How to Fix Dripping Shower Head | How to Remove Shower Handle | Leaking Shower | Replace Soap Holder, by Steven Koala Life in Australia on YouTube. 15 min 42 s.
- Video length
- 15 min 42 s
- Time to do it
- 45 minutes
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Turn off the water main at the tap outside your home. Open the shower tap afterwards to drain any water left in the pipes.
Pry off the decorative cover on the shower handle with a flathead screwdriver. Look for the small screw underneath.
Undo the screw and pull the handle off the spindle. If the cover is stuck, work around the edge gently with the screwdriver.
Remove the tapware body to expose the tap valve inside the wall. Keep the parts in a bucket so nothing rolls down the drain.
Unscrew the old tap valve or washer and take it out. Take it to the hardware shop so you match the size and shape.
Wrap plumber tape clockwise around the thread of the new valve, then screw it in by hand and tighten it with the spanner.
Turn the water main back on and open the tap briefly to check for leaks around the new valve before you rebuild the handle.
Refit the handle, screw and cover once the test is dry. Run the shower and check the head and handle for drips.
Tips and common mistakes
Wrap plumber tape clockwise around the thread, or it will unwind as you screw the valve in.
Do not overtighten the new valve, as this can crack the fitting or strip the thread.
If the drip continues after a new valve, the seat inside the wall may be worn and need reseating.
Shut the water main fully and tell everyone in the house before you start.
Questions
Why does my shower head drip when the water is off?
A worn washer or tap valve inside the handle no longer seals properly, so water seeps through. Replacing the valve usually stops the drip.
How do I know which tap valve to buy?
Take the old valve to a hardware store and match the shape, size and thread. Dome shaped and soft turn valves are common types.
Can I fix the drip without turning off the water main?
No. You must shut off the main supply first, or water will spray out as soon as you remove the handle and valve.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
