Showering Frustration? How To Finally Stop Water From Dripping Out Your Tub Faucet

Is there anything more annoying than trying to enjoy a nice, relaxing shower only to have water constantly dripping out of your tub faucet the entire time? The steady stream of wasted water dampening your bath mat can make an otherwise refreshing experience incredibly frustrating. But don't tear out your hair just yet - this common showering problem actually has some simple solutions.

Pinpointing What's Causing the Leaking Faucet

Before taking action to stop the dripping, it's important to understand exactly why your faucet is leaking in the first place. This will allow you to implement the best solution to directly address the root of the problem.

There are a few common culprits behind a tub faucet that won't stop flowing while the shower is on:

• A faulty, worn out, or clogged diverter valve . This part is responsible for redirecting water up to the showerhead when the shower is turned on.
• Mineral buildup or corrosion that prevents the diverter valve from sealing properly, allowing water to leak out.
• Using the wrong pipe types that aren't compatible with the diverter valve.
• Improperly installed shower components like the valve, showerhead, or spout.

By far, issues with the diverter valve are the most common source of this nuisance. Let's take a closer look at how this important shower component is supposed to work.

Understanding Your Diverter Valve

The diverter valve is the key player that makes showering possible by performing an important water redirection job. When the shower is turned off, this valve allows water to exit the tub spout into the bath tub. But when you turn the shower on, it's the diverter valve's responsibility to stop the water flow from coming out of the tub spout and instead route it up to the showerhead.

Over time, diverter valves can get clogged with mineral deposits from your water supply or simply wear out from use. A faulty diverter will fail to complete this water re-routing during shower time, resulting in water continuing to pour out of your tub spout when you want it coming from your showerhead.

If you suspect your leaky tub faucet is caused by a problem with the diverter valve, the good news is this is an easy and affordable fix you can tackle yourself without calling a plumber.

Step-By-Step DIY Diverter Valve Replacement

Ready to banish the dripping tub faucet while showering for good? Follow these steps to replace your faulty diverter valve in less than an hour:

Turn off your home's main water supply line. Locate the shut off valve that controls all the water in your home and turn it to the off position. This prevents water from gushing out when you remove fixtures.

Remove the old diverter valve and tub spout. Use a wrench or pliers to loosen and unscrew the tub spout along with the diverter valve behind it. You may need to wiggle them back and forth to get them to detach.

Inspect the now exposed valve area for any debris or damage. Check for signs of corrosion, mineral buildup, or other issues that could impact proper water flow and cause leaks. Clean out any debris.

Purchase a replacement diverter valve and tub spout. Visit your local hardware store or shop online for a new diverter valve that is compatible with your plumbing. Often the tub spout needs replacing too.

Install the new diverter valve and spout. Position the new valve in the same spot as the old one and tighten the connecting nut. Then attach the new tub spout. Ensure they are aligned properly.

Turn your home's main water supply back on. Slowly turn on the valve to restore water pressure throughout the house.

Test for leaks. Turn on the tub faucet and shower one at a time to confirm that water only comes from the intended fixture and no longer leaks out.

Call a Professional If DIY Doesn't Work

In some cases, replacing the diverter valve doesn't fully solve the problem if there are other issues with your plumbing. Here are some signs it's time to call in a pro:

• You still notice leaking from the tub faucet when showering after installing a new diverter valve.
• The new diverter valve doesn't fit into the existing plumbing in your shower.
• You find damage or improper installations upon inspecting the plumbing.
• The tub spout feels stuck in place and you can't remove it.

A licensed, professional plumber has the skills to thoroughly diagnose why you're experiencing this showering issue and make all necessary repairs.

Find a Qualified Plumber in Your Area

Don't just pick any plumber out of the phone book - do some research to find the right pro. Look for these markers of a high-quality plumber:

• License and insurance - This guarantees they are legally approved to work on plumbing in your region.
• Experience with shower valve repairs - Look for several years of expertise specifically fixing showers.
• Good customer reviews - Check online reviews on sites like Yelp for positive feedback.
• Fair pricing - Get an upfront estimate of costs before any work begins.

Replacing a diverter valve will typically cost between $150-300 depending on your location and the specifics of your plumbing setup. This small investment is worth it for the convenience of having a skilled pro properly tackle the problem.

What to Expect During a Plumber House Call

When the plumber arrives, they will likely perform the following steps:

• Ask you questions about when the leaking started and what issues you notice.
• Remove the tub spout and inspect the diverter valve.
• Check pipe types and examine connections.
• Confirm the distance between the tub spout and shower valve meet code.
• Look for obstructions in the plumbing that affect water flow.
• Assess whether any components should be replaced.
• Provide a quote for all repair work needed.
• Make necessary repairs and installations.
• Verify that the tub faucet no longer leaks when using the shower.

This professional expertise ensures your shower system works efficiently for years to come.

Prevent Future Leaking Faucet Issues

Take these proactive maintenance steps and you may never have to deal with a dripping tub faucet during showers again:

• Clean fixtures and valves periodically - Prevent mineral buildup by wiping down the tub spout and showerhead with vinegar or an abrasive cloth.
• Check for leaks and damage during annual inspections - Plumbing systems can deteriorate over time. Look for weep holes, mold or loose fixtures on an annual basis.
• Consider upgrading old pipes - If you have aging galvanized steel or iron pipes, swap them out for modern copper or PEX piping to prevent corrosion.
• Install water pressure regulators - Excess water pressure strains plumbing parts and causes leaks over time. Optimal pressure is 45-60 PSI.
• Use pipe sealants on all joints - Sealants prevent water seepage from causing drips or leaks behind shower walls.

Taking good care of your plumbing provides lasting solutions to annoying shower leaks, saving you time, money and irritation down the road.

There's nothing better than being able to enjoy your shower time to the fullest without the nuisance of water streaming out of your tub faucet. You may be surprised how a few simple fixes can make your mornings more relaxing and pleasant.

We hope our guide has equipped you to successfully remedy water dripping from your tub while showering. Know that this problem doesn't require difficult renovations or expensive contractors. With a little investigation into the root cause and some strategic upgrades or DIY repairs, you can eliminate this headache once and for all.

The next time you turn on your shower, breathe a sigh of relief as no drips dampen your bath mat. The sound of running water will come exclusively from the showerhead above as you take pleasure in a calm, rejuvenating shower. No more wasted water or frustrating mid-shower checks to see if the faucet has mysteriously fixed itself. Just steady water pressure right where you want it.