Plumbing Tips | May 12, 2023

4 Common Bathtub Problems and Simple Solutions

4 Common Bathtub Problems and Simple Solutions

A bathroom can be home to a multitude of plumbing issues and headaches. With so many plumbing fixtures, a leak at some point or another is bound to happen. Some of the most insidious leaks involve the bathtub.

In many cases, bathtub leaks can go undetected for some time, which can lead to severe home or condo water damage and present other issues, such as mold Instead of letting leaks become a more serious issue, here are some tips to solve them quickly.

The 4 Common Bathtub Problems & Solutions

Let’s review the four common problems you’ll find in your bathtub. We’ll also discuss a solution for each issue.

1. Tub Faucet Leak

With so many different pipes and plumbing in your bathroom, it can be hard to identify the true source of a leak. A bathtub faucet leak is most common and also easiest to fix. A faucet issue can lead to a high water bill along with other problems.

The Solution

Many faucet leaks result from aging rubber washers inside the faucet assembly, which can dry out. If you disassemble the faucet and discover these washers, you can bring them to a local hardware store and procure replacements.

Delta Universal Tub and Shower Valve Body

If new washers don’t fix the problem, you’ll likely need to replace the entire faucet assembly. In comparison to the long-term cost of a leak, this is a relatively inexpensive fix.

2. Tub Drain Leak

A leak from your bathtub drain might be caused by a problem with the plumbing below the drain itself, which will likely require a plumber’s assistance to fix. It is also possible that the leak is caused by a faulty seal around the drain assembly.

The Solution

You can fix this problem by removing the drain and applying new plumber’s putty to the area where the drain sits. If you are unsure how to remove the drain, look for instructions on the manufacturer’s website.

common bathtub problems - tub drain leak
The leak in this particular tub was at the bottom of the tub drain.

3. Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure coming from your shower head can be diagnosed by checking if the water pressure is still low when you switch from cold water to hot water. If this is the case, it means that there is some sort of mineral deposit in your faucet aerator or your faucet cartridge that is blocking the water flow.

The Solution

If you have a removable aerator, the solution is quite simple. All you have to do is take it out and place it in vinegar overnight. However, if your aerator doesn’t detach easily or you don’t have one, what you can do is soak the faucet or shower head in a bag of vinegar.

Kohler Kit Aerator

If this doesn’t solve the water pressure issue, call a professional plumber who can pull your cartridges and check water pressure at the water meter.

4. Mold

Sometimes no matter how often you clean your bathtub or shower, mold always seems to find its way back. Bathroom mold can be caused by:

  • Lingering moisture caused by lack of ventilation
  • Leaky toilets, sinks, and plumbing pipes
  • Damp cellulose materials such as rugs, paper products, wood, wallpaper, grout, drywall, and fabric

The Solution

If you have a mold growth problem in your bathtub start by stripping away and replace any caulking or sealant that has mold. Clean your bathroom with mold-killing products, such as bleach, vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide.

Just don’t mix those products; mixing can cause toxic reactions. Open windows and doors while cleaning to provide fresh air and help dry out the mold.

common bathtub problems - mold
Bathtub mold can be visible on tile and caulking, but it’s likely to also be behind your tile and causing more damage. Try to use organic solutions like the one above (rather than harsh, corrosive chemicals).

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, there 4 bathtub problems can but common, but tend to have simple solutions to them! I hope that by now, you can use some of these tactics if you are having any of these problems with your bathtub.

Call 1-Tom-Plumber

For bathtub troubles that are out of your control, always call a professional plumber to give you an honest diagnosis. We are available 24/7/365 days a year – call us today at 1-866-758-6237!

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