How to Replace a Water Valve on a Shower

Shower plumbing is notorious for resulting in leaks from the showerhead. More often than not, the cause of the leak can be traced to a defective water valve controlled by the faucet handle. The most important task in repairing a defective water valve is locating the proper replacement valve. It is therefore imperative that the valve's size be determined by locating the brand name and model number stamped into the side of the valve. Once the correct replacement valve has been located, the replacement process is relatively simple.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Flathead screwdriver
• Adjustable wrench
• Adjustable pliers

1. Remove the faucet's handle from the damaged valve by first prying off the index cap from the center of the handle with the blade of a flathead screwdriver, then by removing the screw from the center of the handle and pulling the handle off of the valve.

2. Remove the escutcheon plate which sits against the wall behind the valve's handle by removing the plate's retaining screws and pulling the plate away from the wall.

3. Turn off the water supply to the defective valve by turning the hot and cold shutoff valves in a clockwise direction with a flathead screwdriver. There is one shutoff valve located on either side of the valve.

4. Remove the threaded ring that holds the valve in place with an adjustable wrench. The threaded ring is located on the face of the valve. Grasp the tip of the valve with a pair of adjustable pliers, then withdraw the valve from the wall.

5. Insert the new shower valve into place, then slide the threaded ring over the valve and tighten it with an adjustable wrench.

6. Turn on the water supply by turning both shutoff valves in a counterclockwise direction with a flathead screwdriver.

7. Place the escutcheon plate against the wall and insert and tighten the plate's retaining screw(s) with a screwdriver, then side the valve's handle onto the valve and secure it into place with the handle's single retaining screw. Press the index cap onto the center of the handle to complete the replacement.

References

• Home Improvement 1-2-3, Benjamin Allen, 2003