Quick Answer:
If a tub spout leak gets worse right after repairs, the likely causes are debris left in the line, a misaligned or damaged diverter, or a loose spout connection. First flush the line by running water without the showerhead, clean any screens, and check the spout connection. If the leak continues after those checks, call a plumber.
Why This Happens
- Repairs can dislodge mineral scale, pipe grit, or small metal shavings that lodge in screens, cartridges, or diverter gates.
- A spout or its seal can shift during work and no longer seat properly against the pipe, letting water spray or drip.
- Valve guts or the diverter may be partially blocked so water finds a different path and the leak becomes heavier.
- If the issue is limited to one temperature, check for cartridge or seat problems—this is similar to situations like Tub spout leaks only on hot water.
Step-by-Step What to Do
Step 1 — Turn off the water briefly (if practical)
Shut off the local shutoff valves if you have them, or be ready to turn the main off if the leak worsens while you check. You don’t need a full shutdown for flushing unless the leak becomes large.
Step 2 — Flush the tub line
- Remove the showerhead or unscrew any removable attachment so water runs freely from the pipe.
- Run the water for 30–60 seconds on both hot and cold (one at a time) to flush out loose debris that may have entered during repairs.
- Observe the flow from the pipe or open spout—sand, black flakes, or small particles may come out.
Step 3 — Clean the showerhead and internal screens
- Inspect and clean any screens or aerators on the showerhead or spout; mineral deposits and grit block proper sealing.
- Soak screens in mild vinegar if they’re mineral-clogged, rinse thoroughly, and reinstall.
Step 4 — Check the diverter and spout alignment
- Operate the diverter several times to dislodge stuck debris; watch for pieces that come out during the flush—debris can lodge in diverter gates.
- Make sure the spout is screwed on straight and tightened to a snug fit; a loose or cocked spout may not seal.
Step 5 — Re-test and note any changes
- With the parts reinstalled, run the tub and observe. If the leak is reduced or gone, the flush and screen cleaning solved it.
- If the leak is worse or unchanged, turn off the water and prepare to call a professional.
What Not to Do
- Don’t pour chemicals into the spout to fix post-repair leaks — flush and clean screens instead. Chemical drain cleaners won’t fix a leaking spout and can damage internal parts.
- Don’t force fittings or overtighten plastic parts; that can crack threads or housings.
- Don’t ignore increasing water flow or new noises — those are signs something inside the valve or diverter is blocked or damaged and may need professional attention.
- If the simple flushing and cleaning steps don’t fix the leak, a plumber is appropriate rather than continued trial-and-error.
When to Call a Professional
- The leak continues after flushing the line and cleaning screens.
- There is visible water damage behind walls, soft flooring, or mold growth.
- The spout or valve appears misaligned, stripped, or cracked and you can’t reseat it safely.
- Low water pressure, banging, or irregular flow follows a recent city shutoff or outage—especially if you have a situation like a leak started after city outage.
Safety Notes
- Turn off the water supply if the leak becomes uncontrollable or you see damage to surrounding structures.
- Avoid working near electrical fixtures when water is present; cut power if needed before accessing areas with wet wiring.
- Use basic hand tools and avoid aggressive methods that could damage the plumbing. If you’re unsure, stop and call a licensed plumber.
Common Homeowner Questions
- Why did the leak get worse after the plumber left? Often because debris was dislodged during the repair and later lodged in the diverter or screens; flushing usually helps.
- Will running water without the showerhead actually help? Yes — it clears loose particles from the line so parts can seat properly.
- Can I fix this myself if flushing doesn’t work? If you’re comfortable with simple part removal and reassembly you can try, but persistent leaks, misaligned parts, or damaged valves should be handled by a pro.
For more related articles, see the Tub Spout Leaks When Shower Is On hub.