Replacing the Washer in a 2-Handle Faucet
- Switch off the water valve before you get started. The water valve controls the flow of water to your shower faucet,...
- Feel the water coming from the faucet to see if it’s hot or cold. Put your hand under the leak to check the...
- Use a screwdriver to remove the shower handle on the leaky side. Look for the screw in the...
Full Answer
How to fix a leaky shower faucet with one handle?
For a leaky shower faucet with one handle, you’ll need to replace the cartridge in the valve. Use steps two through six to learn how to fix a leaky faucet with one handle.
When to call a plumber for a leaky shower faucet?
If you still have leaks, you may need to call a professional plumber. Use this steps in this guide to help you learn how to fix a leaky faucet with one or two handles. Again, to fix a leaky shower faucet with one handle, turn off the water supply and let the faucet drain.
What should you do if your shower is leaking?
Finally, turn off the shower and make sure the leak is gone. If your shower is still leaking, you’ll need to call a professional plumber to fix it. Switch off the water valve before you get started. The water valve controls the flow of water to your shower faucet, and it’s often located in your bathroom or basement.
How long does it take to repair a leaking shower faucet?
Most single-handle, cartridge-style faucets can be repaired in an hour or less with basic tools. To fix a leaking shower head, replace the old cartridge with an identical new one.
How do I stop my shower faucet from leaking?
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.
How do you fix a leaky single handle shower faucet?
0:172:38Repairing 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.
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?
0:003:20Repairing a Leaky Two-Three Handle Tub-Shower Faucet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst to determine the source of the leak if water is leaking from underneath the handle onto theMoreFirst to determine the source of the leak if water is leaking from underneath the handle onto the wall the sim of whichever handle is leaking needs to be replaced. If.
What kind 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.
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 much will a plumber charge to fix a leaky faucet?
The average cost for labor and parts to repair a dripping faucet is $200 to $330, with most repairs costing $270. Ignoring a leaking faucet can cost you.
Why does my shower drip 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.
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.
Can you replace a shower faucet without replacing the valve?
Change out tub/shower control handles and spouts to achieve a brand new look, without redoing the valve plumbing. Use a simple replacement kit.
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 two handle shower valve?
0:001:15How to Replace a Double Handle Shower Faucet With a Single HandleYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI'm terry with towers murray plumbing here to show you how to replace a double handle shower faucetMoreI'm terry with towers murray plumbing here to show you how to replace a double handle shower faucet with a single handle shower faucet. Now if you've got a two handle valve. And you want to change
How do you fix a Delta 2 handle shower faucet?
0:226:52How to fix a leaking, dripping Delta bathtub faucet - $2 fix - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipJust take the covers off of these handles. So just get a little knife here. And pop those off nextMoreJust take the covers off of these handles. So just get a little knife here. And pop those off next you can see those screws in there so we've got to take those out so we can take the handles. Off.
How do you fix a leaky shower mixer tap?
0:222:32How To Replace a Leaking Shower Mixer - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipGive the handle a shake and pull that handle right off. The next is the cover. Place your water pumpMoreGive the handle a shake and pull that handle right off. The next is the cover. Place your water pump pliers over the edge of the nut. And gently. Turn it in the anti-clockwise.
How do you take off a shower handle?
You can usually pop this off with a flat head screwdriver. Place the screwdriver head between the cap and the faucet and tap it gently with a hammer, and the cap should pop off. If you have a faucet with a lever-style handle, look for a set screw underneath the lever. You'll need a 1/8-inch Allen wrench to remove it.
Why is my bathtub faucet dripping?
A cracked or worn washer in the stem is a common source of a dripping bathtub faucet. Each time the water is turned on the washer is pushed against the valve. This repeated friction over time causes the washer to wear out. The tub faucet stem or cartridge itself may be the cause of the leak.
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?
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. When they do, water squirts or drips out. For more, please see How a Shower Works.
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.
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.
