How to Replace Shower Faucet

How to Fix a Shower Faucet

Learn how to replace an old shower valve with a single handle with This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey.

Easy

$60 and up

30 to 60 minutes

In this video, This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey changes a shower valve.

How to Replace Single Handle Shower Faucet

Turn off the water to the shower.
Remove handle and escutcheon plate to expose shower valve.
Loosen locking nut with pliers and pull old cartridge from center of valve.
Put new rubber seat with spring onto end of pencil and push into the valve. Repeat for remaining seat.
Insert the new cartridge into the existing valve.
Slip the O-ring over the cartridge, then tighten the locknut with pliers.
Press the new escutcheon plate over the valve and secure it with the screws provided.
Attach the new handle to the valve.
Turn on the water and adjust the temperature to 120 degrees F.
Install the temperature limit stop to the valve to prevent scalding.