Whether you have a leaking shower faucet or a clogged one, there are several things that you can do to fix it. Before you begin, locate the water supply to your shower. This can be located inside the bathroom, in the basement, or the front of the house. If you cannot locate it, turn off the main water supply and check the shower to ensure it is not faulty. Next, remove the faucet handle. To do this, you need to remove the cap that covers the internal handle screw. Then, you can use a handle puller to pry off the handle.
Repairing a leaking shower faucet
If you’re having trouble with your shower faucet, you can fix it with a few simple steps. First, remove the cover cap on the faucet handle. Next, remove the faceplate and locking clip on the valve. Finally, remove the shower cartridge and replace it with the new one.
Before working on the shower faucet, ensure the water supply is turned off. You can find a shut-off valve on the opposite side of the shower or basement. If you can’t find this, turn off the water supply to the entire house. In addition, make sure you have the right tools and materials.
To replace the faucet, first, remove the old faucet. Many homes have access panels on the wall opposite the faucet. You may have to cut a hole in the wall to reach the pipe if there isn’t one. Once you have removed the old faucet, you can install the new one. Carefully remove the old faucet and avoid twisting or turning the pipes.
Replacing a valve cartridge
Replacing a valve cartridge on dripping shower faucets can be simple if you have the proper tools. Most home centers or plumbing supply stores carry the replacement parts you need. Some models will also come with a unique tool to remove the cartridge. A screwdriver and pliers are also helpful.
The valve cartridge is one of the first things to check when you notice problems with your shower faucet. A damaged cartridge may only need to be repaired on one side or require a complete replacement. To learn how to replace a shower cartridge, follow the instructions below.
To remove the cartridge, unscrew the retaining clip and then remove the cartridge. Make sure to grease the new cartridge before placing it inside the valve. You can use an extractor tool to align the two.
Finding a leak in a shower faucet
Despite the common misconception that repairing a leaky shower faucet is difficult, it can be straightforward. You can find a leak by looking at the plumbing behind the shower. Thankfully, access panels for your shower can make it easy to see what is going on behind the faucet. Otherwise, you may need to cut a window out of the drywall and inspect the water pipes underneath.
The first step in finding a leak is to find the main water shut-off valve. This valve is usually located near the bathroom sink or the water heater. If you don’t have a central water shutoff valve in your home, you can shut off the water on the street. Otherwise, call a plumber to come and fix the leak.
Once you’ve located the leak, you can try to reassemble the faucet. If you’re dealing with a single-handle shower faucet, you can try to remove the handle and reattach it with a Phillips screwdriver. You can also use an old toothbrush and a vinegar-water solution to remove mineral deposits from the pipes. The next step is to fix the knobs and valves of the faucet. You may have to replace the washers, too.
Finding a clogged shower faucet
If you have a clogged shower faucet, don’t be afraid to try a few home remedies. You can try boiling water to clear the drain. Be careful, though, as boiling water can cause damage to PVC pipes. A different method is to use a drain snake. It is easy to use, but you must wear rubber gloves.
You can also try flushing out the valve, which will usually flush out debris from the valve seat. In addition, you should check the other faucets in your house to rule out other problems. In some cases, the problem may be with the shutoff valve. It could have accidentally been turned off, but you can quickly turn it back on. Otherwise, it’s time to call a plumber.
To start, turn off the water flow from the primary valve, which is located behind the shower fixture. Then, take the control handle out of the fixture. Generally, the control handle is held in place by a screw at the base of the handle or underneath it. You can turn on the water in the shower to check for leaks.
