A
Contractors Solutions Information Directory
for the topic of:
Tubs / Showers
A. General Information
Bathtubs are connected to the drain system by a drain-waste-overflow assembly. Many bathtubs let you divert water from the tub to a showerhead with the flip of a lever. Tub and shower faucets come in the same basic designs as sink faucets. When tub-shower faucets and diverter valves are set inside wall cavities, removing them might require a deep-set ratchet wrench. A single-handle tub and shower faucet has one valve that controls both the water flow and the temperature. The water flow is directed to either the tub spout or the shower head by a gate diverter. Gate diverters seldom need repair, although occasionally the lever may break, come loose, or refuse to stay up. If a diverter fails, replace the tub spout. Single-handle faucets may feature ball, cartridge, or disc designs.
B. Repair single-handle cartridge tub and shower faucet
To repair a single-handle cartridge tub and shower faucet, begin by using a screwdriver to remove the handle screw, then remove the handle and escutcheon. Turn off the water supply. Some faucets have built-in shutoff valves. Or, you can shut off the water at standard shutoff valves attached to risers, or at the main shutoff valve near the water meter. Unscrew and remove the retaining ring or bonnet nut, using an adjustable wrench. Remove the cartridge assembly by grasping the end of the valve with channel-type pliers and pulling gently. Flush the valve body with clean water to remove sediment. Replace any worn O-rings, reinstall the cartridge, and test the valve. If the faucet still doesn't work right, disassemble it again and replace the cartridge.
C. Repair two-handle tub and shower faucets
Two-handle tub and shower faucets have one handle that controls hot water and one that controls cold water flowing into a mixing chamber and through the spout. A gate diverter, a simple mechanism in the tub spout, directs the flow of water to either the tub spout or shower head. Gate diverters barely need repair, although occasionally the lever will break, come loose, or refuse to stay in the up position. If the diverter fails, replace the entire tub spout.
D. Replace tub spout
If you have to replace a tub spout, start by removing the old spout. Check under the spout for a small access slot, which indicates that it's held in place by an Allen screw. If it has one, use an Allen wrench to remove the screw, then slide the spout off. If there's no access slot, unscrew the spout itself. Use a pipe wrench, or insert a large screwdriver, hammer handle, or 2" dowel into the spout and turn counterclockwise. If you use a wrench, make sure to wrap the jaws with masking tape or fold a cloth around the spout to avoid scratching the finish. Spread pipe joint compound on the threads of the spout nipple and attach the new spout.
E. Repair two-handle tub and shower faucets
Three-handle tub and shower faucets have one handle for hot water, another for cold water, and a third handle for the diverter valve, which directs the flow of water to either the tub spout or the shower head. If a diverter valve sticks, the water flow is weak, or the water comes out of the tub spout when it's supposed to come out of the shower head, the diverter needs to be repaired or replaced. Compression-type diverters can be repaired, but defective cartridge types have to be replaced. Before you begin to repair a compression-type diverter, turn off the water supply at the built-in shutoff valves or at the main shutoff valve near the water meter. Remove the diverter valve handle with a screwdriver and unscrew or pry off the escutcheon.
Remove the bonnet nut with an adjustable wrench or channel-type pliers.
Unscrew the stem assembly, using a deep-set ratchet wrench. If you need to, chip away any mortar surrounding the bonnet nut. Remove the brass stem screw.
Replace the stem washer with an exact duplicate. If the stem screw appears worn, replace it as well. Unscrew the threaded spindle from the retaining nut. Using a small wire brush dipped in vinegar, clean any sediment or buildup from the nut. When the nut is clean and dry, coat all the parts with heatproof grease and reassemble the diverter valve. Reattach the escutcheon and handle.
The valves of some tub and shower faucets are set inside the wall cavity.
Removing these valves requires a little finesse and a deep-set ratchet wrench. First, remove the handle. Use channel-type pliers to unscrew the escutcheon. Wrap masking tape around the jaws of the pliers so they don't scratch it. Working as gently as possible, use a ball peen hammer and a small cold chisel to chip away any mortar around the bonnet nut. Unscrew the bonnet nut with a deep-set ratchet wrench. Remove the bonnet nut and stem from the faucet body.
F. Handheld shower heads
With handheld shower heads, the most common problem is clogged inlet and outlet holes.
The holes in the shower head tend to get clogged with mineral deposits, a problem indicated when water does not spray from all of the spray outlets. Remove the shower head from the hose to clean it. Wrap the jaws of an adjustable wrench or channel-type pliers with masking tape, then use it to unscrew the hose nut on the end of the hose. Clean the outlet and inlet holes of the showerhead with a thin wire, like a straightened paper clip. Flush the head with clean water.
Soak the shower head in hot vinegar to remove calcium and hard water deposits from within the shower head. Heat the vinegar, not quite to boiling, and pour it into a container.
Place the shower head in the vinegar and let it soak overnight. If the washer that seals the shower head to the hose is worn, replace it. Before installing the new washer, lubricate it with heatproof grease. Place the washer in the nut on the hose, then reattach the hose to the shower head. Turn the nut clockwise until hand tight. You do not need to tighten it with pliers or a wrench. Remove the hose from the shower arm mount outlet by turning the ridged nut on the hose counterclockwise. Clean the inlet holes in the hose with a thin wire. If the washer between the hose and the mount outlet is worn, replace it with a new one. Lubricate the new washer, place it inside the ridged nut, and reattach the hose to outlet.
