How To Fix That Leaky Bathtub Faucet - Fast!

Fixing a leaky bathtub faucet - or any other leaky faucet for that matter - can be an expensive job - UNLESS you can do it yourself!

In this article we want to look at the most common reason for a leaky faucet and show you how to fix it quickly and cheaply.

Bath & Body

Preparation

It almost goes without saying that you should turn the water off first! Where to find the handle that does that? Just look under your sink and see where the pipes run. Somewhere along their length you will see either a handle or a wheel you can use to shut the mains supply off. In nearly every case you will need to turn it clockwise to shut.

One other preparation is to block the sink drain - just to prevent a nasty accident with something loose (like a screw or a small nut) disappearing down the drain never to be seen again. Use the plug you normally use, or put some cloth into the aperture. No good being wise after the event!

And - even though it goes without saying - make sure you have bought a replacement washer (or two) from the local hardware store - you don't want to be looking for that when you have the faucet in pieces do you!

Action

Locate the screw that is holding the handle of the faucet in place (it may be hidden behind a small plate or cover and that cover needs to be prised off using a small screwdriver or similar). Then undo the screw.

The next job is to get the handles off. Use a screwdriver to do this - you might need to use a little bit of force to prise it but it will come.

Now you will see the old washer (don't worry if not, we will put one in place anyway). Take off the old washer and replace with the new. Notice that the hole in the washer should just be a touch bigger than the central post that the handle turns.

Now retighten the handle, but only hand tight i.e. only until it stops turning without extra force needing to be applied.

Next, turn on the water again and see what happens! If there's no leak you're home and dry (excuse the pun!). If it still leaks, try tightening the handle a little more.

If it still leaks after that- then the problem is elsewhere and you'll need to get a plumber after all. But al least it was worth a try!

(And by the way - if you notice a big build up of lime around the handle - clean that off with a special removal product from your hardware store - it will pay you in the long run).

Things needed

A screwdriver or two - maybe one flathead and one Phillips or cross-screw. Also two washers (maybe take the old one off ahead of your visit to the store to be sure of getting the right one, or just buy a pack of mixed washers - not an expensive buy).

How To Fix That Leaky Bathtub Faucet - Fast!

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Small Bathroom Design With A Small Bathtub

What to do if a conventional bathtub won't fit into your small bathroom

If you are remodeling a very small bathroom that isn't big enough to fit a full sized bath or if you want to add a shower cubicle to your already cramped bathroom then there are a few options that you might want to consider.

Bath & Body

Shower above the bathtub

If you have room for a full sized bathtub then the option that many people take is to put a shower over the bathtub. While this is an easy option I don't personally like it very much because it's difficult to make it look good and it always feels like a compromise that I didn't want to make.

Showers are for washing efficiently but bathtubs are for soaking and relaxing

After my small bathroom remodel I now have a shower cubicle as well as a bathtub, which I think is the ideal situation. Now that I have both I've been surprised to find that I use the shower far more often than I use the bathtub. Why is this? Well it's because a shower is far more efficient than bathing. I can shower in 5 minutes but when I take a bath I like to make it last for an hour or more. So for me the shower is for washing and the bathtub is for relaxing.

Trade the length of your bathtub for depth

Your bathtub is for soaking and relaxing in and for that you need to be immersed in water and you need to be comfortable. It's no good installing a short, shallow bathtub just to make it fit into your little bathroom because it won't be any good for soaking in and it won't be comfortable either.

A better idea is to trade length of your tub for depth. This simple concept makes it possible to fit a bathtub that requires a modest floor area but still allows you to immerse yourself in water and relax.

Soaking bathtubs

The Japanese have a long tradition of using bathtubs for soaking and relaxation. They also often have to manage in very small accommodations so you can get a lot of ideas from looking at the way they live. The most interesting soaking tub that I've come across was nothing more than a wooden barrel with a stool fixed to the bottom. Yes it was crude but it worked. It fitted into a tiny little bathroom, it immersed you in water and it was very relaxing.

Walk in bathtubs

A sophisticated version of the wooden barrel bathtub is the modern walk-in bathtub. The principles are the same but they have built in seats and a door to allow easy access. A walk-in bathtub takes up much less space than a conventional bathtub but still allows you to take a very relaxing bath.

The walk-in bathtub door can be a two edged sword however. It allows easy access on the one hand, which is great if you have difficulty stepping up into the bath. The problem is that the door has a potential to leak at some point and require maintenance. Also you can't use the door unless the bathtub is empty of water, which means that you have to be inside when filling and emptying with water.

Short and deep bathtubs for very small bathrooms

So if you are remodeling a small bathroom remember that you can choose a shorter bathtub but make sure that it's deep enough to give you a long relaxing soak.

Small Bathroom Design With A Small Bathtub

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The American Standard Americast Bathtub

American Standard's Americast bathtub is made of a durable lightweight alternative to cast iron. The material called Americast is exclusively manufactured by American Standard. Americast bathtubs are half the weight of its cast iron counterparts; yet have the same structural thickness. The rich enamel colors provide excellent heat retention.

The Americast tubs were seven years of research and testing in the making. In 1988, Americast was introduced to the public. The unique three-layer construction consists of a smooth porcelain-enamel finish bound to high-quality alloy that is backed by an injection-molded structure. The backing structure material helps protect the porcelain finish from chipping and crazing. The composition of these tubs allowed for a deeper more usable bathing space.

Bath & Body

American Std began marketing with the Princeton model. It is now available in six models and continues to be popular. Features such as a Luxury Ledge for holding toiletries has been added to the original design. The installation flexibility of the bathtub has been unsurpassed. The company's plant in Salem, OH handles all manufacturing of the Americast tubs.

Installation of your American Standard Americast bathtub can be handled by yourself if you are comfortable or the contractor of your choice may perform the task. The bathtub may be shipped to your door in some situations. There are currently three different models available. These are:

o The Stratford features a glossy porcelain finish and full slip resistant surface. This model is available in the colors Arctic, Linen, Silver, Bone, Fawn Beige and White. This bathtub is available in a whirlpool model.

o The Princeton features a glossy porcelain finish, slip resistant surface, beveled headrest and built in lumbar support. This classic Americast bathtub has an innovative Luxury Ledge for toiletries. Colors available in this model are Bone, White, Fawn Beige, Black, Linen, and Silver.

o The Cambridge model is a five foot bathtub. Due to it's rugged construction, several commercial institutions around the globe use this American Standard bathtub. This model is available in the same colors as the Princeton. A whirlpool can be added to this bathtub if you desire.

American Standard Americast Bathtub's have easy cleaning recommendations and care instructions. Using a non-abrasive cleaner such as powdered Bon Ami, Spic 'N Spam, didi seven or ZUD on stains; wet and wipe off the surface. A scouring pad or other abrasive material should not be used.

All American Standard Americast bathtubs feature a "Stan-Sure" slip resistant enamel surface. This finish is obtained by mixing porcelain and hard quartz to produce a safer surface. This built in safety feature can reduce the need for mildew and bacteria harboring mats and unsightly tapes in the bottom of your bathtub. Please note that soap and body oils may accumulate on surfaces, therefore routine cleaning and maintenance is recommended to protect you and your American Standard bathtub.

American Standard Americast bathtubs come with a limited lifetime warranty to allow you to make your purchase with confidence.

The American Standard Americast Bathtub

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Tips For Replacing Your Bathtub Drain

Bathtub drains occasionally need to be replaced, and drains with the built in stoppers are the ones that usually have problems. These will with time become harder to use and will slowly allow water to leak while the tub is supposed to be plugged, as well as hold water when they are supposed to drain. These are the reasons that you cannot properly rinse off your ankles in the shower in many cases. In time your bathtub drain stopper mechanism will need to be repaired or replaced. This is actually a minor repair that most do-it-yourselfers are willing and able to tackle. You will need to have on hand some plumber's putty, channel locks (or other wrench), a Philips screwdriver, and the replacement part for the bathtub drain you are replacing as well as a few cleaning rags.

Start by removing the old bathtub drain plug mechanism. This has a face plate in the tub which has two screws attaching it to the tub. Once you remove the cover plate you will gain access to the rest of the assembly. Simply grasp it and remove through the hole it was installed in.

Bath & Body

If you have any broken pieces you have a couple choices; if you have access to the other side of the wall the easiest thing to do is open the wet wall panel and make the repair in the open space but this is usually not an option. The most likely scenario is you are going to have to fish out the parts in a very small amount of space. A piece of wire, or a wire hanger, straightened into a hook works well.

Once you have fished out all of the old pieces you merely need to clean up, and reassemble and reinstall the pieces. Often you can repair this type of draining mechanism without having to replace any of the parts by simply cleaning it up and putting it back together correctly.

For those drains that do need to be replaced you need make sure your new parts are the same as the old parts were. Changing to different sized parts when you are working with plumbing is not a good idea, unless you like having your home flooded.

Test the parts, make sure everything is in good working order. If the stopper fits in and plugs the pipe properly you are ready to install the bathtub drain stopper. If not you need to get the right equipment first.

Plumbers putty should be used on all of the pipes and flanges where they attach to one another to make sure they seal well. The mechanism that lifts and lowers the stopper needs to be attached to the overflow plate. Before you seal the plate down make sure the stopper is working properly by testing it. If the tub is holding water and draining the water back out at appropriate times you are ready to seal the plate down.

You need to smear some plumbers putty on the plate and then put it in place and screw it down. You can then clean up any excess plumber's putty. Make sure that you haven't covered the overflow vent and you are finished. Your bathtub drain should work as good as new.

Tips For Replacing Your Bathtub Drain

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Bathtub Lift and Disabled Bath Tips: Taking the Plunge Again Using Bath Aids for the Elderly

Many disabled or elderly individuals had taken baths their entire lives and now because of their injuries and ailments are unable to do so without physical assistance. The standard alternatives are taking a shower using a tub bench or getting cleaned up at the sink or basin if a shower isn't a realistic action. While this may not be a huge deal for some disabled people, many still have a strong desire to go back to their old routine of taking a relaxing bath in their own tub. Purchasing a bathtub lift or disabled bath lift may be a great purchase to return one to their old bathing ways.

Disabled bath lifts have been around for a while however seem to get overlooked when it comes to hygiene and self-cleaning chores. Most people in this type of situation gravitate towards purchasing a tub bench or transfer bench and taking a shower using this setup with our without assistance. Tub benches surely are a less expensive option and do the job fine, however if you are required to sit down anyway during the cleaning process it may be worth the extra money to buy an entire bathtub lift system. The disabled bath lift systems available nowadays are relatively inexpensive and very reliable. The ability to immerse oneself in a bathtub and be able to get out safely and easily would be a huge boost to the psyche of the disabled individual.

Bath & Body

The bath aids for the elderly available both online and in store can get overwhelming thus each person needs to tailor the purchase to their own individual needs. First and foremost, if you are looking into buying a bathtub lift or disabled bath hoist, you must have the flexibility to be able to get into the seat itself. Most bathtub lift models have seats that rise up to or above the tub lip thus making the transfer seamless. This is a huge advantage over a tub bench in that the person must get down to the level of the tub lip to sit down successfully. Furthermore, if you so desire to take a shower instead of a bath then simply don't lower the lift into the bath and take your shower while sitting higher in the tub. It is truly a win win situation for those looking into a bathtub lift or bath hoist purchase. Bath aids for the elderly are readily available anywhere you shop for medical supplies online.

Installation and setup of a standard bath lift is very simple and can be done in less than 10 minutes. Measurement of the tub width and height is required to ensure proper fit before purchase. If you or your loved one is of larger stature and you require a bariatric bathtub lift or hoist, be sure the model you select is meant for someone of your size. Unlike other mobility devices such as scooters and lift chairs, there are not many bells and whistles available when it comes to bathtub lift and disabled bath hoists. Color, style and appearance are the main differences between a lot of models. Make sure the device has a swivel seat and you may want to purchase a chest harness to ensure that you remain in the seat during the bath as the buoyancy of the water tends to pull some out of the seat.

Convinced yet? If not, take your time and do your due diligence when it comes to research of the products. Best of luck in your search.

Bathtub Lift and Disabled Bath Tips: Taking the Plunge Again Using Bath Aids for the Elderly

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