Q&A for How to Fix a Leaky Shower Faucet

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Question

How do I stop my shower faucet from dripping?

David Balkan
Professional Plumber & CEO of Balkan Sewer & Water Main
David Balkan is a Professional Plumber, CEO of Balkan Sewer and Water Main Service, and President of Balkan Sewer and Drain Cleaning. As a hands-on owner of these companies for over 40 years, David is knowledgeable about water service lines, sewers, and drain line issues. David is a Committee Chairman of the Master Plumbers Council and has sat on the Executive Committee of the Sub Surface Plumbers Association of New York for over 30 years. His knowledge and solution-oriented approach contributed to Balkan Sewer and Water Main Service being the largest and most trusted service in New York City and the recipient of the 2017 Angie’s List Super Service Award.

David Balkan

Professional Plumber & CEO of Balkan Sewer & Water Main

Expert Answer

Try replacing the washers behind the faucet. Just be sure to pick up a kit with an assortment of washers since you won't really know what you need until you take it apart.

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Question

I have a three handle faucet for my bathtub. The hot water leaks from the handle when it is turned on. How do I fix this?

Community Answer

Whichever handle it leaks from, the packing is worn. You'll need to take the valve apart to replace the packing or O-ring.

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Question

Why is my shower leaking after I changed the valves?

Community Answer

If you replace the valves and it still leaks, that usually means there is damage to the seat. You may need a complete new faucet install.

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Question

My shower won't turn off, what can I do?

Community Answer

You'll need to shut the water off at the main, empty the water out of the lines by opening the lowest faucet in the house, and take the valve apart to rebuild it, or call a plumber.

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Question

What should I do if water leaks from the shower head when running water in the bathtub?

Community Answer

I assume you have a 3 handle bath set, the diverter valve (the one in the middle) has an issue and pressure is sufficient to push up through the shower head pipe. The valve would need to be taken apart to replace the packing or o-ring on the stem to stop this. If the valve has a flat rubber seat, ensure the mating surface inside the valve set is nice and flat, the box stores have cheap tools to resurface the seat, it looks like a little round grinder.

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Question

What should I do if I can't get my spanner inside the hole in the tile to turn the cartridge?

Community Answer

You may have to remove a piece of tile or drywall (which is easier to repair) on the other side if it means getting access to it. This is why tile setters leave properly sized holes around shower/tub mixer valves. If you have to scrape out some grout and attempt to remove the tile, make sure you have enough replacement tiles to redo it after the leak is fixed. Also, be mindful of any potential water membranes of gaskets that may have been installed behind the tile.

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Question

Can I use caulking to stop a leak?

Community Answer

No. That wont stop the leak. The water will just go in a different direction.

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Question

The knob to my shower came loose and the screw fell in the drain. Can I just replace the knob?

Danielle Husband

Community Answer

Yes, you can find replacement knobs at your local hardware store. However, you'll likely need to replace both the faucet and the knob.

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Question

What do I do if my tap on my shower is still leaking after changing the valve and resetting it?

Danielle Husband

Community Answer

If your shower is still leaking, you'll need to call a professional plumber. They can figure out what's causing the leak and fix it.

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Question

When I remove the handles on my faucet, they all have a plastic sleeve underneath that slides over another piece of plastic. How is this removed?

Community Answer

Spin off the chrome tube that mostly covers the plastic pieces, and make sure that the machine screw which holds the knob on is removed, then both plastic pieces simply pull straight out. Mind the orientation that the inside piece comes out as if this is changed 180° then the direction of on-off is changed when you reinstall everything.

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