How to Replace a Single-Handle Shower Faucet

AvatarByLiana Farrell Faucet Queries

How to Replace a Single-Handle Shower Faucet

Your shower faucet is one of the most important parts of your bathroom, and it’s important to keep it in good working order. If your faucet is leaking, dripping, or not turning on or off properly, it’s time to replace it. Replacing a single-handle shower faucet is a relatively simple DIY project that you can easily do yourself. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of replacing a single-handle shower faucet, so you can get your shower back in working order in no time.

What You’ll Need

Before you get started, gather the following materials:

  • New shower faucet
  • Tape measure
  • Combination or adjustable wrench
  • Pliers
  • Penetrating oil
  • Bucket
  • Sponge
  • Screwdriver
  • Caulk gun
  • Caulk

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Turn off the water supply to the shower. This is usually located at the main water shutoff valve for your home.
2. Remove the old shower faucet. To do this, you’ll need to remove the screws that hold the faucet to the wall. In some cases, you may also need to remove the escutcheon plate.
3. Clean the mounting surface. Once the old faucet is removed, use a sponge and some warm, soapy water to clean the mounting surface. This will help to ensure that the new faucet seals properly.
4. Apply a bead of caulk around the mounting surface. This will help to create a watertight seal between the faucet and the wall.
5. Install the new faucet. To do this, you’ll need to reverse the steps you took to remove the old faucet. Make sure that the new faucet is tightened securely to the wall.
6. Turn on the water supply to the shower. Test the faucet to make sure that it is working properly.
7. Reattach the shower head and shower curtain.

Tips and Tricks

  • If you’re having trouble removing the old faucet, you can try using a penetrating oil to loosen the screws. Let the oil sit for a few minutes before trying to remove the screws again.
  • Be careful not to apply too much caulk around the mounting surface. This could make it difficult to remove the faucet in the future.
  • Test the faucet before you reattach the shower head and shower curtain. This will help to ensure that you didn’t miss any steps during the installation process.

    Step Tools Instructions
    1 Pliers, screwdriver, adjustable wrench Turn off the water supply to the shower.
    2 Remove the old faucet handle. Use the pliers to grip the handle and turn it counterclockwise.
    3 Remove the old faucet cartridge. Use the screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the cartridge in place.
    4 Install the new faucet cartridge. Align the new cartridge with the holes in the faucet body and screw it into place.
    5 Replace the old faucet handle. Align the new handle with the faucet body and turn it clockwise until it is snug.
    6 Turn on the water supply to the shower. Check for leaks.

    Tools and Materials Needed

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

    • Adjustable wrench
    • Penetrating oil
    • Pliers
    • Tape measure
    • Combination or socket wrench
    • New faucet
    • Plumbing tape
    • Silicone sealant
    • New washers and O-rings (if needed)

    Steps in Removing the Old Faucet

    1. Turn off the water supply to the shower. This is usually located at the main shut-off valve for the house, or at the individual shut-off valve for the shower.
    2. Remove the shower head. There will be a setscrew or nut holding the shower head in place. Loosen this and remove the shower head.
    3. Remove the escutcheon plate. This is the decorative cover that surrounds the faucet. It is usually held in place by two screws or clips. Remove these and set the escutcheon plate aside.
    4. Disconnect the water supply lines. There will be two water supply lines connected to the faucet. These are usually copper or plastic pipes. Use a wrench to loosen the nuts that connect the water supply lines to the faucet.
    5. Remove the faucet. There will be two bolts or screws that hold the faucet in place. Use a wrench to loosen these and remove the faucet.

    Installing the New Faucet

    1. Apply a thin coat of plumber’s tape to the threads of the new faucet. This will help to create a watertight seal.
    2. Connect the water supply lines to the new faucet. Use a wrench to tighten the nuts that connect the water supply lines to the faucet.
    3. Insert the new faucet into the mounting holes in the wall. Make sure that the faucet is aligned properly.
    4. Secure the faucet in place with the two bolts or screws.
    5. Replace the escutcheon plate.
    6. Turn on the water supply to the shower and check for leaks.

    Replacing a single-handle shower faucet is a relatively simple task that can be completed in about an hour. By following these steps, you can save yourself time and money by doing it yourself.

    Here are some additional tips for replacing a single-handle shower faucet:

    • If the old faucet is corroded or damaged, it may be difficult to remove. In this case, you may need to use a penetrating oil to loosen the bolts or screws.
    • Be careful not to overtighten the nuts that connect the water supply lines to the faucet. This can damage the threads and make it difficult to remove the faucet in the future.
    • If you are not comfortable working with plumbing, you may want to hire a professional to replace the faucet for you.

    Tools and Materials Needed

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

    • Adjustable wrench
    • Pliers
    • Penetrating oil
    • New shower faucet
    • New shower cartridge (if needed)
    • Teflon tape
    • Plumbing putty
    • Silicone sealant
    • Paper towels
    • Rags

    Steps in Removing the Old Faucet

    1. Turn off the water supply to the shower. This is usually located at the main water shut-off valve for your home.
    2. Disconnect the shower head from the faucet. There may be a set screw holding the shower head in place. If so, use the pliers to loosen the set screw and remove the shower head.
    3. Remove the escutcheon plate from around the faucet. This is the decorative cover that hides the screws holding the faucet in place. There may be a set screw holding the escutcheon plate in place. If so, use the pliers to loosen the set screw and remove the escutcheon plate.
    4. Remove the screws holding the faucet in place. There are usually two screws located on either side of the faucet. Use the adjustable wrench to loosen and remove the screws.
    5. Pull the faucet out of the wall. There may be a rubber gasket or o-ring that is stuck to the faucet. If so, use the pliers to carefully remove the gasket or o-ring.

    Steps in Installing the New Faucet

    1. Apply a thin coat of plumber’s putty to the threads of the new faucet.
    2. Insert the new faucet into the wall. Make sure that the faucet is aligned properly with the holes in the wall.
    3. Tighten the screws holding the faucet in place.
    4. Apply a bead of silicone sealant around the base of the faucet.
    5. Reattach the escutcheon plate.
    6. Reattach the shower head.

    Testing the New Faucet

    1. Turn on the water supply to the shower.
    2. Make sure that the water is flowing through the shower head.
    3. Check for leaks around the faucet.
    4. Enjoy your new shower faucet!

    Replacing a single-handle shower faucet is a relatively easy task that can be completed in about an hour. By following these steps, you can save yourself money and time by doing it yourself.

    How do I remove a single-handle shower faucet?

    1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet. This is usually located at the main water shutoff valve for your home.
    2. Remove the handle by unscrewing the setscrews that hold it in place. These are typically located on the underside of the handle.
    3. Remove the escutcheon, which is the decorative cover that surrounds the faucet. This is usually held in place by screws or clips.
    4. Unscrew the faucet body from the wall. There may be a setscrew or nut that holds it in place.
    5. Disconnect the water lines from the faucet. There will be a hot and cold water line, each with a compression fitting or a union nut.
    6. Install the new faucet in the reverse order of removal. Make sure to tighten all of the connections securely.

    What tools do I need to replace a single-handle shower faucet?

    You will need the following tools to replace a single-handle shower faucet:

    • A screwdriver
    • A wrench
    • A pair of pliers
    • A pipe wrench
    • Penetrating oil

    How long does it take to replace a single-handle shower faucet?

    The amount of time it takes to replace a single-handle shower faucet will vary depending on the type of faucet and your level of experience. However, it typically takes between 30 minutes and an hour.

    What is the most common mistake people make when replacing a single-handle shower faucet?

    The most common mistake people make when replacing a single-handle shower faucet is not turning off the water supply to the faucet. This can result in water damage to your home.

    Can I replace a single-handle shower faucet myself?

    Yes, you can replace a single-handle shower faucet yourself. However, it is important to make sure that you have the right tools and skills for the job. If you are not comfortable doing this type of work, it is best to hire a professional plumber.

    What are the benefits of replacing a single-handle shower faucet?

    There are several benefits to replacing a single-handle shower faucet, including:

    • Improved water flow and pressure
    • Longer lifespan
    • Increased energy efficiency
    • A more modern look

    What are the different types of single-handle shower faucets?

    There are three main types of single-handle shower faucets:

    • Moentrol faucets: These faucets have a single lever that controls both the hot and cold water.
    • Pressure-balanced faucets: These faucets maintain a constant water pressure, even when the other faucets in your home are in use.
    • Thermostatic faucets: These faucets maintain a constant water temperature, even when the water pressure changes.

    In this tutorial, we showed you how to replace a single-handle shower faucet. We covered the steps in detail, from removing the old faucet to installing the new one. We also provided tips on how to choose the right faucet for your shower and how to troubleshoot any problems that may arise.

    We hope this tutorial has been helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments below.

    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.