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HOW TO FIND THE SOURCE OF YOUR BATHTUB LEAK

Having a leaking bathtub is more than just annoying, it’s wasteful and can be expensive. But how can you find the leak in your bathtub? Today we’ll walk you through a few steps you can do to determine if it’s an easy fix you can do yourself, or if you’ll need the help of a plumber to stop the leak.

The first step is to identify the source of the leak. There are a few different places the tub might leak, like:

The faucet
The grout (around the sides of the tub)
The drain
The pipes

While some of these have simple fixes. For instance, if your drain is leaking, you can get a temporary fix for it by buying a drain plug that can hold off the water a little more securely. You can also fix your leaking faucet relatively easily on your own. However, some leaks like a serious leak in the grout or the pipes will require a licensed plumber to fix.

How do I figure out which part of my tub is leaking?
First, ensure the exterior of the bathtub is completely dry.
Then lay down newspaper, paper towels, or towels around the base of the tub.
Plug the drain, and start to fill up the tub.
Watch the newspaper carefully to see if any of it gets wet, and if so, where.
If the tub fills up and the exterior of the tub stays dry, then the leak isn’t in the grout, and the good news is the exterior of your tub is fine!
With the room quiet, listen carefully. Do you hear water slipping through the drain?
It’s possible that the drain wasn’t installed correctly, or as it ages, needs attention.

If the drain seems well-sealed and the grout is fine, then the leak is more than likely coming from the pipes themselves, underneath the bathtub. That may be a simple fix, but it’s going to require a licensed plumber to inspect and diagnose the problem.

How Do I Fix a Leaking Bathtub Faucet?

The most common source of bathtub faucet leaks are worn out internal seals. This is a very straightforward fix:

Turn off the water to your tub
Use a screwdriver to remove the faucet handles
Take apart the faucet itself to inspect each part, and clean up any deposits or buildup
Use white vinegar and a scrubber to clean out any mineral deposits on the valves
Rinse the parts that are in good condition off, and take note of any parts that need to be replaced
If the parts are intact, put them all back together and fasten your faucet back on

You could also go to a hardware store and pick up a new bathtub faucet if it needs to be replaced, ir if you would rather save yourself the time cleaning it out.

Does a Tiny Bathtub Leak Really Matter?

As a homeowner, it’s important to keep in mind that a pipe leaking under your bathtub may or may not be a big deal; but if one pipe is leaking, it’s often a sign that others are, too.

Since your water lines are probably all the same age, if you notice a weakness in one pipe, it’s very likely in others, too. And some of those pipes, if they were to start leaking, could cause serious damage to your home.

It’s always better to ward off the damage before it begins, don’t you think? Make the BEST choice and call BEST Plumbing Service of Cincinnati to get a licensed plumber out to your home to inspect your plumbing system today.

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