Are you constantly hearing the sound of running water coming from your shower head? Have you noticed spinning carousel prices on your water bill lately and don’t know why? If so, it could be because of a leaking shower faucet! There is nothing more infuriating than an unreliable plumbing system in your home.
Whether you are dealing with a shower faucet or any other type of plumbing, here is how to stop a running shower faucet and get your water back under control
To save yourself money and frustration, we have put together this blog post to help walk you through the step-by-step process on stopping a running shower faucet and getting back peace of mind. Keep reading to find out all installations needed, troubleshooting tips, and how to fix one of these aggravating problems once and for all!
What Are the Causes of a Running Shower Faucet?
The first step to fixing your running shower faucet is identifying the cause. There are several possibilities for why this could be happening, such as:
- Leaking Valves: A common culprit of a running shower faucet is leaking valves. This occurs when the rubber seal around the valve wears down, allowing water to pass through.
- Damaged O-rings: Another common cause of running shower faucets is damaged O-rings. Over time, these small rubber rings can become worn out or cracked and allow water to pass through them as well.
- Clogged Drains: Lastly, clogged drains can also be the culprit of a running shower faucet. If debris or foreign objects become stuck in the drain, it can cause the faucet to run continuously.
What Will You Need?
Once you have identified the cause of your running shower faucet, it’s time to get prepared for repair. To do this, you will need a few items:
- A pair of pliers
- An adjustable wrench or socket set
- Replacement parts such as new valves/O rings and gaskets (if necessary)
- A towel (to protect your work surfaces)
- A bucket (for catching debris or water)
- An old toothbrush (to clean out the drains)
Now that you have all of your supplies, it’s time to get started.
10 Easy Steps on How to Stop a Running Shower Faucet
Step 1. Turn off the Water Supply:
Before you make any attempts to fix your shower faucet, it’s crucial to turn off the water supply to prevent any accidental spills or flooding. Look for the main water valve in your home (usually found in the basement, garage, or outside near the water meter) and turn it clockwise until it’s completely off. Verify that the water is off by turning on the faucet and ensuring no water is coming out.
Step 2. Remove the Faucet Handle:
After ensuring that the water supply is off, the next step is to remove the faucet handle. This can be done by using your screwdriver to loosen and remove the screw that is holding the handle in place. Once the screw is out, gently pull the handle away from the wall. If the handle is stuck, you might need to use a handle puller, which can be purchased from any hardware store.
Step 3. Remove the Trim and Sleeve:
Next, you need to remove the trim—the decorative part around the faucet handle—and the sleeve, which is the cylindrical part behind the trim. To remove the trim, simply unscrew it by turning it counterclockwise. For the sleeve, you might need to use your pliers or wrenches to twist it counterclockwise until it’s loose enough to remove by hand.
Step 4. Inspect and Replace the Cartridge:
Once the sleeve is removed, you will be able to see the cartridge. This part of the faucet controls the flow of water when you turn the handle. If your faucet is running, it’s likely that the cartridge is damaged or worn out and needs to be replaced. First, carefully remove the cartridge by pulling it straight out.
If it’s stuck, you may need to use pliers to pull it out gently. Once the cartridge is removed, inspect it for any signs of damage. If you find wear or damage, replace it with a new one. When inserting the new cartridge, make sure it’s aligned properly and push it firmly into place.
Step 5. Replace the O-Ring and Seal:
After inspecting the cartridge, next look at the O-ring and seal, which can be found around the valve stem. You should replace them if they appear worn or damaged to prevent any future leaks.
Carefully remove the old O-ring and seal using a small flat-head screwdriver or pick. Then, lubricate the new O-ring and seal it with the plumber’s grease before sliding it into place. Make sure they are seated properly to ensure a water-tight fit.
Step 6. Reassembly:
Now that you’ve replaced the necessary parts, it’s time to reassemble the faucet. Start by reattaching the sleeve, turning it clockwise by hand until it’s snug. Then, reattach the trim by screwing it back on also in a clockwise direction.
After this, reattach the faucet handle. You’ll want to insert the screw that was previously removed and tighten it to secure the handle in place. Make sure you don’t over-tighten, as this could cause damage. Check the handle to make sure it’s functioning as it should.
Step 7. Test the Faucet:
With the faucet reassembled, it’s time to test it out. Turn the water supply back on by turning the main valve counterclockwise. After the water supply is restored, turn on your shower faucet to check whether it’s working properly.
Monitor the faucet for a few minutes to ensure there’s no leakage and that it turns off completely when you’re done. If the faucet is still running, you may need to repeat the process or consult a professional plumber.
Step 8. Clean Up:
It’s time to clean up once you’ve successfully stopped the running shower faucet. Make sure to collect all your tools and any old parts or pieces of the faucet you’ve replaced. It’s also important to wipe down the area where you worked to ensure it’s clean and dry. Dispose of any old parts properly, according to your local waste disposal guidelines. Remember to wash your hands thoroughly after handling any plumbing fixtures.
Step 9. Regular Maintenance:
Now that your running shower faucet is fixed consider routine maintenance to prevent future issues. Regularly check your shower faucet for signs of leakage or damage. Clean your drains often to prevent clogs, and replace worn out parts as needed. Remember, early detection and prompt repair of minor issues can save you from more significant plumbing problems in the future.
Step 10. Celebrate Your Success:
Congratulations! You’ve successfully stopped a running shower faucet. This is no small accomplishment, and you should be proud of yourself for handling a plumbing task independently. Remember this success the next time you face a home repair challenge. With patience, the right tools, and a thoughtful approach, you can tackle most common home issues.
By following these ten easy steps, you should now be able to stop a running shower faucet confidently.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Always be sure to check the condition of your shower faucet before attempting to shut it off. If the handle or valve is loose, damaged, or appears rusted, contact a professional plumber for assistance and repair.
- Consider investing in a high-quality ball valve that can help reduce water pressure and noise while stopping the flow from the running faucet.
- If you’re having trouble finding the right part for your shower faucet, try using a specialized tool like an adjustable screwdriver or needle-nose pliers to help locate it.
- If your shower handle won’t stop completely when you turn it off, consider replacing the valve seat or installing a new cartridge to fix the issue.
- When you have successfully shut off your shower faucet, be sure to test it periodically by rerunning the water in order to ensure that it is working properly. This will help avoid any future problems down the line!
If you’re still having difficulty stopping a running shower faucet after following these tips and tricks, it’s best to contact a professional plumber for help.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Try to turn the handle slowly, as this can cause damage.
- Avoid using tools that are not designed for use on shower faucets, such as a hammer or wrench.
- Never try to repair a broken or worn-out part yourself if you don’t have the expertise and experience.
- Do not use excessive force when attempting to turn off the shower faucet, as this can damage the internal components.
- Do not try to shut off a two-handle shower faucet with one handle, as this will not work properly.
To ensure the safety and longevity of your shower faucet, following these tips and tricks will help you stop running the shower faucet quickly and efficiently.
Conclusion
To summarize, how to stop a running shower faucet does not have to be daunting or difficult. This project can be completed with common tools found at home and takes little time, too. With the information outlined in this blog post, you will be able to fix your running shower faucet quickly and easily.
So don’t delay! Stop procrastinating – get the needed materials and start working on this easy DIY project today! Venture down into the depths of your house’s plumbing system if need be, and fix that running shower faucet once and for all.
Who knows? You might just discover how satisfying being a homeowner can really be – so what are you waiting for? Get started now!
