How to Fix a Leaking Shower Faucet

This how-to guide will address those cases where your shower valve will still drip water even after shutting off the shower valve. It will not deal with other types of leaks.

Identify the type of shower valve you have

Let’s say there is no one answer on how to fix a leaky tub faucet, mainly because there are a few different mechanisms, and each has its own intrinsic issues.

To begin, let’s identify what type of shower valve you have.

Look for a brand name either on the faceplate or on the handle. That may help you narrow down what cartridge you may have. If you’re lucky enough to have a shower valve from a smaller brand such as Mixet®, then your search would be relatively more straightforward. When it’s a more extensive brand such as Delta, Moen or Kohler you may have to do a bit more digging.

In some cases, you may not be able to identify what type of cartridge you have until you remove the stem or the cartridge from the valve, so let’s take things one step at a time.

Remove the handle.

Generally, handles are attached by either a screw that you can find by removing the hot/cold indicator on each handle. Most likely, these indicator buttons are held in place by pressure, in which case you can easily remove them by inserting something thin such as a small screwdriver, and gently and carefully popping it out.

In other cases, the handle is held by a small set screw located on the “neck” of the handle. It might be covered by a button that can be easily removed. A small Allen (Hex) type wrench is all you need to loosen the set screw enough to be able to pull the handle.

Shut off the water supply

Once you have removed the handle and all the other decorative pieces, such as flanges or cover plates, you should be able to see if your valve is equipped with integral screwdriver stops. These should look like a thin shaft with a slot cut on top. It will be situated on both inlets to the valve if you turn both valves clockwise until they are fully closed. If you do not have screwdriver stops, you should shut off the water supply to your home now.

Once you are sure that no water is coming into your valve, remove the cartridge or stem.

If you have a single-handle shower

When it comes to single-handle showers, there are many variations. However, there are three main types:

Cartridge type: Although there are many types of cartridges, we are going to bundle them in this case since the repair and replacement of cartridges is basically the same procedure.

Remove the retainer sleeve or nut and carefully pull the cartridge. You can identify your cartridge by going to this cartridge selector tool (https://www.leakyfaucetguide.com/cartridge-selector/#faucetType).

You will likely have to change the springs and washers if you have a single-handle ball-type valve. After removing the stainless-steel ball, you should see two black rubber washers when you look into the cartridge well. Pressing on them should feel a bit springy. Unfortunately, after time that spring loses its tension allowing water to seep through, causing a drip.

You can insert a small screwdriver through the hole in the center, pull the spring and the washer, and replace it with a new set.

If you have a two or 3-handle shower.

In this case, there are three main types of cartridges or stems:

Compression

Most people over 40 may remember when you had to turn the handle a complete revolution or more to get the amount of water we needed.

A compression tub faucet controls the flow of water by moving a shaft up and down in a spiral fashion, compressing a rubber washer against a raised circular insert, also called a seat. Unfortunately, over time, the rubber washer gets a bit worn and, in some cases, the seat will also deteriorate, allowing for water to seep through to repair this type of shower valve.

After shutting off the water supply to the valve

Remove the handle and stem. At the bottom of the stem, you will see a small black rubber washer, which is generally the part that wears out, causing the leak.

We recommend that you change the seats as well. This can be achieved with the help of a seat wrench, which is an inexpensive little gadget that will save a lot of time.

Replace the seat and appropriate rubber washer at the bottom of the stem.

Washerless

You can quickly identify a washerless cartridge. When you pull the cartridge out, you will find a stainless-steel plate on the bottom of the cartridge. It will have a crescent shape cut-out or two smaller circular openings. Also, if you look inside the cartridge well, you will see a circular rubber washer.

Remove the retaining collar after shutting off the water supply to the valve. You may see the cartridge is held in place by two notches cut into the sides. Before pulling on the cartridge, please notice how it is installed so you can install it in the same position.

Pull Cartridge

Insert a small screwdriver or small Allen wrench in the center of the rubber washer and carefully pull the washer along with the spring.

Generally, the replacement springs and washers are easily available at most hardware stores.

Ceramic Cartridge

Ceramic cartridges are easy to identify. When you look at the bottom of the cartridge, you will see a white ceramic carbide disk with two triangular opposing cut-outs. Ceramic carbide is impervious to friction, but being ceramic, it is brittle, and these disks can break if there happens to be any debris caught in the disks at the time that someone tries to close the valve.

After shutting off the water supply to the valve

Using an adjustable wrench and turning counter-clockwise, unscrew the cartridge.

Find an exact replacement and re-assemble.

TIPS

• With a rag, cover the tub or shower drain. This will prevent small parts from falling into your drain.
• Make sure that the water supply is closed.
• After replacing the appropriate parts, remove the shower head.
• Turn on both valves and let the water run for at least 30 seconds. This will flush debris from the lines.