Pipes need soldering or replacement.

• There’s water leaking behind the wall.

• You hit local code requirements (permits for certain valve replacements).

  
  

  

  A plumber and customer exchange a handshake, symbolizing a job well done, with tools and equipment visible in the background.

9) Quick Fix Reference

Faucet Type	Common Cause	Solution
Two-handle compression	Worn washer/seat	Replace washer & seat
Two-handle ceramic disc	Seal wear	Replace cartridge
Single-handle faucet	Cartridge worn	Replace cartridge
Handle leaks	Packing/O-ring	Tighten/replace
Tub spout base leak	Bad O-ring/threads	Replace or reseal spout
Diverter failure	Stuck diverter	Replace tub spout

10) Final Checklist: How to Fix a Leaky Bathtub Faucet

• Shut off water and prep tools.

• Identify leak location (spout, handle, base).

• Identify faucet type (compression, cartridge, ceramic disc).

• Replace washers, cartridges, or spouts as needed.

• Reassemble with PTFE tape, grease, and silicone sealant.

• Test thoroughly before finishing.

  
  

Conclusion

Learning how to fix a leaky bathtub faucet saves money, prevents water waste, and builds DIY confidence. Whether you needed steps for how to fix a leaky tub faucet, were searching how to fix a leaky bathroom faucet, or wanted clarity on how to fix a leaky shower faucet single handle, the solutions all come down to understanding your faucet type and replacing the worn parts correctly.

And if your outdoor faucet is leaking, click here for a step-by-step guide!

With a few basic tools and the right replacement pieces, you can stop the drip, extend your faucet’s life, and avoid an unnecessary plumber bill.