Everyone has their own preference for how they like their bath or their shower, from the temperature of the water to the water pressure. But when there’s no water coming out of your bathtub faucet, it can put a damper on your evening bubble bath in an instant.
There are a few things to inspect when there’s no water coming out of a bathtub faucet. Most often, there is something impacting your water valves or your pipes; this could be a clog, a break, or a leak. On one hand, one of your bathtub features could be worse for wear, while on the other hand, a bigger plumbing issue could be at play.
Before you go searching for a 24-hour plumber, there are a few key areas to take a look at to see if you can diagnose and treat the problem on your own.
Look For Your Bathroom’s Water Valve
For most bathroom layouts, the water valve that controls the bathroom’s water supply is underneath the sink or in the basement. Sometimes we can inadvertently shut it off. Be sure that you check this first to see that it’s on. You may also want to check that the valve is secure and it’s not closed too tightly.
If it’s on and there’s still no water coming out of the bathtub faucet or any other faucet in the bathroom, there’s a possibility that something has impacted the valve. You should closely inspect the valve and the piping to make sure everything is intact.
Chances are if there’s a leak or crack, you’ll notice it. Sometimes the damage is so small it hasn’t had a chance to leak yet. Cracks and leaks will often mean that part of the valve or pipe will have to be replaced, and you’ll likely need a plumber for that. As a temporary measure, you can seal up the crack to see if it helps.
Check The Water Supply In Your Home
If you can’t find anything wrong with your bathtub faucet, check a few different sinks and water fixtures throughout your house. Try turning them on and off and checking the water pressure to see if it’s normal.
If your water isn’t coming out like it usually does outside of your bathroom, your home’s water supply could be the cause of the problem. To see if your home is the only one with an issue, try contacting a couple of your neighbors to see if they are having similar struggles with their own water.
If every other faucet is working normally, try alternating your bathtub between hot and cold water. If only cold water works, your water heater will need to be examined. If neither work, it’s probably your bathtub faucet or bathroom plumbing that’s an issue.
If this seems to be the case, you’ll want to look around your home for potential signs of a leak. If you aren’t able to find anything obvious, like some water pooling in a corner or some dampness on the floor, this is the time to call a plumber to take a closer look.
Your Faucet May Need A Thorough Clean
Even the most meticulous cleaners may not clean their shower head and bathtub faucet properly. Considering these water fixtures are pushing out the water that comes in direct contact with our bodies, it’s important they are cleaned often and thoroughly.
Things such as rust, grime, and calcium buildup can impact how water flows from your faucet. To eliminate any existing residue and prevent new buildups, you can clean your faucet with a cloth soaked in vinegar and water, or hold up a bowl with vinegar and water for a deep soak. It may also be worth removing the faucet to let it soak in a vinegar bath.
Residue Buildup May Be Impacting Water Pressure
Residue isn’t only a concern for your bathroom faucet itself. Depending on where you live, the natural water pressure that flows through your pipes may be hard or soft. Hard water pressure can cause an influx of mineral residue to stick to the walls of your pipes and the insides of your water fixtures. Over time, this can lead to blockages that need to be dissolved.
Things that we throw into our homes’ drains and toilets can also wreak havoc on our plumbing system, contributing to residue buildup. In some cases, we might even inadvertently cause a clog or obstruction in our plumbing system that impacts how water flows through our home.
Your Pipes Might Be The Problem
If you can’t seem to find a cause for your bathtub issues inside your bathroom, around your water heater, or around your water valves, there is the possibility that your home’s water pipes are the problem. However, if the pipes are the cause, the problem wouldn’t usually be isolated to one spot in your home. That said, it might just be the first place it’s noticed.
Check any pipes you’re able to access throughout your home to look for indents, cracks, dripping water, or signs of leaks nearby. Pipes in old homes were not made as well as they are now, so consider the age of your home when inspecting your pipes.
If your pipes seem to be worn or haven’t been repaired or replaced in a very long time, it could be time to call the plumber to find a solution. If you notice signs of rust or discolored water, a plumber might also be required so you can have the residue located and addressed.
Conclusion
Trying to figure out issues with the water supply in the home can be stressful, especially if you don’t have much experience with basic plumbing and how it works. There’s likely a simple explanation for why there’s no water coming out of your bathtub faucet that can be fixed quickly and prevented from recurring.
Overall, when it comes to plumbing concerns, you can usually find quick fixes that don’t require a lot of handiwork until it’s time to call a professional.