Repairing Guides

how to repair shower faucet valve

by Dr. Evans Bernhard Published 1 year ago Updated 1 year ago
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How to Fix

  • Turn off your shower faucet water supply.
  • Unscrew the faucet handle using either a screwdriver or an Allen key (the type of screw varies depending on the shower faucet models).
  • Master how the inside of the faucet looks as it will aid you during reinstallation. ...
  • Extract the internal parts of your faucet and place them in a jar of vinegar.

More items...

Part of a video titled How to Repair a Shower Valve Stem | Ask This Old House
0:57
7:15
A good tip is to make sure you have something in the tub drain. So you don't drop it right down theMoreA good tip is to make sure you have something in the tub drain. So you don't drop it right down the drain. All right so there's that and what's behind here is a Phillips screw.

Full Answer

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 replace a shower valve?

  • Remove the old valve assembly and disconnect from piping.
  • Fit the new valve assembly into place.
  • Connect the new shower valve to the water supply using appropriate methods. ...
  • Turn on water supply and monitor the valve for leakage. ...
  • Replace the trim plate and handle.

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 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

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Can a shower valve 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 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 valve?

0:497:49How to repair replace 3 way Shower Faucet Diverter - FAST & EASY!YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSet the screw in a safe location. And we can pull the cap off now see how easy that was chances areMoreSet the screw in a safe location. And we can pull the cap off now see how easy that was chances are yours might not be that easy yours might be very rusted corroded and oxidized.

How do I know if my shower valve is broken?

Signs You Could Have a Faulty Shower ValveTrouble Turning the Handle. Do you have difficulty turning on your shower? ... Unexpected Temperature Changes. ... Loss of Water Pressure. ... Shower Head Leaks.

Can you replace shower valve without removing tile?

This may require some cutting or removal of the tile around the shower valve opening to access the leak. While your plumber will take great care to cut or remove only enough tile as necessary, you could face some minor tile repair depending on the size of the opening.

How do you replace a shower valve 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.

Can you fix a diverter valve?

Diverter valves can become damaged or stuck. This is because they're a moving part and can be oscillating between being open or closed many times a day. However, they are fixable.

Why is my shower diverter not working?

The most common issue with a shower diverter is when water comes out of both the tub faucet and the showerhead. Check to be sure there is no residue clogging the shower diverter lever from fully lifting or lowering. If everything looks clear, the problem could be worn-out parts in the shower diverter valve.

How do you replace a shower diverter cartridge?

0:499:29How to Replace a Shower Cartridge | Ask This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHold the handle. Turn counterclockwise okay now there's a cover plate right here with two additionalMoreHold the handle. Turn counterclockwise okay now there's a cover plate right here with two additional screws. And once we loosen. Those the plate should come. Off.

What happens when a shower valve goes bad?

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 I know if I need a new shower valve?

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.

How do I know what type of shower valve 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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