Why Is My Tub Faucet Leaking?

Posted by Spencer | November 30, 2023 | Reading Time:

Few things help you unwind after a long day more than a nice, warm bath. However, dripping bathtub faucets can interrupt your relaxation and cause you to ask, “Why is my tub faucet leaking?” To help determine the source of the leak, Rainforest Plumbing & Air put together some common causes and how to resolve them swiftly and effectively.

Rainforest Plumbing & Air is one of Phoenix, Arizona’s most trusted professional plumbing services. If you need reliable plumbing expert to rejuvenate your plumbing system without stressing your budget, we have you covered.

Causes of a Leaky Bathtub Faucet

Leaking bathtub faucets can become more severe than you might think. They waste countless gallons of water over time and can drastically increase your monthly water payments. Fortunately, you can uncover the root cause of the leak once you understand what to look for.

Before contacting your plumber and asking, “Why is my tub faucet leaking?” inspect your faucet for the following issues:

1. A Worn Washer or O-Ring

Washers and O-rings help control a faucet's water flow. Compression faucets utilize rubber or plastic washers, while cartridge models feature rubber O-rings. Both components deteriorate over time and can cause troublesome leaks along the faucet spout or handle.

Replacing the faucet’s O-ring or washer will fix the leak and make it easier to control water flow. However, the process requires you to remove the faucet and handle. Consider leaving the project to the professionals to guarantee the best results.

2. Deteriorated Valve Seat

Like O-rings and washers, valve seats help control water flow. They typically sit below the handle and act as a seal for the faucet stem. However, minerals within water break down valve seats over time, creating leaks near the handle. Replacing the valve seat will fix the leak and improve the faucet’s performance.

3. Broken Faucet Cartridge

Many modern faucets have cartridges that regulate water temperature and flow. However, broken cartridges often form leaks around the faucet’s base or handle.

Homeowners shouldn’t attempt cartage replacement unless they have professional plumbing training and experience. This is an exceedingly laborious and time-consuming task, so always contact a plumber for professional services.

4. Improper Installation

Incorrectly installing bathtub faucets can result in leaks and other significant plumbing issues. It often leads to loose pipes that can’t support flowing water effectively, causing faucet leaks. Reinstalling the faucet with correctly sized components will stop the leak and allow the faucet to operate at its highest efficiency level.

5. Excess Water Pressure

Although plumbing fixtures need relatively high water pressure to function, too much can cause significant structural damage and leaks. It can also lead to burst pipes that form stains, mold, mildew, and more. Hiring a professional plumber to install a water pressure regulator will prevent excessively high pressure levels and help keep your plumbing system in excellent condition.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait To Fix Leaky Bathtub Faucets

Again, bathtub faucet leaks might seem trivial at first, but they can quickly become a significant problem. Waiting too long to repair a leaky faucet can increase the chances of more serious plumbing issues arising while causing your water bill to soar. Consider some reasons why you should fix water leaks as soon as possible.

Increases Water Bills

The United States Environmental Protection Agency states that a leaky faucet wastes more than 3,000 gallons of water per year. This can take a toll on your water payments and cost you hundreds if you don’t fix the leak promptly. Repairing the leak will help keep your water bills affordable, giving you more money to spend on your family and leisurely activities.

Wear and Tear

Leaks cause unnecessary wear and tear that drastically reduces the faucet’s lifespan. The constant dripping will corrode the faucet over time and force you to replace it sooner rather than later. Resolving the leak will preserve the faucet’s life expectancy and prevent you from replacing it prematurely.

Contact Rainforest Plumbing & Air for Outstanding Leak Repair and Plumbing Services in Phoenix, Arizona

If you need to fix a leaking bathtub and wonder, “Why is my tub faucet leaking?” contact Rainforest Plumbing & Air. Our team will repair the leak or replace the faucet with a top-of-the-line model without surpassing your budget. From faucet installation to pipe leak repair, no job is too big or too small for our experienced plumbing experts.