How to Fix a Leaky Bathroom Tub Faucet: A Step-by-Step Guide

Updated November 2026

To fix a leaky bathroom tub faucet, you shut off the water, take the handle apart, find the worn part causing the drip, and replace it. Most leaks come from a worn cartridge, a failed washer, or a damaged O-ring, and each repair takes an hour or two with basic hand tools. The steps below cover the process for the most common faucet styles.

Before You Start: Shut Off the Water and Gather Tools

Close the shutoff valves under the tub or behind an access panel. If you cannot find valves there, shut off the main water supply to the house, then open the tub faucet to drain the remaining water. Plug the drain so small parts do not disappear down it.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 4 Best Delta Bathroom Faucet Repair Kit Picks for Every Fix.

Gather these supplies first:

• Adjustable wrench and a set of Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers
• Allen (hex) key set, often needed for set screws under the handle
• Replacement cartridge, washers, or O-rings matched to your faucet brand
• Plumber’s grease and a soft cloth to protect the finish
• A small bowl or tray for holding screws

Step-by-Step: Identify the Leak Source

Most tub faucets use one of three internal designs. A compression faucet has two separate handles and rubber washers. A cartridge faucet uses a single cylinder that controls both hot and cold. A ball faucet uses a rotating ball with spring-loaded seals. Knowing which type you have tells you which part to order.

Remove the handle first. Look for a decorative cap, a set screw, or a hidden screw under a trim plate, then lift the handle straight off. Check whether the drip is coming from the spout or from the handle area, since that points to different parts.

Replace the Worn Parts

Compression faucets

Unscrew the packing nut and remove the stem. Replace the rubber washer on the bottom of the stem and the O-ring around the stem. If the valve seat inside the faucet body looks pitted, a seat wrench can remove it for replacement.

Cartridge faucets

Remove the retaining clip or nut that holds the cartridge, then pull the cartridge straight out. Note its orientation before removing it. Install the new cartridge the same way, seat it fully, and reattach the clip. This is the most common fix for a tub faucet that drips from the spout.

Ball faucets

Remove the cap and ball, then replace the springs and rubber seats. Coat new O-rings with plumber’s grease before reassembling so they seal properly.

Reassemble, Test, and Confirm the Fix

Reassemble in reverse order, tightening screws firmly but not forcefully. Turn the water back on slowly, then run the hot and cold sides separately to check for leaks at the spout and around the handle. If a slow drip continues, the new part may be the wrong size or not fully seated.

Faucet type	Most common leak source	Usual part to replace
Compression	Worn washer	Rubber washer and O-ring
Cartridge	Worn cartridge	Entire cartridge
Ball	Worn seats or springs	Seats, springs, O-rings

Common Mistakes

• Skipping the water shutoff, which causes spray and flooding.
• Installing a cartridge backward, which reverses hot and cold or keeps the drip.
• Buying generic parts without matching the faucet brand and model.
• Overtightening the packing nut or handle screws, which can crack the finish.
• Forgetting to plug the drain, which lets small screws and clips go missing.

Recommended Gear

A replacement cartridge sized for your faucet brand is the part most likely to stop a drip for good. View on Amazon

A basic faucet repair kit with assorted washers and O-rings covers several faucet types if you are not sure which part is worn. View on Amazon

Plumber’s grease keeps new seals from drying out and squeaking. View on Amazon

For more detail on locating the source of a drip, see Bathroom Tub Faucet Dripping: How to Find and Fix the Leak. If you want to compare kits before buying, Bathroom Faucet Repair Kits: How to Fix a Leaky Faucet in 6 Steps walks through the common options. For a Moen-specific walkthrough, Replace Cartridge in Moen Bathroom Faucet: 6 Best Picks Compared (2026) covers the cartridge swap in detail.

FAQ

Why does my tub faucet drip even when it is turned off?

A worn cartridge, washer, or seat lets water pass the seal even when the handle is closed. Replacing the internal part that controls flow usually stops the drip.

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

Usually not. Most leaks are caused by inexpensive internal parts that can be replaced without removing the faucet from the wall.

When should I call a plumber?

Call a licensed plumber if the shutoff valves do not close fully, if pipes inside the wall are leaking, or if you find corrosion or cracks in the faucet body. These problems can cause water damage that is not safe to handle alone.

Conclusion

A leaky tub faucet is usually fixed by shutting off the water, identifying the faucet type, and replacing the worn cartridge, washer, or O-ring. Matching the replacement part to your brand and model prevents repeat leaks. Take your time with the reassembly and test the faucet fully before closing up the access panel.

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