How to Repair a Shower Valve Stem
- Turn off the water at the water main or wherever it enters the house.
- Cover the tub/shower drain with a cloth to prevent small parts from dropping into the drainpipe.
- Use a pocketknife to pry off the small round index cover from the shower’s hot-water faucet handle.
- Remove the screw holding the handle in place, then pull the handle free of the valve stem.
- By hand, unscrew and remove the escutcheon to expose the stem.
- Use a valve socket and pliers to loosen and remove the old stem from the wall.
- Unthread the existing seat from inside the valve with a seat wrench.
- Brush pipe-thread sealant onto the threaded end of the new stem seat.
- Use the seat wrench to tighten the new stem seat into the valve.
- Carefully hand-tighten the new valve stem into the valve body, then tighten it with the valve socket and pliers.
- Repeat the previous eight steps to install new seats and stems onto the diverter and cold-water faucet handle.
- Apply plumber’s putty to the back of each escutcheon plate, then hand-tighten them onto the stems. Remove any excess putty that squeezes out.
- Screw the handles onto the valve stems.
- Snap the index covers back onto the handles.
- Remove the cloth from the drain, turn the water back on, and test your work.
How to replace a broken Moen shower valve stem?
- Remove retainer clip (#3) from valve body (#5).
- Screw a 1/2"-13 (N.C) or a 1/2"-20 (N.F.) tap wrench into the inside of the cartridge shell. ...
- Remove the tap wrench.
- Cut a 3/8" hardwood dowel 1-3/4" long.
- Drop the hardwood dowel into the cartridge shell (#2).
- Re-thread the tap wrench into the cartridge shell (#2). ...
How to repair a leaking shower faucet stem?
- If the handle has a cap, remove it with a flat head screwdriver. Use a Phillips screwdriver to unscrew the handle.
- Remove the faceplate behind the handle from the shower wall. ...
- Find the metal sleeve over the shower valve. ...
- If the shower valve has a locking clip, pry it off with needle nose pliers or a screwdriver.
How do I repair the diverter in a shower?
How do I fix shower diverter?
- 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.
How to install rough in valve for shower?
Tools For The Job
- Prepare Your Moen Shower Valve. Some prep work needs to be done to the Moen shower valve. ...
- Insert The Valve Into the Wall. Since this is a rough-in, your wall should already be open. ...
- Secure The Joints. This step is vital but can also be dangerous. ...
- Re-Insert The Cartridge. ...
- Install The Shower Valve Handle. ...
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 you fix a shower diverter stem?
How to Repair a Shower DiverterTurn off the water supply to your shower.Seal off your drain with tape so that small screws or other important parts are not lost down the drainpipe.Tighten the screws behind the faceplate of the diverter valve. ... Disassemble the shower diverter. ... Replace the diverter.More items...•
Can a shower cartridge be repaired?
Most single-handle, cartridge-style faucets can be repaired in an hour or less with basic tools.
How much does it cost to replace a shower valve stem?
Most homeowners pay around $310 to have a plumber replace the stem and internal parts only. Replacing the entire shower valve however, cost an average of $540 installed. This cost includes the new valve, removal of the old broken shower vale, as well as all parts and supplies, labor, and disposal of the old parts.
How do you rebuild a shower diverter valve?
Diverter Valve on a SpigotUnscrew the set screw. See how the spigot is attached to the wall. ... Unscrew spigot from the wall. Be careful! ... Wash Supply Pipe. Make sure that you clean off any bits of gunk from the supply pipe. ... Replace new spout on the copper pipe. ... Test it and make sure it works!
Do I need to turn the water off to change a shower diverter?
If you're only working on the diverter, you don't need to turn off the water supply to the faucet. While working, place a cloth over the tub drain to prevent any dropped screws from going down the drain. Some showers use a diverter built into the tub spout activated by lifting a button on the spout.
Is a shower valve the same as a cartridge?
The shower valve is the inner device within the wall that regulates water temperature, flow, and output to the showerhead, tub spout, and other shower accessories. The cartridge in the valve connects it to the external trim handles as a supporting player in controlling the water flow and temperature.
How much should it cost to replace a shower cartridge?
between $200 and $400On average, it costs between $200 and $400 to replace a shower cartridge. Various factors impact the replacement price, including labor, parts, and location. If you're looking for a more accurate quote, then contact a plumber near you.
How do I know what type of shower valve I have?
Look at the center of the trim plate behind the shower handle to find a brand name or manufacturer symbol. If you see a "K," the faucet is a Kohler unit; an "M" signifies Moen. American Standard, Delta and Price Pfister typically print their entire name on the faucet itself.
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 long should a shower valve last?
The valves are easy to move against pressure. Control the volume from off to full on by leaving them set to the same temperature. The system costs about $30 to replace, but they last for 20 to 30 years.
How much does a plumber charge to replace shower handle?
The average cost to replace a shower valve with hot and cold handles will sit around $75 on average. Showers with two-handle options that control the temp and pressure separately are typically about $110. The shower valves that control temp and pressure with one handle and water flow with the other sit around $130.
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 does a diverter stem work?
When the diverter valve is open, water flows directly through the faucet and into the tub. However, when you want to take a shower, you lift the knob or lever to close the diverter valve. This creates pressure, forcing the water flow upward and out of the showerhead.
How much does it cost to replace a shower diverter?
Replacing a shower diverter valve costs $225 to $575, including materials and labor. A shower diverter valve switches the flow of water between the bathtub spout or shower head and is typically controlled by a small handle located on the center trim plate or near the tub spout.
How does a shower valve stem work?
A two-handle stem shower faucet has a stem with a washer that presses against a seat to seal off water. A three-handle unit adds a stemlike diverter to direct water up to the shower or down to the tub spout. Getting the parts Often leaks can be fixed simply by replacing the washers.
How To Fix A Broken Shower Handle Stem
The first thing to do if you have a broken shower handle is to identify the brand and model. You can then buy a replacement stem from your local home improvement store. Once you have the part, follow the steps below.
Common Questions
While replacing a shower handle stem isn’t hard, you might still have questions or doubts. Find some answers below.
To End
Fixing a broken shower handle stem is child’s play as long as you can identify the shower faucet manufacturer and model. We hope this guide can help you fix your shower without having to spend money on a new valve or faucet.
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.
How to remove a valve set?
Some valve sets are secured with a retainer nut that holds them in place. To remove the nut, hold the valve while you unscrew the nut with a wrench. You can then proceed with removing your valve.
How to get a valve out of a wall?
Use pliers to pull the valve out of the wall. Grip the metal end of the valve cartridge firmly and pull the valve back and out of the wall. If it gets stuck at any point, wiggle it as you go to dislodge it. After you take it out of the wall, set it aside or discard it to keep it out of the way.
Why won't my valve cartridge slide into the wall?
If your valve cartridge will not slide into the wall or seems too small for the slot, you may have bought the wrong size. Double-check the valve size and model to make sure it matches your old cartridge.
What is a shower trim plate?
Shower trim plates are usually known as Escutcheon trim plates, in case you need to ask a home repair professional about your specific model.
What to do if there is no water shut off valve?
If there are no shutoff valves behind the wall, you will need to locate and turn off water to the entire home and then open a fixture to relieve the pressure and drain the water.
What to do if you can't find water stops for shower?
Turn off the water supply to the entire house if you cannot find the water stops for your shower.
How to fix a shower handle stem?
If you have particularly hard water, mineral deposits, or scale, can lodge in the ribs on the valve stem and turn what is supposed to be a ribbed cylinder into a smooth one. Vinegar will dissolve scale, but it needs time to work. If you can remove the valve, you can soak it overnight in distilled vinegar.
What to do if shower handle isn't working?
If it isn't, you'll probably have to replace the cartridge or compression valve depending on which type of faucet you have. Before you do that, you can employ a couple of quick fixes. You can also try another shower handle stem repair strategy that isn't as quick but may be effective.
How to remove cartridge valve?
If you have a cartridge valve, you remove the cartridge either by loosening a retaining ring with locking pliers or pulling a retaining pin using needle-nose pliers. It may take some muscle to get the cartridge out. If you can't do it, you may need to rent a cartridge puller from your local plumbing supply outlet.
Why does my shower handle not grip?
You turn the handle to adjust the temperature or flow rate, but nothing happens. The problem is that the ribbed end of the shower valve stem has stripped, and the handle no longer grips it. This is a fairly common problem with older valves, and it may or may not be fixable. If it isn't, you'll probably have to replace the cartridge ...
How to get a faucet handle to work?
The stem may actually be worn, but if you can still see ribs, you may be able to get the handle working by bulking up the faucet stem with plumbing tape. Wrap the tape as many times around as it takes to make the handle fit tightly. You'll probably need at least five turns.
