Are you tired of constantly hearing the dripping sound of your shower faucet? If so, you may need to fix it as soon as possible. Because a leaky shower faucet isn’t just a minor inconvenience, it’s much more than that. This inconvenience can lead to increased water bills and waste. So, if you’re facing this problem, you might be wondering how to fix a leaky shower faucet single handle at home without any professional need. So, don’t worry because fixing a leaky shower faucet (single handle) is not as complicated as you think. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide on how to fix a shower faucet leak repair at home, and a breakdown of all the tools you might need to fix it. So, read more to fix your leaky shower faucet and restore your peace.

Tools and Materials You Will Need to Fix: 

These are the following tools that you’ll need to fix leaky single-hand shower faucet.

Screwdriver Set: 

A screwdriver set is a must-have, and is used to remove the screws from the handle and trim plate. Having a set with various screwdrivers ensures that different screw types and sizes can be handled efficiently to fix a leaky shower faucet. 

Allen Wrench: 

An Allen wrench is a necessary tool that loosens the set screws in the handle. It allows you to deal with the intricate hexagonal screws without causing damage to them.

Pliers: 

Pliers are used to grip and turn several components, providing a strong grip and hold. They help in manipulating different parts during disassembling and reassembling of the parts.  

Adjustable Wrench: 

An adjustable wrench is important to adjust (remove or tight) the nuts and bolts of different sizes and types. This ensures that the parts are tightly fit and secure while using and prevent slipping or any other damage. 

Cartridge Puller: 

The cartridge puller is specifically designed to remove the faucet cartridge while making sure that the surrounding parts are not damaged which is essential for an appropriate leaky shower faucet repair. 

Replacement Parts: 

Replacement parts like O-rings, washers, or a new cartridge should be in hand to use, depending on the source of the leak or damage. This will ensure a successful and proper repair. 

Plumber’s Grease: 

Plumber’s grease is commonly used for lubricating newly installed parts as it ensures smooth and streamlined operation and longevity of faucet components by reducing friction and wear.

A Step-by-step Guide on How to Fix a Leaky Shower Faucet (Single Handle):

Save water and money by fixing your leaky shower faucet at your home and all by yourself. All you need to repair are a few tools, a bit of patience, and a comprehensive guide to ensure you’re doing it right. And we have it all sorted for you with a step-by-step guide on how to fix a leaky shower faucet single handle. Follow these 7 simple steps and fix this common problem without seeking professional help. 

Step 1: Turn off the Water Supply: 

Before beginning the repair procedure, don’t forget to turn off the water supply to your shower to prevent any water damage or danger. Shut off valves that you can easily find behind the shower or near the main water line. 

Step 2: Remove the Shower Faucet Handle: 

The next step is to remove the screws that are holding the handle in position by using an Allen wrench or a screwdriver. Carefully separate the handle so that all the inner components are exposed. Make sure to keep all the removed screws safe somewhere so you won’t lose them.

Step 3: Remove the Trim Plate: 

After taking off the handle, unscrew the trim plate and remove it from the wall. This trim plate will give you access to the cartridge, which is often the main cause of the leaky shower faucet handle.  

Step 4: Remove the Cartridge:

The following step is to gently pull out the cartridge from the faucet assembly by using a cartridge puller or pliers. While removing the cartridge, ensure that no surrounding parts get damaged because it might have already worn out or damaged seals, becoming the cause of leakage of the shower faucet. 

Step 5: Examine and Replace/Install New Parts: 

Now, carefully inspect the cartridge, washers, and O-rings for any signs of damage or wear out, and replace them with new ones if damaged or worn out. If the cartridge seems damaged, then replace it entirely. Ensure that all parts are in first condition before heading to the next step. 

Step 6: Apply Grease and Reassemble: 

After ensuring the condition of all the parts, lubricate the O-rings, cartridge, and washers with the plumber’s grease to avoid any future leaks and for smooth operation. Once the greasing is done, put back the cartridge into the faucet assembly, reinsert the trim plate back in position, and carefully reattach the handle. 

Step 7: Test: 

After all the steps are followed accurately and carefully, turn on the water supply and test the faucet if it has stopped leaking or not. If you’ve made sure to follow the procedure correctly, then you should now have a leak-free shower faucet. 

By following this step-by-step guide on how to fix a leaky one-handle shower faucet, you can save both your water bills and water from getting wasted and can fix it at home without calling or hiring a professional plumber. Be your help, and enjoy a leak-free shower experience with this detailed guide!