QA

How To Replace Bathroom Shower Faucet

Is it easy to replace a shower faucet?

Even if you’re not very experienced with bath or plumbing projects, many of the steps necessary for replacing an old or damaged shower faucet are relatively simple.

Can you replace a shower faucet without replacing the valve?

The cover & handle, shower head and faucet head are all easily replaced. The faucet head usually has a compression with a hex head screw from the underneath or pipe threaded on to the water supply. So the answer is yes it can be replaced without replacing the valve.

Can I replace a shower valve myself?

Shower valves can get damaged, you have to get a replacement immediately to prevent water from leaking out completely. A plumber can do a quick fix, but taking some easy steps to replace the shower valve yourself isn’t a bad idea. It is a way to save money and gain useful skills at the same time.

Can you replace shower fixtures without removing tile?

Does the Repair Require Tile Replacement? This may require some cutting or removal of the tile around the shower valve opening to access the leak. While your plumber will take great care to cut or remove only enough tile as necessary, you could face some minor tile repair depending on the size of the opening.

How do you remove a shower faucet?

Remove Faucet Handles Turn the shut-off valve on the water line for the shower and tub to turn off the water. Place the tip of a screwdriver beneath the edge of the decorative cap on a handle to pry it off. Turn screws in the center of the faucet handles counterclockwise to remove them, and pull the handles off.

What kind of shower valve do I have?

If you want to know how to identify the shower valve manufacturer, check behind the shower handle at the center of the trim plate for the manufacturer’s symbol or brand name. You will see one of the following shower faucet logos: K: the manufacturer is Kohler. M: the manufacturer is Moen.

How do you replace a shower faucet without the access panel?

If you don’t have an access panel, you might be able to replace the faucet by cutting a hole in the shower surround (Problem 3 below), but the best solution is to install a paintable plastic panel behind the faucet.

How often should you change a shower valve?

It only takes for you to clean out your shower head and replace it every six to eight months.

Can you replace shower faucet without cutting wall?

The entire faucet, no, but the stem goes in from the front. So a leaking faucet usually can be repaired from the front without disturbing the wall behind it. The shower arm and head can be replaced from the front, but the plumbing from the faucet and the elbow much be replaced from the wall behind.

How much does it cost to change shower faucet?

The national average materials cost to install a shower faucet is $249.08 per faucet, with a range between $147.27 to $350.88. The total price for labor and materials per faucet is $562.02, coming in between $430.43 to $693.61.7 days ago.

What is the difference between a shower valve and cartridge?

Conventional shower stem valves consist of a metal body concealed behind the shower stall’s wall. Cartridge shower faucet assemblies might consist of one or two handles. A single-handle cartridge faucet opens and closes water flow with an up and down motion, and regulates temperature with a left or right motion.

How do you remove a shower faucet without screws?

Turn the bathtub faucet spout counterclockwise with the pipe wrench until you can twist the spout by hand. Remove the wrench and finish unthreading the spout by hand and remove it from the wall.

How do I know what kind of bathroom faucet I have?

Three types of bathroom faucets are likely to have a single handle: the ball, disc and single handle cartridge types. You can tell if you have a ball type if the handle rotates, wiggles and coasts in any direction like a joystick on what looks like a ball set into the top of the faucet.

How do I know what shower cartridge I have?

Use a caliper or ruler and measure the cartridge. Do this by measuring from the base to the tip (from seat to splines). Pay attention to the length tier of your cartridge (Lengths range from 1–12). Next, identify the broach pattern with the broach chart (see page B-5).

Do you need an access panel for shower?

Placing the Tub/Shower Panel Even though it isn’t required, it’s a good idea to have an access panel behind the tub and shower. If a wall separates the tub from the toilet or another part of the bathroom, then the outside of that wall provides an ideal location for a panel.

How do I know if I need a new shower valve?

The first issue to look for is if there are any leaks in the valve when you turn on the water. If there are drips, that’s a good indication that you should think about replacing the valve. Because, not only are you wasting water, but water that leaks behind the wall can cause rot as well as mold and mildew growth.