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How to Fix a Leaky Bathtub Faucet?

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Dripping bathtub faucets can increase your water bill every month. Many people attempt to turn the faucet handles tighter and inadvertently shred the seals even further. Although a plumber is needed to fix major problems, you can repair most broken washers, gaskets and seals yourself with a few special tools.


If you are unable to find a bath socket wrench, you can use a vice grip to hold onto the stem bonnet and loosen it. Insert the seat wrench into the opening where the faucet was. It has an elongated end so that you can stick it deep into the seat and turn it counterclockwise to remove the seat. The seat is the back portion of the faucet that extends into the pipe.


Turn the water back on and test your repair job. If you spring a new leak, you may want to call a plumber. The finish should not be affected by you removing the tape, but with some finishes, it still may not be ready for use. Read the instructions on the bathtub finish you purchased to know how long it needs to cure completely before you use the bathtub again.


Press the razor into the tub surface at a 45 degree angle, then slide it into the caulk repeatedly to scrape it up. If any proves harder to remove, scrape it off with 120 grit sandpaper. This may be the longest, hardest portion of the job, as all the caulk needs to be removed. Rinse or brush away the caulk as you remove it so you can easily see what you’re doing.


Check the drain shoe from the access panel you cut earlier so see if any water is leaking underneath your tub. Check with your city’s waste department to find out how to properly dispose of the old bathtub. Don’t attempt to lift a cast-iron or steel tub out by yourself since they can be extremely heavy.

How to Cleaning Surfaces Before Clean a Bathroom?

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Clean the walls, windows and/or ceiling. If you have mold on the ceiling start with spraying a water bleach/disinfectant solution on it and let it rest for a couple of minutes, do the same with the walls ( if they are tiles) or use another cleaning product. With a sponge or a clean rag, scrub the tile surfaces you’ve sprayed. Rinse it carefully to avoid any stripes and dry it with a clean rag. It’s a good idea to wear rubber gloves while you’re scrubbing, to keep your hands from drying out if you’re using harsh products.

Clean the shower. Spray cleaning product on the shower walls, and the shower head and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Spray cleansers made especially for getting rid of soap scum work very well on tubs that haven’t been cleaned in a while.

For hard water areas that are prone to green and rust-colored stains, a cleanser made for eliminating calcium, lime and rust is probably what you need. Never use abrasive cleaners or green abrasive scrub pads or steel wool on porcelain fixtures, as they will quickly dull the finish. Soak the showerhead. If eventually the showerhead becomes quite clogged with hard water build up or soap scum, you can remove it and soak it overnight in a vinegar/water mixture, and then clean with a toothbrush.

Go back over the shower and scrub the walls, faucet and shower head, rinse well with the hottest water and or dry with a towel. You can shine the faucet with a paper towel or a towel. Don’t forget the shower curtain; it is also prone to mildew. A solution of about 2/3 water, 1/3 bleach in a spray bottle can be handy for getting rid of mildew spots. Or you can take it down and wash it in hot water with a small amount of soap and bleach.

Clean the sink and counter area. Scrub all the soap scum and toothpaste off with a small amount of cleaner, rinsing your sponge thoroughly as you go along. Don’t forget to clean your trashcan, tissue holder and other items which regularly remain in your bathroom. An old toothbrush or cotton swabs can be handy for getting the junk out from between the tap and handles.

Be sure never to clean the sink and counter area with the same rag or paper towel you used to clean the toilet. This can spread leftover disease-causing germs to your sink and counter area. To prevent this you can use a specific rag which you use to clean only the toilet. Wipe off the fronts and tops of cabinets and drawers. You’ll probably want to use hot, soapy water for this purpose. If you’re worried about germs on these surfaces, add a bit of bleach to your soapy water.