How to Troubleshoot a Gerber Shower Handle

Check for tight screws when you troubleshoot your Gerber shower handle.

Founded in 1932, Gerber Plumbing Fixtures manufactures plumbing supplies such as shower faucets and handles. Whether you have an acrylic, brass or chrome Gerber shower handle, daily wear can cause problems. If you have a shower handle that is loose or leaking, you can takes some steps to identify the root problem. You’ll need a few tools when trying to determine why your Gerber shower handle is not working.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Faucet handle puller
• Utility knife
• Adjustable pliers

Instructions

Stuck Shower Handle

1. Remove the screw inside the center of the Gerber shower handle.

2. Unscrew the retaining screw that holds the decorative plate against the shower wall.

3. Insert the faucet handle puller directly into the slot that houses the center screw. Place the arms of the handle puller beneath the sides of the handle.

4. Twist the puller to the right. As you twist the tool, the arms will rise while lifting the shower handle from its stuck moorings.

Loose Shower Handle

1. Tighten the screw inside the center of the shower handle with a screwdriver.

2. Test the handle by moving it back and forth. If the handle is still loose, check for problems inside the Gerber faucet.

3. Turn the water off at the main shut-off valve in the house.

4. Remove the screw from the center of the plate on the shower handle.

5. Unscrew the access screw for the escutcheon or decorative plate covering the shower handle.

6. Cut away any caulk from around the plate with a utility knife. Take care not to damage the fixture with the knife. Pry the plate from the wall.

7. Remove the retaining nut and pull the ceramic cartridge out with the adjustable pliers. Remove the cartridge by pulling it straight out of the faucet to prevent damaging the faucet.

8. Run warm water over the cartridge to clean it. You can use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to clean the cartridge. Rinse well with warm water. Check for signs of damage as you clean the cartridge.

9. Reinstall the cartridge and replace the shower handle. Tighten the retaining nut and replace the decorative cover. Tighten all the screws.

10. Turn the water back on at the main shut-off in the home. Move the shower handle back and forth to ensure it turns the water on and off properly without being loose.

Tips & Warnings

• Replace the cartridge if you find any cracked or broken pieces. You can find Gerber shower replacement cartridges at home improvement or kitchen and bath fixtures stores.

• If your Gerber handle is still loose or the faucet continues to leak, call a plumber to determine the cause.

• Sometimes running hot water over the fixture will loosen the shower handle.

References

• This Old House: Tool Box: Faucet Handle Puller
• Gerber Plumbing Fixtures: Why Gerber