How to Replace a Washer in Your Shower Faucet

Fix a leaky shower faucet with this DIY guide

Co-authored by Patrick Johns and Mason Martinez, BA

Last Updated: March 2, 2024 Fact Checked

Bathtub and shower faucets function the same as sink faucets; each has handles to twist the cartridge-based valves beneath its decorative plate. To prevent leaks and drips, washers are used to ensure the cartridge valve is kept off. However, when these washers wear out, you may find your faucets beginning to trickle. In this guide, we’ll teach you how to replace the washer in a bathroom faucet using a screwdriver and pliers.

How to Replace a Shower Faucet Washer

Turn off the main water supply. Then, remove the screws holding the handle and plate to expose the faucet cartridge. Remove the cartridge and the screw holding the washer in place. Swap out the old washer with a new one, then reinstall the screw. Replace the cartridge, plate, handle, and screws, and turn your water on.

1

Shut off the water supply.

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Turn the water supply valve to the “OFF” position. Locate your home’s main water supply, which may be in the basement (if you have one), near the water heater, or outside near a property line. Turn the valve “wheel” handle clockwise to shut off the main valve. ^{[1]
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- If your water supply has straight valve handles, ensure the valve is perpendicular to the water supply pipe. If it’s parallel, that means the water is still on.

2

Expose the faucet cartridge.

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Remove the screws, handles, and decorative plate to access the faucet. Look on the sides of the faucet handles for a small screw. Use a flat-head screwdriver to remove this screw, setting it aside in a plastic bag or tray to avoid losing small pieces. Once removed, lift the faucet handle off the escutcheon (the decorative plate) and set it aside. ^{[2]
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- Use this same method to remove the escutcheon from the wall. The handle usually hides the plate screws. Set the plate aside, exposing the faucet cartridge.
- Use a utility knife to score the caulk surrounding the escutcheon loose.
- Screws may be beneath or on the underside of the handle. Remove any decorative plates hiding screws with your fingers or with the screwdriver.

3

Remove the cartridge.

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Release the cartridge’s locking nut with a pair of pliers or a socket wrench set. The key is to have a good grip to twist the cartridge free from the wall. Once it is free, turn the cartridge upside down to locate the washer at its base. ^{[3]
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4

Replace the washer.

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Unfasten the old washer using a screwdriver to loosen it. Grasp the cartridge with pliers to help loosen it if you’re having difficulty. Twist counterclockwise to remove the screw. Add a new flat washer to the end of the cartridge, placing the screw back to keep it secure. ^{[4]
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- If you need to replace the O-ring (the circular black silicone or rubber piece) lift one side of the ring with the screwdriver to shimmy it down the length of the cartridge. ^{[5]
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- To find the right washer replacement, first understand what type of faucet you’re working with. Ball faucets have a single handle and use o-rings and rubber seals. A disc faucet uses ceramic discs to control the flow of water. ^{[6]
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- Cartridge faucets close water with a simple handle twist and use rubber o-rings. Compression faucets use a few twists and rubber washers. ^{[7]
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- Take your washer to the hardware store to match the size and type.

5

Replace the cartridge, plate, and screws.

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Insert the cartridge into the wall and twist it clockwise to lock it back in place. Press your escutcheon plate over the valve and secure it with the screws from earlier. Then, you can replace the handle over the plate by screwing it back on. ^{[8]
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6

Caulk the edges of the plate.

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Run a thin bead of silicone caulk to seal the plate. To ensure no leaks or internal water damage to the walls or pipes, apply fresh silicone caulk to where the decorative plate and wall meet. Cut the tip of the caulk tube off at a 45-degree angle. Squeeze the tube slowly and carefully to fill the gap. ^{[9]
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- Use a caulk gun for even distribution.
- Wipe excess caulk down with your finger or a caulk finishing tool.

7

Turn the water back on and test for leaks.

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Twist the main water supply valve to the “ON” position. Then, inside the bathroom, turn the faucet on and inspect the handles for any drips or leaks. ^{[10]
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- If you still see leaks, ensure all the screws are tight. You may need to double-check your work.
- If the problem persists, schedule an appointment with a local plumber.

Community Q&A

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Question

Where do I turn off the main water line?

Community Answer

Usually, it's extremely close to the water meter. There should be a shut-off valve both immediately before and after the water meter. Both can be turned off if one isn't doing the trick. If neither shut off the water completely, then you'll need a plumber to replace both with ball type valves for vastly improved predictability and reliability.

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Question

What do I do if the cartridge just spins and doesn't come out?

Community Answer

Make sure you removed the large outermost nut, an extremely common setup. You can also both push and pull to free the possible O-ring(s), or you can spray some oil into the back. It should just pop out, but some corrosion or buildup may need to be overcome. If nothing's working, then call a plumber and they'll grease up everything so future replacements are uneventful.

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Question

Do I have to turn off the water to do this?

Community Answer

Yes, you must turn off the water. The washer holds back the water pressure from the main line. If you remove the handle and washer without cutting off the water supply, water will spray everywhere.

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Tips

Take the entire cartridge and washer to the hardware store to purchase a replacement washer. Washers come in many sizes, and the incorrect size may cause leaks.

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Tips from our Readers

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Use a cartridge socket to remover stubborn or corroded cartridges.

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Warnings

Make sure the tub you are standing in is dry to help prevent slips and falls.

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Things You'll Need

Flat washer
O-ring , optional
Utility knife
Flat-head screwdriver
Pliers or socket wrench set
Silicone caulk
Caulk gun , optional
Caulk finishing tool , optional

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How to Replace a Washer in Your Shower Faucet

How to Replace a Shower Faucet Washer

Steps

Shut off the water supply.

Expose the faucet cartridge.

Remove the cartridge.

Replace the washer.

Replace the cartridge, plate, and screws.

Caulk the edges of the plate.

Turn the water back on and test for leaks.

Community Q&A

Video

Tips

Tips from our Readers

Warnings

Things You'll Need

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