If your tub faucet has an annoying dripping problem, the following steps will help you alleviate this problem.
1. Locate the main shut off and secure it.
2. Open the tub faucet and let the water drain out.
Now for repair
The buttons indicating hot and cold are referred to as index buttons. These need to be removed, so as to access the handle screw. Remove the handle screw, next, remove the handle. Sometimes this can be a difficult task. It the handle won’t budge, you can purchase a handle puller at your neighborhood home improvement, or hardware store. Once the handle has been removed, the next step is to remove the escutcheon or trim piece. Generally the trim piece is threaded on to the tub faucet.
Occasionally the manufacturer may use a set screw application as well. After removing the escutcheon, the valve stem and Bennett should be accessible. A deep well socket will generally be the “tool of choice”, when removing the stem assembly. A plumbers socket set can also be purchased, and will aid in removing the faucet valve. These types of valves are known as compression valves. Once the valve and stem are removed, on the bottom of the stem, you will find a rubber or neoprene washer with a screw. This part of the stem is known as the bibb. The bibb holds the bibb washer and the bibb screw. The washer may appear to be worn, or even not present. Now is the time to replace the washer. Many of the washer manufacturers stamp the size on the washer. These sizes range from “000” – ½”. You can usually find these at any hardware center. The bottom of the washer needs to be smooth. In other words, when looking at the bibb there should not be any lettering present. Install the new washer and bibb screw. The next step is checking the bibb seat. The seat is located inside the faucet body. Usually you can feel any roughness or pitting with your finger, or you can usually check it with a flashlight. If the seat is damaged you should replace it. The seat can generally be replaced. To do this properly, you’ll need what is known as a seat removal tool. These as well may be found at you local hardware or home improvement center. Once the seat has been replaced, the valve is ready to be put back together. This simple repair can save you $100’s of dollars in water bills.