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How To Replace The 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.

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 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 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 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 I change a shower valve?

Replacing a Faulty Shower Valve Step 1: Block the Shower Drain. Step 2: Cut Off Supply of Water. Step 3: Remove the Handle. Step 4: Loosen the Trim Plate. Step 5: Remove the Old Valve. Step 6: Fixing a New Valve. Step 7: Attach the Water Supply. Step 8: Test for Leakage.

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 much does it cost to replace a 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 $693.61.5 days ago.

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).

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

The most obvious and quickest solution is to look for a logo — the manufacturer’s symbol — that identifies its faucets. Each manufacturer has a distinctive logo that sometimes appears on the escutcheon — the plate beneath the faucet — the body of the faucet, the spout itself or somewhere on the handle.

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.

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.

What happens when a shower valve goes bad?

There are a few ways to tell if your shower cartridge has gone bad: Dripping or running water when you turn your shower off (most common) Difficulty turning the shower handle, which worsens over time. Shower handle gets stuck or “slips” and doesn’t turn on the water.

Where is the water shut off valve for my shower?

This supply valve is usually near the bottom left side of the toilet tank. For showers/tubs, look around the tub or shower for an access panel. It may be on the other side of the wall from the tub or shower.

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.