How to Change Out Single & Double Shower Knobs

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Upgrade old, dirty, or damaged shower handles like a pro
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A quick, easy, and inexpensive way to redecorate your bathroom is to replace the shower knobs. Most shower knobs are either single or double, depending on the type of faucet that you have. Luckily, replacing both types of knobs is super simple. We spoke with professional plumbers Greg Jeiranyan and David Balkan to learn the best ways to replace both types of knobs. Read on to find out more!

Replacing a Shower Knob or Handle

Turn off your main water supply or the valve to your shower. Then, pry off the cover on top of the knob and unscrew the screw. Twist and pull off the old knob and then push on a compatible replacement knob. Then, secure the new knob with a screw and push on the knob cover.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Replacing Double Knobs

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  1. Either turn off the water valve specifically for the shower, or shut off the water supply at the main line, which is usually on the outside of your house or in the basement. Simply switch off the water and then turn the shower on, which allows any remaining water to flow out. [1]
    • Balkan says “every plumbing fixture,” like a shower or toilet, “typically [has] their own dedicated valve” that is located near the fixture.
    • If the water supply handle is round and looks like a wheel, turn the handle clockwise (right) to switch it off. It will take around 2 full turns.
    • If the water supply handle is a lever, give the handle a 1/4 turn, where it will stop.
    • Note : The knob replacement process is the same if you have 3 or more shower knobs.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Replace Shower Knobs
    Lay a cloth flat over the drain to catch any small parts that may fall while you are replacing the knobs. This prevents you from losing anything and also keeps your drain from getting blocked. [2]
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Replace Shower Knobs
    Jeiranyan says there’s usually “some type of cover that covers…the screw that holds [the knob] in place.” Simply push a flathead screwdriver beneath the cover plate on the knob. Then, gently lift the screwdriver handle away to pop the cover off.
    • You can use a utility knife instead of a flathead screwdriver. [3]
    • If the cover plate is stuck, use a handle puller to remove it. You can find these at your local hardware store.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Replace Shower Knobs
    Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screw in the knob. Jeiranyan says to turn the screwdriver counterclockwise (left) to twist the screw out. It will fall out quickly, so be ready to catch it.
    • Place the screw in a plastic bag or small bowl and set it in a safe space so it doesn’t get lost.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Replace Shower Knobs
    Twist the knob counterclockwise as you pull it toward you to remove it from the shower valve. It should twist off easily with a bit of wiggling and pulling. [4]
    • If the knob seems to be stuck on the valve, give it a few very light taps with a hammer on the outside, where you hold it to turn it. This loosens any mineral deposits but won't damage the knob.
    • Tip : Label each valve so you know which one controls the hot and cold water. For instance, write an “H” on a piece of tape and place it under the correct valve.
  6. Purchase new knobs that are the same size and brand as the old ones. Take the old knobs and screws with you to your local hardware or plumbing store and show them to the salesperson. Jeiranyan says they will be able to help you match new shower knobs to your old fittings, ensuring that you get the right brand and size.
    • Alternatively, get a universal faucet handle . This is a great option if the store doesn't sell your particular brand.
    • Most shower knobs cost between $5 to $40, depending on the materials they’re made of and who they’re made by.
    • Shower knobs are made from many different materials, so find some that match the other fittings in your bathroom, such as the showerhead and taps. For instance, brass, plastic, and chrome are common materials.
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Replace Shower Knobs
    Make sure that the knob labeled “Cold” goes on the cold valve and the knob labeled “Hot” goes on the hot valve. Jeiranyan says that generally, the cold water knob is on the right and the hot water knob is on the left.
    • If your old shower knobs were previously the wrong way around, this is a good opportunity to switch them.
    • Tip : If the shower valves are dirty, wipe them with a shower cleaner .
  8. Watermark wikiHow to Replace Shower Knobs
    Push and twist the knob onto the valve until it slides into place. Then, Jeiranyan says to use a Phillips screwdriver to put a screw into the center of each knob. Twist the screw clockwise (right) to tighten it as much as possible and prevent any leaks.
  9. Watermark wikiHow to Replace Shower Knobs
    Use your thumbs to push each cover back onto each knob so they cover the screws. Make sure that the covers are flush and sit flat on the knobs. [5]
  10. Turn the water supply valve counterclockwise (left) to turn the water back on . Then, twist the hot and cold knobs on to ensure that water comes out and it’s the right temperature. Also, check that the knobs don’t leak. [6]
    • If there is a water leak, remove the knob cover and tighten the screw again.
    • If you turned off the main water supply , turn it back on slowly:
      • For round handles, make ¼ of a rotation and pause for a few seconds. Keep turning the handle ¼ of the way open and pausing until the valve is fully open. [7]
      • For lever valves, turn the lever ⅛ of a turn and wait for a few seconds. Then, turn it the rest of the way until it's parallel with the water pipe.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Replacing a Single Knob

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  1. Switch off the main water supply line to your house. Or, turn off the valve that controls your shower, if you have access to it; it’s usually located near your shower. Then, turn the shower on to drain out any residual water inside the pipes. [8]
    • This prevents you from getting accidentally soaked if you turn the handle while you are replacing it.
    • The main water supply is usually in your basement or located outside near the exterior of your house.
    • If the main water supply handle is a wheel, switch it off by turning it clockwise for 2 full turns. [9]
    • For main water supply handles that are levers, turn the lever ¼ until it's at a right angle to the pipe (perpendicular). You won’t be able to turn it at this point.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Replace Shower Knobs
    Most shower knobs have a small cover located on the front or underside of the handle; it may have a red and blue temperature symbol on it. Simply use a utility knife or screwdriver to press under the cover and flick it off. [10]
    • The knob cover goes over a hole in the shower handle where the screw is. Some showers don’t have a covered button for this hole, and in this case, you won’t have to remove one. Just find the small hole on the top or underside of the handle.
    • Tip : Place a cloth over the shower drain in case the cover or any small parts fall. This prevents them from getting stuck in the drain.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Replace Shower Knobs
    Jeiranyan says some shower knobs are secured with a Phillips head screw or a hex/Allen head screw. Simply insert a Phillips head screwdriver or hex/Allen key into the screw within the hole. Then, twist the screwdriver or key counterclockwise to remove the screw. Simply pull and twist the handle off.
    • Use the long end of the Allen key, as the hole can be quite deep.
    • It only takes a few full twists of the handle to pull it away.
  4. Purchase a replacement handle that matches the size and brand of the old one. Put the old handle and screw into a plastic bag and show it to a salesperson at your local hardware or plumbing store. They will be able to show you what faucet handles are compatible with your old shower fittings. [11]
    • If the store doesn’t sell handles from the same brand, look for a universal faucet handle instead, which can fit onto most fittings.
    • Choosing a new shower faucet that’s compatible with your old fittings makes it easier to replace and install yourself.
    • Note : If you get a knob that’s incompatible with your old fitting, you may need to replace the shower valve , which often requires extensive plumbing work.
    • Shower knobs are made from many different materials, including brass, plastic, zinc alloy, and chrome. Match your new handle to the other fittings in your bathroom, such as the showerhead and taps. Brass is usually the most expensive option, but it typically lasts the longest, while plastic is the most inexpensive option.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Replace Shower Knobs
    You can simply push most handles into place over the existing fitting. However, some new handle sets may come with a spacer that you insert before you push the new handle on. Just fit the spacer into place inside the handle as per the instructions that came with your set first. Then, push the handle onto the valve. [12]
    • Fitting the new handle depends on the type and brand of faucet that you have. So, follow the instructions that came with the handle to install it correctly.
    • Tip : Use a shower cleaner to wipe off the shower valve if it is dirty before putting on the new knob.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Replace Shower Knobs
    Use a Phillips head screwdriver or Allen key to attach the screws into your new handle; how many you attach just depends on how many came with the set you bought. Simply turn the screwdriver or key clockwise (right) to tighten the screw. [13]
    • The screws usually go in the very center of the new shower handle.
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Replace Shower Knobs
    Push the new covering over the top of the hole where the central screw is. The cover usually has the hot and cold symbols on it or the brand’s logo. [14]
    • Make sure that the cover is firmly in place and that it is sitting flat against the handle.
  8. Turn the water supply back on slowly to prevent damage to your pipes. Then, move the shower handle to each side. Test that the hot and cold water works and that there are no leaks. [15]
    • If there is a leak, remove the new cover and tighten the screws.
    • Make sure you slowly turn the water supply back on. For wheel-shaped handles, pause after turning it ¼ of a revolution until the line is fully open. For levers, turn it ⅛ of a turn, wait a few seconds, and then turn it back to the original position so it’s parallel with the pipe. [16]
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      Things You’ll Need

      Replacing Double Knobs

      Replacing a Single Knob

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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about plumbing, check out our in-depth interview with Greg Jeiranyan .

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.hamilton-oh.gov/water-shut-off-valves
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/4ohsuRhpP-c?t=21
      3. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/how-to-fix-a-dripping-shower/
      4. ↑ https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/shower-faucet-repair-guide/
      5. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/how-to-fix-a-dripping-shower/
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/rILRStPhIQs?feature=shared&t=228
      7. ↑ https://www.wsscwater.com/customer-service/report-problem/find-and-operate-your-main-water-valve
      8. ↑ https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/shower-faucet-repair-guide/
      9. ↑ https://www.hamilton-oh.gov/water-shut-off-valves
      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/c1d3zg-0JnU?t=12
      2. ↑ https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/shower-faucet-repair-guide/
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/rILRStPhIQs?t=107
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/rILRStPhIQs?t=200
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/rILRStPhIQs?t=223
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/rILRStPhIQs?t=228
      7. ↑ https://www.wsscwater.com/customer-service/residential-tips/locating-and-operating-your-main.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      An easy, inexpensive, and fast way to give your bathroom a new look is to replace the shower knobs. Before you start, turn the water off. If you have access to the valve for the shower, turn that off too. After you turn the water off, turn the shower on to drain out any lingering water. Lay a cloth flat over the drain to catch any small parts that may fall while you’re replacing the knob so you don’t lose anything. Then, you'll need to remove the covered button and screw that hold the old handle on. Once you get the old one off, push the new handle over the valve, replace the screw, and push the cover into place. To learn how to replace double knobs, keep reading!

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      • Alok Sharma

        Aug 9, 2022

        "Nice guide. I did it myself. No need to call a plumber."
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