Maya Ellison
Replacing a plastic shower knob handle is a simple DIY project that can instantly upgrade the appearance of your bathroom. Shower knobs are made from a variety of materials, including plastic, brass, zinc alloy, and chrome, and typically cost between $5 to $40. The process of replacing a shower knob handle involves first turning off the water supply and placing a rag over the drain to catch any loose parts. Then, using a screwdriver or a handle puller, remove the existing knob by unscrewing the screws and gently tapping the knob with a hammer to loosen any mineral deposits. Finally, push the new knob onto the valve, ensuring that the hot and cold labels are correctly positioned, and test for any leaks.
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What You'll Learn
Turn off the water supply
Before you start replacing your shower knob handle, it is important to turn off the water supply to avoid any leaks or accidents. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Locate the Inside Stop Valve:
First, you need to find the inside stop valve, which controls the water supply entering your home. In most homes, the inside stop valve is usually located under the kitchen sink. It could also be found inside a hot press or airing cupboard on the ground floor. If you are having trouble locating it, consider asking a neighbour, as nearby homes may have a similar setup.
Turn Off the Main Cold Water Supply:
Once you have located the inside stop valve, turn off the main cold water supply to your house. This will ensure that you can work on the shower without any water flow.
Shut Off Valves Near the Shower:
Next, locate the valves near your shower. A shower should ideally have its own cut-off valves close by. Shut off both the hot and cold water valves near the shower. This will ensure that the water supply to the shower is completely cut off.
Check and Confirm:
After turning off the relevant valves, check if the water supply to the shower has indeed stopped. Turn on the shower and ensure that no water is coming out. If there is still some water flow, you may need to turn off additional valves, such as those near the hot water cylinder or in the attic, as the water feed may be coming from those sources.
Drain the Pipes:
Even after turning off the valves, some water may remain in the pipes. To ensure that the pipes are completely drained, turn on all the cold taps in your home. This will help release any remaining water pressure and ensure that the pipes are empty.
By following these steps, you can safely turn off the water supply before replacing your shower knob handle. Remember to take your time and locate the relevant valves to avoid any mishaps.
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Remove the old handle
Before you begin to remove the old shower handle, turn off the water supply to your shower or, alternatively, the water main. It is also a good idea to place a rag over the drain to prevent screws and other small parts from falling down the drain.
The first step to removing the old handle is to pop off any trim with a flathead screwdriver or a utility knife. You may need to use a handle puller to remove the cover plate if it is stuck. Once you have removed the trim, unscrew the screw that is located under the plastic trim or under the handle with a Phillips screwdriver. Be careful when removing the screw, as it will fall out quickly. It is a good idea to place the screw in a plastic bag or small bowl so that it does not get lost.
After removing the screw, you can take off the knob by twisting it counterclockwise and pulling it towards you to remove it from the shower valve. If the knob is stuck, try giving it a few light taps with a hammer. This should loosen any mineral deposits without damaging the knob.
Once the knob is removed, you will have access to the valve stem. If your faucet stems are threaded, remove any old tape and wrap them with new thread sealant tape.
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Clean the valve stems
Before you begin to clean the valve stems, it is important to turn off the water supply to your shower. Locate the main water shut-off valve in your home and turn it off. You should also cover the drain with a cloth to prevent small parts from falling in and getting lost.
Now, remove the screw holding the shower handle in place. You can use a Phillips screwdriver for this. Once the screw is removed, pull the handle free of the valve stem. You may need to twist the knob counter-clockwise and wiggle it to remove it from the shower valve. If the knob is stuck, try giving it a few light taps with a hammer.
With the handle removed, you can now access the valve stem. To clean it, you can try soaking the grooved end of the stem in vinegar to remove any deposits. You should also clean the hole in the handle, as it may contain calcium deposits. Alternatively, if the stem is stripped, you can try lubricating it with a light coating of oil. After applying the oil, fill the handle's opening with epoxy paste and screw it in to keep it straight. Allow it to cure, then remove the handle and clean off any excess oil from the stem.
Once the valve stem and handle are clean, you can reassemble the handle by following the previous steps in reverse. Hand-tighten the handle onto the valve stem, then reattach the screw with your screwdriver. Finally, remove the cloth from the drain and turn the water supply back on. Test the shower handle to ensure it is working properly and check for leaks.
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Push the new handle over the valve
Before pushing the new handle over the valve, make sure the shower valve is clean. If it is dirty, use a shower cleaner to wipe it down. Once the valve is clean, you can push the new handle over it. Most handles can simply be pushed into place over the existing fitting. However, some handles may come with a spacer that needs to be inserted before pushing on the new handle. If your handle comes with a spacer, fit it into place inside the handle according to the instructions that came with your set. Then, push the handle onto the valve. Make sure that the knob labeled "Cold" goes on the cold valve and the knob labeled "Hot" goes on the hot valve. Generally, the cold water knob is on the right, and the hot water knob is on the left. If your old shower knobs were installed the wrong way around, now is the time to correct their placement. After pushing the new handle over the valve, secure it with a screw and push on the knob cover.
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Test the new handle
Once you have fitted your new shower handle, it is important to test it to ensure it works correctly and there are no leaks.
Firstly, turn the water supply back on. Slowly turn the water supply back on to avoid any sudden pressure changes that could cause damage. For wheel-shaped handles, pause after turning it a quarter of a revolution until the line is fully open. For lever handles, turn it an eighth of a turn, wait a few seconds, then turn it back to its original position, so it is parallel with the pipe.
Now, test the new handle. Move the shower handle to each side to test that the hot and cold water works. Ensure that the hot and cold water knobs are on the correct valves. Generally, the cold water knob is on the right, and the hot water knob is on the left.
Check for any leaks or loose parts. If there is a leak, remove the new cover and tighten the screws. If there are no leaks, check that the cover is securely in place.
Finally, give the new handle a test run by taking a shower and ensuring the water pressure and temperature are working as expected.
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Frequently asked questions
First, turn off the water supply to your shower. Then, place a rag over the drain to prevent screws and parts from falling in. Next, use a flathead screwdriver or utility knife to pop off any trim and expose the screw. Unscrew the knob and remove it from the valve stem. You can now push your new plastic knob onto the valve stem, ensuring the labels are in the correct positions.
If your old knob is stuck, try giving it a few light taps with a hammer to loosen any mineral deposits. You can also use a handle puller, which can be purchased at your local hardware store.
If your new knob doesn't fit, you may need to replace the shower valve, which will require extensive plumbing work.
Shower knobs are relatively inexpensive, typically ranging from $5 to $40, depending on the materials and brand.
Yes, if you encounter difficulties or don't want to do it yourself, you can hire a shower installer to help. Expect to pay around $45 to $200 per hour for labor, in addition to the cost of materials.
