Bathtub Faucet Dripping

A dripping tub faucet announces itself clearly, but the characteristics of the drip tell you about the underlying problem and whether a simple fix will work or you need cartridge replacement.

Drip Patterns

• Slow, steady drip: One drop every few seconds indicates early seal wear
• Fast dripping: Multiple drops per second shows significant cartridge wear
• Continuous stream: Water runs constantly even when handle is fully closed
• Hot or cold water only: Only one temperature drips, pointing to that side's cartridge or seal failure
• Delayed drip: Faucet drips for several minutes after use then stops as pressure equalizes

Handle Operation Issues

• Handle requires excessive force to turn off completely
• Handle feels loose or wobbly during operation
• Grinding or scraping sensation when turning the handle
• Handle position changes needed to stop dripping (must be turned past normal "off" position)
• Temperature control becomes difficult with narrow range between scalding and cold

Secondary Problems

• Mineral buildup or rust stains forming under the spout
• Water stains on the tub surface from constant dripping
• Increased water bills without other explanation
• Water dripping behind the wall (indicates valve body leak, not just spout drip)

Step 1: Identify Your Faucet Type

Take a photo of your faucet including any visible brand names or logos. Remove the handle by loosening the set screw (usually on the side or underneath the handle) and pulling the handle off. Look for brand markings on the valve body or cartridge. Search online with your faucet brand and model to find the correct replacement cartridge.

Common tub faucet brands include Moen, Delta, Kohler, American Standard, and Price Pfister. Each manufacturer uses proprietary cartridges that won't interchange with other brands. Bringing your old cartridge to a plumbing supply store helps ensure you get the correct replacement. Big box stores carry common models but specialty plumbing suppliers stock a wider variety.

Step 2: Remove the Existing Cartridge

After removing the handle, you'll see a trim plate or escutcheon covering the valve body. Remove screws or pry off the decorative cover. Behind it, you'll find the cartridge held in place by a retaining clip, nut, or threaded ring. Use pliers to remove the retaining clip (usually a U-shaped metal piece) or unscrew the retaining nut.

Pull the cartridge straight out. It may resist due to mineral deposits or corrosion. Some cartridges have a special pulling tool included with the replacement. For stuck cartridges, try rotating back and forth while pulling. Never use excessive force that could damage the valve body in the wall. If the cartridge won't budge after reasonable effort, call a plumber.

Step 3: Clean and Inspect the Valve Body

With the cartridge removed, inspect the valve body for cracks, excessive corrosion, or damage. Clean out any mineral deposits or debris using a damp cloth. Don't introduce any small parts or debris that could fall into the water lines. Check for rubber seals or O-rings that remain in the valve body and remove them.

Step 4: Install the New Cartridge

Most replacement cartridges come with new O-rings pre-installed. Apply a thin coating of plumber's grease to the O-rings before installation. Align the cartridge according to manufacturer directions - orientation matters. Many cartridges have a flat side or alignment tab that must face a specific direction. Insert the cartridge fully into the valve body.

Replace the retaining clip or nut, ensuring it's secure but not overtightened. Reinstall the escutcheon and handle. Turn the water supply back on slowly and check for leaks behind the trim plate before fully opening the valve. Test the faucet by turning it on and off several times. The drip should be eliminated immediately.

Troubleshooting Continued Drips

If the faucet still drips after cartridge replacement, the valve body may be damaged or you may have installed the cartridge incorrectly. Remove the cartridge and verify correct orientation. Check that all O-rings are properly seated and not twisted or pinched. Verify you purchased the correct cartridge for your specific faucet model. If problems persist, the valve body likely needs replacement by a professional.

Professional plumbers arrive with specialized cartridge extraction tools for every major faucet brand. These tools grip the cartridge internally and provide mechanical advantage for removing units seized by decades of mineral deposits. They'll use penetrating lubricants and heat guns to free corroded components without damaging the valve body. Their experience prevents the valve body damage that turns a cartridge replacement into a valve replacement.

When cartridge replacement doesn't solve the problem, plumbers diagnose valve body issues by testing water pressure at the valve, inspecting for cracks or corrosion, and pressure-testing the repaired assembly before closing the wall. They carry common valve bodies on their trucks and can replace failed valves in a single visit. Wall access, valve replacement, and wall repair typically takes 2-4 hours for an experienced plumber.

Plumbers also address underlying problems contributing to premature cartridge failure. They'll test your water pressure and install a pressure reducing valve if it exceeds 80 PSI. They can recommend whole-house water softeners if hard water causes frequent cartridge problems. They'll check water heater temperature settings and suggest reductions that extend cartridge life without compromising hot water delivery.

For older homes with obsolete faucet models, plumbers can source hard-to-find cartridges through specialty suppliers or recommend modern replacement valve bodies that offer better performance and easier future service. They understand which valves match your existing plumbing configuration and tile hole spacing. They'll handle tile cutting if necessary and seal the installation properly to prevent wall leaks.

Use your tub regularly even if you prefer showers. Running water through the faucet every few days prevents mineral deposits from crystallizing inside the cartridge. A quick 30-second hot water flush followed by cold water keeps internal components moving and washes away mineral buildup before it hardens and causes damage.

Install a water softener if you have hard water causing frequent faucet problems. Hard water contains dissolved minerals that precipitate out inside plumbing fixtures, creating the scale and deposits that damage cartridges. Softened water dramatically extends cartridge life and reduces maintenance across all your plumbing fixtures. Water test kits from hardware stores reveal your water hardness level.

Never force faucet handles when turning them off. If you need excessive force to stop dripping, replace the cartridge soon. Continuing to overtighten a worn cartridge damages the valve body and makes future cartridge removal more difficult. The cartridge has already failed when it requires abnormal force to close. Replace it before it becomes stuck.

Long-Term Maintenance

• Replace cartridges proactively every 8-10 years before they fail completely
• Keep your water heater set at 120°F to prevent rubber component degradation
• Install a pressure reducing valve if your home water pressure exceeds 80 PSI
• Address slow drips immediately rather than waiting for complete failure
• Keep records of your faucet brand and cartridge model for quick future replacement

Bathtub faucet drip repairs cost significantly less than replacements when caught early. A simple cartridge replacement keeps your existing faucet functioning for years at a fraction of the cost of installing a new valve body. Understanding costs helps you decide between DIY repair and professional service.

DIY Repair Costs

• Replacement cartridge (standard models): $15-35
• Replacement cartridge (premium brands): $35-75
• Basic tool set (if needed): $20-40
• Plumber's grease and supplies: $5-10
• Total DIY cartridge replacement: $20-85 in most cases

Professional Service Costs

• Cartridge replacement labor: $150-250
• Emergency or after-hours service: Add $100-200
• Difficult cartridge extraction: $200-350
• Valve body replacement (wall access required): $400-700
• Valve body replacement (tile wall requiring careful removal): $600-1,000

Complete Replacement Projects

• Basic tub faucet replacement (accessible plumbing): $300-500
• Mid-range tub faucet with new trim: $400-700
• Premium brand with complex installation: $700-1,200
• Tub/shower combo valve replacement: $500-900
• Wall repair and tile work (if needed): Add $200-600

Water waste from dripping faucets adds hidden costs. A faucet dripping once per second wastes over 3,000 gallons annually, costing $30-60 on your water bill depending on local rates. Faster drips or small streams waste substantially more. The cost of repair often pays for itself within one year through water savings alone.

DIY cartridge replacement makes financial sense for confident homeowners with accessible shut-off valves and standard faucet brands. Professional service becomes cost-effective when you factor in the risk of damaging the valve body during a difficult DIY extraction. A $250 professional cartridge replacement prevents a $800 valve body replacement that could result from DIY mistakes.