If you feel rejuvenated and relaxed upon taking a bath, then you understand the importance of having a functional bathtub in your home. In case the bathtub is leaking, you’ll feel stressed and annoyed.

A bathtub leakage may lead to further damage if left unattended for a longer period. The major cause of leaking tubs is problems with the drain, body, grout, or faucet.

There are many techniques of stopping your bathtub from leaking. For instance, you can use tub liners to modify the tub and update it to look like new. They come in different colors and stains, but they tend to be quite expensive.

The most affordable way of fix the leakage is by locating the leak and patching it using an appropriate sealant. This is something you can do on your own without incurring extra expenses to hire a plumber in Sydney.

However, you need to have the required tools for the job. However, patching the leakage with a sealant is a temporary fix. Thus, you should check it out on a regular basis to assess whether the seal remains in place over time.

water leaking from under bathtub

 

Here’s is a step by step guide on how to locate a leakage on a tub and fix it:

Locating the Leak

It’s quite easy to see a leaking grout or faucet. It’s also easy to check the body for leaking spots. You’ll require a towel or rag, masking tape and old newspapers to do the troubleshooting.

  1. Start by wiping your tub’s exterior wall. Allow it to dry completely.
  2. Once the exterior wall is dry, wrap it using a newspaper. Use the masking tape to hold the newspaper onto the bathtub.
  3. Fill your bathtub with water. Check for any spots showing dampness on the newspaper. The damp spots are the leaking spots.

 

 

Fixing the Tub Faucet

Start with turning off the tub’s water supplies. Once done, open the faucet to drain water from all the connected pipes.

 

Materials required:

  • Stem washers

  • Pipe wrench

  • Screwdrivers

  • Gaskets

how to fix a leaky single handle bathtub faucet

Instructions for repairing the leaky faucet:

  1. Remove the handle of the faucet. You might have to remove the plastic cap covering the screws. Some faucet designs may not have a cap. You can remove the cap by popping it off using a flat blade screwdriver. Then remove the screws and pull off the handle.
  2. Use a wrench to detach the faucet’s packing nut. A packing nut is a type of nut that typically holds the stem of the faucet in place when mounted.
  3. Remove old washers and gaskets. Put new gaskets in the faucet and replace old washers.
  4. Next, replace the tub faucet. Then replace the handle. Tighten the screws to ensure everything is firmly in place. Once done, turn on all the water supplies. As water flows, check for any leaks on the faucet.

 

Fixing the Leaky Drain

In case there’s any leak in the drain area, gather the materials needed and follow this guideline.

 

Materials required:

  • Putty knife

  • Paper towel or rag

  • Pliers or drain removing tool and a screwdriver

  • Plumber’s putty

 

Instructions for repairing the drain:

  1. Start with removing the drain. Use a drain removing tool. In case you don’t have the tool, you can use a set of pliers to grip the drain mesh. Then take a screwdriver and put it between the pliers’ handles. This way, the screwdriver will work as a lever. You’ll need to turn it the screwdriver counterclockwise, thereby breaking the putty seal on the drain.
  2. Check the pipe and drain for any signs of damage or cracks. Replace a damaged pipe or drain with a new one. If there’s no damage, reuse the drain.
  3. Use a putty knife to scrape off old putty on the threads. Then rinse the sink drain under running hot water for the best results.
  4. Roll an inch of putty on a ¼ by 5 inches rope.
  5. Take the rope and wrap it along the threads of the drain. Ensure you press the rope lightly to ensure it stays in place.
  6. Repeat step 4 using another rope.
  7. Wrap the rope around the lip of the sink drain right at the bottom. This is the section of the drain that touches the surface of the tub.
  8. Put the sink drain back on the drain hole of your tub. Screw the drain in place. Ensure it is tight enough.
  9. Use the drain removing tool or pliers and screwdriver to tighten the tub drain in place.
  10. Wipe excess putty.
  11. Turn on the water and check whether there’s any leakage.

repair and fix a leaking bathtub

Repairing Bathtub Body Leaks and Grout

It’s quite simple to repair minor leaks and cracks in the body of the tub and grout. You’ll just need a waterproof sealant, cleaning detergent and a rag. You’ll also require a fine sandpaper.

 

Grout

  1. Start with cleaning the leak spot.
  2. Next, turn off the water.
  3. Allow the grout to dry completely. Failure to do this will make the sealant fail to adhere well in place.
  4. Use directions of the manufacturer to apply the waterproof sealant. Give it time to cure and dry.
  5. Turn on the water and check for any leakage.

 

Repairing the Bathtub Body

  1. Start with cleaning the tub’s interior surface.
  2. Mark all the spots that require repair. Use a wax pencil or a marker (water-based) to do the marking.
  3. Apply a waterproof sealant. Give it time to dry thoroughly.
  4. Sand the repaired spot lightly. This will remove excess sealant. It will also smoothen the repaired surface.

 

Related Articles: Should I Caulk or Seal the Bathtub Drain?