Bathtub valves, like any other home plumbing parts, can wear out over time. When not properly taking care in a timely manner, this often results in expensive repairs. A leaking faucet can cause a lot of damage behind the walls, and an inoperable drain could be the result of a much more serious problem than clogged hair.
Typically, the most common problems involving bathtub plumbing are clogged drains or non-functional valves. Minor repairs can be done by a do-it-yourself homeowner with basic plumbing knowledge and a few tools. Many of the parts required to repair the bathtub plumbing can be bought at your local home improvement store or any plumbing supply store. More complex plumbing issues may necessitate extensive technical repairs by a professional plumber.
Repairing Faucets
It is critical to ensure that the water supply has been turned off before beginning any bathroom plumbing repair. The water supply to the bathtub is usually hidden behind the bathtub's faucet wall. If that is not possible, the water supply to the entire house must be turned off (either in the basement or just outside) to ensure minimal leakage during the process.
The faucet handle must then be removed, which is easily accomplished with a small Phillips-head screwdriver. Slid the handles off the faucet stems to remove them. Next, unscrew the stem collars on the faucet and remove the escutcheon plates, which are typically made of chrome and used to conceal the handles, showerhead, and spout openings.
Using an adjustable wrench, unscrew the faucet valve stems. After removing the valve stem, unscrew the old washer and replace it with the new packing from the home improvement or hardware store. Simply reverse the process and thread the stem back into the valve once the new packing has been installed. Replace the escutcheons, then the stem collars, and finally the handles. Make sure the water is turned on slowly to ensure the valve is completely tightened. If the faucet continues to leak, it will almost certainly need to be repaired by a professional.
Unclogging A Drain
By removing the screen or plug at the bottom of the bathtub, it is possible to see visible debris and hair clogging the drain. The process of removing these components can be messy, so wearing rubber gloves is recommended. If that doesn't work, feed a bathtub drain snake through the drain hole's opening and turn it to grab whatever is clogging the line further down. Harsh chemicals should be avoided because they can cause serious damage to the drainpipe.
When the problem is minor, making plumbing bathtub repairs is a simple process. Consider hiring a professional plumber to handle this home improvement project if the faucet won't stop leaking or the tub won't drain.
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