How to Repair a Delta Shower Faucet Updated

How to Repair a Delta Shower Faucet

Walk in shower

Your faucet uses a system of valves and handles to control the temperature and menstruation of water in your bathtub or shower. In many cases, faucet problems stalk from one of these components. Replacing or repairing a faucet isn't hard, simply the process will vary based on your plumbing and the nature of the issue. Here's a wait at a variety of solutions for your troublesome faucet or valve.

How to Replace or Install Valves by Faucet Type

Important note: Be sure to turn off the water earlier you brainstorm. If y'all can't find the valve that turns off the shower, turn off the water to the unabridged house (should be in basement or outside). Then plow on the shower and let the pipes bleed out. When you plow the water back on, plough on all of your taps to force out any air that may take gotten in. When the water flow is steady, you're done.

single handle faucet

Single-Handle Faucets

Commonly found in single-handle faucets, valve cartridges are cylindrical devices that utilise O-rings to control the menstruum of water. Replacement is the easiest fashion to fix cartridge-related bug.

Time: 15 minutes to 1 hour
Cost: $20 to $100
Tools:

Phillips screwdriver
Small flathead screwdriver
Pocketknife
Optional- Handle puller and/or cartridge puller (may require an adjustable wrench)

Turn off your h2o.
Locate the fix screw under the handle or cap at the front end of the unit. Remove the screw and pull.
Use a screwdriver to remove the servant prune at the elevation of the cartridge housing. Exist certain not to lose this piece.
Remove the cartridge by gently pulling with pliers. Some manufacturers provide a cap that threads onto the valve to help in removal. You lot may have to purchase a cartridge removal tool if it's stuck.
Have the old cartridge to the hardware store to ensure you become the right replacement. Cartridges are specific to faucet make a model.
Insert the new cartridge.
Supersede the retaining prune and reassemble your faucet. Turn the water back on to make certain your faucet doesn't leak.

Note: Replacing your cartridge's O-rings tin sometimes assistance. O-ring kits cost around $i.00.

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hand turn double faucet in bathroom

Two-Handle Faucets

Common in two-handle faucets, stems are mechanisms that use threaded handles and rubber seals to open and close water lines. Installing a new stem is the easiest way to gear up a malfunction, but you lot tin an also replace faulty hardware similar seals and O-rings.

Time: 20 minutes to 1 hour depending on feel
Cost: $1.00 to $three.00 depending on faucet manufacturer
Tools:

Phillips screwdriver
Minor flathead screwdriver
Pocketknife
Pipage wrench
Optional- Handle puller and/or shower valve socket wrench

Pry away the index cap at the front of the handle to access the handle screw. Remove the spiral and pull. Use a handle puller if it'south stuck. You can buy a puller at your local hardware store for betwixt $ix and $fifteen.
Use pliers to gently turn the stem counterclockwise.
Remove the screw at the end of the stem and install a new washer. Be sure the replacement washer is an exact match and coated with petroleum jelly.
Find the O-ring and swap information technology out with a new one also. Exist certain to coat the new O-ring in petroleum jelly.
Screw in your new stalk and add the handle hardware back in place.
If you're installing a new stalk, throw the one-time one away and spiral in your replacement.
Put the bonnet nut and handles back on the unit of measurement.

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Three golden shower valve handles on a big white empty tile shower room

Three-Handle and Diverter Faucets

3-handle faucets take temperature stems (hot and common cold handles) and diverter stems. Here's how to repair both:

Time: 15 minutes to ane hour depending on experience
Price: $3.00 to $27.00 depending on manufacturer of replacement parts
Tools:

Phillips screwdriver
Small flathead screwdriver
Pocketknife
Pipe wrench
Optional- Handle puller and/or shower valve socket wrench

Temperature Stems

You can ready temperature stalk issues the same way you would a ii-handle faucet. Here's a quick how-to:

Pry away the alphabetize cap at the front of the handle to access the handle spiral. Remove the screw and pull. Use a handle puller if it'southward stuck. Y'all can buy a puller at your local hardware store for between $9 and $15.
Use pliers or a deep-socket wrench to gently plough the stem counterclockwise.
Wrap Teflon tape around the base of your stem and screw it into place.
Replace the handle hardware.

Wall Diverter Stems

Your wall diverter is usually the tertiary handle in a iii-handle valve. Swapping out your faulty diverter valve is the easiest way to address this issue. Here'southward how:

Remove the cap and handle as in the single handle guide. You may have a sleeve over yours. Gently remove it, beingness careful not to mar the finish.
With a socket wrench, remove the sometime valve.
Wrap Teflon tape around the threads of the new valve, leaving the first few threads blank to ensure a grip.
Insert the new diverter and give it an extra quarter turn after information technology'southward tight. Do not strength it.
With the handle, turn information technology and test the water to make certain it only comes out of where it's supposed to. This is also a good time to shine a flashlight into the valve and make sure at that place are no leaks.
Reassemble the diverter handle.

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Ball and Thermostatic Faucets

Ball and thermostatic valves volition require the help of a professional. These faucet designs use complicated designs that aren't as DIY-able as stems or cartridges.

Additional Replacement Considerations

leaky faucet tub spout

Tub Spout Diverter

A faulty diverter in your spout will bear upon the efficiency of your shower. Replacing your tub's spout is the easiest mode to solve this trouble. Here'south a how-to:

Time: 15 minutes to 1 hour
Toll: $3.00 to $27.00
Tools:

Phillips screwdriver
Pocket-sized flathead screwdriver
Pocketknife
Flashlight
Channel locks
Shower socket wrench (for wall-type)
Teflon tape
Plumber's dope
Optional– Handle puller

Using channel locks or a pipe wrench, plow counterclockwise to remove the tub spout. The old piping should come off likewise. If non, employ the wrench to remove it. Some spouts are held on with a set screw. Check for this before trying to turn the spout.
Clean the wall to ensure a snug fit.
Your new spout should come with a new pipe. Wrap both ends in plumber's record to ensure a skillful seal.
Screw in your new pipe and tighten information technology with a wrench.
Spiral on the new tub spout and tighten it with a wrench. Wrap textile or something protective around the spout to avoid marring the terminate. If information technology has a set-screw blazon, just slide it on and tighten.
Apply a bead of caulk where the spout meets the wall.

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Repairing a Leaky Faucet

It's normal for your shower to drip for a few minutes after the water is turned off. But a steady flow may signal a leak. Replacing your faulty hardware is a common set, but leaks can also be stopped by repairing your valve or stem. Hither's a quick rundown of elementary repairs.

The majority of bug stem from a faulty valve or component. Bad O-rings and faulty seats and seals are repairable bug. In nearly cases, replacing the damaged hardware is the best way to ameliorate the issue, merely gently soaking and scrubbing cartridges or stems can remove buildup and improve its sealing capabilities.

Repairing or replacing your faucet components isn't always like shooting fish in a barrel. Call a pro if you lot're unsure almost tackling either of these jobs.

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Faucet Installation by Brand

Most faucet hardware installations are simple. Just some can vary based on their make. Here's a quick guide for the 3 major faucet manufacturers.

Kohler

Install the spout. Y'all can screw on your spout if the water pipage has a threaded end. Be sure to remove the sideslip-fit assembly before you begin. If the end is smooth, employ sand newspaper to crude the terminate of the pipe and then slide on the spout. Tighten the set screw.
Apply sealant. Apply sealant around the base of the spout. Wipe away any excess using a clean rag.
Reassemble the faceplate. Connect your servant and seal plate. Place sealant on the back of the seal plate and press it against the wall. Tighten whatever screws to ensure a water-tight connection. Place the faceplate over the servant.
Add the handle. Place the handle over the valve and secure information technology. How you secure your handle will vary based on its blueprint.
Install the showerhead. Place sealant tape around the finish of the pipage and screw on the head.

Moen

Install the stop-tube. Slide the stop tube over the cartridge.
Replace the trim plate. Identify caulking around the outside edge of the trim plate and press information technology against the wall. Be certain to attach the eschaton screws also. Slide the key- and temperature-stops in place.
Spiral in the level-handle adapter.
Attach the handle Place the handle on the adapter and tighten the hex or set spiral.
Add together the spout. Add thread tape to the end of the pipe. Utilize caulk to the base of operations of the spout and screw information technology in place.
Final Touches. Add thread record to the end of the showerhead pipe and screw the head into place.

Delta

Install the spout. Add thread record to the cease of the piping. Apply caulk to the base of the spout and screw information technology in identify.
Add the O-ring. Slide the O-ring over the faucet.
Slide in the eschaton Slide information technology over the cartridge.
Supervene upon the trim plate. Place caulking around the outside edge of the eschaton and press it against the wall. Add the screws and tighten them.
Attach the handle. Place the handle on the adapter and tighten the hex or ready screw.
Final Touches. Add thread tape to the end of the pipe and screw the head into place.

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Cleaning bath service. Man in protective glasses polishing faucet

Is It Fourth dimension to Upgrade?

Knowing when to upgrade your faucets isn't always like shooting fish in a barrel. Fortunately, there are several clear signs information technology'due south time for an update. Here are a few indicators your faucets demand an upgrade.

Mineral Buildup

Hard water volition go out backside a residue that can bear upon the looks and usability of your fixtures. Over time, this mineral buildup will accumulate in your valves and showerhead and brand replacement a must. Ignoring mineral residue will impact your water flow and plow a relaxing shower into a frustrating chore.

Aesthetics

Sometimes a simple faucet and handle upgrade is all that'due south needed to give your bathroom a quick facelift. You might be doing this for a auction, or y'all may just be tired of looking at the same style. Regardless, the outdated hardwear tin ruin the amuse of your bathroom — even later a total remodel.

If you lot're repairing or replacing a valve or cartridge, go ahead and treat your shower to a whole new expect!

When to Call a Pro

Don't hesitate to phone call a pro if you lot're unsure about any part of your faucet repair or installation. DIY mistakes can lead to serious bug similar leaks and flooding. Additionally, mishaps tin reduce the energy efficiency of your dwelling, resulting in increased utility bills.

Check out our Faucet Installation Cost Guide to learn how much it will cost to hire a professional person for this project.

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