Single Handle Shower Faucet Is Hard To Turn Off

Why Single Handle Shower Faucet Is Hard To Turn Off?

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To get water from the shower faucet, you need to turn its handle. But when single handle shower faucet is hard to turn off, the water flow won’t turn off completely and it leads to a waste of water. Sooner or later, you need to fix the stubborn handle of the shower faucet.

A hard-to-turn shower faucet handle is problematic. Because of it, you can’t use it properly. The good news is that fixing a handle is not a complicated task. It requires a few tools and a little bit of time. By following these simple steps, you can easily repair hard to turn shower faucet handle.

Table Of Contents
  1. Why a Single Handle Shower Faucet Is Hard To Turn Off?
  2. Spray WD-40 on Shower Faucet
  3. How Do You Loosen a Stubborn Shower Faucet Handle?
  4. How Do You Lubricate a Stubborn Shower Knob?
  5. FAQs

Why a Single Handle Shower Faucet Is Hard To Turn Off?

Why a Single Handle Shower Faucet Is Hard To Turn Off?

You try to turn off the shower faucet handle but it doesn’t move. There are a couple of causes for this issue. The mineral deposit of water is one of the main reasons for a single-handle shower faucet hard to turn-off issue. With time mineral deposits occur on many parts of the shower and damage them.

When parts are damaged, they won’t work properly. A damaged cartridge or O-rings will prevent the handle from turning and also may cause a leak. Fixing a shower faucet handle is not too complex.

Spray WD-40 on Shower Faucet

WD-40 is a cleaner that is used to remove rust, corrosion, and deposits from the faucet. When you start fixing a hard-to-turn shower faucet handle, you should start with WD-40.

Spray WD-40 on the handle and leave it alone for a few minutes. WD-40 will remove dirt, and rust from the faucet handle and make it smooth. Due to its lubrication, the handle may become smooth. If you are lucky, your shower faucet handle will start turning after applying WD-40 and you don’t need to follow any other steps.

How Do You Loosen a Stubborn Shower Faucet Handle?

Loosen a Stubborn Shower Faucet Handle

What You’ll Need

  • Screwdriver with a Philips’s head or Allen wrench
  • Flat screwdriver
  • Adjustable wrench
  • Pliers
  • Replacement cartridge (if necessary)
  • Towel

If WD-40 won’t work, try a different method. This method will take time but it is not hard to follow. For this, you need to remove its handle to clean or replace the damaged parts. When you remove the handle, you can examine which part of the handle is needed to be replaced.

When you remove the handle and if the water supply is not turned off, you can’t work properly. Check the shut-off valve of the shower faucet and make sure it is in the off position.

  • If the drain is near the faucet then cover it with a towel so any tiny part won’t fall into the drain.
  • To remove the handle, you need to remove its set screw. You will find the screw on the side or bottom of the handle.
  • Maybe you won’t see any screws on the handle. It happens because there is a decorative cap on the screw.
  • Remove the cap to see the hidden screw. Use a knife to remove the cap.
  • When the cap comes off, you will see the screw. Use a screwdriver or Allen wrench to remove the screw.
  • When the handle comes out, you can see its inner parts.
  • Now the faucet valve is visible. This valve is secured with a nut. Use an adjustable wrench to remove the nut.
  • Now it’s time to remove the cartridge. After removing the valve, you can remove the cartridge. Pull the cartridge with the help of the plier.
  • Check the condition of the cartridge. Whether you can clean it or not. If cleaning is possible, you can reuse it after cleaning, otherwise replace it.
  • To clean the cartridge, vinegar is a good solution. Place the cartridge into the mixture of vinegar and water for an hour.
  • After cleaning the cartridge, reinsert the old cartridge. If you get a new cartridge, install it in the place of old one. Tighten all nuts properly so there is no chance of leakage.

Related Post – How To Tighten Loose Shower Faucet From Wall?

How Do You Lubricate a Stubborn Shower Knob?

Lubricate a Stubborn Shower Knob

When you lubricate the shower knob, it works smoothly. A lubricated knob or handle will resist rust and corrosion that are responsible for a stubborn handle.

Start with turning off the water supply. If the water supply is on, lubricate won’t work properly.

According to the shower model, there are different ways to access the knob. To access the internal mechanism, you need to remove the cover plate or handle. There will be a small screw on the handle. When you remove the screw, you can remove its plate.

Once you have access to the internal mechanism, carefully remove the shower knob from the valve stem. This may involve unscrewing it or pulling it straight off, depending on the design.

Before lubricating the know, you need to clean and dry it. For this take a clean cloth or sponge to wipe away water, dirt, grime, or old lubricant.

Apply a small amount of silicone-based lubricant to the valve stem. Silicone lubricants are commonly used for plumbing applications as they are resistant to water and have a long-lasting effect. Avoid using oil-based lubricants as they can attract dirt and cause problems in the long run.

When the lubrication is completed, carefully reattach the shower knob. If there was a screw or lever holding the knob in place, reattach it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

FAQs

Can You Replace a Shower Handle Without Replacing The Valve?

Yes, it is often possible to replace a shower handle without replacing the entire valve. However, it depends on the specific design and compatibility of your shower system.

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