Leaks in the shower faucet (shower) can make your water bill swell. However, you also don't have to pay for the services of a professional plumber to fix it. By following just a few easy steps, you can fix it yourself. The following steps show you how.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Fixing the Faucet Handle
A handle that does not close completely may be the cause of the faucet leaking.
Step 1. Be sure to turn the faucet handle to the fully closed position
If the water is still dripping, the problem may be with the shower handle
Step 2. Turn off the water flow
- The water flow control lever may be in the bathroom or kitchen.
- If you can't find this lever, simply turn off the main water flow lever to the house. You should be able to find the main lever at the front of the house.
- Try opening the shower faucet, and make sure no water is coming out of it.
Step 3. Remove the faucet handle
- This handle is used to open and close the shower flow.
- Pry the faucet handle cap (located on the outer end) with a penknife. After that, the bolt on the inside of the faucet handle will open.
- Remove the bolt on the faucet handle with a screwdriver.
- If the bolt doesn't come off, try preheating it with a hairdryer. If that doesn't work either, buy a handle puller from a hardware or home improvement store.
Step 4. Open the outer cartridge
- This cartridge is in the form of a large ring attached to the wall and will appear after the faucet handle is open.
- Use a cartridge remover. You can get this tool at a hardware or home supply store.
Step 5. Install the new cartridge
- You can buy it at a hardware or home supply store.
- Install the new cartridge in the same place as the old cartridge.
Step 6. Make sure the faucet handle is in the closed position
- If the shower faucet doesn't leak anymore, the problem has been resolved.
- However, if the shower faucet is still leaking, proceed to the next step, which is to repair the faucet.
Method 2 of 2: Repairing the Shower Faucet
Step 1. Turn off the water flow first
- You can turn off the water flow using the lever in the bathroom or kitchen.
- If you can't find the water flow control lever, turn off the main water supply in the house. The main water flow control lever should be located at the front of the house.
- Try opening the shower faucet and make sure no water is coming out of it.
Step 2. Remove the shower faucet
- Use pliers or a wrench.
- Let the remaining water drain out of the faucet.
Step 3. Replace the rubber pads (gaskets)
- This pad is located on the inside of the faucet.
- You can buy new rubber pads at a hardware or home supply store.
- Make sure it's the right size and doesn't slide around in the faucet.
Step 4. Reattach the shower faucet
Use pliers or a wrench to tighten it back into position
