- Shut Off the Water. Shut off the water heater in your house, usually located in the basement or garage. ...
- Disassemble the Faucet. There are two main types of shower faucets: one-handle and two-handle. ...
- Replace Bad Washer. There is one washer at the end of the valve stem. ...
- Check the Valve Stem Seat. It’s important to check the seat inside the faucet where the valve stem goes. ...
- Remove the Seat and Replace It. Buy a seat removal tool or a seat wrench at the hardware store. ...
- Grind the Seat Smooth. You can try to grind it smooth. ...
- Clean and Reassemble the Faucet. Before putting the shower stem back, take the opportunity to clean any gunk from the pipes. ...
Full Answer
How to recaulk a leaking shower?
Recaulk A Shower In 7 Easy Steps
- Caulk Gun
- Silicone Caulk
- Knife or Razor
How to repair a Moen Mixing valve for a shower?
- M-CORE Transfer Valves can control 2 or 3 showering devices, a simple transfer cartridge modification changes the valve’s flow from two outlets to three outlets
- When using 2 showering devices, the valve has 2 independent and 1 shared functions
- When using 3 showering devices, the valve has 3 independent and 3 shared functions
How to fix a leaky two handle shower faucet?
Unscrew the headgear nut using a spanner.
- Locate the headgear nut under the decorative cap
- Keep the screw and handle somewhere safe so that you find it when you want to put the tap back together.
- Put the plug in the plughole to stop any screws falling down the pipes.
How to fix a dripping Moen faucet for free?
Turn off Water to the Faucet
- Duck under the bathroom sink and look for 2 oval-shaped knobs connected to water supply houses. Those are the cold and hot water shut off valves.
- To turn off water to the faucet, turn the two valves all the clockwise.
- Open the faucet to drain the water already in the hoses.
- Plug off the sink drain opening. ...
How do you stop a dripping shower faucet?
0:002:02How to Repair a Leaky Shower Faucet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow depending on where your leak is coming from on a shower valve typically it'll be dripping out ofMoreNow depending on where your leak is coming from on a shower valve typically it'll be dripping out of a shower head or from behind the handle. Either way you need to do the repair from the valve.
Why is my shower faucet leaking?
When water drips or drizzles from a shower head, there is a problem with the shower faucet (valve). In most cases, inner seals are worn, or parts have become corroded or clogged with hard water deposits. And the rubber O-rings and gaskets that seal connections between moving metal parts wear down with time and use.
How do you fix a leaking two handle shower faucet?
2:263:20Repairing a Leaky Two-Three Handle Tub-Shower Faucet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPlace the handle over the stem and secure with the handle. Screw. Replace the index chaps. Turn theMorePlace the handle over the stem and secure with the handle. Screw. Replace the index chaps. Turn the main water to the house back on and then check for leaks.
Why does my shower faucet keep leaking after turning it off?
Over time, shower heads are prone to accumulate lime and other mineral deposits that clog the holes. You can suspect this is the issue if the shower head drips after you turn off the water, but eventually stops. It's likely the head is holding water and is unable to drain quickly.
How do I know what shower cartridge I have?
1:383:16Who Made Your Shower Faucet? Tips to Find the Brand and ManufacturerYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOff and then you can look behind the plate to see if there's a sticker in here that has theMoreOff and then you can look behind the plate to see if there's a sticker in here that has the manufacturer.
How do I fix a single handle shower faucet?
0:002:38Repairing a Leaky Single Handle Tub/Shower Ball-Type FaucetYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTurn off the main water supply to your home. For an obstacle remove the index button by prying offMoreTurn off the main water supply to your home. For an obstacle remove the index button by prying off with the screwdriver. Then unscrew the handle screw. And remove the handle.
How do you take apart a shower faucet?
1:5713:53How to Remove Shower Fixtures - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo first we're going to remove the sconce this one just unscrews pretty easily as you can see it wasMoreSo first we're going to remove the sconce this one just unscrews pretty easily as you can see it was threaded into the valve. I'm gonna set this aside.
How do you replace a double handled faucet cartridge?
1:293:02How to Replace Leaky Cartridges in a Bathroom Faucet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst align the tab on the new cartridge to the slot on the faucet. Now screw on the bonnet nut andMoreFirst align the tab on the new cartridge to the slot on the faucet. Now screw on the bonnet nut and tighten with the crescent wrench reinstall the handle and pop the caps back.
How do you take apart a two handle faucet?
1:084:49How to Repair a Leaky Two-Handle Faucet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou will need to remove it by using a wrench to rotate it in the off direction until it threads outMoreYou will need to remove it by using a wrench to rotate it in the off direction until it threads out entirely. Once removed you'll need to take your stem to your local retailer.
How do you replace a shower faucet cartridge?
How to do itremoving handle from faucet. Remove Handle. ... removing retaining clip. Remove Retaining Clip. ... remove cartridge with wrench. Remove Cartridge. ... replacing o-rings on cartridge. Replace O-Rings. ... installing new cartridge. Install New Cartridge.
What Causes A Leaky Shower Faucet Or Shower Head Drip?
When water drips or drizzles from a shower head, there is a problem with the shower faucet (valve). In most cases, inner seals are worn, or parts h...
Advice For Fixing Leaky Shower Faucets
If you turn off a shower faucet and the water keeps dribbling out of the shower head, a natural instinct is to crank the handle closed as hard as y...
How to Fix A Leaky Two-Handle Shower Faucet
A shower valve that’s operated by two faucet handles—one hot and one cold—is typically a compression faucet, as discussed in the article How a Comp...
How to Fix A Leaky Delta Shower Faucet
If your shower has a leaky Delta shower faucet, here is how to stop the leak. Before beginning, please read the information titled “Advice for Fixi...
How to Fix A Leaky Price Pfister Shower Faucet
As when working on other types of shower valves, start by shutting off the water supply and protecting the tub and drain with rags. Ideally, your s...
How to Fix A Leaky Moen Shower Faucet
Before beginning a shower valve replacement, read the information titled “Advice for Fixing Leaky Shower Faucets” above. Shut off the water supply...
Where is the water valve in a shower?
Your water valve controls the flow of water to your shower. It may be located in your bathroom or your basement. In some cases, it's behind a panel near your shower. Once you locate the valve, turn the knob clockwise to turn off the water.
What is the sleeve on a shower valve called?
Use your hands to carefully remove this sleeve, then set it aside for later. This sleeve is called an escutcheon.
What to do if you turn off the shower faucet?
If you turn off a shower faucet and the water keeps dribbling out of the shower head, a natural instinct is to crank the handle closed as hard as you can. Unfortunately, this may only make things worse. Be sure the faucet handle is turned all of the way off, but don’t over-tighten it! This may damage the valve.
How much water does a leaky shower faucet waste?
Beyond the annoying drip, drip, drip, a leaky shower faucet (valve) can waste hundreds of gallons of water every week. And worse, a leak on the hot water side of the shower valve can waste significant energy because the water heater must continually operate to warm the water being drawn unnecessarily.
What is a compression shower valve?
A shower valve that’s operated by two faucet handles—one hot and one cold—is typically a compression faucet, as discussed in the article How a Compression Faucet Works. Leaks in a compression faucet generally occur when a rubber seal or washer wears out over time, allowing water to seep between movable metal parts.
How to tell if a faucet is leaking?
First, feel the water leaking from the tub spout or shower head. If it’s warm, you know that the leak is coming from the hot-water valve. If the water has been dripping for a while and it is cold, the leak is probably coming from the cold-water valve.
What happens if you shut off the water in your house?
After shutting off the house water, faucets and water-using appliances won’t work but each toilet will have one flush. After you’ve turned off the water supply, open the bathroom sink faucet to drain any water from the nearby pipes. There are many types of shower faucet valves.
Where is the shut off valve for a shower?
Before opening up a shower valve, turn off the water supply. In some houses, a shut-off valve is located in the bathroom, near the shower, or in the basement. If you can’t find the shower shut-off valves, turn off the water supply to the entire house. For more about this, see How to Shut Off the Water Supply.
Do you have to shut off the water supply valve in a shower?
Ideally, your shower plumbing will have a local water supply valve that you can shut off (similar to the valve under a sink) that is accessible through a removable panel. In most cases, there isn’t one of these, so you’ll need to shut off the main valve for the entire house. Price Pfister.
How long does it take to repair a shower faucet?
Repair a shower faucet that won't shut off. Most single-handle, cartridge-style faucets can be repaired in an hour or less with basic tools.
How to get a hex screw out of a faucet?
Turn the hex screw by hand until it bottoms out. Snug up the hex nut by hand and tug on the cartridge puller handle. If the cartridge won't pull out, hold the puller handle steady and tighten the hex nut two full turns. Pull the cartridge out of the faucet body.
How to loosen a stuck cartridge?
Unscrew the hex screw and hex nut until threads are visible. Slide the puller over the cartridge stem, aligning the tool ears with the cartridge notches, and twist to loosen.
General Guide On How To Repair A Leaky Shower Faucet
There are many reasons that lead to a leaky shower faucet, but generally, all you have to do is swap its cartridge with a new one. The general guide on how to fix a leaky shower faucet includes the following steps:
Why Does It Keep Dripping?
I’ve been there. It is really frustrating to have a leaky faucet. Not only does your water bill increase drastically, but it’s also a nuisance to see the water dripping relentlessly, leaving stains on the floor.
Resolve A Leaky Shower Faucet, Step By Step
It’s indeed not fun to put up with the continuous dripping sound; rest assured. Therefore, you had better begin the work and put this problem to bed as soon as possible. Below is the general guide on how to repair a shower faucet that won’t stop leaking.
Advice On Fixing A Leaky Shower Faucet
You will wish that you know these practical pieces of advice sooner! Yet, it’s not too late now. Keep reading and be amazed!
FAQs
You’ve got questions, and I’ve got the answers – no matter how tricky they are. Don’t skip the next section if you are still pretty much confused with how to repair your shower faucet.
Act Fast Or It Gets Worse
Well, that’s all you have got to know about how to fix a leaky shower faucet, my friend. With clear instructions and illustrations provided, I’m optimistic that you can do it right away. The quicker you resolve the issue, the less trouble you will face.
Gather Tools and Materials
You'll have to turn off your water supply before you fix a leaky shower faucet, so gather your tools and materials before you begin. That way, you won’t have to go without water longer than necessary.
Turn Off the Water Supply and Open the Faucet
Turn off the water to the shower faucet. You may have to turn off the water to the entire house if you don't have a shut-off valve only for the shower.
Remove the Handle Cap, Handle and Faceplate
If your shower handle has a cap over the screw in the center of the handle, pry it off with a flathead screwdriver and put it aside for later. Unscrew the handle and remove it.
Remove the Locking Clip
If your shower valve has a locking clip, you'll see it on the top of the valve. Not all valves have locking clips. If yours does, pull it off with needle nose pliers or pry it off with a screwdriver.
Remove and Replace the Cartridge
Put a deep well socket wrench over the metal stem of the faucet and use it to grip the nut at the base of the stem. Unscrew the nut and set it aside for later.
Replace Other Parts and Test
Replace the locking clip, if your valve had one. Then replace the valve sleeve, faceplate and shower handle and cover, if the handle had one.
Remove the Metal Stem in a Shower Faucet with Two Handles
If you're repairing a leaky shower faucet with two handles, start by following steps one through three. Then follow steps seven through nine. Repeat steps seven through nine for each handle if both of them are leaking.
