Fixing a dripping shower faucet is one of the simplest plumbing repairs. But if left unchecked, a leaky shower faucet can waste a lot of water and increase your water bill. The good news is that it’s easy to fix a dripping shower faucet.
The first step is to identify the type of faucet you have. There are two main types of shower faucets: compression faucets and cartridge faucets.
If the faucet is leaking during the shower, the first step is to check the packing nut
The packing nut is located under the handle
If the packing nut is loose, tighten it with a wrench
If the packing nut is tight, then the problem may be with the washer
The washer is located under the packing nut
To replace the washer, remove the packing nut and washer and take them to a hardware store to find a match
Credit: diy.stackexchange.com
Table of Contents
How do you fix a bathtub faucet that leaks only when the shower runs?
If your bathtub faucet leaks only when the shower runs, it’s likely that the problem is with the shower diverter. The shower diverter is a valve that diverts water from the tub spout to the shower head. If the diverter is not functioning properly, water can leak from the tub spout when the shower is turned on.
To fix a leaking shower diverter, you will need to replace the diverter valve. You can purchase a replacement diverter valve at most hardware stores. Once you have the replacement valve, follow these steps:
1. Turn off the water to the shower.
2. Remove the old diverter valve by unscrewing it from the tub spout.
3. Install the new diverter valve by screwing it into the tub spout.
4. Turn on the water to the shower and test the new valve.
Why does tub faucet leak when shower is on?
When you turn on your shower, the water pressure in your pipes increases. This increased pressure can cause your tub faucet to leak. There are a few reasons why this might happen:
1. The washer in your faucet may be worn out. Washers are designed to seal against the valve seat in your faucet, but over time they can become worn and no longer create a tight seal. This can allow water to seep through, causing your faucet to leak.
2. The O-rings in your faucet may be damaged. O-rings are small rubber rings that create a seal between the moving parts in your faucet. If these O-rings are damaged, they can allow water to leak through.
3. The valve seat in your faucet may be damaged. The valve seat is the part of the faucet where the washer sits. If this seat becomes damaged, it can allow water to leak through.
If your tub faucet is leaking, you may be able to fix it yourself by replacing the washer, O-rings, or valve seat. If the damage is more severe, you may need to replace the entire faucet.
Why does my faucet keep running when I turn on my shower?
If your faucet is leaking or dripping when you turn on your shower, it’s likely due to a problem with the washer. The washer is a small, rubber or neoprene disk that’s located under the handle. Over time, these washers can become worn out or damaged, causing them to leak.
Replacing the washer is a relatively simple process that you can do yourself.
To replace the washer, start by shutting off the water supply to your faucet. Next, remove the handle by unscrewing the retaining screw and pulling the handle off.
Behind the handle, you’ll see a small screw that holds the washer in place. Unscrew this screw and remove the old washer. Install the new washer and screw it in place.
Finally, reassemble the handle and turn on the water supply.
How do I get my tub faucet to stop leaking?
If your tub faucet is leaking, there are a few things you can do to try to stop the leak. First, make sure the O-ring, which is a small rubber ring that sits between the handle and the body of the faucet, is not damaged or missing. If it is, you can buy a replacement at a hardware store.
Next, check to see if the packing nut, which is a small nut that holds the packing material in place, is loose. If it is, tighten it with a wrench. If your faucet still leaks, you may need to replace the packing material.
To do this, turn off the water to the faucet and remove the packing nut. Then, pull out the old packing material and put in new packing. Tighten the packing nut and turn the water back on.
If your faucet still leaks, you may need to replace the washer. To do this, turn off the water to the faucet and remove the handle. Then, remove the screw that holds the washer in place and take out the old washer.
Put in a new washer and screw the handle back on. Turn the water back on and test the faucet to see if it leaks.
If your faucet still leaks, you may need to replace the entire faucet.
You can buy a new faucet at a hardware store.
My tub faucet is leaking/dripping – won't stop dripping – EASY FIX!
If you have a tub spout that’s leaking when the water is off, it’s likely due to a bad washer or O-ring. To fix the leak, you’ll need to remove the spout and replace the washer or O-ring.
First, shut off the water to the tub.
Then, remove the set screw from the back of the spout. You may need a Phillips screwdriver or Allen wrench to do this.
Once the set screw is removed, you should be able to pull the spout off the wall.
Inspect the washer or O-ring to see if it’s damaged. If so, replace it with a new one.
To reattach the spout, simply reverse the steps above.
Turn on the water and check for leaks. If the leak persists, you may need to replace the entire spout.
Conclusion
If your tub faucet is leaking during your shower, there are a few things you can do to stop it. First, check to see if the O-ring is damaged. If so, replace it.
Next, check to see if the washer is damaged. If so, replace it. Finally, check to see if the packing nut is loose.
Danyal is a Freelance Copywriter that has been writing for online publications including Home improvement, newsworthy blogs and even a few personal blogs. He has a passion for writing and loves to share his knowledge with everyone who wants quality information.
