How to Troubleshoot a Dripping Shower Faucet

A dripping shower faucet wastes water and your money.

Drips coming from your shower's faucet result from the seals on the faucet's stem breaking down over time. A water drip will end up increasing the amount of water you use at your house, increasing the water bill. In order to stop the dripping, you must replace the worn-out water valve cartridge from the faucet. When you purchase a new cartridge, be sure to pick up a cartridge puller that is compatible with the brand faucet you are servicing.

Things You'll Need

• Allen wrench
• Phillips screwdriver
• Handle puller tool
• Cartridge puller
• Replacement water valve cartridge

Instructions

1. Place your hand under the water as it drips from the faucet, if the faucet has two or three control handles. Note the temperature of the water, indicating whether you need to repair the hot or cold water valve.

2. Turn off all the water in the house by closing the main water valve. Turn on another faucet to drain any water left in the pipes and to make sure that the water is completely shut off.

3. Remove the water control handle's retaining screw, located either at the base or in the middle, under a plastic cover. Pull the handle off the valve assembly, or clamp a handle-puller tool to the handle and twist the puller's center post clockwise to remove the handle.

4. Remove any adapter pieces either by unscrewing them from the valve post or by simply pulling them off. Pull off the metal washer from the valve post, and remove the retaining clip on the side of the valve using a flat-head screwdriver.

5. Twist the valve stem cartridge counterclockwise using a wrench, until the cartridge comes free of the pipe. If the cartridge will not turn, slide a cartridge-puller tool over the cartridge and use the handles to turn the tool counterclockwise.

6. Insert the new valve cartridge into the pipe, lining up the notches in the cartridge with the notches on the water pipe. Replace the other parts of the faucet in the reverse order you removed them, and then open the house's main water valve.

References

• Family Handyman: How to Fix a Dripping Shower