Which kind of tub faucet do you have?
The handle style and number of handles give clues. The right part depends on the type, so identify it before you buy anything.
| Type | How it looks and feels | Usual wear part |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Two handles that turn several times to close | Rubber washer and brass seat. |
| Cartridge | One or two handles, smooth short turn | Cartridge or its o-rings. |
| Ball or disc | Single lever that moves side to side | Seals, springs or the disc cylinder. |
| Pressure-balance valve | Single handle, steady temperature | Cartridge or balance spool. |
Where the water shows up tells you the cause
- Dripping from the spout after shutoff points to a worn washer, seat or cartridge.
- Water leaking around the handle usually means worn o-rings or a loose packing nut.
- Water coming out of the spout and the shower head at once suggests the diverter is worn.
- Water seeping from the spout joint at the wall points to a bad spout seal or nipple.
- A hot-side drip tells you which cartridge or washer to inspect first.
- A stain on the wall, floor or ceiling below with no visible drip suggests a hidden leak.
Shutoffs before you touch a handle
Many tubs have no shutoff valves of their own, so you shut off the water to the bathroom or the whole house. Find the main shutoff and test it before the job so you know it works. A main valve that will not close fully, or leaks at the stem, is a plumbing problem on its own.
After shutting off the water, open the tub faucet to drain what remains and release pressure. Put a towel or cover over the drain so a dropped screw does not vanish. If you cannot get the water fully off, stop and call.
Replacing a cartridge or washer
- Remove the handlePop off the cap, take out the screw, and pull the handle straight off. Some have a set screw. Photograph each layer as you go.
- Take off the trim and pull the partRemove the escutcheon plate, then use the right tool to pull the cartridge or unscrew the stem on a compression faucet. Bring the worn part to the store to match it exactly.
- Clean and inspect the seatWipe out the body. A pitted brass seat in a compression faucet will chew through a new washer, and it may need a seat tool or a replacement valve.
- Reassemble and test slowlyFit the new part, replace the trim, open the water slowly, and run hot and cold while watching for drips at the handle and spout.
A drip that keeps coming back usually has a worn part behind the handle, and call (336) 453-0472 will get it looked at.
Diverter and spout leaks
A tub spout with a lift knob or a pull-up diverter sends water to the shower head. If water pours from the spout while the shower runs, the diverter seal inside is worn. On many spouts the whole spout is replaced, and it is a small, low-risk part that unscrews or slides on with a set screw.
A spout that leaks where it meets the wall needs its seal or nipple checked. Do not caulk over the gap to hide it, since water behind the caulk can soak the wall. Our faucet repair visits cover handles, cartridges, spouts and diverters.
What shapes a repair quote
A tub faucet repair can be a small part or a rebuilt valve, so quotes vary. These are the factors that move the number.
- The valve type and whether the exact cartridge or washer is still made.
- Whether the wall has an access panel or tile must be opened to reach the valve.
- Corroded or seized parts that take extra time to remove without damage.
- A damaged seat or valve body that calls for a full valve replacement.
- Related work found on the visit, such as a stuck shutoff or a leaking supply joint.
Signs the leak is behind the wall
A plumber finds hidden leaks by pressure testing the line and listening for flow, and sometimes thermal imaging. Our leak detection service uses that approach to pinpoint the spot before cutting. We cannot tell where it is without a visit.
A damp wall, stained ceiling below, a soft tile or a water bill that climbs with no visible drip can mean a joint or pipe is leaking inside the wall. Shut off the water to the tub and call a plumber before the wall rots.
Repair it yourself or call?
A homeowner can usually handle a handle, a cartridge swap or a spout. Call a plumber when the shutoff will not close, the faucet body is corroded, parts will not come out, or the leak keeps coming back. A repeat drip after a new cartridge often means the seat or the valve body is damaged.
If the valve is old, replacing it may cost less in the long run than repeated repairs. Ask for the cause in plain words, a clear price before work starts, and a written quote that lists parts and labor separately. We serve Clemmons and nearby towns such as Lewisville, and the service area page lists the rest.
Clemmons plumbing note: soft water and your bill
Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Utilities reports hardness of 9.0 to 28.0 ppm in its 2025 Water Quality Report, which is soft water. Soft water leaves little scale in a cartridge, so on a utility-fed home a worn part is more likely to come from age and use than from mineral buildup. Check your bill to see who supplies your water, because some properties use private wells.
If your utility bill climbs and you cannot see a drip, a hidden leak is possible. The utility's customer line is 336-727-8000 for billing questions.
Source: Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Utilities 2025 Water Quality Report.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my tub faucet drip only when hot water is on?
The hot side cartridge, washer or seat is the likely culprit. Hot water also wears rubber faster. Replace the worn part and test again.
How do I know if I have a cartridge or compression faucet?
A compression faucet has separate hot and cold handles that turn several times. A cartridge faucet turns a short distance. Photos of your faucet help a plumber confirm over the phone at (336) 453-0472.
Why does water come out of the shower head when I run the tub?
A worn diverter lets some water reach the shower line. The spout or the diverter seal usually needs replacing.
Can a leaking tub faucet damage the wall?
Yes, if the water runs behind the tile or trim. A damp wall or a stained ceiling below is a reason to shut off the water and call.
Does soft Clemmons water cause faucet leaks?
The utility's 2025 report shows soft water, 9.0 to 28.0 ppm hardness, so scale is a less common cause for utility customers. Check your bill to confirm your supplier, since well water can differ.
Standards and sources
This guide was written by Clemmons 24/7 Plumbing using general trade practice and the sources named in the local note above. For code questions, the standard to check is the North Carolina State Plumbing Code together with the manufacturer instructions for your product.
Written by Clemmons 24/7 Plumbing. Questions about permits or inspections go to the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Inspections Division at 336-727-2624, and questions about the water on the utility side of your meter go to your water provider.