how to repair a stuck shower valve

Look on the opposite side of the wall where the shower is located. Dave Jones. Spin the shower 360 to release it off the pole. A common cause of stuck shower valves is due to limescale buildup inside the handle and stem, causing it to stick. Repeat as often as necessary to get it cleaned up. This is a far better solution that tying a plastic bag around it as the vinegar will reach and act on every part of the spout. 14. ; Step 2: Twist The Shower Arm Off. Unscrew the valve nut and put it aside for later. Some pull-out shower faucet handles (also called pull-push shower faucet handles) can slowly become harder to use over time. https://www.thisoldhouse.com/how-to/how-to-repair-shower-valve, https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-install-shower-valve-trim/, (Replace a Shower Valve). Caulk it in place if necessary. If not, it simply means you need to rotate the cartridge. The same case applies for spouts that use an Allen screw to secure them. Key Takeaway: Maintaining a shower diverter regularly is key to avoiding costly repairs, so its important to clean and check for signs of damage such as cracked seals or worn-out parts. To check if your shower valve is sticking because of limescale buildup: Drill a tap (screw extractor) into the center of the cartridge. Screwdriver or Driller Hammer Other Required OEM Parts Faucet grease Step #1: There's a small hole beneath the handle puller. How to Fix a Thermostatic Shower Mixer valve. This makes it difficult to make even the simplest repairs, like changing out a washer. Leave the solution in place for 12 hours or preferably overnight. If it is, however, your new cartridge should come with its own valve clip. You dont want to buy a longer spout or smaller which will leave the supply line exposed. After you have the screws out, you may need to wiggle or tap on the handle to get it to slide off the stem. How do I get into the wall to access the valve? This article was co-authored by Dave Jones. Pull off the . Use a flat-head screwdriver to gently jiggle it off. As you already know, oil and water are not the best of friends. Investigating the Safety of Vinyl Chloride in PVC Pipes for Drinking Water: What You Need to Know. Do this slowly. Answer: If the handle is stuck, try adding lubricant or prying it out with a flat-head screwdriver one step at a time. It means it's time to call in a professional plumber. Shower diverters are an essential part of any bathroom. The valve controls the flow of water into the spout, whereas the spout controls the flow of water out of the faucet. The cartridge is there to control the water flow of the shower and tub, but it can become corroded over time making it difficult to use the handle. 5. To be safe, plug off the bathtub drain so as not lose the screw down the drain. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. You can buy a puller at your local hardware store for between $9 and $15. The substances embed on the groove inside the spout thereby restricting the free up and down movement of the diverter causing it jam. Remove the screw holding the control handle on the fixture, found either at the base of the handle or under the top amidst the handle. If there are no shutoff valves behind the wall, you will need to locate and turn off water to the entire home and then open a fixture to relieve the pressure and drain the water. If youre installing a new shower system, its important to consider how many fixtures you will need. The diverter valve diverts water from one path to another path. We write about "all things plumbing," helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market. If the handle sticks, try heating it with a . Wait a few minutes, then it should slide out more easily. Do the same thing again 180 degrees around the nut. If the supply pipe is threaded, use a wire brush or toothbrush to clean it, removing the old tape off it. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Plumbing Sniper is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. Just to cover all your bases, you will want to turn off the flow of water to the shower. Plus the necessary tools to do the job - I'm without. Check out these helpful guides! A shower diverter should last you at least 5 years. Remove the screw holding the handle in place, then pull the handle free of the valve stem. Don't be afraid to hit it pretty hard. Remove the cloth from the drain, turn the water back on, and test your work. In short, by manipulating the diverter, you can switch between directing water to your showerhead, hand shower, or bathtub spout. Luckily, a stuck shower diverter can be easily fixed and doesnt always need to be replaced. 2. There are 2 things that you really need to be careful about while buying a new bathtub faucet. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d2\/Replace-a-Shower-Valve-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Replace-a-Shower-Valve-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d2\/Replace-a-Shower-Valve-Step-1.jpg\/aid9752157-v4-728px-Replace-a-Shower-Valve-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"