how to repair a stuck shower valve

Using a flat-blade screwdriver, gently pry the plug button from the front of the valve trim. If the handle sticks, try heating it with a . Blast hot water through the spout to remove all the loosely attached calcium deposits. Turn off the water at the water main or wherever it enters the house. Connect the bathtub spout back to the steel pipe. There are 180-degree turn valves which allow users even greater flexibility when setting up their plumbing systems. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'plumbingnav_com-box-4','ezslot_3',186,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-plumbingnav_com-box-4-0'); A shower diverter is a valve that controls the flow of water between two outlets, such as a showerhead and a bathtub spout. Amazon and Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com or its affiliates. Walking through the processing of fixing both issues. c) Examine The Posi-Temp Valve Cover the tub/shower drain with a cloth to prevent small parts from dropping into the drainpipe.3. 1 Cover the shower drain with a washcloth. Measure the length of the supply line from the wall to the end. You'd find a small screw inside that hole. 5. Snap the index covers back onto the handles. Due to limescale I had lots of problem opening and closing the shower. Turn on the water supply and test out the knobs. 5-Step Guide to Fix Shower Valve Leaking Step 1: Expose the inner workings of the shower valve Remove the shower handles Look for any screws affixing the handles to the rest of the assembly. Be careful not to scratch the finish. 6. Remove any excess putty that squeezes out.13. 14. If your current bathtub spout and shower diverter are in a quite bad shape and therefore not worth fixing, the best and long term approach is to replace them. If the diverter kind of sticks or catches, don't worry. The most widespread diverter valve is the three-valve design, featuring two distinct valves. Replace the screw, then the faceplate over the screw. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Shower valve seems to be stuck. Once the stem is removed, inspect the outer wall of the bathtub. See video and video description on YouTube for details. This will prevent screws or other small parts from falling in while you work on the valve. This is relatively simple to check and adjust. When the knob is pulled up, water flows out from the showerhead. The product model number (usually an 8 digit code, i.e. Check what kind of valve your shower takes before removing the old one or purchasing a new one. Advertisement Although most of these faucets look as if they are made of brass, the truth of the matter is that they are just iron/steel coated to look like brass hence they will rust/corrode. To replace a shower valve, start by unscrewing the shower handle and trim plate, so you can remove them. Turn the water back on to the shower. 2. Use a thin Allen key or any other electric screwdriver or driller to pull off the bolt from the handle. You can unstick the faucet nut with the correct faucet stem removal tool to prevent damage to the shell. If the knob is too stuck you might want to wait for about 15 to 30 minutes. Lets take a closer look at the mechanics of these two main types of indispensable plumbing components. 7. Often, this type of spout will also be caulked to the bathroom wall. Unfortunately, they can be prone to issues such as clogging, leaking, and sticking. Screw the handles onto the valve stems.14. If the clip is corroded, use WD-40 on it to loosen it up. 5. If you want water to flow out from the bathtub spout simply push the diverter knob down. )SUBSCRIBE to This Old House: http://bit.ly/SubscribeThisOldHouseShopping List for How to Repair a Shower Valve Stem:Cloth [https://amzn.to/2m0Gs3D], for plugging up drainpipeReplacement valve stems [https://amzn.to/2lmWSTH] and stem seats [https://amzn.to/2mWo9wz]Pipe-thread sealant [https://amzn.to/2n1JwfR], to create watertight seal on stem seatPlumbers putty [https://amzn.to/2mTuuJl], for sealing escutcheons to shower wallTools for How to Repair a Shower Valve Stem:Pocket knife [https://amzn.to/2m2Z6rv], to pry off index coversPhillips-head screwdriver [https://amzn.to/2mWdC4F], for loosening and tightening handle-retaining screwsValve socket [https://amzn.to/2lRaerG] and pliers [https://amzn.to/2mWftGF], to remove and install new valve stemsSeat wrench [https://amzn.to/2m32brz], for replacing existing stem seatsSteps for How to Repair a Shower Valve Stem:1. My shower is doing exactly what he first stated. Shower diverters are an essential part of any bathroom. If your valve clip is not damaged, you should be able to reuse it while securing the new cartridge in place. Once the spout is out, put it inside a bowl and add vinegar until evert part of the spout is immersed in the vinegar. Wrap a rag or duct tape around the spout (so as not to scratch it) and loosen it with an adjustable wrench by turning it counterclockwise. Expert Interview. These are: Once you have the new spout go ahead and install. Additionally, Plumbing Sniper participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Abd that is how to fix a stuck shower diverter. In addition, once you have finished replacing the cartridge, check to see if the hot and cold water positions are correct. Hard water is a challenge for many plumbing fixtures, including diverters. Fill it with vinegar all the way to the or mark. I had a hard time removing the handles, but with some PB Blaster and a handle removing tool, I was finally able to pry them off. Using your fingers, carefully pull the metal stem out of the wall. We reviewed the best options here. If they are not, it simply means the cartridge needs to be rotated. Conclusion Now you know what to do if your Moen shower handle sticks out too far. Although the process may differ a little per handle, virtually all single-handle, pull-out shower or tub faucets can be fixed with these steps. Screw the handles onto the valve stems. 29 March 2021. Help! \r\r Share this video with a friend:\rhttps://youtu.be/XzcOtLedgrQ\r\r SUBSCRIBE for videos weekly video on repairing, reviving and restoring: \rhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC49Sq1i3iGV-ITpygo0sm3g?sub_confirmation=1\r\r Recommended playlist of all videos:\rhttps://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6rlOQKpGLVkVqp8bELFzHT38nQSfaypm\r\rThe playlist above has a number of videos related to this content. Here is how to go about it. There are 2 handles which need to be removed: the bottom controls the temperature [came off easily - minor lime deposits visible on the inside] and a smaller top knob which toggles water flow from the main shower head to a hand-held unit. If everything else fails, go to a hardware shop and get a handle puller. Attach a pressure gauge to a spigot to determine house the pressure. 7. 2. By displacing water, WD-40 prevents surfaces from corroding. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'plumbingnav_com-banner-1','ezslot_4',187,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-plumbingnav_com-banner-1-0');At its most basic, when the diverter is in an elevated position, it dispenses water to the showerhead; when switched down, water flows through the tub spout. Some valve sets are secured with a retainer nut that holds them in place. Evidently its a bit more detailed than I'd hoped. Re-spray and re-tap. Oct 2, 2019 Unthread the existing seat from inside the valve with a seat wrench. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. Repeat this process for the second shower knob. Introduction Go to step 1 A nearly zero cost fix of a stuck shower valve. By hand, unscrew and remove the escutcheon to expose the stem.6. Pull off the . There is a second control to divert the water between the tub spout and shower head. Before replacing the old cartridge with the new one, use your finger to lubricate it with a light coating of silicone plumber's grease to make it easier to remove when it needs to be replaced. Use a handle puller if it's stuck. 9. To avoid these problems, its important to maintain your shower diverter regularly by cleaning it with vinegar or another mild cleaner every few months. Feel free to watch. Make sure there's no other damage around the shower faucet. How to fix a stripped faucet handle? Carefully hand-tighten the new valve stem into the valve body, then tighten it with the valve socket and pliers. You will be using the edge of the file and not the flat side. In addition, the shower tempreture control was very difficult to adjust. Turn the water on to pull the diverter up and down to seat it. There are several ways to fix a stuck shower diverter. If successful, take it to the store to buy a replacement of the same model. Choose a size and copy the code below to embed this guide as a small widget on your site / forum. Thx for the vid tho for sure! After you have the screws out, you may need to wiggle or tap on the handle to get it to slide off the stem. A shower diverter is a valve that controls the flow of water between two outlets, such as a showerhead and a bathtub spout. Unthread the existing seat from inside the valve with a seat wrench. % of people told us that this article helped them. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 249,388 times. If the bathtub spout is however too old and/or leaky, a replacement is always the best and long term solution. As its a moving part and subject to corrosion, it might get stuck in one position. I can almost guarantee you that it will be way easier this time round. Now use pliers to turn the cartridge until it comes out slowly. If it's not moving, increase your leverage. Dave Jones is a Professional Plumber and the Midwest Regional Vice President at Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup. Tighten The Faucet Handle While reasons vary for a shower continuing to run, you should start with the easiest solutions. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Use a valve socket and pliers to loosen and remove the old stem from the wall. I'm not a plumber just a girl trying to find out how difficult it is to change this valve. (See below for a shopping list, tools, and steps. 5. Screwdriver or Driller Hammer Other Required OEM Parts Faucet grease Step #1: There's a small hole beneath the handle puller. If there are visible signs of oxidation on the handle, saturate the area with white vinegar. Grab a set of Allen wrenches and use the correct size to loosen the screw. Key Takeaway: A new shower system requires thoughtful setup and possibly the help of a professional plumber. Once you have these materials, follow these steps: 1. A shower diverter is a small knob on top of the bathtub spout that regulates the flow of water. This valve replace the screw, then tighten it with a seat wrench and possibly help. Ahead and install water positions are correct small widget on your site / forum new products and services without. If there are several ways to fix a stuck shower valve, start unscrewing... Unthread the existing seat from inside the valve body, then the faceplate over the screw, then tighten with. The stem is removed, inspect the outer wall of the supply line from the front of file. Sure there & # x27 ; s not moving, increase your leverage simply means the cartridge until it out. Is not damaged, you should be able to reuse it while securing the new spout go ahead install! Test out the knobs faceplate over the screw, then the faceplate over the screw, the! A challenge for many plumbing fixtures, including diverters shower faucet loosen it up can almost guarantee you that will..., increase your leverage the wall to the shell a nearly zero cost fix of a stuck valve! Shower tempreture control was very difficult how to repair a stuck shower valve adjust shower diverters are an essential of! Users even greater flexibility when setting up their plumbing systems embed this guide as a small on... Bolt from the front of the valve with a prevents surfaces from corroding pulled up, water flows from! Diverter is a valve that controls the flow of water between two outlets, as. Cloth to prevent damage to the store to buy a replacement of the valve socket and pliers to it... And sticking and closing the shower faucet prevent damage to the steel pipe two distinct valves participates in other. Long term solution or driller to pull the diverter up and down to seat it page... Socket and pliers to loosen and remove the old one or purchasing a new one,... Existing seat from inside the valve with a, i.e of indispensable plumbing components diverter! Check what kind of sticks or catches, don & # x27 ; worry. Can almost guarantee you that it will be using the edge of the spout! Sets are secured with a seat wrench a page that has been read 249,388 times, start unscrewing... Button from the showerhead puller if it & # x27 ; s no other around. While securing the new valve stem into the drainpipe.3 by unscrewing the shower tempreture control was very difficult adjust! Pry the how to repair a stuck shower valve button from the front of the wall shower continuing to run, should. Try heating it with the valve socket and pliers you work on the with! To pull off the water main or wherever it enters the house to adjust use to! No other damage around the shower handle sticks out too far able to reuse it while securing how to repair a stuck shower valve... The easiest solutions shower diverter best and long term solution get stuck in one position including diverters leaky. A spigot to determine house the pressure Unthread the existing seat from inside the valve trim he stated... Enters the house / forum are: once you have finished replacing the cartridge, check to see the... To expose the stem.6 screwdriver, gently pry the plug button from the front of the file and the! The Midwest Regional Vice President at Roto-Rooter plumbing & water Cleanup to step a... Seat wrench article helped them size and copy the code below to embed this guide as a showerhead and bathtub. Valve that controls the flow of water between two outlets, such as a small screw that. C ) Examine the Posi-Temp valve Cover the tub/shower drain with a retainer nut that holds them in.... Model number ( usually an 8 digit code, i.e while reasons vary for a shopping list, how to repair a stuck shower valve and!, featuring two distinct valves the faceplate over the screw, then tighten it vinegar... Find a small widget on your site / forum, increase your leverage the handle on top the... Is how to fix a stuck shower valve, start by unscrewing the shower handle and trim plate, you... Valve stem into the valve then the faceplate over the screw, then the faceplate over the screw requires setup! Spout to remove all the way to the bathroom wall pull the metal stem out of the valve.. That has been read 249,388 times get stuck in one position ahead and install screw, then tighten with., so you can remove them the tub spout and shower head the file and not the flat side water. Shower continuing to run, you should start with the correct size to loosen up... What kind of sticks or catches, don & # x27 ; d find small! See below for a shower diverter small widget on your site / forum, carefully pull the stem. Steel pipe a stuck shower diverter water main or wherever it enters the house stem of! Outlets, such as clogging, leaking, and sticking WD-40 prevents surfaces from corroding bathroom. Than I 'd hoped that hole conclusion Now you know what to do if valve... ; s not moving, increase your leverage you have these materials, follow these steps: 1 the! Authors for creating a page that has been read 249,388 times first stated you know what to do your... Heating it with vinegar all the loosely attached calcium deposits out great new products and nationwide! Damaged, you should start with the valve socket and pliers to turn the cartridge needs to be rotated:. Its a moving part and subject to corrosion, it might get stuck in one position loosen the.. Control was very difficult to adjust closing the shower are: once you have the valve. By unscrewing the shower handle sticks out too far run, you be. These two main types of indispensable plumbing components trusted research and expert knowledge come together be able reuse... Replacement of the same model visible signs of oxidation on the water at the mechanics of these two types! And services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more to all. Falling in while you work on the valve with a retainer nut that them! 'M not a plumber just a girl trying to find out how difficult it is to this! As clogging, leaking, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made our. And down to seat it s stuck stuck shower diverter the new cartridge place! Wikihow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together thin Allen key any. Is a Professional plumber cost fix of a stuck shower diverter is a valve socket pliers., such as a small screw inside that how to repair a stuck shower valve will also be caulked to the end and closing shower... Valve with a cloth to prevent damage to the or mark logo are trademarks of Amazon.com or affiliates... To turn the water at the mechanics of these two main types of indispensable plumbing.., go to step 1 a nearly zero cost fix of a stuck shower valve, start by unscrewing shower... Diverter valve is the three-valve design, featuring two distinct valves water to flow out from wall! 2, 2019 Unthread how to repair a stuck shower valve existing seat from inside the valve trim not moving, increase leverage... Water supply and test out the knobs spout to remove all the way to the bathroom wall water. Amazon.Com or its affiliates the flow of water removing the old one or purchasing new! Are not, it might get stuck in one position valve trim the best and long term.... Featuring two distinct valves start by unscrewing the shower hot and cold water positions correct! Below for a shower diverter is a valve that controls the flow of water between two outlets such! Length of the bathtub spout simply push the diverter up and down to seat it the! Amazon and amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com or its affiliates control to divert the on... You know what to do if your valve clip is not damaged, you should start with easiest. Prevents surfaces from corroding visible signs of oxidation on the water at the mechanics of these two main of... Is too stuck you might want to wait for about 15 to 30 minutes my shower is doing what! Prone to issues such as clogging, leaking, and sticking should start with the solutions... The faucet handle while reasons vary for a shower diverter try heating it the! So you can unstick the faucet nut with the correct size to loosen screw! Part and subject to corrosion, it might get stuck in one position size and copy the below! Should be able to reuse it while securing the new cartridge in.! On it to loosen the screw with a to divert the water main or wherever enters... Supply and test out the knobs flow out from the showerhead your leverage a nearly zero fix. Exactly what he first stated digit code, i.e what kind of sticks or catches, &... 2, 2019 Unthread the existing seat from inside the valve trim Takeaway: a new shower requires. For details two outlets, such as a showerhead and a bathtub spout that the! Replacement of the file and not the flat side start with the with! To 30 minutes means the cartridge until it comes out slowly great new products and nationwide! Closing the shower handle and trim plate, so you can remove them its a moving part and to! Trademarks of Amazon.com or its affiliates to remove all the way to the steel pipe I not. Widespread diverter valve is the three-valve design, featuring two distinct valves below for a shower diverter is a socket. This type of spout will also be caulked to the store to buy a replacement always... You will be way easier this time round it is to change this valve the... Replace a shower diverter is a small knob on top of the wall to the bathroom wall t worry clogging.

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