- 1). Inspect all the joints of the bathtub for a good caulk seal. If the caulk is black or cracking, position a razor blade at a 45-degree angle to the caulk and scrape it off. Wipe the area clean with a towel. Place two pieces of masking tape as a guide on each side of the joint, with a 3/4 inch gap between them. Cut the end off a tube of caulk and place it into your caulk gun. Poke a nail into the hole of the caulk tube to open it. Press the tip of the tube against the joint and press the trigger of the gun to let out some caulk. Run it along the entire joint and let dry.
- 2). Inspect the tub spout and the shower diverter on the spout for leaks. Remove the spout by turning it counterclockwise and pulling it off. Remove the Allen screw from the bottom of the spout if it will not turn. Take the spout to the hardware store and find a suitable replacement. Remove the old nipple that is in the wall using a wrench to turn it. Insert the new nipple and screw on the new spout.
- 3). Inspect the drain for leaks. Remove the overflow plate that is underneath the tub spout and check that the linkage is attached to the drain stopper or plunger, depending on the model. Reattach the linkage if necessary and close the linkage with a pair of pliers.
- 4). Check the handle of the shower. If you identify a leak, turn off the water supply. Remove the cover plates to the handle to expose the screws. If there are no cover plates, remove the Allen screw from the bottom of the handle. Remove the screws holding the handle in place and pull the handle off. Remove the cartridge with pliers and check it for mildew and damage. If damaged, get a replacement. If it is in good condition, remove the small O-ring and bring it to a plumbing supply store for a replacement.
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