Bathtub Faucet Repair and Replacement

Bathtub faucets develop several types of problems over time, and identifying which type you have determines the right repair:

Dripping Tub Spout

A tub faucet that drips from the spout when shut off has worn cartridge, stem, or seat washer depending on the valve type. Three-handle tub setups (separate hot, cold, and diverter handles) typically use older stem-and-washer valves. Single handle and two-handle setups in more recent homes use cartridge valves. We identify the valve type and replace the worn component — or replace the entire valve assembly if the valve body is damaged or the parts are no longer available for a very old unit.

Tub Spout Diverter Not Working

If you have a combination tub and shower and the water doesn’t divert properly from the tub spout to the showerhead — either not diverting at all or not holding the diversion — the diverter mechanism has worn out. On pull-up diverter spouts this usually means replacing the entire spout. On three-handle setups with a separate diverter handle, the diverter valve cartridge needs replacement. We handle both types.

Shower or Tub Faucet Leaking Inside the Wall

If you notice water on the bathroom floor without an obvious surface source, a musty smell developing in the wall, or water staining on the ceiling of the room below — the tub or shower valve may be leaking inside the wall at the valve body or the supply connections behind the trim. This requires opening access to the valve, either through the tub surround or through the wall on the other side. We locate the source and make the repair. Wall and tile restoration after the repair is a separate step.

Temperature Control Issues

A shower or tub valve that no longer controls temperature well — water that’s only hot or only cold, or temperature that varies dramatically — has a worn cartridge that needs replacement. This is a common issue in Moen and Delta single-handle shower valves that have been in service for 10 or more years. Cartridge replacement restores proper temperature control and is typically completed in a single visit.

Bathtub Drain and Overflow Repairs

Slow or Clogged Tub Drain

Bathtub drains slow from hair and soap accumulation in the strainer and the drain body just below it. The first step is always checking and cleaning the drain stopper and strainer — this frequently restores normal drainage without any further work. If the drain remains slow after cleaning the stopper, the blockage is further in the line and needs mechanical clearing. We handle tub drain clogs as part of our general drain service.

Leaking Drain Basket

The tub drain fitting is sealed to the tub floor with plumber’s putty. When that putty dries out and cracks — which happens over years of use — water seeps under the tub rather than through the drain. This can cause water damage under the tub and to the subfloor below that isn’t immediately visible. We replace the drain fitting and reseal it properly.

Overflow Plate and Trip Lever

The overflow plate on the end of the tub covers the drain linkage connected to the pop-up drain stopper. Leaks at the overflow plate — water running down the back of the tub into the wall cavity — are caused by a failed gasket behind the plate. The trip lever mechanism itself also wears out over time, causing the stopper not to hold or not to release properly. We replace overflow gaskets and trip lever assemblies.

Bathtub Replacement

When a bathtub has cracks, chips that have worn through to the base material, persistent staining that can’t be cleaned, or is simply old enough that repair doesn’t make sense — replacement is the right call. Here’s what bathtub replacement involves on the plumbing side:

• Removal of the old tub — We disconnect all plumbing connections and remove the existing tub. Cast iron tubs found in older Burleson and Everman homes require more effort to remove than fiberglass or acrylic units due to their weight — we plan for this in the estimate.
• Supply and drain connection assessment — Before the new tub goes in, we inspect the supply and drain connections and replace anything that’s worn or corroded. It’s far easier to do this before the new tub is installed than after.
• New tub installation and connections — We install the new tub, connect the drain and overflow assembly, and connect the supply lines to the valve. We pressure test all connections before finishing.

The surrounding tile, cement board, and drywall work is handled by a separate tile or remodeling contractor. We coordinate the plumbing side to work within the scope of whatever surround work is being done. If you need a recommendation for a tile contractor, we’re happy to point you in the right direction.

Frequently Asked Questions — Bathtub Repair & Replacement

My tub faucet drips from the spout — is that hard to fix?

Usually not. Most tub faucet drips are a worn cartridge or stem washer — a repair we complete in a single visit. The exception is when the valve body itself is cracked or corroded, or the valve is so old that replacement parts aren’t available, in which case valve replacement is needed. We’ll tell you which situation you’re in when we look at it.

Water is showing up on my floor near the tub with no obvious source — what’s happening?

Several things can cause this — a leaking valve inside the wall, a failed overflow plate gasket, a cracked drain fitting, or grout and caulk lines around the tub surround that have failed and are letting water behind the tile. We diagnose the source before recommending a repair, because the fix is very different depending on where the water is coming from.

Do you work on all bathtub faucet brands?

We work on all major brands including Moen, Delta, Kohler, American Standard, and others. For older or less common valves, parts availability can be a factor — we’ll let you know if a valve is old enough that replacement makes more sense than trying to source parts for a repair.

How long does a bathtub replacement take?

Removing the old tub and installing the new one — the plumbing side — is typically a full day’s work, sometimes more depending on the tub type and the condition of the existing connections. Cast iron tub removal takes longer than fiberglass. The overall project timeline depends on when the tile work is scheduled around the plumbing.

Can you replace just the faucet and handles without replacing the whole valve?

Sometimes yes — some valve systems have trim kits that allow handle and spout replacement without disturbing the valve body behind the wall. Whether this is possible depends on the existing valve brand and model. We’ll assess what you have and tell you the options before any work begins.

Schedule Your Bathtub Repair or Replacement

Whether it’s a dripping faucet, a slow drain, or a tub that needs replacing — give us a call. We handle the plumbing correctly the first time so the rest of the project goes smoothly.

📞 Call Dependable Plumbing at (817) 447-2654
Free estimates · Same-day service on most repairs · Serving Burleson and south DFW since 1985