Bathtub Faucet Turned Off But Water Still Running? Here’s How to Fix It

 

Noticing that your bathtub faucet is turned off but water is still running can be frustrating—and even alarming. Whether it’s a small drip or a steady stream, this issue can waste water, increase your utility bills, and potentially lead to water damage if left unresolved.

The good news is, most of the time, you can handle the repair yourself without needing to call a plumber.

First Things First: Stop the Water Flow

If your bathtub won’t stop running even when the faucet is off, act quickly to avoid water waste and potential flooding.

Unlike sinks, which often have dedicated shut-off valves beneath them, bathtubs usually don’t. The water supply valves are typically behind the wall, making them hard to reach. In this case, your best option is to turn off your main water supply to the entire house. It’s not ideal, but it’s a necessary step to control the situation before starting repairs.

Common Reasons Your Bathtub Faucet Keeps Running

There are a few key reasons why your bathtub faucet is turned off but the water keeps flowing. Identifying the cause will help determine the best fix.

1. Faulty or Stripped Faucet Handle

When the handle gets stripped or damaged, it may no longer be able to engage the internal valve that stops water flow. This can happen due to regular wear, mineral buildup, or over-tightening.

What to do:
Try removing and replacing the faucet handle. You may need a screwdriver or a basin wrench, depending on the type of faucet you have. For older models or vintage fixtures, it might be difficult to find exact parts—so replacing the entire faucet could be the better option.

2. Worn-Out Washer

One of the most common culprits is a deteriorated rubber washer inside the faucet stem (also known as the cartridge). When this washer wears out, it fails to create a tight seal—allowing water to continue running.

What to do:
Disassemble the faucet, remove the washer, and replace it with a new one of the same size. You can find replacement washers at most hardware stores.

3. Damaged Handle Seat

The handle seat is the part of the faucet that interacts with the cartridge when you turn the handle. If it becomes corroded or worn out, the handle may not be able to fully shut off the water.

What to do:
If your handle seat is removable, replacing it is fairly easy. If it’s stuck or permanently damaged, you may need to replace the entire cartridge.

Should You Repair or Replace the Faucet?

If your faucet is older than 10 years or parts are no longer available, replacing the whole unit might be the smartest choice. However, if the faucet is still in good shape and you can find replacement parts easily, a simple repair can save time and money.

DIY Solutions: Fixing a Bathtub Faucet That Won’t Shut Off

If you’re handy and want to tackle the repair yourself, here are some DIY steps to follow when your bathtub faucet won’t stop running:

1. Tighten the Handle

Before diving into a full repair, check to see if the handle screw has simply come loose over time.

How:
Use a screwdriver or Allen wrench to tighten the screw that holds the handle in place. Sometimes, this quick fix is all that’s needed.

2. Take Apart the Faucet

If tightening the handle doesn’t work, it’s time to disassemble the faucet for a closer inspection.

Steps:

• Pry off the decorative cap on the handle with a flathead screwdriver.

• Unscrew the handle and remove it to expose the cartridge or stem.

• Detach the retaining clip and pull out the cartridge using pliers.

• Examine the washers, o-rings, and other components for damage.

• Take worn parts to a hardware store and get exact replacements.

• Reassemble everything and restore the water supply to test your repair.

3. Replace the Cartridge

If individual parts are too worn or the issue is internal, replacing the entire cartridge is often the best fix.

Pro Tip:
Cartridges typically come with a small packet of plumber's grease to make installation smoother. Once in place, turn the water back on and test the faucet.

Prevent Future Problems with Regular Inspections

A bathtub faucet turned off but water still running is a warning sign that something in your plumbing system may need attention. Fixing the issue promptly is important, but preventing future problems is even better.

That’s where professional home inspections come in.

At Guardian Angel Inspections, we offer comprehensive inspections that go beyond surface-level checks. We inspect everything from your roof to your plumbing systems—including faucets and fixtures—so you can catch minor issues before they become expensive repairs.

Call us today at 561-512-7854 or fill out our contact form to schedule a detailed home inspection and keep your home in great condition year-round