How to Fix a Shower Faucet

The average homeowner should be able to fix a leaky or broken shower faucet. It just takes a little time and some ordinary household tools.

Things You'll Need

• Adjustable Wrench
• Flat-head or Phillips-head screwdriver
• Replacement parts (washers and/or faucet handles)
• Old cloths or rags

Instructions

1. Shut off the water supply to the shower. If the shower does not have a cut-off valve for that particular fixture, you will need to shut off the water supply to the entire house.

2. Open the faucets and allow the water to completely drain from the pipes. This will reduce or eliminate the chances of water splashing or pouring out while the repairs are being made.

3. Locate the screw on the faucet handle. Sometimes a clear or decorative cover has been placed over the screw housing. Use a flat-head screwdriver to gently pry this off.

4. Using the appropriate screwdriver, loosen the screw and remove the faucet handle.

5. Most leaks are caused by worn out or damaged rubber washers. If this is the case with your shower faucet, all that is needed is to replace the worn out or damaged washer with a new one.

6. If the washer does not need replacing, check to see if the faucet part itself needs to be tightened. If so, use the adjustable wrench to tighten the faucet.

7. Replace the handle, turn the water back on, and check to see if the leak has stopped. If it hasn't, make sure the washer is the right size, or try to tighten the faucet a little more.

8. If the faucet is broken, follow Steps 1-3, but completely remove all parts of the shower faucet. Take the parts to a store that sells plumbing supplies so that you will be sure to buy the correct replacement parts.

9. Install the new faucet. If there are no instructions included with the replacement parts, simply install the shower faucet where the old one was. The screw holes will already be there, and it will simply be a matter of fitting each part where it belongs, and attaching them firmly.

10. After the new faucet has been installed, follow Step 7.

Tips & Warnings

• Use cloths or rags to wipe up excess water, and to protect the area around the shower faucet when making repairs.

• Assemble all tools and materials before you even turn off the water. Have both a flat head and a Phillips-head screwdriver on hand, unless you know for sure what type screw head is on the shower faucet.

• Do not over-tighten screws or other parts. This may cause them to break or become damaged.

• If you do not feel confident enough to do the job by yourself, ask for help. Better a little assistance than a large plumbing bill.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish