How to Fix a Sticking Tub Spout Diverter

Leaky Tub Faucet

Causes: Worn out valves, seats and gaskets are common culprits. "Turning faucets on and off over the years wears these parts out," Hogan says. A faucet valve cartridge can also be to blame. This can wear out over time, especially with well water. How to prevent a leaky tub faucet: If you have a well, Hogan recommends installing a whole house filter. "This can remove sediment that could clog or wear down cartridge parts," he says. How to fix a leaky tub faucet: This will depend on the cause. Replace any worn gaskets, washers or cartridges. Should you call a pro?: It depends. Repairing a leaky tub faucet can be a DIY task. But if you run into trouble during the project or are unsure, call a pro.

Clogged Tub Drain

Causes: Built-up soap scum and hair can clog a tub drain over time. Debris or an object stuck in the drain, like a toy, can clog it as well. How to prevent a clogged tub drain: Use a drain cover to catch hair before it enters the drain. Regularly clean drains with a mix of baking soda, vinegar and hot water. Also, choose larger tub toys that cannot fit in the drain. How to fix a clogged tub drain: To remove hair clogs, use a drain snake or plastic drain hook. A drain snake is the best way to remove hard blockages, like toys. A mixture of baking soda, vinegar and hot water will clear most residue buildups. Should you call a pro?: No. Unclogging a tub drain is a DIY-friendly project that most homeowners can tackle.

Scratched or Chipped Tub Finish

Causes: Any tub's finish can wear out over time with frequent use and cleaning, especially with abrasive products. Chips and scratches can happen if you drop a metal object like a plumbing tool in the tub. How to prevent a scratched or chipped tub finish: Be cautious with metal tools in or near a tub. Use non-abrasive cleaners on acrylic or fiberglass tubs. How to fix a scratched or chipped tub finish: Try a DIY repair kit sold at home centers. "But the repair will be very obvious," Oettinger says. To achieve a near perfect-looking repair, hire a pro to fix and color-match the area. For heavily scratched fiberglass, Oettinger recommends refinishing the entire tub. Should you call a pro?: It depends. Tub refinishing can be a DIY project or one for a pro. If you don't feel confident refinishing your tub yourself, hire a pro for an average cost of $500. Professionally refinished tubs will look better and last longer.

Leaky Tub Drain

Causes: It's generally due to a worn out drain gasket "right under the tub drain," Hogan says. The overflow faceplate screws can also loosen over time. "When that happens, water gets behind the overflow then drip down the pipe," Hogan says. Also, using a drain snake can crack the pipe. How to prevent a leaky tub drain: Periodically check the tub drain gasket and overflow faceplate screws. Be careful not to use too much force when snaking the tub drain. How to fix a leaky tub drain: If it's the drain gasket, replace with a new part. Tighten loose overflow screws and replace cracked drain pipes. Should you call a pro?: It depends. Replacing a drain gasket and tightening overflow screws is DIY friendly. You may want to hire a pro to replace drain pipes in a second floor bathroom, because access is more complicated. Replacing tub drain pipes in first floor bathrooms is more DIY-friendly if there's access in the basement ceiling.

Low Bathtub/Shower Water Pressure

Causes: This points to a problem with the shower cartridge valve. "It's going to be the cartridge itself or possibly a blocked valve," Hogan says. "Either one will slow the water pressure down." A broken or partially closed shut off valve can also be to blame. How to prevent low water pressure: Before adjusting or turning off shut-off valves, double-check the destination of the pipes. How to fix low water pressure: Replace or repair any worn-out or damaged shower valve components and replace any broken shut-off valves. "The shut-off valves may just need to be opened, too," Hogan says. This will improve water flow. Should you call a pro?: It depends. DIYers can easily fix shut-off valve issues. But if that's not the problem, call in a pro to properly diagnose and repair it.

Mold

Causes: Mold grows in damp, warm environments. It's often found in tub and shower areas. How to prevent mold: Remove non-stick mats from the tub floor after each shower and hang them to dry. Open a window or use the bathroom fan to remove moist air when showering. Routinely check for plumbing leaks around the tub. How to fix mold: This will depend on the type of mold in your tub. Most can be removed with vinegar and a sponge, but molded caulk may need to be removed and replaced to fully eradicate the issue. Should you call a pro?: It depends. If you have mold allergies or asthma or are immunocompromised, best to call a mold remediation company. Those without sensitivities can probably handle the cleanup.

Discolored Tub Finish

Causes: Soap scum, mold, hard water, acidic water or body oils can all discolor the finish. How to prevent discolored tub finish: Regularly clean your tub. Consider using a daily spray treatment of one part white vinegar to three parts water. How to fix discolored tub finish: Porcelain finish tubs can be scrubbed with a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to remove hard and acidic water stains and mold stains. Body oil and soap scum stains can be safely removed from acrylic, fiberglass and porcelain finish tubs with vinegar and water. Should you call a pro?: No. If you have the time and mobility, tackling this project is within range for homeowners. If you can't do it yourself, call in a professional cleaning company.

Gurgling Drain

Causes: "A gurgling tub drain indicates a problem somewhere in the plumbing drain system," Siv says. It could be a clog in the tub drain itself, or one nearby in the toilet drain or vent stack. A damaged p-trap or clogged main sewer line could also be to blame. How to prevent a gurgling drain: Use preventative measures to avoid a clogged tub drain (see above). Also, only flush toilet paper. How to fix a gurgling drain: This could involve simply snaking the tub drain, or possibly repairing a damaged sewer line under the basement floor. Should you call a pro?: Yes. A pro is the best option here. They can diagnose the issue and complete any potentially complicated repairs.

Whirlpool Bathtub Jets Not Working

Causes: Whirlpool tub jets can be blocked or clogged by hard water deposits or debris. Issues with the pump and motor are also a possibility. How to prevent bathtub jets not working: Regular maintenance and cleaning of the tub, jets and supply lines can prevent most problems. Consider hiring a maintenance pro for regular upkeep and troubleshooting. Following manufacturer's guidelines for electrical requirements during installation can prevent problems with the motor and pump. How to fix bathtub jets not working: Start by thoroughly cleaning the jet nozzles. If this doesn't fix the problem, it could be the pump or motor. They may need to be repaired or replaced. Should you call a pro?: It depends. If cleaning the jet nozzles doesn't fix the problem, call in a pro to properly diagnose and repair the issue.

Slippery Tub Floor

Causes: Tub surfaces are slippery, but this is most noticeable on the tub floor. A combination of water and the smooth surface creates a slippery situation which can increase the risk of falling. How to prevent slippery tub floor: Clean the tub regularly to prevent soap scum or shampoo residue from building up. This can make the tub floor even more slick. How to fix slippery tub floor: Add a non-slip surface. This can be treads or stickers with adhesive backing, silicone mats that simply lay on the tub floor, or rubber mats with suction cups that firmly stay in place. Should you call a pro?: No. This is a project most homeowners can tackle.