Repair your shower the easy way
- Soak your faucet in vinegar to get rid of dirt and hard water residue.
- Spray the diverter knob with cooking spray to lubricate its sticky bits.
- Replace the shower diverter gate using a store-bought repair kit.
- Replace the whole spout with a newer model from the hardware store.
Full Answer
How do you fix a broken shower faucet?
Things You Will Need
- Phillips screwdriver
- Flat screwdriver
- Hex wrench
- Small pen knife
- Replacement handle
- Handle puller
How to retrofit a shower faucet?
- Slide bar center-to-center measurement: 27".
- Slide bar overall height: 28-1/2".
- Hand shower spray area: 3/4" L x 1-3/4" H.
- Mixing valve required
Can I use a shower head to replace my faucet?
The faucet head usually has a compression with a hex head screw from the underneath or pipe threaded on to the water supply. So the answer is yes it can be replaced without replacing the valve.
How to clean and Shine a shower faucet?
- Many companies offer a lifetime warranty on newer faucets that have been installed. ...
- Some faucets have a special kind of finish that is called a living finish. ...
- Scrub sponges or abrasive brushes are not a good idea for most finishes. ...
- A mild glass and surface cleaner may be another option to clean your faucet.
How do I fix a dripping shower faucet?
0:462:02How to Repair a Leaky Shower Faucet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipEither way you need to do the repair from the valve. Itself. Which is this part here remove theMoreEither way you need to do the repair from the valve. Itself. Which is this part here remove the faceplate. And then the escutcheon or. Sleep.
How do you fix a shower valve?
1:436:09How to Replace a Shower Mixing Valve | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAll right and turning these screws to the right shuts the water. Off now we're ready to excavate toMoreAll right and turning these screws to the right shuts the water. Off now we're ready to excavate to get the cap off of the valve there's two brass screws that they have to turn counterclockwise.
How do you fix a shower diverter?
Repairing the Shower DiverterShut off the supply of water to your shower.Seal your drain with tape so that small screws or other vital parts are not lost down the drainpipe.Tighten the screws behind the faceplate of the diverter valve. ... Disassemble the shower diverter. ... Change the diverter.More items...•
Why does my shower faucet keep dripping?
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 shower faucet stem?
1:167:15How to Repair a Shower Valve Stem | Ask This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou have to pry off the index from the end a good tip is to make sure you have something in the tubMoreYou have to pry off the index from the end a good tip is to make sure you have something in the tub drain. So you don't drop it right down the drain.
How do you change a shower faucet cartridge?
2:576:30How to Replace a Delta Faucet Shower Cartridge - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUse a strap wrench or a pair of channellock pliers to loosen the bonnet nut by turning itMoreUse a strap wrench or a pair of channellock pliers to loosen the bonnet nut by turning it counterclockwise then remove the bonnet nut by hand.
What does a shower diverter look like?
0:000:49How Does a Shower Diverter Work? | The Home Depot - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipComes in from the left cold. Water from the right the two are mixed in the valve. And will either goMoreComes in from the left cold. Water from the right the two are mixed in the valve. And will either go up to the showerhead or down to a tub spout a diverter directs which way the water goes.
How do I know if my diverter valve is faulty?
A diverter valve may be faulty if the hot water taps still work while the radiators do not turn on. Another sign of a faulty diverter valve is if you only can only get lukewarm water from your taps.
Can a shower diverter be repaired?
Once you've determined that your shower diverter is broken, don't delay in repairing it. Though it might be an easy task to put off, a broken shower diverter wastes water and creates a poor shower experience. Repairing a shower diverter is a home improvement project that you can complete in just one day.
Why does my shower drip hours after I turn 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.
Why does my shower starts dripping in the middle of the night?
A random or intermittent shower leak can be a plumbing problem caused by a hole in the water pipes. Cracks in the grout or tile along the shower wall or floor may also be the culprit. As well, it could be an issue with the fixtures or drain not having been installed or sealed properly.
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.
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.
How much does it cost to replace a single handle faucet?
Replacement is the easiest way to fix cartridge-related problems. Time: 15 minutes to 1 hour. Cost: $20 to $100.
Why does my shower drip after turning off the water?
It’s normal for your shower to drip for a few minutes after the water is turned off. But a steady flow may indicate a leak. Replacing your faulty hardware is a common fix, but leaks can also be stopped by repairing your valve or stem. Here’s a quick rundown of simple repairs.
How to remove a cartridge from a valve?
Remove the cartridge by gently pulling with pliers. Some manufacturers provide a cap that threads onto the valve to aid in removal. You may have to buy a cartridge removal tool if it’s stuck. Take the old cartridge to the hardware store to ensure you get the right replacement.
What is a stem on a faucet?
Common in two-handle faucets, stems are mechanisms that use threaded handles and rubber seals to open and close water lines. Installing a new stem is the easiest way to fix a malfunction, but you can an also replace faulty hardware like seals and O-rings.
Does hard water affect showers?
Hard water will leave behind a residue that can affect the looks and usability of your fixtures. Over time, this mineral buildup will accumulate in your valves and showerhead and make replacement a must. Ignoring mineral residue will impact your water flow and turn a relaxing shower into a frustrating chore.
Can you upgrade a bathroom faucet?
Sometimes a simple faucet and handle upgrade is all that’s needed to give your bathroom a quick facelift. You might be doing this for a sale, or you may just be tired of looking at the same style. Regardless, the outdated hardwear can ruin the charm of your bathroom — even after a total remodel.
Can a faulty seat seal be repaired?
The majority of problems stem from a faulty valve or component. Bad O-rings and faulty seats and seals are repairable issues. In most cases, replacing the damaged hardware is the best way to improve the issue, but gently soaking and scrubbing cartridges or stems can remove buildup and improve its sealing capabilities.
How to stop a handheld shower from leaking?
When you want to stop your handheld showerhead from leaking, you need to clean the inner parts of your diverter gate. Step 1: Turn off your water supply from the main spigot. This prevents flooding.
What does a shower valve do when it is not working?
If your bathtub has a showerhead, your shower valve redirects water from the showerhead to the tub faucet. When it’s not working, water simultane ously pours from both outlets. It’s easy to fix, so let’s learn how. Shower valves have two parts:
How to tell if a shower diverter is a two valve or three valve?
When you remove a tee-valve from the wall, you find a single copper pipe. With two-valves and three-valves, you’ll find the corresponding number of copper pipes . If your shower diverter is a two-valve, focus on the temperature dial. This is because it often doubles as a shower diverter gate.
What to do if your diverter gate is stubborn?
If your diverter gate stays stubborn after your vinegar soak, try using a lubricant to make it work better. Any cooking spray will do, and you probably have some in the kitchen.
How to clean a spout with vinegar?
If you like, you can mix the vinegar with water. Step 3: Wrap the plastic bag around your spout, submerging the spout. Step 4: Hold the bag in place using a rubber band, string, or shoe-lace. Step 5: Leave the faucet submerged for three or four days, checking it once a day.
Why does my diverter gate keep squeaking?
Option 1 – Clean your spout. Sometimes, the diverter gate gets stuck. When you try to turn it or pull it up, it refuses to budge or makes squeaky, grating noises. If you do manage to pull it up, it may stick at the top and refuse to push back down. This is probably due to accumulated dirt, grease, and limescale.
