{"id":184,"date":"2023-04-03T21:04:59","date_gmt":"2023-04-03T21:04:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aaronsplumbingmi.com\/?p=184"},"modified":"2023-04-03T21:58:36","modified_gmt":"2023-04-03T21:58:36","slug":"how-to-fix-a-leaky-shower-faucet-from-family-handyman","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aaronsplumbingmi.com\/?p=184","title":{"rendered":"How to Fix a Leaky Shower Faucet (From family Handyman)"},"content":{"rendered":"<div>\n<h4><strong>Introduction<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Repair a shower faucet that won&#8217;t shut off. Most single-handle, cartridge-style faucets can be repaired in an hour or less with basic tools.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h4><strong>Tools Required<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>4-in-1 screwdriver<\/li>\n<li>Adjustable wrench<\/li>\n<li>Handle puller<\/li>\n<li>Pocketknife<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><strong>Materials Required<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Cartridge<\/li>\n<li>Plumber&#8217;s grease<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><strong>Identifying a cartridge-style faucet<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/h4>\n<div>Cartridge<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-187 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/aaronsplumbingmi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/cartridge.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"602\" height=\"602\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aaronsplumbingmi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/cartridge.jpg 602w, https:\/\/aaronsplumbingmi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/cartridge-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/aaronsplumbingmi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/cartridge-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/aaronsplumbingmi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/cartridge-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/aaronsplumbingmi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/cartridge-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 602px) 100vw, 602px\" \/><\/div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.familyhandyman.com\/project\/how-to-fix-a-dripping-shower\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">FAMILY HANDYMAN<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h4>Shower valve cartridge replacement<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<div>To fix a leaking shower head, replace the old cartridge with an identical new one. In this article, we\u2019ll focus on fixing a cartridge-style faucet with a shower valve cartridge replacement. Cartridge valves have a single handle and operate when the cartridge slides in and out. Don\u2019t confuse them with single-handle ball-style faucets, which have a dome-shaped casing under the handle.<\/div>\n<div>We won\u2019t deal with two-handle faucets here, which may be either a stem-type valve or ceramic disc valve. Learn more about shower faucet cartridge replacement in the following steps.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<h4>Step 1<\/h4>\n<h5><strong>Remove the handle<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/h5>\n<h5><strong>Remove the handle cap<\/strong><\/h5>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-188 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/aaronsplumbingmi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Remove-the-handle-cap.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"602\" height=\"602\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aaronsplumbingmi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Remove-the-handle-cap.jpg 602w, https:\/\/aaronsplumbingmi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Remove-the-handle-cap-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/aaronsplumbingmi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Remove-the-handle-cap-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/aaronsplumbingmi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Remove-the-handle-cap-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/aaronsplumbingmi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Remove-the-handle-cap-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 602px) 100vw, 602px\" \/><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.familyhandyman.com\/project\/how-to-fix-a-dripping-shower\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">FAMILY HANDYMAN<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Turn off the water supply to the shower. Then pry off the handle cap with a small pocketknife to expose the internal handle screw.<\/p>\n<h4>Step 2<\/h4>\n<h5><strong>Remove the handle screw, then the handle<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-189 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/aaronsplumbingmi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Remove-the-handle-screw-then-the-handle.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"602\" height=\"602\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aaronsplumbingmi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Remove-the-handle-screw-then-the-handle.jpg 602w, https:\/\/aaronsplumbingmi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Remove-the-handle-screw-then-the-handle-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/aaronsplumbingmi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Remove-the-handle-screw-then-the-handle-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/aaronsplumbingmi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Remove-the-handle-screw-then-the-handle-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/aaronsplumbingmi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Remove-the-handle-screw-then-the-handle-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 602px) 100vw, 602px\" \/><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.familyhandyman.com\/project\/how-to-fix-a-dripping-shower\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">FAMILY HANDYMAN<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Loosen and remove the handle screw. Pull off the handle and set it aside. Turn off the water at the fixture shutoff valves or at your home\u2019s main valve. Turn on a faucet to make sure it\u2019s off. Remove the handle as shown in Photos 1 and 2. If the handle sticks, try heating it with a hair dryer set on \u201chot\u201d. If you still can\u2019t get it off, use a special handle puller\u2014an inexpensive tool available from plumbing parts distributors or home centers.<\/p>\n<h5><strong>Pry up the retaining clip<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-190 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/aaronsplumbingmi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Pry-up-the-retaining-clip.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"602\" height=\"602\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aaronsplumbingmi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Pry-up-the-retaining-clip.jpg 602w, https:\/\/aaronsplumbingmi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Pry-up-the-retaining-clip-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/aaronsplumbingmi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Pry-up-the-retaining-clip-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/aaronsplumbingmi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Pry-up-the-retaining-clip-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/aaronsplumbingmi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Pry-up-the-retaining-clip-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 602px) 100vw, 602px\" \/><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<p>Pull off the stop tube. Pry up the cartridge retaining clip with a small screwdriver or awl. Remove the handle washer and then twist the cartridge stem loose and pull it out with pliers.<\/p>\n<h4>Step 4<\/h4>\n<h5><strong>You may need a cartridge puller<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-191 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/aaronsplumbingmi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/You-may-need-a-cartridge-puller.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"602\" height=\"602\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aaronsplumbingmi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/You-may-need-a-cartridge-puller.jpg 602w, https:\/\/aaronsplumbingmi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/You-may-need-a-cartridge-puller-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/aaronsplumbingmi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/You-may-need-a-cartridge-puller-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/aaronsplumbingmi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/You-may-need-a-cartridge-puller-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/aaronsplumbingmi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/You-may-need-a-cartridge-puller-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 602px) 100vw, 602px\" \/><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<p>If it\u2019s stuck, use a special cartridge puller. Unscrew the hex screw and hex nut until threads are visible. Slide the puller over the cartridge stem, aligning the tool ears with the cartridge notches, and twist to loosen. Virtually every faucet manufacturer has a different method of securing the cartridge to the faucet body. Look for a clip or spring and remove it (Photo 3). Cartridges are often difficult to pull out. Some manufacturers include a removal cap with new cartridges. Align the cap with the old cartridge ears and try to twist the cartridge loose. Then pull it out with pliers.<\/p>\n<p>If you can\u2019t budge the old cartridge, you\u2019ll need a cartridge puller. Make sure the one you buy works on your brand of faucet. Look on the handle or trim for the faucet brand or manufacturer. A knowledgeable person at a plumbing parts store may be able to identify the brand and model from a photo. Review Photos 4 and 5 for instructions on using a cartridge puller. Make sure you twist the cartridge loose before pulling it out (Photo 4). Take the old cartridge with you to a plumbing parts store or a home center to find an exact replacement.<\/p>\n<h5><strong>Install the new cartridge<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>Turn the hex screw by hand until it bottoms out. Snug up the hex nut by hand and tug on the cartridge puller handle. If the cartridge won\u2019t pull out, hold the puller handle steady and tighten the hex nut two full turns. Pull the cartridge out of the faucet body. Buy an identical replacement cartridge, align it properly and reassemble the parts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Introduction Repair a shower faucet that won&#8217;t shut off. Most single-handle, cartridge-style faucets can be repaired in an hour or less with basic tools. Tools Required 4-in-1 screwdriver Adjustable wrench Handle puller Pocketknife Materials Required Cartridge Plumber&#8217;s grease Identifying a cartridge-style faucet Cartridge FAMILY HANDYMAN Shower valve cartridge replacement To fix a leaking shower head, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":201,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[24],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-184","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-plumbing"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/aaronsplumbingmi.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/184","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/aaronsplumbingmi.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/aaronsplumbingmi.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aaronsplumbingmi.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aaronsplumbingmi.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=184"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/aaronsplumbingmi.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/184\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":197,"href":"https:\/\/aaronsplumbingmi.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/184\/revisions\/197"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aaronsplumbingmi.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/201"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/aaronsplumbingmi.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=184"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aaronsplumbingmi.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=184"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aaronsplumbingmi.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=184"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}