How to Fix a Leaking Shower Faucet

Fixing a leaking shower faucet is not difficult. You will want to make sure that if you have a leaky shower faucet, you fix it right away because you are wasting money on your water bill, and you could potentially be damaging the surrounding areas in your bathroom. If you are a beginner, here are a few tools and materials that you will need, along with some quick steps to help guide you through the process with ease.

Step 1 - Shut Off Water

Begin by shutting the water off. You can either shut it off from the area itself using a nearby valve or shut the main water line to the house off completely. Once the water is off, be sure to turn on the faucet in the shower and drain out any of the water sitting in the pipes backed up. Allow a few minutes to drain completely, and use a towel to wipe up any mess.

Step 2 - Remove Hardware

Remove the shower knobs first, They can usually be removed by hand, but if not, use a screwdriver to take them off carefully. Then, remove both the water guard as well as the nut. Now, you will need to remove the washer from the faucet. Unscrew the stem—you will need to turn it in a counterclockwise direction. You will find the washer on the end of the stem, take it off and discard it.

Step 3 - Install Hardware

Now, clean the area off and replace it with a new washer. Screw the stem back on in a clockwise direction. Attach the nut and water guard back into place, and then use your hand and a screwdriver to replace the shower knobs completely.

Step 4 - Caulk the Area

Once everything is back in place, you will want to make sure that you caulk the area to avoid future problems. Place the caulk tube into the caulking gun and make sure to open it all the way. You may need to make a small cut at the end. Then apply a smooth bead of caulk around the faucet. Use a bucket of water nearby to dampen and rinse off a sponge, as you will not want to turn on the water yet in the shower. Use the sponge to wipe off any of the excess caulk carefully. Allow the caulk to dry completely for 48 hours before turning the water on or using the shower.

Once it is dry, turn the water supply back on and check to make sure nothing is leaking or dripping now. Typically a broken or old washer is the culprit or even just a loose fixture. Now that you have fixed these aspects, the faucet should be in working order.