How To Stop a Bathtub Faucet from Dripping: Plumbing Tips for Bergenfield, NJ, Homeowners

A leaking bathtub faucet often represents more than just a mere nuisance. Even a minor drip can result in significant water waste and drive up your water bill. As a result, you want to fix bathroom faucet leaks promptly to avoid costly repairs or replacements and potential damage to your Bergenfield, NJ, property.  

Although major leaks require a plumber’s expertise, fixing a dripping bathtub faucet yourself shouldn’t be a hassle. That said, knowing how to stop a bathtub faucet from dripping will come in handy. 

You may need to replace a worn-out or damaged component, but repairing a leaky tub faucet requires no technical knowledge. As the go-to contractor for faucet repair in Bergenfield, NJ, the Gladiator Services crew explores how to stop a bathtub faucet leak.  

Keep reading this DIY bathtub drip-stop guideline for more information.  

Causes of a Leaky Bathtub Faucet in Bergenfield, NJ  

The cause of a bathtub faucet leak typically depends on the type of bathtub faucet. For example, if you have a single-handle faucet, the leak probably stems from a corroded valve cartridge or damaged O-rings.  

The valve cartridge controls the hot and cold water flowing through your faucet. Since you typically can’t fix a valve cartridge, you must replace it.  

With a double-handed faucet, leaks often result from a worn or damaged washer. Replacing the washer with a new one should fix the leak. 

Fixing a Leaking Single-Handle Bathtub Faucet  

You’ll need the following supplies for this DIY bathtub faucet drip stop:  

• Flathead screwdriver  
• Cartridge puller tool  
• Philips head screwdriver  
• Allen wrench set  
• Needle-nose pliers  
• Cartridge puller tool  
• Towel  
• Replacement valve cartridge  

Follow these steps to stop a bathroom faucet from dripping:  

1. Start by turning off the water at the main water supply valve. Then, run your bathtub faucet to flush the remaining water from the pipes. Remember to cover the bathtub drain to avoid losing small items along the way. 

2. The faucet will likely have a plastic cap covering a screw. Pry the cap off with a flathead screwdriver, then use your Phillips screwdriver to unscrew the faucet handle. 

A faucet with lever-shaped handles will likely have an Allen screw. Use the appropriate wrench to loosen the screw.

3. Remove the decorative plate (escutcheon) and the underlying retainer clip. Needle-nose pliers will easily remove the clip.  

4. Take note of the valve cartridge’s position before pulling the cartridge out with pliers. This will help you to install the replacement cartridge correctly. If the cartridge proves challenging to remove with pliers, use a cartridge puller tool.

Discard the old cartridge, position the new one properly, and push it in with your hand. Once it fits securely, return the retainer clip.  

5. Replace the valve cartridge and check for leaks. Turn on the water at the main water shut-off valve and use a flashlight to check the opening in your bathtub for leaks in the cartridge or pipes. If you spot any leaks, contact your local Bergenfield plumber for extensive diagnosis and repairs.

6. Finally, restore the escutcheon and screw the faucet handle back before replacing the cap.  

Fixing a Leaking Two-Handle Bathtub Faucet  

Like the single-handle bathtub faucet, you’ll need a few supplies for this project. Necessary tools and replacement parts include:  

• Adjustable wrench  
• Flashlight  
• Philips head screwdriver  
• Flathead screwdriver  
• Towel  
• Assorted flat rubber washer and screw kit  
• Two replacement faucet seats  

1. First, determine which side of the faucet, hot or cold, leaks. If water from the leaking faucet feels warm to the touch, you have a leaking hot water faucet. Cold water points to a leaking cold-water faucet.  

Small leaks may prove challenging to discern, so prepare to repair both sides.  

2. Turn off the water at the main supply valve, then turn on both faucets to drain any water remaining in the pipes. Next, cover the drain with a towel to prevent tiny objects from accidentally falling into the drain as you conduct the bathtub faucet drip repair.  

3. Remove the plastic cap covering the screw with a flathead screwdriver. Then, unscrew the faucet handle with a Phillips screwdriver, pull the handle out, and set it aside.  

4. Remove the decorative plate. If it has no screws, you should be able to pull it off or unscrew it. If it has screws, use a screwdriver to remove it.  

5. A brass nut usually secures the stem assembly in place. Loosen this nut with a wrench, then pull the faucet stem out.

6. Check for two small screws at the stem assembly’s back. These screws secure the washer in place, so you’ll need to unscrew them to remove and get rid of the washer. Clean the back of the assembly with a dry rag and push the new washer into the assembly.  

Secure the new washer in place with the new screws it came with. If it doesn’t come with screws, wipe the old ones and use them instead.  

7. Inspect the faucet seat by looking into the faucet opening with a flashlight. Make sure this brass piece (may look like a set screw) isn’t damaged or corroded because it acts as a seal and prevents leakage.  

If the seat looks faulty, unscrew it and remove it using a seat wrench. Replace the faucet seat with a new one and screw it firmly in place.  

8. Finally, reassemble everything.  

Call Gladiator Services for High-Quality Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning Services in Bergenfield, NJ  

Look no further than Gladiator Services for superior bathtub faucet dripping solutions in Bergenfield. Is your shower faucet leaking? We can help with that, too, among other services!  

Our licensed and insured crew has the skills, knowledge, and training to repair all major appliances. Count on our one-stop shop for all your home and commercial building repair needs. 

Expect a professional, courteous, and thorough team that uses only the latest technology and equipment to deliver exceptional results. We back all our equipment and installations with a 5-year labor warranty.

Call Gladiator Services at (201) 419-6090 to schedule service in Bergenfield, NJ, or nearby areas throughout Bergen County.