Shower Valve Replacement – 12-Step Guide to Replace Shower Valve
A poor-quality shower valve may be the cause of problems such as water leaks, temperature fluctuations, or inadequate water control. Likewise, when you replace a faulty shower valve, you save money and avoid unwanted headaches as well. If you want to replace a shower valve but have no idea what to do, then you’re in the right place. In this article, we will outline 12 detailed steps to help you understand the entire process of shower valve replacement.
- Cover the Shower Drain
First, you need to protect the area where you want to replace the shower valve. Likewise, this step protects you from losing small parts down the drain.
Steps:
- Wrap a fresh washcloth tightly around the drain opening.
- To catch any dropped screws or clips, ensure the drain is completely covered.
- To store the removed parts, keep a small tray or dish nearby.
- Remove the Shower Handle
The next step for replacing your shower faucet valve is to remove the shower handle. Meanwhile, removing the handle gives you access to the trim and valve.
Steps:
- Look for the screws that hold the handle in place, which are typically located at the base or beneath a cap.
- To take out the screws, use a screwdriver.
- Remove the handle from the valve stem gently. If it’s stuck, give it a little tap or wriggle it.
- On a level surface, position the screws and handle.
- Unscrew the Trim Plate (Escutcheon)
If you’re searching on Google for “how to replace a shower valve,” stop scrolling and follow these steps. Additionally, the trim plate conceals the valve and needs to be removed next.
Steps:
- Locate the pair of screws that secure the plate to the wall.
- Using a screwdriver, carefully remove the screws.
- Remove the trim plate from the wall by lifting it.
- Place it beside the handle, preferably, and secure it with the screws.
Tip: To remove accumulated dirt and restore the trim plate’s original appearance, soak it in vinegar or CLR cleaning solution.
- Remove Caulking Around the Plate (If Present)
The shower valve replacement process appears straightforward when you know exactly what to do. Likewise, if the caulk is sealing the trim plate to the wall, it must be cut away.
Steps:
- Check for caulking on the outer edge of the trim plate.
- Gently cut through the caulk with a utility knife.
- After it is free, remove the trim plate entirely.
- Shut Off the Water Supply
After you expose the valve, it’s, it’s time to replace the shower cartridge valve. However, this is a critical safety step to avoid leaks and water damage.
Steps:
- Keep an eye out for water shut-off valves, which are typically flathead screw valves next to the shower.
- To turn off the water, turn the hot and cold valves in a clockwise direction.
- Cut the house’s primary water supply if you are unable to find local shut-offs.
- Cut an Access Hole (If Needed)
If you want to replace the shower valve behind the wall, you may have to open the wall to reach the valve easily.
Steps:
- Measure the current opening. It must measure a minimum of 12 by 12 inches.
- Mark a square that won’t be larger than the trim plate if it’s too tiny.
- Depending on the type of wall you have (tile, drywall, etc.), make cautious cuts.
- To prevent creating a hole that won’t be covered later, use the trim plate as a guide for size.
- Remove the Valve Retaining Clip
The next step in replacing your shawl valve is to open the clip lock and then remove it, allowing you to pull it off.
Steps:
- Locate the tiny metal clip at the top of the valve cartridge.
- Gripping it with needle nose pliers, pull it straight out.
- Store it securely; unless your new cartridge comes with one, you can reuse the original cartridge.
Note: Instead of a clip, some valves utilize a holding nut. If so, hold the valve steady while using a wrench to loosen the nut.
- Pull Out the Old Valve
Meanwhile, after removing the clip, you can easily pull the valve out with your hands from the wall.
Steps:
- Using pliers, grasp the valve stem and pull it out straight.
- As you pull, gently twist or wiggle it if it feels stuck.
- If the cartridge is hard to remove, spray WD-40 around it and wait for a few minutes.
- After removing the old valve, dispose of it or put it away.
- Insert the New Valve
The replacement valve should match the one you removed.
Steps:
- Try to line up both the opening and new valve perfectly
- If necessary, use pliers to push it insert gen.
- Wiggle it a little to help it slip into position if it gets stuck.
- Make sure it doesn’t wobble and fits snugly.
Tip: Verify that the brand and model of your replacement cartridge match the original.
- Secure the Valve with the Metal Clip
Secure the new valve in place to prevent it from shifting.
Steps:
- One of the final steps in fixing your shower valve is to slide the retaining clip back into the same slot.
- Ensure the valve is securely in place and completely installed.
- Turn the Water Back On.
After you finally replace the shower valve successfully it’s now time you can check if its working properly.
Steps:
- To test the water valve, slowly rotate them in a counterclockwise direction.
- Turn the main water back on gradually if you turn it off.
- As the pressure increases, watch for any drips or leaks.
- Reattach the Trim Plate and Handle
Let’s finish up and get your shower looking like new.
Steps:
- Screw the trim plate into position over the valve hole.
- Apply a new bead of caulk around the edges if any existing caulk is present.
- Screw the handle into position after sliding it onto the valve stem.
- From the drain, remove the cloth.
- Test your new valve by turning the handle to ensure the hot and cold functions work correctly.
Final Tip:
If you mistakenly cut off the access hole too large, you can cover it with the trim plate. Alternatively, if you prefer an alternative solution, you can use a drywall repair kit to cover the hole.
This is how you can replace the shower valve perfectly, thanks to our concise guide. If you need more assistance, contact our online support or call StopWater911 plumbing services for help.