Replacing a Faulty Shower Valve
- Block the Shower Drain. The first thing to do is cover the drain with a cloth while you fix the faulty valve. ...
- Cut Off Supply of Water. The next step is to switch off the water flowing into the shower to prevent more leakage. ...
- Remove the Handle. With the help of a hex, remove the handle of the shower head faucet. ...
- Loosen the Trim Plate. Unscrew both sides of the trim plate and remove it from where it is secured to the wall. ...
- Remove the Old Valve. When you remove the trim plate, there will be a visible opening in the wall. ...
- Fixing a New Valve. Hold the metal end of the new cartridge with pliers and slide it into the hole where the old one came out.
- Attach the Water Supply. If you have PEX tubing, use Teflon tape to wrap around parts of the male thread. ...
- Test for Leakage. If everything is set, it is time to turn on the water supply to the bathroom from the source. ...
- Switch on Water Supply. Now it is time to let water flow throughout the entire bathroom. ...
- Return the Trim Plate and Handle Back in Place. ...
How often should you replace the shower valve?
- To put in a new shower valve, you’ll first need to remove the old one from inside your shower.
- To gain access, cut out a section of drywall approximately a foot square on the other side of the wall from your shower valve.
- To locate the valve, drill a pilot hole or two from the bathroom side next to the valve with a long bit.
How to remove and replace your shower valve?
- Insert the shower valve wrench through the valve stem and engage the valve’s locknut. ...
- Once loose, remove the socket wrench and unscrew the valve with your hand. ...
- Inspect the old valve. ...
- Check the condition of the valve seat. ...
- A badly burred valve seat will tear apart the new valve’s washer, which will then need another immediate replacement. ...
How do you change a shower valve?
Steps to Replace a Shower Valve
- Remove shower handle by unscrewing. ...
- Remove the trim plate, also called the escutcheon. ...
- Optional – clean the handle and trim plate. ...
- Shut off the water supply to your shower. ...
- It may be necessary to cut a wider hole in your shower wall in order to access and replace a shower valve. ...
- Remove the valve clip. ...
- Remove the valve. ...
How to install a shower valve like a pro?
- Plumbing pipes and fittings. Not only do you need to make sure that you have enough pipe, you must also be certain to obtain the appropriate parts that will allow ...
- Shower unit/kit.
- Waterproof caulk/sealant. ...
- Tools, such as wrenches and screwdrivers.
Can shower valves be repaired?
Shower valves can get damaged, you have to get a replacement immediately to prevent water from leaking out completely. While this is a serious concern, you can fix it without seeking the help of a professional plumber. All you need is to pay attention to details and make sure nothing is left out.
How do I fix my shower pressure valve?
2:345:04How to Install a Pressure-Balance Shower Valve | This Old HouseYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's going to help us today make it a little. Easier. So i'm going to start by cutting. This topMoreIt's going to help us today make it a little. Easier. So i'm going to start by cutting. This top connection up to the shower. Head. Good now break the unions on the hot and the cold. Okay.
Can a shower cartridge be repaired?
Most single-handle, cartridge-style faucets can be repaired in an hour or less with basic tools.
How do you replace a shower valve without removing tile?
0:173:02How to install Shower Valve without Breaking Tiles - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd put an access panel in. And you don't have to cut the tile off it's a nice alternative to havingMoreAnd put an access panel in. And you don't have to cut the tile off it's a nice alternative to having a they'll see the tile on the other side.
How much does it cost to replace shower valves?
Shower valve replacement costs $225 to $575 on average, depending on the mixing valve or diverter valve brand and type....Shower valve replacement cost.National average cost$400Minimum cost$145Maximum cost$900Average cost range$225 to $575Sep 23, 2021
What type of shower valve do I have?
Count the Number of Shower Faucet Handles Often, the type of shower faucet and handle(s) will indicate what kind of shower valve is behind it. Zero handles may imply a shower panel faucet with buttons to control water flow and temperature.
Can you replace shower cartridge without turning off water?
When you disassemble the valve to repair it water will flow unless turned off. so the answer would be No the water needs to be turned off to repair the internals of a valve.
What causes a shower cartridge to fail?
Faucet and shower cartridge failures are generally the result of a rubber O ring inside the faucet or valve having dried out or passages in the cartridge have become blocked. A failure can result in a leaky faucet a shower that will not allow the hot water to flow.
How do you know if your shower valve is bad?
This means you have a bad shower valve....There are a few ways to tell if your shower cartridge has gone bad:Dripping or running water when you turn your shower off (most common)Difficulty turning the shower handle, which worsens over time.Shower handle gets stuck or “slips” and doesn't turn on the water.
How do you replace a one lever shower valve?
0:171:42Shower Repair : How Do I Replace a Single Control Shower Faucet?YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn this faucet now first off remove your handle. Remove any sketches that may be in place. And thisMoreIn this faucet now first off remove your handle. Remove any sketches that may be in place. And this particular one has a small little keeper or a horseshoe-shaped pin.
How do you replace a old shower valve?
InstructionsLay a Drop Cloth in the Bottom of the Shower. ... Remove the Shower Handle. ... Unscrew and Clean the Trim Plate. ... Turn Off the Water. ... Inspect and Prepare the Area. ... Remove the Retainer Clip. ... Pull Out the Shower Valve Cartridge. ... Install the New Shower Valve Cartridge.More items...•
When should a shower valve be replaced?
The first issue to look for is if there are any leaks in the valve when you turn on the water. If there are drips, that's a good indication that you should think about replacing the valve. Because, not only are you wasting water, but water that leaks behind the wall can cause rot as well as mold and mildew growth.
What to do if shower valve is damaged?
If your shower valve is damaged beyond repair, you may need to replace it to prevent leaks. Removing your old valve and installing a new one can take time, but with patience, a novice handyman can do it without the help of a plumber.
Can you cut a hole in a wall?
You can also research how to cut a hole safely and easily into your wall's material on a verified home improvement site. The hole should be small enough that you can still cover it with the handle and trim plate later on. Use the trim plate as a guide for the maximum size of your trim plate.
Can you reuse a valve clip?
If your valve clip is not damaged, you should be able to reuse it while securing the new cartridge in place . If it is, however, your new cartridge should come with its own valve clip. Some valve sets are secured with a retainer nut that holds them in place.
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.
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 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.
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.
