How to Replace a Shower Valve

In This Article

When to Replace
Types
Instructions
When to Call a Pro
FAQ

Total Time: 1 - 2 hrs
Skill Level: Intermediate
Estimated Cost: $50 to $100

Replacing a shower valve in most showers means replacing the shower valve cartridge. Located behind the shower handle, the shower valve cartridge controls the water flow and mixes hot with cold water.

Learn how to replace a shower valve by removing the shower handle and cover, and then replacing the old shower valve cartridge with a new one. This one-for-one replacement can be done by most DIYers and takes about one hour.

When to Replace a Shower Valve Cartridge

In most showers, the valve mechanism is a cartridge valve made from plastic and brass. The cartridge can be easily slipped out and replaced when the rubber O-ring degrades over time. If you notice these signs, it's time to replace the cartridge:

Leaky faucet though the faucet is shut off
Water temperature is difficult to regulate
Unexpected water temperature changes
Faucet is difficult to open or close
Decrease in shower water pressure

Types of Shower Valves

Pressure-balancing valves: The most common type of shower valve, a pressure-balancing valve balances hot and cold water to keep a consistent temperature.
Thermostatic valves: Thermostatic valves come in twin or triple types, and either type can come with or without a diverter. All types control temperature and water flow, but some also control multiple shower heads separately.
Mixing valves: Mixing valves manually mix hot and cold water before it goes to the shower head. These valves can cause temperature changes in the shower if another water fixture in the home is used at the same time.
Diverter valves: Diverter valves are used for shower-tub combos. These valves are controlled by pull arms on the faucet, rotating handles, or knobs that adjust hot and cold water separately.
Transfer valves: Transfer valves control multiple shower heads or water features, allowing the user to use separate fixtures at the same time.
Manual valves: Manual valves are the simplest and most affordable shower valves, controlling water flow and temperature with a single handle.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

Drop cloth
Screwdriver set
Standard pliers
Needle-nose pliers
Angle grinder
Hack saw

Materials

Shower valve
Retainer clip
Caulk
WD-40
Paper towel

Instructions

How to Replace a Shower Valve

Materials and tools to replace a shower valve cartridge — The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Turn Off the Water
- Turn off the water to the shower. If you cannot locate the individual shower water shut-off valve, turn off the main water shut-off valve to the home.
- After turning off the water, turn on a nearby faucet to release the pressure and drain the water line.
The Spruce /Kevin Norris
Protect the Shower Floor

Place a drop cloth in the shower or tub to protect the floor. Block off the drain to prevent screws, washers, and other small parts from being lost in the drain.

The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Remove the Shower Handle
- Remove the shower handle cover (not the larger trim plate) with a flat-head screwdriver to locate the screw. Two-handle showers may have screws hidden by plastic covers on the front of each handle.
- Use a screwdriver or Allen wrench to loosen and remove the screw.
- Pull off the handle and set it aside.
Sometimes, the shower valve cartridge can be fully accessed after removing the handle. If this is the case, skip the next step.

The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Remove the Trim Plate

Use a screwdriver to remove the trim plate (the flat backing behind the handle). Loosen the screws securing the trim plate to the valve assembly, then slide it off the valve stem. Scrape off old caulk and clean the trim plate and shower handle.

The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Inspect and Prepare the Shower Wall

Compare the size of the existing hole in the shower wall with the size of the shower valve. The hole will be either larger or smaller than the shower valve cartridge:
- Hole is larger: You do not need to expand the hole if the shower valve cartridge, water stops, and the retainer clip can be freely accessed.
- Hole is smaller: If the hole is too small, use a hack saw or an angle grinder to cut into the wall and increase its size. Keep the hole small enough to fit entirely behind the trim plate.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Remove the Valve's Retainer Clip

Grip the retainer clip with pliers. The retainer clip is a small piece of metal inserted through the top of the shower valve to secure the cartridge. Pull the clip up and out of the shower valve.

The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Remove the Shower Valve Cartridge

Grip the shower valve stem with pliers and slowly pull the cartridge out of the assembly. If the cartridge is stuck, use a lubricating solution like WD-40. Inspect the shower valve assembly to ensure it's in good condition before proceeding.

The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Install the New Shower Valve Cartridge

Slide in the new shower valve cartridge. Use the new or the old retainer clip to secure the cartridge.

The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Turn On the Water and Test for Leaks

Test for leaks in the shower valve by turning the water back on. Wipe down the valve assembly with a paper towel to ensure it's dry.

The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Reattach the Trim Plate and Shower Handle
- Slide the trim plate over the stem of the shower valve and secure it with screws.
- Secure the handle or handles with the set screws.
- Remove the drop cloth and test the shower handle to ensure it's working properly.
- Apply caulk around the trim plate to prevent water from seeping behind the shower wall.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris

When to Call a Professional

If the exterior valve assembly or plumbing pipes show signs of severe rusting and corrosion, you may need to contact a licensed plumber to inspect the source of the damage and replace the water lines or the entire valve.

You should also call a plumber if you're transitioning from an older type of shower valve to a shower valve cartridge.

FAQ

Can I replace my shower valve without removing the tile?

You may be able to replace your shower valve without removing the tile. This is the case when the hole in the wall is larger than the shower valve's diameter. But if the hole in the shower wall is too small to remove the retainer clip or pull out the shower valve cartridge, the tile and parts of the wall must be cut away.
How can I tell if my shower valve needs to be replaced?

You can tell if your shower valve needs to be replaced when the faucet is shut off but water continues to leak, the water temperature is difficult to control, there are random water temperature changes, or you notice decreases in shower water pressure.
How long do shower valves last?

Shower valves last about 10 to 15 years. Shower valve cartridges typically fail due to degraded O-rings and require replacement.
How much does it cost to replace a shower valve?

Replacing a shower valve typically costs between $125 and $500, which depends on the type of valve and whether or not you hire a pro. Labor by a professional plumber usually costs about $165 when replacing a valve with the same type, or about $225 when upgrading to a new type of valve.

Guide to Pressure-Balanced and Thermostatic Shower Valves

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