For any bathroom, a properly functioning shower faucet is an essential appliance. It provides a comfortable and refreshing shower experience. But after taking a shower, when you turn off the shower faucet it won’t. if a shower faucet won’t turn off, it becomes an annoyance and increases water waste and bills.
You need to adjust the handle many times to turn it off. If you don’t fix this issue, it will cost you extra money in the water bill. If the shower faucet is not fully turned off, it will keep dripping. Now let’s see what solutions you can try to turn off the shower faucet.
Shower Faucet Parts
Regardless of the type of shower faucet, there are certain key parts involved in controlling the water flow of the shower faucet:
- Valve Body: The valve body houses the internal mechanisms and connects the faucet handles to the water supply pipes. It acts as the central control unit for water flow and temperature regulation.
- Cartridge or Valve Stem: This component is responsible for controlling the flow and mixing of hot and cold water. It is operated by the faucet handles and can be replaced if it malfunctions.
- O-Rings: O-Rings are rubber seals that prevent water from leaking around the cartridge or valve stem. Over time, these seals may wear out, causing leaks and difficulties in turning off the faucet.
- Washers: Washers are found in compression faucets and provide a seal against the valve seat. Worn-out or damaged washers can lead to leaks and the faucet failing to turn off completely.
Why Shower Faucet Won’t Turn Off?
When the shower faucet won’t turn off completely, it can be frustrating and inconvenient. In this situation, you turn off the handle completely but there is a steady flow of water from the shower. With time, water flow increases from a slight drip to a constant stream. Continuous leaking is another sign that the shower is not turned off fully.
To troubleshoot the situation, you need to find out the possible causes of this situation.
A worn-out cartridge or damaged O-rings are a common cause. Over time, these components of the shower get damaged due to regular use. The life of these parts depends on their quality. When these parts wear out, they become faulty or damaged and cause water to continue to drip after turning off the shower faucet.
Loose connections of the shower faucet are also responsible for the shower faucet won’t turn off issue. The constant pressure from the water flow can exacerbate the issue, making it difficult to turn off the faucet completely.
Mineral deposits and debris can accumulate inside the faucet. These deposits hinder the smooth operation of shower faucet parts. This buildup can interfere with the faucet’s ability to shut off properly.
How Do You Fix a Shower Faucet That Won’t Turn Off?
Now you know the causes of the shower faucet won’t turn off problem. Here are solutions that you can try to fix it.
You can fix a shower faucet until water comes out from it. So, start by turning off the water supply to the shower faucet. It will make the repair process smooth and hassle-free.
After turning off the water supply, check the faucet handle and valve for any visible signs of damage or debris. If a handle is loose, it will prevent the shower faucet from turning off completely. Make sure the handle is fully tightened.
Look for any cracks, corrosion, or mineral build-up around the handle and valves. Additionally, check for any loose or damaged parts within the faucet assembly.
Faulty internal components are a common cause of a shower faucet that won’t turn off. The most common culprits are the cartridge, O-rings, and washers. Replace these parts to get back shower faucet in the right condition.
Replace Cartridge
- Start with removing the faucet handle. Take a screwdriver or Allen wrench (depending on the type of handle) to remove it. Look for any decorative caps or covers on the handle that needs to be removed first. Set them aside in a safe place.
- After removing the handle, you can see the cartridge. If there is any retaining nut or clip on the cartridge, remove it.
- Take note of the cartridge type and model to ensure you purchase the correct replacement.
- Carefully remove the old cartridge by pulling it straight out.
- In some cases, you may need to twist or rotate it slightly to release it from the faucet assembly. Be gentle to avoid damaging any surrounding parts.
- Insert the new cartridge. Align it correctly at its position. Push it in firmly but gently until it is fully seated.
- After installing the cartridge, reattach the handle of the shower faucet. Tighten any retaining clips or nuts as needed, but be cautious not to overtighten and cause damage.
- Slowly turn on the faucet and check for any leaks or drips. Then, try turning off the faucet. It should now shut off completely without any issues.
Replace O-Rings
- Remove the faucet handle by locating the screw or set screw. Use a screwdriver or Allen wrench to loosen and remove the screw of the handle.
- Some handles may have a decorative cap that needs to be popped off to access the screw.
- After removing the handle, look for the O-rings, which are usually located around the valve stem or inside the faucet body.
- Gently remove the old O-rings with your fingers or a little flat-head screwdriver, then throw them away.
- Take the new O-rings and make sure they are the same size as the previous ones.
- For easier installation and produce a better seal, coat the new O-rings with a thin layer of plumbers’ grease.
- Carefully slide the new O-rings onto the valve stem or the groove inside the faucet body. Make sure they are properly seated and fit snugly.
- Begin reassembling the faucet by aligning the faucet handle and securing it with the screw or set screw, tightening it firmly but not excessively.
Replace Washer
- Depending on the model, you may need to locate a set screw underneath the handle or a decorative cap that covers the screw.
- The washers are usually found at the base of the valve stem. They are typically made of rubber or nylon and create a seal against the valve seat when the handle is tightened.
- Measure the diameter and thickness of the existing washers to ensure you select the correct replacements.
- Once you have the new washers, remove the old ones by gently pulling them off the valve stem.
- Make sure any debris or mineral deposits are cleared from the valve seat before installing the new washers. Slide the new washers onto the valve stem, ensuring they sit flush against the valve seat.
- Place the handle back onto the valve stem, secure it with the set screw or by attaching the decorative cap, and tighten it.
Check also – Shower Head Not Working Fixes
How Long Does It Typically Take To Repair a Shower Faucet?
If you have replacement parts for the shower faucet, it may take around 30 minutes to one hour to repair a shower faucet that won’t turn off. This time may increase according to the complexity issue and your plumbing knowledge.
While minor repairs can often be completed within a relatively short time frame, more extensive repairs may require additional time and effort.
When you need to replace faulty parts of the shower faucet, it might take longer because for this you need to remove the handle and then access the cartridge. Accessing and replacing O-rings and washers may involve disassembling the faucet handle or removing other components. Repair time also depends on the model of the shower faucet.
FAQs
Do You Need To Call Plumber To Fix This Issue?
If you have basic plumbing knowledge, you can fix the shower faucet issue by yourself. The solutions which we mentioned in this guide are simple. With a little bit of knowledge of plumbing, you can try it. If you don’t have confidence in your basic DIY abilities, you may take the help of a plumber.
How Do I Determine The Model of My Shower Faucet?
When you buy new parts for the shower faucet, you should know its model. Because of the model number, you can order exact matching parts. Look at the handle, spout, and body of the faucet to find out any visible sign of the brand. If you have packing documentation, you can check them.
Final Words
A shower faucet won’t turn off problem becomes simple to solve if you know the right steps to fix the problem. We have tried to keep the solutions simple so people with a little bit of knowledge can also use these solutions. A dripping shower faucet wastes lots of water and increases your monthly expenditure. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide your shower faucet ensures a comfortable and efficient showering experience.
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Related Article – Say Goodbye to Cold Showers! Fixing a Single Handle Shower Faucet with No Hot Water
James Lewis is a seasoned plumber and faucet enthusiast who shares his expertise on Faucetsavvy.com. With over 15 years of experience in the plumbing industry, he’s passionate about helping homeowners find the perfect faucet for their needs. He’s also dedicated to empowering DIY enthusiasts with the plumbing knowledge and skills needed to repair and maintain their faucets.