3 Reasons Your Bathtub Faucet Won’t Turn Off

When you turn the water on, you expect to be able to turn it off. Not being able to stop running water in your bathroom isn’t conducive to relaxing bubble baths. We found three reasons why your bathtub faucet won’t turn off along with ways you can fix it. But when in doubt, call a pro to take care of your plumbing mishaps. 

1. Damaged Faucet Handle

When a bathtub faucet won’t turn off, the best place to start troubleshooting is at the handle. It’s possible that the setscrew that holds the handle in place is loose, which won’t allow the faucet to turn the valve off. A cracked, rusted, or corroded faucet handle also won’t be able to shut the water flow valve off, leading to a bathtub faucet that runs continuously. 

How to Fix It

Before buying a new faucet handle, check to make sure the setscrew is tight. If it is, and you’re still having an issue, you can install a new bathtub faucet handle. If you know which handle you need, you can head to the hardware store and pick one up.

If you’re unsure of which type of handle you need, start by removing the existing handle and take it with you. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the new faucet.

2. Old Washer or O-Ring

In some cases, the issue isn’t with the faucet handle but rather the washer or O-ring in the faucet spout. When they’re in good condition, these parts aid in turning the water off and prevent leaks. If they’re torn, corroded, or dried out, they won’t be able to do their job. You can check the condition of the washer and O-ring by removing the faucet spout—make sure to turn the water supply off first—and inspecting them for damage.

How to Fix It

If you suspect that the washer or O-ring are the reason the bathtub faucet won’t turn off, you can replace them and reassemble the faucet. A local plumber can also do this job if you’re uncomfortable disassembling your faucet. 

3. Damaged Valve Cartridge or Valve Seat

The faucet handle controls the valve that allows water to flow from the pipes and through the spout. A damaged valve won’t be able to stop water from flowing, and if it breaks while the faucet is running, you’ll be stuck with a continuously flowing bathtub faucet. 

How to Fix It

Replacing a damaged valve is more difficult than replacing the faucet handle, so consider calling a pro to handle this one. If you choose to DIY it, take time to learn how to replace the shower valve before diving in. Basically, you’ll remove the faucet handle and then read the shower valve manufacturer’s instructions to install it. Remember to move with a gentle touch, so you don’t damage the plumbing when you’re removing the components.

When to Call a Pro

If you’re comfortable and experienced with simple plumbing DIY projects, you can learn to fix a bathtub faucet that won’t turn off. However, if you’re plumbing issue is more complex and you don’t feel comfortable working on it, don’t hesitate to call a plumber to inspect and repair your bathtub faucet. These pros have the training and experience to get the job done right without costly leaks or issues down the road.