How To Repair a Shower / Bath (Step-by-Step)

Before you contact Your Plumber Guys to repair your bath/shower, you might want to give it a try and DIY (do-it-yourself). Here are some step-by-step guides to help you repair or fix some of the common problems in a bathroom or shower like replacing the tub spout, fixing the ball-type tub and shower faucets, repairing the cartridge-type shower and bath valves and tub-shower diverters.

• Replacing tub spout
• Repairing ball-type tub and shower faucets
• Cartridge-type shower and bath valves
• Shower and bath valve repairs
• Tub-shower diverters

Replacing tub spout

Insert the handle of a hammer or suitable prying device into the spout opening and turn counter-clockwise. Clean the threaded portion of the pipe nipple with steel wool or a wire brush. Apply pipe dope or pipe tape and screw spout on clockwise.

NOTE: be careful not to mar chrome finish of spout, and in case of plastic spouts, care must be taken to avoid excessive pressure which could crack the spout. Do NOT use thread sealant tape or pipe dope when installing a plastic tub spout.

Repairing ball-type tub and shower faucets

Turn off water supply valves and drain lines by turning on faucet handles. For lever style handles, locate set screw holding handles, loosen and carefully pry handle off the stem or use faucet handle puller. Round style handles require the removal of the decorative cap, then the screw, and prying off of the handle. Cover the cap with tape to protect the finish, and using pliers, unscrew counter-clockwise. Lift out cam assembly and ball, then using a pencil or sharp tool, lift out seats and springs. Check all parts for wear and damage and replace where necessary. When reassembling, be sure that slot in ball slips into the pin in the valve body and that lug on cam assembly slides into the slot on the valve body. Screw cap on clockwise and replace the handle. Turn on the water and check for leaks. Tighten cap further if leaks develop.

Cartridge-type shower and bath valves

Turn off the water supply and drain lines by turning on the faucet handle. Pry off the decorative cap and remove handle screw. Remove handle and escutcheon. Remove retainer clip with pliers and pull the cartridge out of the faucet body. Be sure to note the position of ears on the cartridge so that they are positioned correctly during assembly. Check “O” rings and cartridge for wear or damage and replace where necessary. Reverse procedure for reassembly, turn on the water and check for leaks.

Shower and bath valve repairs

Turn off the water supply and drain lines by turning on faucet handles. Remove screws holding handles to stems and pry handles off. You may have to use a faucet handle puller if the handle is corroded. Wrap tape around the flange, and using pliers, turn counter-clockwise to remove. Remove flange nipple in the same manner. After removing flange and nipple, stem and bonnet can be removed. Depending on whether the stem is on the hot side or cold side determines the direction to turn to remove the stem and bonnet from the body. Remove packing from inside bonnet and replace. Use a faucet seat wrench to remove and replace faucet seat. If the valve does not have removable seat, you may wish to refinish seat with a faucet reseating tool. Replace bib washer at bottom of stem if worn or damaged. Reverse above procedure to reassemble valve. Turn on the water and check for leaks.

Tub-shower diverters

Turn off the water supply, then drain lines by turning on faucet handles and diverter handle. A diverter functions in the same manner as a faucet. For stem-type diverters, turning the handle causes the stem to move into the valve seal and redirect the water to the shower head. To disassemble a stem-type diverter, follow the instructions provided for stem-type faucets. Check all “O” rings, washers and packing for wear or damage and replace where necessary. For ball-type diverters, follow instructions provided for ball-type faucets and check seals, springs, seats, and ball for wear or damage. If the hollow diverter housing has worn out so that the water flow cannot be diverted, you will have to replace the whole diverter valve assembly.

Call us for a professional plumbing service instead if you are worry and have no time to fix it yourself.