Do you ever take a shower and notice strange dripping noises coming from your faucet?
If so, it’s possible that your bathtub faucet is leaking when the shower is on.
This can be an irritating problem to experience as a young adult living in your own place for the first time.
Luckily, there are often simple fixes that can help get rid of this issue quickly.
In this blog post, we’re going to discuss why your bathtub faucet might be leaking when the shower is turned on and provide some useful tips you can use to fix it yourself.
Learn the in’s and out’s of how to fix a leaking bathtub faucet when your shower is on in the following paragraphs.
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Contents
- 1 If Your Bathtub Faucet is Leaking When the Shower is on, It’s Likely Because the Diverter Valve Isn’t Closing Properly
- 2 You Can Fix a Leaky Bathtub Faucet by Replacing the Diverter Valve or by Tightening the Screws That Hold It in Place
- 3 If You’re Uncomfortable Doing This Repair Yourself, Hire a Professional Plumber to Do It for You
- 4 Always Be Sure to Deactivate Your Water Supply Before Attempting Any Repairs on Your Plumbing Fixtures!
- 5 How to Fix a Leaking Bathtub Faucet When Your Shower is on— Conclusion
If Your Bathtub Faucet is Leaking When the Shower is on, It’s Likely Because the Diverter Valve Isn’t Closing Properly
Determining the source of a leak in your bathtub faucet can cause a headache, but thankfully, if it only happens when you turn on the shower, identifying the issue is sometimes easier.
The most likely culprit behind this kind of leakage is a faulty diverter valve; these valves are designed to divert water from your bathtub spout to your shower head when activated and if it isn’t closing properly or at all, those extra drops are sure to appear.
If you believe the diverter valve has gone awry, take note of any areas around it that may appear to be dissimilar in texture or color- this discoloration may indicate residual water damage resulting from wear and tear.
You Can Fix a Leaky Bathtub Faucet by Replacing the Diverter Valve or by Tightening the Screws That Hold It in Place
Replacing the diverter valve in a leaky bathtub faucet is a straightforward process.
Start by turning off the water supply to the faucet and place a towel or newspaper under it to prevent water damage.
Once this step is complete, you will need to remove both handles of the faucet, use a Phillips head screwdriver to unscrew the base plate, take out the old diverter valve, and put in the new one.
Make sure that the valve is firmly in place before replacing all of its components and restoring the water supply.
Alternatively, you can also try tightening up the screws that hold your existing diverter valve in place.
This should help with minor leaks without needing further maintenance work; however, if this does not solve your issue, then replacing it with a new part may be your best option.
If You’re Uncomfortable Doing This Repair Yourself, Hire a Professional Plumber to Do It for You
If you don’t feel comfortable or know how to fix a leaking bathtub faucet when your shower is on by yourself, it may be a smart idea to hire a professional plumber.
Professional plumbers have been thoroughly trained in their craft and possess a wealth of knowledge and experience.
Furthermore, they have all the necessary tools readily available so the work can be completed safely and efficiently.
If you do choose to entrust your repairs to a professional, it is important that you research your options to ensure that you hire someone who is licensed, certified and highly qualified.
Doing so will ensure that your plumbing repair is done quickly and correctly.
Always Be Sure to Deactivate Your Water Supply Before Attempting Any Repairs on Your Plumbing Fixtures!
Plumbing can be intimidating and repairs can become very costly without the proper safety precautions.
Before attempting any work on your plumbing fixtures, always make sure to turn off the water supply.
Failure to do so can result in damage both to property and potentially even injury.
It is important to be as careful and prepared as possible when handling plumbing-related tasks, particularly if they involve a large system such as that of a house or building.
Having a basic knowledge of how water systems are installed and operated before starting any DIY projects or hiring professionals is essential for achieving success.
How to Fix a Leaking Bathtub Faucet When Your Shower is on— Conclusion
If your bathtub faucet is leaking when the shower is on, it’s likely because of a pressure imbalance.
This happens when there is more water pressure coming from the shower than from the faucet.
To fix this issue, you’ll need to contact a professional plumbing service for assistance in re-adjusting your plumbing system.