How to Fix a Leaky Shower Faucet in 5 Easy Steps

AvatarByLiana Farrell Faucet Queries

How to Repair a Leaky Shower Faucet

A leaky shower faucet can be a major annoyance, wasting water and money. But it’s a relatively easy fix that you can do yourself in just a few minutes. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of repairing a leaky shower faucet, from start to finish.

We’ll cover everything you need to know, including:

  • Identifying the source of the leak
  • Removing the faucet handle and stem
  • Replacing the O-rings and washers
  • Reassembling the faucet

By the end of this article, you’ll be able to fix your leaky shower faucet like a pro. So let’s get started!

Step Instructions Tools
1 Turn off the water supply to the faucet. Pliers, screwdriver
2 Remove the handle and trim plate. Pliers, screwdriver
3 Inspect the faucet cartridge. Pliers, screwdriver
4 Replace the cartridge if necessary. New cartridge
5 Reassemble the faucet. Pliers, screwdriver
6 Turn on the water supply to the faucet. None

A leaky shower faucet can be a major annoyance, wasting water and money. Luckily, it’s a relatively easy fix that you can do yourself with a few simple tools. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of identifying the source of the leak and replacing the O-ring, which is the most common cause of a leaky shower faucet.

Identifying the Source of the Leak

The first step to fixing a leaky shower faucet is to identify the source of the leak. Here are a few things to look for:

  • Water stains or drips around the faucet. This is a clear sign that there is a leak.
  • The sound of water running when the faucet is turned off. This indicates that the faucet is not completely shutting off, which can allow water to leak out.
  • A puddle of water under the faucet. This is another sign that there is a leak.

If you can’t find any obvious signs of a leak, you can use a flashlight to inspect the inside of the faucet. To do this, turn off the water supply to the faucet and remove the escutcheon (the decorative cover around the faucet). Then, use the flashlight to look inside the faucet for any signs of water damage or leaks.

Replacing the O-Ring

The most common cause of a leaky shower faucet is a worn-out O-ring. The O-ring is a small rubber gasket that seals the faucet stem to the faucet body. When the O-ring wears out, it can no longer seal properly, which allows water to leak out.

To replace the O-ring, you will need the following tools:

  • A flathead screwdriver
  • A pair of pliers
  • A new O-ring

Step 1: Turn off the water supply to the faucet.

Step 2: Remove the old O-ring.

To remove the old O-ring, you will need to use a flathead screwdriver to pry it out of the faucet stem. Be careful not to damage the faucet stem.

Step 3: Apply a thin coat of plumber’s grease to the new O-ring.

Plumber’s grease will help to create a watertight seal between the O-ring and the faucet stem.

Step 4: Insert the new O-ring into the faucet.

Gently insert the new O-ring into the faucet stem. Make sure that the O-ring is seated properly.

Step 5: Turn on the water supply to the faucet and check for leaks.

Turn on the water supply to the faucet and check for leaks. If there are no leaks, you have successfully replaced the O-ring.

Replacing the O-ring on a leaky shower faucet is a relatively easy fix that you can do yourself with a few simple tools. By following the steps in this guide, you can save yourself time and money on a costly plumbing repair.

Additional Tips

Here are a few additional tips for fixing a leaky shower faucet:

  • If you can’t find the source of the leak, you may need to call a plumber.
  • If you are replacing the O-ring on a cartridge-style faucet, be sure to buy the correct replacement part.
  • When replacing the O-ring, be careful not to damage the faucet stem.
  • If you are not comfortable doing this repair yourself, you can call a plumber.

3. Replacing the Cartridge

A leaky shower faucet can be a real pain, but it’s a relatively easy fix. In most cases, you can replace the cartridge yourself in just a few minutes.

Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Turn off the water supply to the faucet

The first thing you need to do is turn off the water supply to the faucet. This will prevent any water from coming out of the faucet while you’re working on it.

To turn off the water supply, find the shut-off valve for the faucet. This is usually located near the faucet, either behind the wall or under the sink. Turn the valve clockwise until it’s completely closed.

Step 2: Remove the handle and trim plate

Now that the water supply is turned off, you can remove the handle and trim plate. This will give you access to the cartridge.

To remove the handle, you’ll need to find the setscrews. These are usually located on the back of the handle. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to loosen the setscrews and remove the handle.

Once the handle is removed, you can remove the trim plate. This is usually held in place by clips. Use a flathead screwdriver to pry the clips loose and remove the trim plate.

Step 3: Remove the old cartridge

Now that you have access to the cartridge, you can remove it. The cartridge is usually held in place by a retaining clip. Use a flathead screwdriver to pry the retaining clip loose and remove the cartridge.

Step 4: Insert the new cartridge

Now that the old cartridge is removed, you can insert the new cartridge. Make sure the cartridge is the correct size for your faucet.

To insert the cartridge, align the tabs on the cartridge with the slots in the faucet body. Then, gently push the cartridge into place.

Step 5: Replace the handle and trim plate

Now that the cartridge is installed, you can replace the handle and trim plate.

To replace the handle, first insert the handle stem into the faucet body. Then, align the setscrews on the handle with the holes in the faucet body. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to tighten the setscrews and secure the handle in place.

Once the handle is secure, you can replace the trim plate. Align the clips on the trim plate with the slots in the faucet body. Then, press down on the trim plate until the clips snap into place.

Step 6: Turn on the water supply to the faucet and check for leaks

Now that you’ve replaced the cartridge, you can turn on the water supply to the faucet. Check for leaks around the faucet handle and trim plate. If you see any leaks, tighten the setscrews or clips until the leaks stop.

If you’re still having trouble with a leaky shower faucet, you may need to call a plumber.

4. Replacing the Stem

If the cartridge in your shower faucet is not the problem, you may need to replace the stem. The stem is the part of the faucet that controls the flow of water.

Here’s how to replace the stem in a shower faucet:

Step 1: Turn off the water supply to the faucet

The first thing you need to do is turn off the water supply to the faucet. This will prevent any water from coming out of the faucet while you’re working on it.

To turn off the water supply, find the shut-off valve for the faucet. This is usually located near the faucet, either behind the wall or under the sink. Turn the valve clockwise until it’s completely closed.

Step 2: Remove the handle and trim plate

Now that the water supply is turned off, you can remove the handle and trim plate. This will give you access to the stem.

To remove the handle, you’ll need to find the setscrews. These are usually located on the back of the handle. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to loosen the setscrews and remove the handle.

Once the handle is removed, you can remove the trim plate. This is usually held in place by clips. Use a flathead screwdriver to pry the clips loose and remove the trim plate.

Step 3: Remove the old stem

Now that you have access to the stem, you can remove it. The stem is usually held in place by a retaining clip. Use a flathead screwdriver

How do I know if my shower faucet is leaking?

  • There is a steady drip from the faucet, even when it is turned off.
  • The water pressure in the shower is lower than usual.
  • The temperature of the water in the shower fluctuates.
  • The faucet is making a gurgling or whistling sound.

How do I fix a leaky shower faucet?

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Remove the faucet handle by unscrewing the setscrews that hold it in place.
3. Inspect the faucet cartridge for wear and tear. If the cartridge is damaged, replace it with a new one.
4. Reassemble the faucet and turn on the water supply.

What are some common causes of leaky shower faucets?

  • Worn-out or damaged faucet cartridges.
  • Clogged faucet seats.
  • Loose or damaged faucet washers.
  • Mineral buildup in the faucet.

How can I prevent a leaky shower faucet?

  • Keep the faucet clean and free of mineral buildup.
  • Replace the faucet cartridge every 5 to 10 years.
  • Tighten any loose faucet parts.
  • Repair any damaged faucet parts as soon as possible.

What if I can’t fix the leaky shower faucet myself?

If you are unable to fix the leaky shower faucet yourself, you can call a plumber to do the job for you.

In this article, we have discussed how to repair a leaky shower faucet. We started by identifying the common causes of leaks, and then we provided step-by-step instructions on how to fix each type of leak. We also included some tips on how to prevent future leaks.

We hope that this article has been helpful. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Author Profile

Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell is the owner of toiletty.com. She is a mom of two and is very passionate about home improvement.

Liana has ten years of home improvement experience, and in her own words, she said: “I love improving the home, and I’m very passionate about keeping the home in the best possible condition. I love it!”

Liana Farrell balances beauty and functionality when she goes about her home improvement jobs.