A leaking shower can become a big problem in a bathroom if ignored or not fixed. Not only does it put damper in our day, but can also start to affect the other materials found in a bathroom, and also waste a large amount of water. If the flooring outside of a shower continues to get wet for a long period of time, depending on the materials, it can stain or lose it's finish. This is why fixing a leaking shower as soon as possible is more than important.
Another negative aspect about a leaking shower is that it could be dangerous. For anyone who enters or exits the bathroom, there is a large chance that they can slip and hurt themselves thanks to the leaking shower. So, to avoid any disasters, or falls, fix your leaking shower ASAP, no matter what part is leaking. Although it may seem a little overwhelming, fixing a leaking shower is actually very simple. Simply follow our DIY guide, and fix your problem in the blink of an eye.
How to Fix a Leaking Shower Faucet
Due to the fact that a shower has a small handful of components, there is not only one thing that can leak in a shower. There a small handful of things that can begin leaking after being used for a long period of time, but one of the most common parts of a shower that cause problems and leak, are shower faucets. No matter the quality of materials the faucet boasts, they will most probably at some point begin to cause trouble to the user; it’s just natural.
Although leaking shower faucets may not seem like the biggest problem, if they are not fixed, they can waste a large amount of water a day, going completely unnoticed. However, the good news is, that fixing a leaking shower faucet is not complicated, and will only take you a small amount of time.
Step1. Preparation
Before you get started on fixing your leaking shower faucet, there are a few things that you should do to prepare for the process. The first thing you need to do is shut the water supply to your shower faucet before disassembling anything. The only tools that you are going to need are a screwdriver and a deep socket wrench. These types of wrenches are available at almost all hardware stores, and are usually inexpensive.
Step2. Remove the Handle
Although removing the faucet handle might seem like a simple step, there are a few steps you need to follow to remove it correctly. Almost all faucets have a decorative cap that hide a threaded nut that retains the handle in its place. So, remove the decorative cap, and unscrew the nut so you may pull off the handle off of its stem. While using any tools, be careful to not damage the decorative caps finish or the handles surface.
Step3. Remove the Escutcheon
The next step to fixing your leak, is to remove the escutcheon. This part is usually held tightly with a retaining nut, but sometimes it is threaded over the valve system. If it is threaded, simply unscrew the entire piece. However, if the escutcheon is not budging, take a look and make sure if it's not caulked to the wall. If so, cut the caulk and remove the escutcheon.
Step4. Remove the Valve Stem
For this step, you're going to require the mentioned deep socket valve wrench. To remove the valve system, over the stem, thread the socket and secure it strongly over the bonnet nut. Unscrew to remove it. From the wall, pull the stem to expose the screw and seat washer. Here, it is important to replace the worn seat washer and coat it with heat proof faucet grease, to ensure optimal functionality. Make sure that is the right shape and size of seat washer and when replacing it, press firmly into the stems retainer so that it may be replaced correctly.
Step5. Reassemble Your Faucet
Before you test your faucet, you want to very easily and patiently reassemble your faucet. Make sure that all parts are put firmly back in place with their screws, and make sure that everything is tight and sturdy. With this step, also be careful with the decorative top, and the faucet in general. You do not want to damage it's materials.
Step6. Use Your Fixed Faucet
After following these steps, you may now shut your water supply to your faucet back on, and enjoy your new fixed and non leaking faucet. If your faucet happens to leak again in the future, simply use this easy guide, and fix the problem in no time. After all, fixing a shower faucet yourself is not that complicated! And thanks to this guide, we are confident that you are now an expert!