Caleb MorganBy Caleb Morgan

Updated November 2026

To repair a leaky tub faucet, you shut off the water, pull the handle and trim, identify whether the leak comes from a worn cartridge, washer or stem, and replace that part. Most drips are fixed in one to two hours with a screwdriver, an adjustable wrench and a replacement part that matches your faucet brand. The steps below apply to most compression and cartridge-style tub faucets.

Shut Off the Water and Prepare the Work Area

Turn off the water supply at the shutoff valves under the tub or behind an access panel. If you have no separate valves, shut off the main water to the house and open the tub faucet to drain the lines. Place a towel over the drain to keep small screws from falling in, and lay another towel in the tub to protect the finish.

Find the Source of the Leak

A drip from the spout usually points to a worn cartridge, stem or washer inside the valve. Water that seeps from the handle base or runs into the wall often means a failed O-ring or packing nut. Water that keeps running from the showerhead while the diverter is off usually points to a worn diverter seal.

  1. Remove the handle screw, then lift the handle off.
  2. Unscrew the decorative trim or escutcheon by hand or with a cloth-wrapped wrench.
  3. Remove the retaining clip or nut that holds the cartridge or stem in place.
  4. Pull the cartridge or stem straight out. Note its orientation before removing it.

Replace the Cartridge, Stem or Washers

Cartridge-style faucets

Take the old cartridge to a hardware store or match its brand and model number exactly. Many tub cartridges look similar but differ in length or spline pattern, and a mismatch will still leak. Clean the valve body of mineral deposits with a soft brush and white vinegar, then seat the new cartridge with the tab or notch aligned as the old one was.

Compression faucets

Unscrew the stem with a wrench, remove the old washer and screw, and replace the washer with an exact match. Replace the O-ring or packing if it looks flattened or cracked. Lightly grease new rubber parts with plumber’s silicone grease so they seal properly and don’t tear during reassembly.

Reassemble and Test the Faucet

Reverse the disassembly steps, tightening screws snugly rather than forcing them. Turn the water back on slowly at the shutoff valves, then open the tub faucet to clear air and debris. Run the hot and cold handles through their full range and check the spout and the diverter for drips. Leave the faucet closed for a few minutes and watch for any seepage at the base.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Buying a part without checking the brand and model number, which is the most common cause of a repeat leak.
  • Overtightening the handle or trim, which can crack plastic components.
  • Skipping the valve body cleaning, leaving mineral buildup that wears the new part.
  • Turning the water back on at full pressure before the faucet is reassembled.
  • Forgetting to re-check the diverter, which can leak even after the spout is fixed.
  • Plumber’s silicone grease helps rubber seals slide into place without tearing and keeps them flexible. View on Amazon
  • Adjustable wrench with a cloth or rubber pad grips valve nuts without scratching the finish. View on Amazon
  • Tub faucet repair kit matched to your brand bundles common cartridges, O-rings and washers so you can compare before you start. View on Amazon

For more model-specific help, see Repair Tub Faucet Drip: A Step-by-Step Guide to Stop Leaks (2026) and Leaky Tub Faucet Repair: 7 Best Kits and Parts Compared (2026). Owners of Delta fixtures can also check Repair Delta Tub Faucet: 7 Best Kits and Parts Compared (2026) for brand-specific parts.

FAQ

Do I need to replace the whole faucet to stop a tub leak?

Usually not. Most leaks come from a worn cartridge, stem or washer, and these parts are inexpensive and replaceable on their own.

Why does my tub faucet still drip after I replaced the cartridge?

The new part may not match your faucet, or mineral deposits may remain inside the valve body. Confirm the model number and clean the valve thoroughly before reinstalling.

When should I call a plumber?

Call a licensed plumber if the valve body is corroded or cracked, if water is leaking inside the wall, or if you are unsure how to shut off the water safely. Plumbing work involving shutoffs and concealed valves carries risk of water damage, so consult a professional when in doubt.

Conclusion

A leaky tub faucet can usually be repaired in an afternoon once you identify the failing part. Match the replacement exactly to your brand and model, and clean the valve before reassembly. With the water shut off and careful testing afterward, the drip should stop for good.

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Caleb Morgan

About Caleb Morgan

Caleb Morgan is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our kitchen faucets & sinks guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.