How Do You Change A Shower Faucet

Your faucet uses a arrangement of valves and handles to control the temperature and menstruum of water in your bathtub or shower. In many cases, faucet problems stem from i of these components. Replacing or repairing a faucet isn't difficult, but the procedure volition vary based on your plumbing and the nature of the effect. Here's a look at a variety of solutions for your troublesome faucet or valve.

On This Page:

1. Steps to Replace/ Install Faucet by Type
   1. Single-handle/Unmarried Valve
   2. Double-handle
   3. 3-handle
   4. Ball or Thermostatic Faucets
2. Boosted Considerations
   1. Tub Spout Diverter Replacement Steps
3. Repairing a Leak
4. Installation by Make
1. Kohler
2. Moen
3. Delta
5. Is It Time To Upgrade?
6. Hiring a Pro

How to Replace or Install Valves past Faucet Type

Of import note: Be sure to plough off the water before y'all begin. If you can't observe the valve that turns off the shower, turn off the h2o to the entire firm (should be in basement or outside). And so turn on the shower and let the pipes drain out. When you turn the h2o back on, turn on all of your taps to force out whatever air that may have gotten in. When the water flow is steady, you lot're done.

Unmarried-Handle Faucets

Commonly constitute in single-handle faucets, valve cartridges are cylindrical devices that use O-rings to control the flow of water. Replacement is the easiest manner to set up cartridge-related problems.

• Fourth dimension: 15 minutes to 1 hour
• Cost: $twenty to $100
• Tools:
• Phillips screwdriver
• Small flathead screwdriver
• Pocketknife
• Optional- Handle puller and/or cartridge puller (may require an adaptable wrench)

1. Turn off your water.
2. Locate the set screw nether the handle or cap at the front of the unit of measurement. Remove the screw and pull.
3. Use a screwdriver to remove the servant clip at the meridian of the cartridge housing. Exist sure not to lose this slice.
4. Remove the cartridge by gently pulling with pliers. Some manufacturers provide a cap that threads onto the valve to aid in removal. You may have to purchase a cartridge removal tool if it's stuck.
5. Accept the quondam cartridge to the hardware store to ensure you get the correct replacement. Cartridges are specific to faucet make a model.
6. Insert the new cartridge.
7. Replace the retaining clip and reassemble your faucet. Turn the water dorsum on to make sure your faucet doesn't leak.

Notation: Replacing your cartridge's O-rings can sometimes help. O-ring kits cost around $1.00.

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Ii-Handle Faucets

Common in 2-handle faucets, stems are mechanisms that apply threaded handles and rubber seals to open and close water lines. Installing a new stem is the easiest mode to ready a malfunction, but you can an besides supervene upon faulty hardware like seals and O-rings.

• Time: xx minutes to 1 hour depending on experience
• Toll: $1.00 to $iii.00 depending on faucet manufacturer
• Tools:
• Phillips screwdriver
• Pocket-sized flathead screwdriver
• Pocketknife
• Pipage wrench
• Optional- Handle puller and/or shower valve socket wrench

1. Pry away the alphabetize cap at the forepart of the handle to access the handle spiral. Remove the screw and pull. Use a handle puller if it'due south stuck. You can buy a puller at your local hardware shop for between $9 and $15.
2. Utilize pliers to gently turn the stalk counterclockwise.
3. Remove the spiral at the end of the stem and install a new washer. Be certain the replacement washer is an exact match and coated with petroleum jelly.
4. Observe the O-ring and swap information technology out with a new one as well. Be sure to coat the new O-band in petroleum jelly.
5. Spiral in your new stem and add the handle hardware dorsum in place.
6. If you're installing a new stem, throw the former one away and screw in your replacement.
7. Put the bonnet nut and handles back on the unit.

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Iii-Handle and Diverter Faucets

Three-handle faucets have temperature stems (hot and cold handles) and diverter stems. Hither's how to repair both:

• Fourth dimension: xv minutes to 1 hour depending on experience
• Toll: $3.00 to $27.00 depending on manufacturer of replacement parts
• Tools:
• Phillips screwdriver
• Small flathead screwdriver
• Pocketknife
• Pipe wrench
• Optional- Handle puller and/or shower valve socket wrench

Temperature Stems

You can fix temperature stem issues the same style yous would a ii-handle faucet. Here's a quick how-to:

1. Pry away the index cap at the forepart of the handle to admission the handle spiral. Remove the screw and pull. Use a handle puller if it's stuck. Yous can buy a puller at your local hardware store for between $9 and $15.
2. Employ pliers or a deep-socket wrench to gently turn the stem counterclockwise.
3. Wrap Teflon tape around the base of your stem and screw it into place.
4. Supplant the handle hardware.

Wall Diverter Stems

Your wall diverter is commonly the third handle in a three-handle valve. Swapping out your faulty diverter valve is the easiest way to address this issue. Here's how:

1. Remove the cap and handle as in the single handle guide. You may have a sleeve over yours. Gently remove it, being careful not to mar the finish.
2. With a socket wrench, remove the erstwhile valve.
3. Wrap Teflon tape around the threads of the new valve, leaving the first few threads bare to ensure a grip.
4. Insert the new diverter and give it an extra quarter plough after information technology'southward tight. Do non force it.
5. With the handle, turn it and test the water to make sure it only comes out of where it'southward supposed to. This is also a expert fourth dimension to shine a flashlight into the valve and make sure there are no leaks.
6. Reassemble the diverter handle.

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Ball and Thermostatic Faucets

Ball and thermostatic valves will require the help of a professional. These faucet designs utilize complicated designs that aren't as DIY-able as stems or cartridges.

Additional Replacement Considerations

Tub Spout Diverter

A faulty diverter in your spout will impact the efficiency of your shower. Replacing your tub's spout is the easiest way to solve this problem. Hither's a how-to:

• Time: 15 minutes to ane hour
• Cost: $3.00 to $27.00
• Tools:
• Phillips screwdriver
• Small flathead screwdriver
• Pocketknife
• Flashlight
• Channel locks
• Shower socket wrench (for wall-type)
• Teflon tape
• Plumber's dope
• Optional– Handle puller

1. Using channel locks or a pipe wrench, turn counterclockwise to remove the tub spout. The former pipe should come up off equally well. If not, use the wrench to remove it. Some spouts are held on with a set screw. Bank check for this before trying to plow the spout.
2. Make clean the wall to ensure a snug fit.
3. Your new spout should come with a new pipe. Wrap both ends in plumber'southward tape to ensure a skillful seal.
4. Screw in your new pipe and tighten information technology with a wrench.
5. Screw on the new tub spout and tighten it with a wrench. Wrap fabric or something protective around the spout to avoid marring the finish. If it has a set-screw type, merely slide information technology on and tighten.
6. Use a bead of caulk where the spout meets the wall.

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Repairing a Leaky Faucet

It'due south normal for your shower to baste for a few minutes after the water is turned off. But a steady menses may bespeak a leak. Replacing your faulty hardware is a common fix, but leaks tin can also exist stopped past repairing your valve or stalk. Here's a quick rundown of simple repairs.

The majority of issues stem from a faulty valve or component. Bad O-rings and faulty seats and seals are repairable issues. In almost cases, replacing the damaged hardware is the best way to meliorate the issue, but gently soaking and scrubbing cartridges or stems tin remove buildup and improve its sealing capabilities.

Repairing or replacing your faucet components isn't ever easy. Phone call a pro if you're unsure about tackling either of these jobs.

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Faucet Installation by Make

Most faucet hardware installations are simple. Simply some can vary based on their brand. Here's a quick guide for the iii major faucet manufacturers.

Kohler

• Install the spout. You can screw on your spout if the h2o pipe has a threaded end. Be sure to remove the slip-fit assembly before you begin. If the finish is smooth, apply sand paper to crude the stop of the pipe and then slide on the spout. Tighten the prepare spiral.
• Apply sealant. Apply sealant around the base of operations of the spout. Wipe away whatever excess using a make clean rag.
• Reassemble the faceplate. Connect your retainer and seal plate. Identify sealant on the back of the seal plate and printing information technology against the wall. Tighten whatever screws to ensure a h2o-tight connection. Place the faceplate over the retainer.
• Add the handle. Place the handle over the valve and secure it. How you lot secure your handle volition vary based on its design.
• Install the showerhead. Place sealant tape around the end of the pipe and screw on the head.

Moen

• Install the stop-tube. Slide the stop tube over the cartridge.
• Replace the trim plate. Place caulking effectually the outside border of the trim plate and press it against the wall. Exist sure to attach the eschaton screws every bit well. Slide the key- and temperature-stops in place.
• Screw in the level-handle adapter.
• Attach the handle Place the handle on the adapter and tighten the hex or set screw.
• Add the spout. Add thread tape to the end of the pipe. Apply caulk to the base of the spout and spiral it in place.
• Last Touches. Add thread record to the end of the showerhead pipe and screw the head into place.

Delta

• Install the spout. Add thread record to the stop of the piping. Utilize caulk to the base of the spout and spiral information technology in place.
• Add the O-ring. Slide the O-band over the faucet.
• Slide in the eschaton Slide it over the cartridge.
• Replace the trim plate. Place caulking around the outside edge of the eschaton and press it against the wall. Add the screws and tighten them.
• Adhere the handle. Place the handle on the adapter and tighten the hex or ready spiral.
• Concluding Touches. Add thread tape to the end of the pipe and screw the head into place.

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Is It Time to Upgrade?

Knowing when to upgrade your faucets isn't always easy. Fortunately, in that location are several clear signs information technology's fourth dimension for an update. Here are a few indicators your faucets need an upgrade.

Mineral Buildup

Hard water will leave backside a residuum that can bear on the looks and usability of your fixtures. Over time, this mineral buildup will accrue in your valves and showerhead and make replacement a must. Ignoring mineral balance will impact your water period and turn a relaxing shower into a frustrating job.

Aesthetics

Sometimes a simple faucet and handle upgrade is all that's needed to give your bathroom a quick facelift. Y'all might be doing this for a auction, or you may just exist tired of looking at the same manner. Regardless, the outdated hardwear can ruin the charm of your bathroom — even later a full remodel.

If yous're repairing or replacing a valve or cartridge, become ahead and treat your shower to a whole new await!

When to Call a Pro

Don't hesitate to call a pro if you're unsure almost any part of your faucet repair or installation. DIY mistakes can lead to serious issues like leaks and flooding. Additionally, mishaps can reduce the energy efficiency of your home, resulting in increased utility bills.

Bank check out our Faucet Installation Cost Guide to learn how much it will cost to hire a professional person for this project.

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Source: https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/shower-faucet-repair-guide/

Posted by: malaveplairt.blogspot.com

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