how to repair a stuck shower valvehow to repair a stuck shower valve

It's either very corroded or your particular model could require a special removal tool that a plumber will have on hand. 5. To fix this problem look for a small file that can fit inside the bathtub spout. He started his own residential service and repair plumbing business. As you already know, oil and water are not the best of friends. The choice depends on the severity of problems and to some extent the materials available. If it is impossible to remove the cartridge, don't force it out of the handle. Take a pair of vice-grips and grab the bottom threads (not too tightly so that you damage them, just enough to hold them) and with another wrench, try to remove the valve. You can then proceed with removing your valve. With a main shower valve acting as the master controller and several smaller valves connected to it that can be individually controlled via their own handles or knobs located nearby on the wall panel, users can direct varying amounts of pressure and hot water temperature towards different areas according to their individual preferences. It's important to turn off the water to the shower before attempting these steps. Remove the handle screw, then the handle. See video and video description on YouTube for details. Additionally, Plumbing Sniper participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. Although most of these faucets look as if they are made of brass, the truth of the matter is that they are just iron/steel coated to look like brass hence they will rust/corrode. Often the screws are hidden, in which case they're likely under the little circular plastic or metal coverings on the center of your faucet handles. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Remove the cloth from the drain, turn the water back on, and test your work.About Ask This Old House TV:Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we're ready to answer. Screw the handles onto the valve stems. There is a second control to divert the water between the tub spout and shower head. Lets Get You Unstuck. Turn the valve out of the pipe using a flexible torque. If the stem is stuck, use a pair of needle-nose pliers to grab the stem and twist back and forth to work it free. Remove the decorative trimming, take out the screw, and take the knob off the valve. Turn off the water at the water main or wherever it enters the house. He specializes in estimating as well as design and engineering for plumbing systems, and he works for one of New York's largest union plumbing construction companies. A better, sharper picture may help. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d2\/Replace-a-Shower-Valve-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Replace-a-Shower-Valve-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d2\/Replace-a-Shower-Valve-Step-1.jpg\/aid9752157-v4-728px-Replace-a-Shower-Valve-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"