Bathroom Shower Faucet

Admit it, that dripping sound in the bathroom from leaking shower faucets are dreaded thoughts. Not only does it bring about sleepless nights, it becomes a constant source of irritation after a few nights. But with proper understanding of how shower faucets work, the parts involved and with the right tools, anyone can do the repair and stop the drip-drop immediately.

First, let’s talk about the two basic shower faucets which are the washer and washer-less type. A worn out or a hardened washer are simple causes of shower leaks. Also, if the gasket or O-ring needs replacement or the washer seats are malfunctioning or torn, then the shower faucets may leak and cause those perennial disturbing drops.

Here are some great ideas to address the problem yourself:

1. Close the main water supply and allow the faucet to be completely drained of water;

2. Take off the faucet handle. With a screwdriver or a handy knife, turn the screw clockwise. Remove the handle next. Some shower faucet types have handles attached to the stem, so it’s wise to use a handle hammer for this;

3. Separate the stem and check if its threads are worn out. If it is, purchase a new stem; if the brass screws have been damaged, get new ones as well. Some leaks however are due to dirt and grime in the stem, thus, simple cleaning with a toothbrush is a wise remedy;

4. Now, examine the washer if it has white vinegar or lime deposits. If so, this part of your shower faucet simply requires cleaning and replacement. Then check the washer seat if they are worn out and have them replaced as well. Square or hexagonal holed washers can be changed, but the ones with round hole will need usage of a seat dressing tool;

5. It’s now time to insert the new parts and have them sealed correctly. It is also recommended to spread petroleum jelly for lubrication on the threads of the stem. Then in reverse order, place all the parts in their exact place and see if you have done a successful repair of your shower faucets.

The use of tools such as pliers and wrench is recommended and must always be made available, You may need basin wrench when you turn the faucet mounting nuts under the sink; Deep sockets set to remove shower/bath valves; Seat wrench for the valve seats to be unscrewed; dressing tolls to resurface seats that are non-removable and handle puller that is capable of removing trapped handles in your shower faucets.

You may also check if there’s a problem with the stem too. If you find flaws within the stem then a replacement with a new one might be in order. If the shower faucets are creating noise then loose seat washers may be your problem. Just follow the above stated procedure in tightening the washer and observe if that solves the problem, but if not, a poor construction and design could be the cause of noisiness. If such is the case then a replacement must be done.

Fixing shower faucets can be achieved with ease and accuracy, you just need to know the proper procedures and you will surely have a bathroom free of leaks and drip.

In order to get better pictures about bathroom design aside of shower faucet selection, a small bathroom remodel ideas also worth for those who has a limited bathroom area.