Shower faucets are available in a range of stylish models that neatly cover the screw that keeps the handle in place. Unfortunately, a leaking faucet will surely irritate you by inflating your water costs, thus compelling the need to know how to fix a leaky shower faucet single handle.
You may repair a leaky shower faucet single handle by finding the screw and exposing the valve. After cutting off the water supply and opening the valve, you’ll have to check for the cartridge. A defective washer, O-ring, or other components could cause leakage, so fix the damage or replace the cartridge.
This post will show you how to fix a leaky shower faucet single handle.
How To Fix A Leaky Shower Faucet Single Handle (Reasons & Fixes)
The table below gives a rough idea of what could trigger leaking in your shower faucet single handle and how to fix it.
| Problem | Recommended Solution | |
| 1. | Faulty cartridge | Replace the malfunctioned cartridge. |
| 2. | A malfunctioned O-ring | Check out worn-out O-rings and replace them with new ones. |
| 3. | A worn-out valve seat | Clear the sediment buildup. Replace the worn-out valve seat. |
| 4. | Broken washers | Install the new washer correctly and ensure it is the perfect size. |
1. A Faulty Cartridge
According to a TLC plumber, a damaged cartridge causes 90% of the shower leakage that comes from the shower faucet. The cartridge starts and stops the flow of water via the tap.
Fix
- Using pliers, grasp the valve stem and pull the malfunctioned cartridge out. Note the cartridge’s position before removing it so you can replace it in the same manner.
- In most cases, the manufacturer designed the cartridge for effortless removal. But if it functions for years, the O-rings could fuse to the valve housing, making a cartridge extractor necessary for this process.
- Use the extractor that the faucet’s maker recommends.
2. Malfunctioned O-Ring
It is a compact disc connected to the stem screw that holds the faucet handle in position. O-rings can wear out or become loose, and this might be the reason for a leaky faucet single handle.
Fix
Examine the O-rings for deterioration. Replace the broken O-ring with a new one; this will help avoid water leaking.
3. Worn-out Valve Seat
The valve seat may be the source of a leak from the faucet’s spout. The valve seat joins the spout to the tap.
Sediment can accumulate and erode the seat, triggering a leak.
Fix
- Take off all the springs and gaskets from the valve housing using a flat-head screwdriver.
- Use a flashlight to check inside the valve housing and identify the screw securing it in place. Unscrew it with a valve wrench with a compatible head.
- Thread the wrench into the valve housing and connect the head with the screw.
- To remove the screw, start turning the wrench in the anticlockwise direction.
- If you can’t loosen the screw, lubricate the valve seat and try again after a few minutes.
- Insert a replacement valve seat and line it with the valve wrench in the tap housing.
- Tighten it by rotating it clockwise with a suitable amount of force. Over-tightening can cause the wrench to slide and harm the screw head.
4. Broken Washers
Broken washers are a typical cause of a leaky faucet. Washers rub up against the valve seat, where they may eventually wear out as a result of friction, hence causing leaks.
Leaking can occur when you install the washer incorrectly or use one with the wrong size.
Fix
- Cut off the primary water supply to your home.
- Detach the index button by prying it off with the screwdriver.
- Unscrew the handle and remove it. If you are using a lever handle, start by removing the set screw with an Allen wrench or screwdriver, then remove the handle.
- Loosen the cam nut to access the ball assembly and the plastic cam.
- Turn the cam nut anticlockwise to remove it. Remove the cam gasket and the plastic cam to expose the ball.
- Detach the ball from the faucet by lifting it out.
- Check for two rubber seals and springs and use needed nose pliers to remove them.
- Clean the inside of the faucet body to remove the mineral accumulation. Alternatively, use plain vinegar.
- Get your new ball assembly and start by installing the seals and the spring.
- Place the ball back into the faucet assembly.
- Align the notch and peg on the ball assembly to achieve proper installation.
- Install the replacement plastic cam and gasket cam on top of the ball.
- Put the cam nut over the plastic cam and tighten it.
- Ply the handle on the handle adapter, turn the water back on, and check for leaks.
How To Fix A Leaky Shower Faucet Single Handle (Step-by-step Guide)
The following easy-to-follow steps will help fix your leaking faucet handle:
Step 1: Cut Off The Water Supply To The Shower
- Turn off the water supply to the shower.
- Pry the handle covering off using a small pocket knife to uncover the underlying handle screw. You can now remove the handle screw.
- Loosen and pull the handle screw out to disconnect it.
Step 2: Remove The Handle
- Unplug the faucet handle and keep it somewhere secure.
- Turn off the water at the control valve or the fittings’ cutoff valves of your house.
- Turn your faucet on and off to check its status.
- Next, disconnect the handle from the faucet body. If the handle still clings, try using a hair dryer to steam it.
- If you still can’t get it off, use a special handle puller (a low-cost tool available from plumbing home improvement stores or wholesalers).
Step 3: Remove the Cartridge Clip
- Pull out the stop tube to disconnect it.
- Remove the cartridge retaining clip with an awl or a little screwdriver.
- Let go of the handle washer, then use pliers to loosen the cartridge stem and pull it out to finalize the removal. You may need a special cartridge puller if it gets jammed.
Step 4: Remove The Hex Screw
- Extract the hex nut and the hex screw from their respective positions until you see the threads.
- Place the puller above the cartridge stem, aligning the tool ears with the cartridge slots, then turn to release the cartridge stem. Nearly every single faucet manufacturer uses a different method for connecting the cartridge to the faucet system.
- Examine and remove any springs or clips you may have.
Step 5: Remove The Old Cartridge
- Insert the cap into the old cartridge ears and twist the cartridge from the case.
- Pull it out with pliers.
- If you can’t get the old cartridge out, you’ll need to employ a cartridge puller. Make sure the one you purchase is compatible with your faucet.
- Make sure the one you purchase is compatible with your faucet.
- Look for the manufacturer’s name on the faucet’s rim or handle. If you are familiar with plumbing parts, you can identify the model and brand from an image.
Step 6: Tighten The Hex Nut
- When removing the cartridge, wiggle it free from its slot.
- Carry the old unit with you to a home improvement store or a plumbing supply shop to guarantee that you receive an exact new cartridge.
- Tighten the hex screw by hand until it gets to its lowest position.
- Use one hand to tighten the hex nut while the other pulls the cartridge puller handle.
- If the cartridge will not come out, keep the puller handle sturdy while tightening the hex nut to complete two rotations.
- You can remove it by extracting the cartridge out of the faucet assembly.
- Buy a replacement cartridge identical to the original, position it correctly, and reassemble the components.
Final Thoughts On How To Fix A Leaky Shower Faucet Single Handle
Leaking faucet handles can cause significant harm to your bathroom walls and other structures, besides producing incremental electricity costs. The problem could stem from malfunctioned O-rings, valve seats, washers, or mineral buildup in cartridges.
As a result, understanding how to fix a leaky faucet single handle using solutions discussed in this post might assist you in averting such issues in the future.
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