A leaky shower can be caused by many things, and one of these is an old or worn-out shower faucet stem. Fortunately, if you have this problem, you can do something to fix it and bring your shower faucet back into good shape. Here are some of the steps that you need to take:
1. Get Everything You Need
Before you start the repairs, make sure to gather all the necessary tools. Doing this is important so you can keep everything you need on hand and won’t have to leave the bathroom every now and then just to search for a certain tool. Some of the things you should have on hand are a flat-headed screwdriver and a socket wrench. Don’t forget to get a roll of plumber’s tape.
2. Buy a Replacement Stem
Check your shower faucet owner’s manual to know what type of faucet stem you need. Once you have this information, you can go to your nearest hardware store and purchase a replacement. But, if you’ve lost or misplaced your manual and aren’t sure about what kind to get, wait until you’ve disassembled your faucet and removed the old faucet stem. You can then bring this to the store and show it to the clerk to ensure you’ll get the right product.
3. Shut Off The Water Supply Valve
Doing this is important to ensure that you won’t get hit by a surge of water as you work on your faucet. Turn off your house’s main water supply valve or just shut off the specific valve that connects your bathroom to the mains. Once it’s turned off, open your faucet all the way and let the remaining water drain out.
4. Disassemble Your Shower Faucet
Use your screwdriver to remove the cap in front of your faucet as well as the screws that hold the faucet handle in place. Once these are off, remove the handle as well as the flange and bolt that are located behind it. Doing so will expose the shower faucet stem.
5. Replace The Old Stem With The New One
Use your wrench to take out the old faucet stem. Depending on its condition, you may be able to lift it away easily or find that it’s stuck because of corrosion or mineral deposits. It might also be slimy and slippery because of the water and therefore difficult to wriggle out.
Once you remove the old stem, install the new one and secure it in place with a bit of plumber’s tape. You can also take this time to install new washers and gaskets and throw out the old ones, which can get worn out with age and may contribute to leaks.
6. Put The Faucet Back Together
Reassemble everything once you’ve installed the new faucet stem, washers, and gaskets. Give your faucet a test to see if the leak is still there or not.
Taking these steps can help you fix a leaking shower faucet stem. If you’ve done everything that you can but the leak is still there, it’s advisable to call a professional plumber who has the right skills, experience, and tools to tackle the issue.