Fix a Leaky Shower Faucet
A leaking shower faucet will cost you money on your water bill. However, you don't have to spend additional money on a professional plumber to get it fixed. Following a few simple steps will allow you to get the job done on your own. The following explains how to fix a shower faucet.
Contents
Steps
Fixing the faucet handle
A handle that does not turn off properly may be the source of a leaking shower faucet.
- Make sure that the faucet handle is turned as far as it can go in the off position.
- If water is still leaking, the handle may be the problem.
- Turn off the water valves.
- These will be located in the bathroom or basement.
- If you cannot locate the water valves, turn off the main water valve to your home. This should be located outside of the front of your home.
- Attempt to turn the shower on and confirm that no water comes out.
- Remove the faucet handle.
- This is the handle that is used to turn the shower on and off.
- Pry off the handle cap (located at the outside tip of the handle) with a pocketknife. This will expose the internal handle screw.
- Unscrew the handle screw with a screwdriver.
- If it does not come off, heat it with a hair dryer. If that does not work, purchase a handle puller from a hardware or home improvement store.
- Remove the cartridge.
- The cartridge is a large ring that is adjacent to the wall. It will be exposed after you remove the faucet handle.
- Use a cartridge puller. This can be found at a hardware or home improvement store.
- Install a new cartridge.
- This can be purchased at a hardware or home improvement store.
- Screw on the new cartridge in the same place you removed the previous cartridge.
- Make sure the handle is in the "Off" position.
- If the shower faucet is no longer leaking, the problem has been fixed.
- If the shower faucet is still leaking, proceed to fix the faucet.
Fixing the shower faucet
- Turn off the water valves if they are not already off.
- These will be located in the bathroom or basement.
- If you cannot locate the water valves, turn off the main water valve to your home. This should be located outside of the front of your home.
- Attempt to turn the shower on and confirm that no water comes out.
- Remove the shower faucet.
- Use a wrench or pliers.
- Allow any remaining water to drain out of the faucet.
- Replace the rubber gasket.
- This is located inside the faucet.
- A new gasket can be purchased at a hardware or home improvement store.
- Make sure that it fits properly and does not move while inside the faucet.
- Re-attach the shower faucet.
- Use a wrench or pliers to fasten it back to its original position.
- Make sure the shower is no longer leaking.
- If it is still leaking, contact a professional plumber.
Tips
- If you purchase a cartridge puller, be sure that it works with your brand of faucet. If you are unsure what brand you have, take the cartridge to the store with you and an experienced associate should know which products will work.
Things You'll Need
- Cartridge
- Gasket (optional)
- Wrench or pliers
- Handle puller (optional)
