| In order to successfully repair a shower faucet, it is | | | | plate. To remove the left behind caulking, simply use |
| important to get the facts concerning the faucet you | | | | a plastic putty knife, being careful not to damage the |
| will be repairing. There are many types and styles of | | | | surface. |
| faucets available, but they mainly fall into two | | | | Next, peel off the o-ring. Just slip it from its grove |
| categories: washer (compression) and the washer | | | | and peel from the housing. Keep the o-ring whole (do |
| less types. | | | | not cut) so you can easily find an exact replacement |
| There are a number of reasons a shower faucet | | | | at the hardware store. If you are not able to peel it |
| might leak: | | | | off, you can play it off with a screwdriver. Make sure |
| Loose or worn packing | | | | that the o-ring groove is free of any buildup or lime |
| Worn washer | | | | deposits. |
| Worn valve seatworn o-ringssediment build up on disc | | | | The next step is to apply silicone grease to the new |
| type faucetworn seals on disc type faucet | | | | o-ring. Slide the o-ring over the cartridge, seating it |
| To begin repairing your faucet, first turn off the | | | | into the o-ring grove. Reassemble the faucet. Turn |
| water supply. Open the valve to make sure all water | | | | the water back on and test for leaks. |
| is drained down. Next, remove the faucet. You should | | | | Replace the escutcheon plate and seal around it with |
| then check for mineral deposits. If there is a buildup | | | | bathtub caulking. |
| on the faucet assembly, you can soak the assembly | | | | Below is a list of supplies you will need to make a |
| parts in white vinegar or purchase a solution designed | | | | successful shower faucet repair: |
| specifically to dissolve lime (often needed to remove | | | | O-ringcartridge replacement kitsilicone greasewhite |
| heavy buildup). | | | | vinegar or lime dissolving solutioncaulking (water proof |
| Next, unscrew the retaining nut with a shower stem | | | | - clear dry) |
| socket tool (available at most hardware stores). | | | | You will also need a screwdriver, a plastic putty knife, |
| To remove the cartridge, just grasp the end with a | | | | shower stem socket kit, pliers, and a utility knife. You |
| pair of pliers and pull straight out. If the hole is too | | | | may also need a flashlight. |
| small, you can enlarge it with a screwdriver and | | | | After completing your shower faucet repair and |
| hammer. | | | | checking for leaks, your faucet should be good as |
| After the faucet is removed and soaking (if | | | | new. |
| necessary), check for caulking around the escutcheon | | | | |