How Do I Repair A Leaking Shower Faucet

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A leaking shower faucet can be both annoying and plush, every bit it will likely atomic number 82 to higher water bills. Fortunately, you lot tin prepare your leaky shower faucet yourself with a few tools and supplies. If you take a single-handle shower faucet, you'll demand to replace the cartridge in your valve. For a ii-handle shower faucet, replace the washer in the handle on the side that'southward leaking. However, you may need to call a professional plumber if your DIY ready doesn't piece of work.

1. i

   Turn off your water valve earlier beginning. Your h2o valve controls the menstruum of water to your shower. It may exist located in your bath or your basement. In some cases, it'due south backside a panel near your shower. In one case yous locate the valve, turn the knob clockwise to turn off the water.^{[1] [2]}

   • You may find the panel that houses your water valve in the room next to your bath. It may even be in a closet.

2. 2

   Remove your shower handle using a screwdriver. The screw will be in the center of a knob handle or on the side of a curved handle. Choose a screwdriver that fits into the screw head. Then, carefully turn the screwdriver counter-clockwise to loosen it. Pull out the spiral and ready it aside to reuse when you supplant the shower handle.^[3]

   • Your handle could take more than ane screw, so make certain y'all remove all of them.
   • If your handle won't come off, try heating it with a hair dryer. Set the heat to loftier, and so blow the hot air onto your handle for one minute. Mantle a towel over the handle to protect your hand from the rut. Then, try to pull off the handle.^[4]

   Tip: While each shower faucet is unlike, virtually will come off with a screwdriver. If you're having problem removing yours, you may need to consult a professional plumber.

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3. iii

   Use your screwdriver to remove the faceplate. The faceplate is the metal slice that'south behind your handle. Fit the screwdriver tip into the screws on the faceplate. Next, turn it counter-clockwise to loosen the screws. Set the screws aside for later, and so advisedly pull off the faceplate and set it bated.^[v]

   • The faceplate may stick to the tile or shower wall. If this happens, gently wiggle it until it comes free.

4. iv

   Pull the metal sleeve off of the shower valve that's behind the faceplate. The shower valve looks like part of a metal pipe that connects to your shower handle. It volition have a metal sleeve that covers the end of the valve. Utilise your hands to carefully remove this sleeve, then set it bated for later.^[6]

   • This sleeve is called an escutcheon. If you look for one at the hardware store, this is what you lot'll need to ask for.

   Variation: Some escutcheons screw onto the valve, so you may need to unscrew it. If information technology screws on, you should see threads on your valve. Twist the escutcheon counter-clockwise to loosen information technology.

5. 5

   Apply pliers to remove the locking clip if your valve has one. Expect for the locking clip on the top of your valve. It will await like a metal rod, and the end should stick out of the top. If you come across one, use a pair of needle-olfactory organ pliers to carefully pull it out. Set up information technology to the side so you tin replace it when yous're finished installing the new cartridge.^[7]

   • The locking prune should be visible on the top of the valve. They aren't present on all valves, so don't worry if you don't come across one.
   • You may need to use a screwdriver or awl to pry up the prune.^[8]

6. half-dozen

   Fit a deep well socket wrench over the valve cartridge. The cartridge looks like a long cylinder with a metal rod sticking out of the acme. Choose a deep well socket wrench that'south the right size for your cartridge, then slide information technology over the cartridge inside the valve. Turn it counter-clockwise to make sure it grips the cartridge. If the socket is too loose, cull the next size down.^[9]

   • A deep well socket wrench is a wrench that has a long metal tube fitted onto the finish and so you lot tin can remove nuts or screws that are embedded inside a hole.
   • If you lot don't have a deep well socket wrench, you lot tin option 1 upward at your local hardware store or online. Most deep well socket wrenches come with a range of sockets in different sizes so you can find the 1 that fits your nut.
   • You lot can also find tools that are called "cartridge pullers." These will also remove your cartridge. However, brand sure you become the cartridge puller made for your brand of faucet.^[ten]
   • The cartridge is the function of the valve that controls the flow and temperature of the water.

7. vii

   Turn the wrench counterclockwise to remove the cartridge. Utilise the handle to slowly plough the wrench, which will loosen the cartridge. Go along turning until the cartridge feels like it'south gratis.^[11]

   • The cartridge may come up out in the deep well socket wrench. However, it's normal for it to remain in the valve after you pull out the wrench. That'southward okay because you tin can remove it by hand.

8. viii

   Use your needle-nose pliers to pull out the cartridge. Latch onto the end of the cartridge using your needle-olfactory organ pliers. Then, carefully pull the cartridge from inside the valve.^[12]

   • If you don't have your replacement cartridge still, take the onetime cartridge to your local hardware store to discover a match. For an piece of cake choice, show information technology to an experienced store associate and allow them detect the match for you.^[13]

9. 9

   Install a new cartridge into the valve by turning it clockwise. Slide the new cartridge into the empty valve. Then, put your deep well socket wrench over the cartridge and turn information technology clockwise. Cease when the cartridge feels like it'due south tight.^[14]

10. x

    Replace your valve sleeve, faceplate, and shower handle. Slide the valve sleeve (escutcheon) back over the valve, then put the faceplate back into place. Use your screwdriver to secure the faceplate against the shower wall. Finally, screw your shower handle back into identify.^[fifteen]

    • If your valve had a locking clip, don't forget to put it back on before you replace the valve sleeve.

11. eleven

    Turn your water valve back on and test your shower. Plow the knob on your water valve counter-clockwise so the h2o will come dorsum on. And then, turn on the shower faucet to see if it works correctly. Finally, plow off the shower and make certain the leak is gone.

    • If your shower is withal leaking, you'll need to phone call a professional plumber to fix information technology.

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1. 1

   Switch off the water valve before you get started. The water valve controls the flow of water to your shower faucet, and information technology's often located in your bathroom or basement. Y'all may find it backside a console that's located on the other side of your shower. Turn the knob on your shower valve clockwise to shut off the water.^{[16] [17]}

   • If you're having trouble finding your shower valve, look in the room next to your shower. Y'all may find the panel there.

2. ii

   Feel the water coming from the faucet to see if it'due south hot or common cold. Put your manus under the leak to check the temperature of the water. If information technology's cold, then it's likely the cold faucet that's leaking. On the other mitt, hot water means the hot side is likely leaking.^[18]

   • It's possible that both sides are leaking. If this is the case, yous can supplant the washer on the second side if the leak doesn't go away subsequently y'all replace the get-go washer.

3. 3

   Use a screwdriver to remove the shower handle on the leaky side. Await for the screw in the center of the shower handle. Fit your screwdriver into the screw that holds the shower handle in identify. Then, turn your screwdriver counter-clockwise to loose the screw and remove it. Finally, prepare the screw and the handle bated for subsequently.^[19]

   Tip: If your handle has a decorative plate over the screw, yous'll demand to pry this upward first. Utilize a flathead screwdriver to pull it free.

4. 4

   Remove the metal faceplate that attaches to the shower wall. This is the metal piece that goes under the handle. Look inside the faceplate to see if it has threads, which it likely volition. Gently unscrew the metal plate past turning information technology counter-clockwise. When information technology comes off, fix information technology aside until you lot're ready to put it back on.^[twenty]

   • This is also chosen an escutcheon.

5. 5

   Slide a deep well socket wrench over the metallic stem and onto the nut. The nut volition be located deep inside your wall, so y'all'll need a deep well socket wrench to reach it. Choose the size that looks right, then slide it over the metal stem. Secure the end of the wrench over the valve nut that's at the base of operations of the stem.^[21]

   • A deep well socket wrench is a wrench with a long metal tube on the end. It allows you to accomplish basics that are embedded inside a structure.
   • Yous can find a deep well socket wrench at a local hardware store or online. They're often sold in sets so yous can choose the right size socket for your needs.
   • To make sure information technology's the right size, plow the wrench counter-clockwise to make sure information technology'south gripping the nut.

6. half-dozen

   Unscrew the valve nut and fix it aside. Turn the wrench counter-clockwise until the nut comes free. Then, remove the wrench and the nut from the valve. Set the nut aside so you tin put it dorsum on afterwards.^[22]

   • Your nut should stick in the wrench when you pull information technology out.

7. 7

   Pull the metal stalk out of the wall and put information technology aside. The metallic stem is the part of your faucet that the handle turns. Employ your fingers to carefully remove the metal stem. It should slide out easily now that the nut isn't property information technology in place. Set the metallic stem to the side so you can reuse it.^[23]

8. 8

   Remove the old safe washer and install a new rubber washer. Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to pull the erstwhile rubber o-band washer from around the valve. It should easily come up off because it's just pressed onto the valve. Discard the quondam washer, and so press a new safety o-ring washer over the valve. Line it up in the exact place as the erstwhile 1.^[24]

   • Make certain your replacement safe washer is the same size as the 1 that's already at that place. This volition ensure a proper fit.
   • Information technology's a good thought to buy a kit that has a diverseness of washer sizes in information technology, since y'all won't know exactly what size you need until y'all have apart the faucet.^[25]
   • Coat the new washer in rut-proof faucet grease to better the seal.

9. 9

   Replace your metal stem, faceplate, and shower handle. Slide the metal stalk back into place. Then, put the nut into your deep well socket wrench. Slide the wrench over the metallic stalk and supplant the nut by turning it clockwise. Next, put the faceplate against the wall and turn it to secure it in place. Finally, spiral the shower handle dorsum onto the metal stem.^[26]

   Variation: If your metal stalk is damaged or worn down, you can buy a replacement from your local hardware store for about $xv. Bring your old stem to the shop to help you observe the right match.

10. x

    Turn on your water valve and test the faucet. Turn the knob on your water valve counter-clockwise so the water will come back on. Next, plough on your shower faucet to make sure that the h2o is running correctly. Finally, turn off the faucet and bank check that the leak is fixed.^[27]

    • If the leak isn't fixed, endeavor replacing the washer on the other side. If this doesn't work, yous'll need to call in a professional plumber.

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Add New Question

• Question

  How practise I stop my shower faucet from dripping?

  

  David Balkan
  Professional person Plumber & CEO of Balkan Sewer & H2o Primary

  David Balkan is a Professional Plumber, CEO of Balkan Sewer and Water Principal Service, and President of Balkan Sewer and Drain Cleaning. Equally a hands-on owner of these companies for over 40 years, David is knowledgeable nearly water service lines, sewers, and drain line bug. David is a Committee Chairman of the Master Plumbers Council and has sabbatum on the Executive Committee of the Sub Surface Plumbers Association of New York for over 30 years. His knowledge and solution-oriented approach contributed to Balkan Sewer and Water Chief Service being the largest and most trusted service in New York City and the recipient of the 2017 Angie'south Listing Super Service Award.

  

  Professional Plumber & CEO of Balkan Sewer & Water Main

  Proficient Respond

  Try replacing the washers behind the faucet. But be sure to option up a kit with an assortment of washers since yous won't really know what you need until you have it apart.

• Question

  The knob to my shower came loose and the screw roughshod in the drain. Can I just supplant the knob?

  

  This answer was written by ane of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accurateness and comprehensiveness.

  

  wikiHow Staff Editor

  Staff Reply

  Yeah, you can find replacement knobs at your local hardware shop. However, y'all'll likely demand to replace both the faucet and the knob.

• Question

  What exercise I practise if my tap on my shower is still leaking subsequently irresolute the valve and resetting it?

  

  This answer was written past ane of our trained squad of researchers who validated it for accurateness and comprehensiveness.

  

  wikiHow Staff Editor

  Staff Answer

  If your shower is nevertheless leaking, you lot'll demand to call a professional plumber. They tin can figure out what's causing the leak and fix it.

• Question

  I have a three handle faucet for my bathtub. The hot water leaks from the handle when it is turned on. How do I gear up this?

  

  Whichever handle information technology leaks from, the packing is worn. You'll need to have the valve apart to replace the packing or O-ring.

• Question

  Why is my shower leaking after I inverse the valves?

  

  If y'all replace the valves and it yet leaks, that usually means in that location is harm to the seat. You may need a complete new faucet install.

• Question

  My shower won't turn off, what can I exercise?

  

  You'll need to shut the h2o off at the main, empty the h2o out of the lines by opening the lowest faucet in the house, and have the valve autonomously to rebuild information technology, or telephone call a plumber.

• Question

  What should I do if h2o leaks from the shower head when running h2o in the bathtub?

  

  I assume you have a 3 handle bath set, the diverter valve (the one in the centre) has an effect and pressure is sufficient to push upward through the shower caput pipage. The valve would need to be taken apart to supercede the packing or o-ring on the stalk to stop this. If the valve has a flat condom seat, ensure the mating surface within the valve prepare is prissy and flat, the box stores have cheap tools to resurface the seat, it looks like a petty round grinder.

• Question

  What should I do if I can't get my spanner within the hole in the tile to turn the cartridge?

  

  You may have to remove a piece of tile or drywall (which is easier to repair) on the other side if information technology means getting access to it. This is why tile setters exit properly sized holes around shower/tub mixer valves. If you have to scrape out some grout and endeavor to remove the tile, make sure you take enough replacement tiles to redo it after the leak is fixed. Likewise, be mindful of any potential h2o membranes of gaskets that may take been installed behind the tile.

• Question

  Can I use caulking to stop a leak?

  

  No. That wont stop the leak. The h2o will just become in a dissimilar direction.

• Question

  When I remove the handles on my faucet, they all have a plastic sleeve underneath that slides over another piece of plastic. How is this removed?

  

  Spin off the chrome tube that mostly covers the plastic pieces, and make sure that the machine screw which holds the knob on is removed, then both plastic pieces simply pull straight out. Listen the orientation that the inside piece comes out as if this is changed 180° then the direction of on-off is changed when you reinstall everything.

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Things You'll Need

• Gloves (optional)
• Screwdriver
• Needle-nose pliers
• Deep well socket wrench
• Cartridge pullers (optional)
• New cartridge

• Gloves (optional)
• Screwdriver
• Deep well socket wrench
• Needle-olfactory organ pliers
• New washer
• Heat-proof faucet grease
• New metal stalk (optional)

• If you purchase a cartridge puller, be sure that information technology works with your brand of faucet. If you are unsure what brand you have, take the cartridge to the store with you and an experienced associate should know which products will piece of work.

Advertizement

• If your shower is leaking behind the wall or your valve is damaged, you'll need to call in a professional person plumber to repair or replace the valve.^[28]

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About This Article

Commodity Summary 10

To ready a leaky unmarried-handle faucet in your shower, start by turning off the water supply to your bathroom. So, use a screwdriver to have the shower handle off. In one case that's off, unscrew the faceplate, which should be located correct backside where the handle was. Next, pull off the metallic sleeve of the shower valve that's behind the faceplate, and use pliers to remove the locking clip that'south on tiptop of the valve. After you accept that off, utilise a socket wrench and needle nose pliers to remove the valve cartridge. Finally, install a new cartridge into the valve, and reassemble everything before turning the water back on. To learn how to fix a double-handle shower faucet, scroll downward!

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Source: https://www.wikihow.com/Fix-a-Leaky-Shower-Faucet

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