Fixing a Leaking Shower Faucet

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A leaking shower faucet repair can be inconvenient and expensive because it will probably result in higher water costs. Fortunately, with a few simple tools and materials, you can repair your leaky shower faucet by yourself. You must change the cartridge in your valve if you have a single-handle shower faucet. Replace the washer in the handle on the leaky side of a two-handle shower faucet. If your DIY remedy doesn’t work, you may need to hire a professional plumber.

A water valve must be turned off before starting

The water flow to your shower is managed by our water valve. It can be in the basement or the bathroom. Sometimes, it’s concealed behind a panel close to your shower. After finding the valve, turn the knob in a clockwise direction to stop the flow of water.

The panel that contains your water valve can be in the space next to your bathroom. It could possibly be in a closet.

Apply a screwdriver to the shower handle to remove it

handle’s side or the knob handle’s center. A screwdriver that fits the screw head should be used. After that, slowly twist the screwdriver in the opposite direction to release it. When replacing the shower handle, reuse the screw that was removed and set aside. Make sure you remove every screw because your handle may have more than one. Try heating your handle with a hair dryer if it won’t come off. Then, for one minute, blow hot air into your handle while maintaining a high heat setting. To shield your hand from the heat, drape a towel over the handle. After that, try to pull the handle off. 

The faceplate can be removed using a screwdriver

The metal component behind your handle is called the faceplate. Insert the screwdriver’s tip into the faceplate’s screws. Then, twist it in the other direction to loosen the screws. After reserving the screws for later, carefully remove the faceplate and lay it aside. [5]

The faceplate could be adhered to the shower wall or tile. If this occurs, wriggle it gently until it releases.

If your valve has a locking clip, use pliers to remove it

On the valve’s top, look for the locking clip. It will resemble a metal rod and have an end that protrudes from the top. If you see one, carefully pull it out with a pair of needle-nose pliers. When you’re done inserting the new cartridge, set it aside so you may replace it.

On the top of the valve, the locking clip ought to be visible. Don’t panic if you don’t see one; they aren’t on every valve.

To pry up the clip, you might need to use a screwdriver or an awl.

The valve cartridge should be covered by a deep well socket wrench

The cartridge has a metal rod protruding from the top and resembles a long cylindrical shape. Slide the deep well socket wrench over the cartridge within the valve after picking the appropriate size for your cartridge. In order to ensure that it grasps the cartridge, turn it counterclockwise. Select the size below if the socket is too loose.

A deep well socket wrench is a socket with a long metal tube attached to the end that allows you to remove screws or nuts that are stuck in a hole.

If you don’t already have one, you can buy a deep well socket wrench at your neighborhood hardware shop or online. The majority of deep well socket wrenches come with a variety of sockets in various sizes, allowing you to choose the one that is right for your nut.

Tools referred to as “cartridge pullers” are also available. You can also remove your cartridge with these. But be sure to purchase a cartridge puller specifically designed for your brand of faucet. 

The component of the valve that regulates water flow and temperature is the cartridge.

To remove the cartridge, turn the wrench in the other direction

To loosen the cartridge, crank the wrench slowly using the handle. Continue rotating until you feel the cartridge come free. 

With the deep well socket wrench, the cartridge may be removed. When you remove the wrench, it’s typical for it to still be inside the valve. It’s OK because you can take care of that manually.

Pull the cartridge out with your needle-nose pliers

Your needle-nose pliers should be used to latch onto the cartridge’s end. The cartridge should then be carefully removed from the valve.

If you don’t yet have your replacement cartridge, take the old one to your neighborhood hardware store to see if they have a match. Show it to a knowledgeable store employee for a simple solution, and let them choose the right match for you. 

Turn the valve clockwise to insert a fresh cartridge

Incorporate the fresh cartridge into the vacant valve. After that, rotate the cartridge clockwise with your deep well socket wrench. When the cartridge feels snug, stop.

Replace your shower handle, faceplate, and valve sleeve

 Reinstall the faceplate after sliding the valve sleeve (escutcheon) back over the valve. The faceplate can be fastened against the shower wall using your screwdriver. Reinstall the shower handle by screwing it back in. 

Before you replace the valve sleeve, remember to secure the locking clip if your valve has one.

Reopen the water valve and try the shower

Your water valve’s knob must be turned counterclockwise in order for the water to turn back on. The shower faucet should then be turned on to check for proper operation. Finally, shut off the shower and check to see if the leak has been fixed.

You will want the services of a qualified plumber to repair your shower if the leak continues.

Conclusion

Due to the likely increase in water expenses, a leaky shower faucet repair can be both inconvenient and costly.

Our water valve controls the water flow to your shower. Sometimes it’s hidden behind a panel next to the side of your shower handle or the middle of the knob handle. Use a screwdriver that will fit the screw head.

The faceplate is the piece of metal that is located behind your handle. The screws in the faceplate should receive the screwdriver’s tip.

The cartridge resembles a long cylindrical shape and has a metal rod sticking out of the top. After selecting the correct size for your cartridge, slide the deep well socket wrench over the cartridge within the valve.

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