If your tub spout is leaking, it’s almost always due to a worn internal seal (washer or O-ring), damaged cartridge, or a faulty diverter that’s allowing water to sneak past when it shouldn’t. In some cases, high water pressure, corrosion, or even a loose connection behind the wall can be the culprit.
Fixing it usually means replacing the worn part or the spout itself—a quick DIY for handy homeowners, but often best handled by a pro if the leak involves the valve or hidden plumbing. Ignoring a drip can waste hundreds of gallons of water a year and lead to water damage behind your wall, so it’s worth tackling right away.
A True Story (and a Laugh)
One of the first tub spout replacements I ever got called out for wasn’t from old age or corrosion—it was from a dog.
I’d worked with this homeowner before on a few handyman projects, and she called me laughing and slightly panicked. Her dog had literally chewed the end of her tub spout clean off. That’s definitely not a common reason for a leak, but it did call for a full replacement.
Sometimes it’s a worn washer. Sometimes it’s a corroded cartridge. And sometimes, it’s a golden retriever with too much free time. Either way, if water’s coming out where it shouldn’t, here’s what you should know.
Why Tub Spouts Leak: The Real Causes
1. Worn Washer or O-Ring
Inside most tub faucets are small rubber seals—washers or O-rings—that stop water when you turn the handle off. Over time, friction, heat, and mineral deposits wear them down.
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Symptoms: Slow drip from the spout even when handles are tightly closed.
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Fix: Replace the washer or O-ring. Kits like the Danco Faucet Repair Kit at Lowe’s include multiple sizes for common brands.
2. Failing Cartridge or Valve Stem
Modern single-handle tubs use a cartridge that mixes hot and cold water. When its internal seals break down, water seeps past even when “off.”
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Symptoms: Persistent dripping; may worsen when switching between hot/cold.
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Fix: Replace the cartridge using a wrench and Allen key. A good tool for this job is the Kobalt 20V Max Drill Kit—perfect for loosening tight set screws and installing new spouts cleanly.
3. Diverter Malfunction (Water Leaks When Shower Is On)
If your tub spout has a pull-up diverter knob, water should redirect to the showerhead. When that mechanism fails, water continues to exit through the spout.
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Symptoms: Water comes out of both showerhead and spout when the shower is on.
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Fix: Replace the spout with a new diverter-style model, ensuring correct thread type (slip-on or threaded).
Tip: Always wrap new threads with Teflon plumber’s tape—a roll costs less than a dollar and prevents leaks immediately.
4. Loose or Damaged Spout Connection
Over time, spouts can loosen from their wall connection, especially in older Cleveland homes with shifting pipes or heavy mineral buildup.
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Symptoms: Water leaks at the base of the spout or behind the wall.
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Fix: Tighten or reseal the connection. If water damage is visible behind the tile, call a professional immediately.
5. High Water Pressure or Hard Water Buildup
Many Northeast Ohio homes have hard water, which leaves mineral deposits that chew through gaskets and seals. Add in high water pressure, and leaks become inevitable.
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Symptoms: Multiple faucets drip; white buildup around spout; noisy pipes.
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Fix: Have your pressure checked and consider installing a water softener or pressure regulator. Regular maintenance saves seals—and water bills.
6. Corroded or Pitted Valve Seat
The valve seat is the metal part the washer presses against. When corrosion or minerals pit that surface, water seeps through.
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Symptoms: Leak worsens even after replacing washers.
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Fix: Requires reseating or replacement—best left to a pro unless you have plumbing experience.
Diagnosing the Leak
Before you grab tools, pay attention to when the spout leaks:
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After water is off? → Washer, O-ring, or cartridge issue.
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When shower is running? → Diverter failure or loose connection.
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Behind the wall? → Possible pipe or seal leak—shut off water and call a professional.
You can do some basic checks safely:
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Turn off the water supply.
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Remove the spout (loosen screw under the base or unscrew counter-clockwise).
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Inspect washers and O-rings for cracks.
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Check for corrosion or calcium buildup inside.
If everything looks clean but the drip remains, the issue is deeper in the valve—time for a service call.
DIY vs. Professional Repair
Some tub spout leaks are five-minute fixes; others are hidden-pipe headaches.
DIY-friendly jobs:
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Replacing a washer or O-ring
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Cleaning out mineral buildup
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Swapping out a spout (threaded or slip-on type)
You’ll just need:
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Adjustable wrench
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Plumber’s tape
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Screwdriver
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Replacement part or new spout
If you want quality tools that’ll last through every household project, shop all plumbing hand tools at Lowe’s.
Call a professional when:
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The leak continues after DIY fixes
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Water drips behind the wall or tub
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You have a single-handle cartridge system you’re unsure how to remove
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There’s visible rust or mold
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You’re uncomfortable shutting off your home’s main water supply
Professionals like us can diagnose, replace, and reseal your spout and valve in under an hour in most cases—without creating more leaks in the process.
Prevention Tips for Cleveland Homeowners
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Check seals once a year. Rubber parts dry out faster with hard water.
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Control your water pressure. Aim for 55–60 psi.
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Install a softener or filter. Reduces mineral wear on valves.
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Drain outdoor spigots in winter. Freeze-thaw cycles can stress shared lines.
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Fix drips fast. That one-drop-per-second leak wastes over 2,000 gallons a year.
FAQ
Q: Why does my tub spout drip even when the water is off?
A: Usually because of a worn washer, O-ring, or cartridge that isn’t sealing completely. Replacing these parts generally stops the drip.
Q: Why does water leak from the spout when I turn on the shower?
A: The diverter inside your spout has failed, letting water escape through both outlets. Replacing the spout is the fix.
Q: Can a leaking tub spout cause water damage?
A: Yes. Continuous leaks can soak drywall or framing behind the wall, leading to mold and rot—especially in tiled bathrooms where small cracks let moisture spread.
Q: How much does it cost to fix a leaking tub spout?
A: In Northeast Ohio, simple replacements average $75–$200, depending on the part and access. Hidden-wall or valve issues can reach $300–$400.
Q: Can I use plumber’s tape on my new spout?
A: Absolutely. Wrap the threads 2–3 times clockwise before reinstalling. It helps seal the joint and makes future removal easier.
Conclusion
Whether your tub spout’s dripping from wear-and-tear, mineral buildup, or because your dog decided it looked like a chew toy, it’s worth addressing quickly. Small leaks lead to big bills and hidden water damage if ignored.
If you’re comfortable tackling it yourself, a new spout and some plumber’s tape may solve it. But if you suspect the issue runs deeper—or just want it handled cleanly the first time—Colin Can Help is ready to fix it for good.
We’ve repaired and replaced dozens of leaking tub spouts across Cleveland Heights, Euclid, and Lake County homes, old and new. We’ll find the root cause, stop the leak, and leave the bathroom cleaner than when we arrived.