Steps for 3 Handle Shower Faucet Replacement
- Shut off the water at the main water shutoff.
- Put a drop cloth in the tub to protect it from any work and also to prevent small parts from falling down the drain.
- Remove the handles from the valves using the screwdriver. ...
- Remove the escutcheons from the valves. ...
- Unscrew the valve bodies from the wall with the slip joint pliers and the tub sockets.
Full Answer
How do you replace a shower handle?
- Use a Philips screwdriver to remove the screw. ...
- Once the screw is out, pull out the knob. ...
- Remove the escutcheon. ...
- Install the new escutcheon. ...
- If you don’t want to replace the escutcheon, clean the old escutcheon/stop tube especially if there are mineral deposits on it to allow the new handle to slide in freely.
How do you replace a shower valve?
- Remove the old valve assembly and disconnect from piping.
- Fit the new valve assembly into place.
- Connect the new shower valve to the water supply using appropriate methods. ...
- Turn on water supply and monitor the valve for leakage. ...
- Replace the trim plate and handle.
How do you change a shower faucet valve?
Steps to Replace a Shower Valve
- Remove shower handle by unscrewing. ...
- Remove the trim plate, also called the escutcheon. ...
- Optional – clean the handle and trim plate. ...
- Shut off the water supply to your shower. ...
- It may be necessary to cut a wider hole in your shower wall in order to access and replace a shower valve. ...
- Remove the valve clip. ...
- Remove the valve. ...
How to change shower handles?
Procedure # 2: How To Change Shower Faucet Handles
- Turn off the water supply from the main meter.
- Cover the drain with an old towel or rag. ...
- Locate the position of the screw securing the shower faucet handle on the valve stem. ...
- After locating the position of the cap, use a flat-head screwdriver to pry it off. ...
Why does my shower have 3 knobs?
A three-valve shower has three different handles that you turn to open or close the valves. One handle opens the hot water valve, one opens the cold water valve, and the third (generally in the middle of the temperature valves) diverts the water into the spigot or up to the shower head.
How do 3 handle shower valves work?
A double-handle faucet controls hot and cold water through each handle. A three-handle faucet controls both the hot and cold water along, and a diverter handle shifts water flow between the showerhead, other shower attachments, or a tub.
Can you replace shower valve without removing tile?
If you are fortunate, your shower control wall will be adjacent to a wall that allows the plumber to access it by simply cutting the drywall on its opposite side. If this option is not available, the plumber will have to access the valve from the tiled side of the control wall.
How do you replace a shower diverter valve?
Diverter Valve on a SpigotUnscrew the set screw. See how the spigot is attached to the wall. ... Unscrew spigot from the wall. Be careful! ... Wash Supply Pipe. Make sure that you clean off any bits of gunk from the supply pipe. ... Replace new spout on the copper pipe. ... Test it and make sure it works!
How does a 3 valve diverter work?
Three-Valve Diverter: This type of diverter usually consists of a tap or lever located between the hot and cold taps of a two-tap faucet. To activate the diverter, you turn it 180 degrees, and then simply turn it back when you're done.
What is the difference between 2 way and 3 way shower valve?
A two-valve diverter uses a rotating control for hot and cold, and a second control to divert water between the tub and the shower. A three-valve diverter allows individual adjustments of cold and hot water, plus a central knob to divert water between the tub and the shower.
Can I replace a shower valve myself?
To replace a shower valve, you really need to be an experienced home improvement DIYer. To replace a shower valve is a far more complicated task than changing a showerhead. A good knowledge of plumbing is absolutely necessary to do this job successfully.
Can you replace a valve without turning off the water?
If you have separate hot and cold valves in your shower, you can usually just turn off the supply to the one you're repairing. If you have a “single handle” style faucet, you'll need to turn off both.
Can I change shower valve without turning off water?
When you disassemble the valve to repair it water will flow unless turned off. so the answer would be No the water needs to be turned off to repair the internals of a valve.
What is the difference between a shower diverter and a shower valve?
Diverter Valve vs. The main difference between a diverter and a transfer valve is how they direct the water supply. Diverters switch the flow of water between a tub and shower — either the showerhead or the tub faucet gets the water flow. Transfer valve sends water to multiple outlets at the same time.
What is a 3 way diverter valve shower?
The three-way diverter allows you to alternate between any of your selected shower outputs by directing the water from the shower head to each additional accessory, one at a time. The diverter will not adjust the water temperature or turn the water off or on. All rough-in work should be completed by a professional.
What does a shower diverter valve look like?
The diverter looks like a pin pulled upward from the bathtub faucet spout. It's possible that it may come in the form of a third handle or a button that needs to be pushed or pulled. Either way, when the valve is activated, it engages a rubber stopper, which causes the water to flow in a different direction.
How does a shower handle valve work?
So here's how the shower valve works: you turn the trim, which pulls water from your water source. Cold water goes straight to the cold pipe, while hot water makes a stop in the water heater first. Water from both pipes meets at the shower valve, which mixes it together and sends it to the shower head or tub spout.
Are 3 handle shower faucets to code?
Three-handle shower valves are no longer up to code due to a risk of scalding, and should be replaced with a single-handle, pressure-balanced one, particularly if the shower is used regularly or will be used by children.
How do shower valves work?
0:000:49How Does a Shower Diverter Work? | The Home Depot - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPlumbing inside the wall is configured for the type of shower faucet you have hot water typicallyMorePlumbing inside the wall is configured for the type of shower faucet you have hot water typically comes in from the left cold water from the right. The two are mixed in the valve.
How does a mixing valve work in a shower?
0:122:29How to Select a Mixing Valve for a Shower System - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what is a mixing valve mixing valve is the control in your shower that mixes the hot and coldMoreSo what is a mixing valve mixing valve is the control in your shower that mixes the hot and cold water from the pipes. And sends the water to the spray outlets.
What to do if your shower faucet is not working properly?
Screwdrivers. If your three-handle shower faucet is not properly diverting the flow of water to the shower head and bathtub spout the way it should, you should replace it. Replacing the diverter valve in the system is a straightforward task and is great for DIY enthusiasts.
How to remove diverter valve?
Remove the old diverter stem valve by removing the nut and pulling it loose. Use care when doing this because the pipes are usually made of very soft copper.
What is a cartridge in a shower?
The cartridge is a section of piping that is used to connect the handle of your faucet to the plumbing behind the shower wall. The front section of the cartridge is used to connect to the handle and turns whenever you turn the faucet handle. The back part of the cartridge connects to the diverter stem valve, and is used to direct ...
How to close water meter valve?
To close the valve, simply turn it clockwise until it is completely tightened and the water pressure has been cut off.
What is the purpose of articles being reviewed?
To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience.
Can a 3 handle shower faucet fall down the drain?
When working on the diverter valve of your three-handle shower faucet, there are several small pieces that could fall down the drain. So, cover the drain opening in your tub with a cloth or other object that will prevent this from happening.
How Do I Remove My Shower Faucet Handle?
Shower faucets can last for a long time (some up to 30 years) but the handles may need a replacement from time to time as they tend to break more or even fade.
How much does it cost to replace a shower faucet handle?
Shower faucet handles costs between $20 and $100. The price depends on the brand, style and material. Replacing handles in a 3-handle shower faucet will cost more than replacing the handle in a single-handle shower faucet.
What is a lever type shower faucet?
Lever type shower faucets are also single-handle shower faucets. You use the same handle/lever to turn on the water and also choose the temperature depending on which side you turn it. If you have a tub-shower combo, the shower diverter will be on the tub spout.
What is an escutcheon in a bathroom?
An escutcheon is the decorative trim plate which is used to cover the unsightly hole on the bathroom wall where the faucet is installed . It is installed purely for cosmetic purposes.
What to do if you don't want to replace escutcheon?
If you don’t want to replace the escutcheon, clean the old escutcheon/stop tube especially if there are mineral deposits on it to allow the new handle to slide in freely.
Can I replace a shower handle with a 3 handle?
Replacing the handle in a two/three-handle shower faucet will take longer if you are replacing all the 3 handles (recommended) but it is absolutely easy. I don’t even turn off the water to the shower during the replacement.
Can you replace a shower faucet without a cartridge?
You can replace just the shower faucet handle without replacing the faucet cartridge/stem. It is however a good idea to replace the escutcheon (trim plate) as well for aesthetic purposes. Most new shower faucet handles will come with escutcheons.
