How to Replace a Shower Faucet Handle: A Step-by-Step Guide

AvatarByLiana Farrell Faucet Queries

How to Replace a Shower Faucet Handle

Your shower faucet handle is one of the most used parts of your bathroom, so it’s important to keep it in good working order. If your shower faucet handle is leaking, dripping, or not turning on or off properly, it’s time to replace it.

Replacing a shower faucet handle is a relatively simple DIY project that can be completed in about an hour. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of replacing a shower faucet handle, so you can get your shower back in working order in no time.

Tools and Materials

To replace a shower faucet handle, you will need the following tools and materials:

  • Replacement shower faucet handle
  • Adjustable wrench
  • Penetrating oil
  • Pliers
  • Screwdriver
  • Tape measure
  • Bucket
  • Towels

    Step Tools Instructions
    1 Pliers, screwdriver, adjustable wrench Turn off the water supply to the shower.
    2 Remove the old handle. Use the pliers to grip the handle and turn it counterclockwise. If it is stuck, you may need to use the screwdriver to pry it loose.
    3 Install the new handle. Align the new handle with the mounting holes and screw it in place.
    4 Turn on the water supply to the shower. Test the new handle to make sure it is working properly.

    How to Replace a Shower Faucet Handle

    Shower faucet handles are one of the most common plumbing fixtures to break, but they’re also one of the easiest to replace. With a few simple tools and a little know-how, you can have a new shower faucet handle installed in no time.

    Gather your tools and materials

    Before you get started, gather the following tools and materials:

    • A Phillips head screwdriver
    • A flathead screwdriver
    • A tape measure
    • A pencil
    • A hacksaw
    • A replacement shower faucet handle
    • A new washer (if necessary)
    • Plumbing sealant

    Turn off the water supply to the faucet

    The first step is to 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 do this, locate the shut-off valve for the faucet. This is usually located near the base of the faucet, but it may be in a different location depending on your plumbing system.

    Once you’ve found the shut-off valve, turn it clockwise to close it. This will stop the water from flowing to the faucet.

    Remove the old shower faucet handle

    Now that the water supply is turned off, you can remove the old shower faucet handle. To do this, you’ll need to remove the screws that hold the handle in place. These screws are usually located on the back of the handle.

    Once you’ve removed the screws, you can carefully pry the handle off of the faucet. Be careful not to damage the faucet itself.

    Install the new shower faucet handle

    Now that the old handle is removed, you can install the new one. To do this, simply reverse the steps you took to remove the old handle. First, attach the new handle to the faucet with the screws. Then, turn on the water supply to the faucet to make sure that it’s working properly.

    Troubleshooting

    If you’re having trouble replacing your shower faucet handle, here are a few troubleshooting tips:

    • Make sure that you’re using the right tools and materials.
    • Make sure that you’re turning off the water supply to the faucet before you start working on it.
    • Be careful not to damage the faucet itself.
    • If you’re still having trouble, you may need to call a plumber.

    Replacing a shower faucet handle is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. By following these steps, you can have a new shower faucet handle installed in no time.

    3. Remove the old faucet handle

    To remove the old faucet handle, you will need:

    • A screwdriver
    • A pair of pliers

    1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
    2. Locate the screws that hold the faucet handle in place. These screws are typically located on the back of the handle or under the spout.
    3. Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws and remove the handle.
    4. If the screws are stuck, you can use a pair of pliers to grip the head of the screw and turn it.
    5. Once the screws are removed, the handle should come off easily.

    4. Install the new faucet handle

    To install the new faucet handle, you will need:

    • A new faucet handle
    • A screwdriver
    • A pair of pliers

    1. Make sure that the new faucet handle is compatible with your faucet.
    2. Clean the area around the faucet handle with a damp cloth.
    3. Apply a small amount of plumber’s grease to the threads of the new faucet handle.
    4. Align the new faucet handle with the faucet and screw it into place.
    5. Tighten the screws until the handle is secure.
    6. Turn on the water supply to the faucet and test the handle to make sure that it is working properly.

    Replacing a shower faucet handle is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. By following these steps, you can easily update the look of your shower and ensure that your faucet is working properly.

    How To Replace A Shower Faucet Handle?

    Q: What tools do I need to replace a shower faucet handle?

    A: You will need the following tools:

    • A screwdriver
    • A wrench
    • A pair of pliers
    • A new shower faucet handle

    Q: How do I remove the old shower faucet handle?

    A: 1. Turn off the water supply to the shower.
    2. Locate the set screws that hold the shower faucet handle in place. These screws are typically located on the back of the handle.
    3. Use a screwdriver to loosen the set screws.
    4. Pull the shower faucet handle off of the faucet.

    Q: How do I install the new shower faucet handle?

    A: 1. Place the new shower faucet handle on the faucet.
    2. Align the holes in the handle with the holes in the faucet.
    3. Insert the set screws into the holes and tighten them with a screwdriver.
    4. Turn on the water supply to the shower and test the new shower faucet handle.

    Q: What if the old shower faucet handle is stuck?

    A: If the old shower faucet handle is stuck, you can try using a penetrating oil to loosen it. Apply the penetrating oil to the set screws and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, try to loosen the set screws with a screwdriver. If the set screws are still stuck, you may need to use a wrench to loosen them.

    Q: What if the new shower faucet handle doesn’t fit?

    A: If the new shower faucet handle doesn’t fit, you may need to purchase a different size handle. Make sure to measure the old shower faucet handle before you buy a new one.

    Q: How do I prevent my shower faucet handle from leaking?

    A: To prevent your shower faucet handle from leaking, you can:

    • Make sure that the set screws are tight.
    • Apply a sealant around the base of the shower faucet handle.
    • Replace the shower faucet handle regularly.

    Q: What if my shower faucet handle is dripping?

    A: If your shower faucet handle is dripping, you can try the following solutions:

    • Tighten the set screws.
    • Apply a sealant around the base of the shower faucet handle.
    • Replace the shower faucet handle.

    If these solutions do not work, you may need to call a plumber to fix the problem.

    Replacing a shower faucet handle is a relatively simple task that can be completed in just a few minutes. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily remove the old handle and install a new one. With a new shower faucet handle, you can enjoy a more comfortable and convenient shower experience.

    Here are the key takeaways from this guide:

    • Before you begin, turn off the water supply to the shower.
    • Remove the old handle by unscrewing the setscrews that hold it in place.
    • Clean the mounting surface of the shower valve.
    • Apply a thin layer of plumber’s grease to the threads of the new handle.
    • Insert the new handle into the mounting surface and tighten the setscrews.
    • Turn on the water supply to the shower and test the new handle.

    By following these steps, you can easily replace a shower faucet handle and enjoy a new, functioning shower.

    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.