How to Find and Repair A Bathtub Leak

There are two main areas where a bathtub leak might occur: the faucet drip or the underlying pipes. Additional areas to watch are the grout, body of the tub, and the drain. Depending on the nature of the leak, you have different repair options. Let’s go over how to repair a leaky bathtub faucet and drain so you can handle the problem yourself.

Warning Signs of a Bathtub Leak

Signs of trouble remain constant for both types of leaks. Spotting these telltale signs early might be able to save your bathroom from bigger issues. Be on the lookout for:

• Curling vinyl flooring or loose tiles
• Peeling or flaking paint
• Worn-out wood finishing
• Water stains on the ceiling
• Mold on the wall or floor
• General pooling around the base of the tub 

How to Find a Bathtub Leak

First things first: You must locate the leak before you repair it. If you’re familiar with bathroom plumbing, it's relatively simple to determine whether or not your faucet or grout is leaking — just check to see if water is spilling out of either area.

To test if the actual tub has a leak in it, take these steps:

1. Wipe the outside until it is completely dry.
2. Line the area with newspapers.
3. Fill the tub up. You'll want to keep an eye out for areas of the newspaper that start getting wet.

To test the drain, you’ll want to follow these steps instead:

1. Completely fill the tub with water.
2. When it's filled, carefully listen for the sound of water seeping out.
3. If you hear those sounds and see the water start to decrease, chances are the drain assembly isn't fully sealed.

If you aren't experiencing any of the issues listed above, it's most likely coming from your pipes. Contact your local Roto-Rooter plumber and have them take a closer look.

How to Repair a Dripping Bathtub Faucet

Ready to learn how to repair a leaking bathtub spout? Start the faucet repair process by completely turning off your water supply. Then, take the following steps:

1. Remove the plastic caps from the center of the faucet.
2. Next, use a screwdriver to disconnect the handle of the faucet.
3. With a wrench, remove the packing nut used to hold the faucet in place.
4. Replace the stem washers and then secure your new fixtures.
5. Be sure to turn your water supply back on once you're done.

How to Repair a Bathtub Drain Leak

If the water in your tub is draining quickly, chances are the plumber's putty on the inside of the plug is starting to rub off. Here’s how to repair a leaking bathtub drain:

1. Remove the drain plug with a pair of screwdrivers.
2. Reapply some putty to create a new seal. You can purchase this at the nearest hardware store.

How to Repair a Bathtub Leak

If you're looking to repair leaks in the actual bathtub, you're going to need a heavy-duty sealant with waterproof properties. This is how the process works:

1. Dry the area and apply a generous amount of sealant to the cracks.
2. Use sandpaper to smooth out the sealant on the surface of the tub.
3. Test the repair by filling the tub with water and seeing if it leaks.

How to Repair Bathtub Grout Leaks

Sometimes, water can leak out of cracked or rotted grout. To restore the grout:

1. Locate and clean around the leaking area.
2. If you spot a crack, seal the leak by applying caulking to the crevasses.
3. Before running your water, wait about three hours to allow the sealant to thoroughly dry.

Stop Bathroom Leaks Today

A dripping tub can waste gallons of water and raise your bill over time. Some leaks are easy to fix, but others call for professional help. If the drip doesn’t stop after basic repairs, reach out to a licensed Roto-Rooter plumber to keep your bathroom in good shape. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

FAQs on How to Repair a Bathtub Leak

How do I stop my bathtub faucet from dripping?

You can often fix a dripping faucet by replacing the worn washers. If that doesn’t work, you may need an entirely new fixture.

Why does my tub spout drip when the water is off?

This usually happens when the faucet’s internal parts are worn out and no longer seal tightly. Water sneaks past the valve even when turned off, causing that steady drip.

How can you seal a leaking bathtub?

For small leaks around the tub edges, silicone caulk works best. If the faucet itself is leaking, sealants won’t help. You’ll need to repair or replace the faulty parts inside.

How much does a plumber charge to fix a leaky bathtub faucet?

Costs vary. The price depends on the type of faucet, parts needed, and how much labor is involved. But in all cases, it’s cheaper to use a plumber than to botch a DIY repair.