how to repair leaky shower faucet

by Xzavier Macejkovic DDS Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

In either case, you should:

Turn off the water to the faucet.
Remove the handle: Use a screwdriver to unscrew the handle, then lift it away. ...
Remove the valve stem: Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the packing nut that holds the valve stem in place. Then lift the valve stem away from the faucet body.

Full Answer

How do you replace a shower faucet?

Steps Download Article

Turn off the water at the nearest water valve. If you are unable to locate a close valve, shut off the water at its main source where it enters ...
Look on the sides of the faucet handles for a small screw. It is usually at the base of the handle, near the escutcheon or decorative portion.
Use a screwdriver to remove this screw and set it aside.

More items...

How to easily repair shower stalls and tubs?

You Will Need

Acrylic/fiberglass paste-type repair kit, color-matched to your fixture
Utility knife
Power drill with small drum sander or grinding disks
Wet/dry sandpapers (220-, 320-, 400-, and 600-grit)
Nail polish remover or acetate
Clean cloths or paper towels
Heat gun
Buffing bonnet
Protective gloves
Ventilator mask

How to repair a two handle tub and shower faucet?

Washerless Faucets

Remove the screws securing the upper discs on the cartridges with a screwdriver and remove the discs.
Slide the cartridge bodies up and off the stem.
Lift the water inlet seals beneath the cartridges to remove them.
Pull the faucet’s cover plate away from the wall to remove it. ...

How to fix a leaking bathtub faucet quick and easy?

Clear any rust, wax or caulk from around the base.
Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the bolts that hold it together. ...
Remove the stem and install a new one in the fitting using new bolts. ...
If the bathtub faucet is still dripping after replacing the handle, washer and stem, you may need to replace the entire bathtub spout.

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.

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.

What causes a shower faucet to 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 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 I fix a leaking double 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.

How do you change a shower cartridge?

2:456:30How to Replace a Delta Faucet Shower Cartridge - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSlide off the handle assembly which contains the rotational limit stop now remove the trim sleeve.MoreSlide off the handle assembly which contains the rotational limit stop now remove the trim sleeve. Inside the valve you will see the cartridge assembly which is held in place by the bonnet nut.

Why does my shower leak only sometimes?

Why Does My Shower Leak Only Sometimes? 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.

How do you fix a two handle shower valve?

2:5715:08Two Handle Shower Faucet Repair: Let's Fix This Annoying Leaky ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd i got my kit from lowe's it was like seven dollars for a box of um rubber washers and variousMoreAnd i got my kit from lowe's it was like seven dollars for a box of um rubber washers and various parts to repair faucets with and so it is a universal kit. But it does have the correct parts i need

How do I know what shower cartridge I have?

1:323:16Who Made Your Shower Faucet? Tips to Find the Brand and ManufacturerYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOnce those screws are out you should be able to just pull this plate. Off and then you can lookMoreOnce those screws are out you should be able to just pull this plate. Off and then you can look behind the plate to see if there's a sticker in here that has the manufacturer.

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.

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...

What to do if shower is leaking?

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

Where to find shower valve?

If you’re having trouble finding your shower valve, look in the room next to your shower. You may find the panel there.

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 to replace a valve cartridge?

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 top. Choose a deep well socket wrench that’s the right size for your cartridge, then slide it over the cartridge inside the valve. Turn it counter-clockwise to make sure it grips the cartridge. If the socket is too loose, choose the next size down.

How to remove a valve clip?

Use pliers to remove the locking clip if your valve has one. Look for the locking clip on the top of your valve. It will look like a metal rod, and the end should stick out of the top. If you see one, use a pair of needle-nose pliers to carefully pull it out. Set it to the side so you can replace it when you’re finished installing the new cartridge.

Where is the locking clip on a valve?

The locking clip should be visible on the top of the valve. They aren’t present on all valves, so don’t worry if you don’t see one.

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 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 Causes a Leaky Shower Faucet or Shower Head Drip?

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 remove a cartridge from a valve?

Slip this plastic nut tool over the shaft so it interlocks with the cartridge. Then turn it back and forth with pliers to release the cartridge from the valve body. Remove the nut, and then use pliers to grip the stem of the cartridge and pull it straight out of the valve body.

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.

Why does my shower head drool?

When water constantly drools from the shower head, the problem is caused by the shower valve.

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.

How to remove cartridge stem from a syringe?

Pull off the stop tube. Pry up the cartridge retaining clip with a small screwdriver or awl. Remove the handle washer and then twist the cartridge stem loose and pull it out with pliers.

Why is my shower faucet leaking?

The second-most common cause of a leaking shower faucet lies in the washer. Its job is to provide a watertight seal to prevent leaks. Therefore, if there’s constant dripping, there’s a high possibility that the washer has been worn out or damaged.

What does a leaky shower faucet mean?

Sometimes, a leaky shower faucet signals a more significant problem, such as one that relates to the water pressure. In this case, you had better have a professional plumber check the piping system.

Why does my faucet leak?

The issue is not that serious. Water faucet leakage happens mostly when something has been corroded or moved out of its position.

What is a two handle faucet?

Also known as a double-handle or stem faucet, a two-handle faucet is a stylish addition to your bathroom. One major benefit of this type of faucet is that when leaks occur to a valve, you still have access to the other with no problem.

What causes a faucet to leak water?

Thus, if you notice water leaking from either part, there must be something wrong with the valve seat, and the issue is mainly caused by mineral buildup.

What is the O ring on a faucet?

Located inside the faucet, an O-ring is a small disc responsible for holding the handle in place. Like the washer, it can wear out gradually, causing leaks around the handle area.

What to do if you can't find a water supply?

If you cannot find one, you will have to turn off the main water supply instead. Tell your family in advance that they won’t be able to use other appliances in the house as you’re working.

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.