It would help if you first disconnected the water supply from the main to repair a leaky shower faucet. Once you have done this, you can open the tap. Next, you will need a towel to soak up the water released by the pipes. Once you have done this, you can replace the faucet and ensure that your floor is dry.
To replace the shower faucet, you will need a new cartridge. You can buy one at a hardware store or home improvement store. It should be an exact match for the old one. The new cartridge should fit perfectly in place. If it does not, you will have to start over. Reassembling the faucet handle is accessible; reverse the steps to remove it. Before turning on the water supply, you should test the faucet to ensure it is working again.
The first step in repairing a leaky shower faucet is to remove the cartridge. Often, this part is hidden behind the handle. Fortunately, it’s easy to remove it with a flat-head screwdriver. If you don’t have access to a flat-head screwdriver, you can use a jar gripper to loosen the escutcheon.
The next step in repairing a leaky shower faucet is to replace the cartridge. To replace the cartridge, you’ll need a deep-well socket wrench available online or at a hardware store. It will enable you to reach the hidden nuts. When you do so, be sure to grease the new cartridge with the plumber’s grease. Once these are done, you can replace the escutcheon and cap. After replacing the cartridge, test the water valve and ensure that the water is flowing correctly.
The repair is more complicated if the leaky shower faucet has two handles. Remove the faucet’s faceplate and nut at the stem to repair the leak. This may require draining the water from both handles. After removing the faceplate and nut, you can replace the shower cartridge with a new one.
Depending on the type of faucet, a leaky shower faucet may be caused by various issues. One of the most common is the O-ring. This circular device in the tap forms a seal when the faucet is turned on and off. In most cases, this part will wear out over time.
Then, install the spout. To do this:
- Use a screwdriver to loosen the screw beneath the ornamental button.
- After this, use a Phillips screwdriver to loosen the screw underneath it.
- Attach the valve handle.
You can try soaking the faucet parts in a vinegar solution if all else fails. The answer will kill the buildup and keep the faucet working longer. The vinegar solution can also be used to clean the shower head itself. After cleaning, you can apply Teflon tape around the threads to prevent future leaks.
