"All claims, guarantees and product specifications are provided by the manufacturer or vendor. Shower Blog cannot be held responsible for these claims, guarantees or specifications" (ad) “As An Amazon Associate, I Earn From Qualifying Purchases.” (Paid Link)
A dripping faucet isn’t just annoying; it’s money going down the drain. If you’ve been lying awake at night listening to that rhythmic drip-drip-drip, or if you’re standing in the shower wondering why the shower is not getting hot, the culprit is likely your shower valve or cartridge.
Many homeowners are intimidated by plumbing. The thought of water spraying everywhere is scary. But replacing a shower faucet (specifically the trim and cartridge) is a surprisingly manageable DIY project. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you don’t need to call a pro unless absolutely necessary.
Before buying parts, you need to know what you are dealing with. Are you changing the look (Trim) or the function (Valve)?
Turn off the water supply to the house. Open the shower faucet to drain the remaining water pressure. Pro Tip: Cover the drain with an old towel. There is nothing worse than dropping a tiny screw down the drain, forcing you to learn how to unclog a shower drain just to retrieve it!
Most handles have a small set screw underneath or hidden behind a decorative cap (index button).
1. Pop the cap off with a small flathead screwdriver.
2. Use an Allen key to loosen the set screw.
3. Pull the handle straight off.
If the handle is stuck due to corrosion, you might need a handle puller tool. Don’t force it too hard or you risk damaging the pipes.
Unscrew the two long screws holding the round metal plate to the wall. Once removed, you might find old caulk holding it to the tile. Use a utility knife to gently score the caulk. Pull the plate off to reveal the valve inside the wall.
Check for Mold: This is a great time to inspect inside the wall. If you see black spots, use the best shower mold cleaner to sanitize the area before closing it back up.
This is where the magic happens. You will see a retaining clip (usually a horseshoe shape) holding the cartridge in.
If you have a dual shower head combo, this cartridge replacement often restores full diverter pressure.
Sometimes reading isn’t enough. Watch this detailed walkthrough to see exactly how the cartridge is pulled out.
Reverse the steps: Screw on the trim plate, attach the handle, and tighten the set screw. Turn the water back on and check for leaks.
Crucial Step: You must caulk around the top and sides of the escutcheon plate to prevent water from getting behind the wall. Leave the bottom open (the “weep hole”) so if a leak does happen, water drains into the tub, not into your drywall.
Having the right gear turns a nightmare job into a 30-minute fix. Here are the top-rated items on Amazon you’ll likely need.
If your house is older than 10 years, the cartridge will be stuck. This tool saves you from breaking the plumbing inside the wall.
Check Price on Amazon
A universal favorite. If you are updating the look, this brushed nickel finish hides water spots and looks modern. Pairs well with glass shower doors.
Check Price on Amazon
Don’t skip the sealing step! This silicone is mold-resistant and dries quickly. Essential for keeping moisture out of your walls.
Check Price on AmazonIf you are doing this as part of a larger renovation, consider your future needs. If you are looking at walk-in shower ideas, ensure your valve height is accessible.
For those installing accessibility features like a shower chair, consider installing a specialized valve trim with a longer lever handle, which is easier to operate for those with limited grip strength.
The easiest way is to remove the handle and look at the brand name on the escutcheon plate (Moen, Delta, Kohler). Then, pull the old cartridge out and bring it to the hardware store to match it physically. Or, upload a photo to Google Lens.
You likely have a damaged O-ring, or debris is stuck inside the valve body. Remove the cartridge, flush the valve (turn water on briefly with cartridge out – careful, it will spray!), and re-grease the O-rings with plumber’s grease. Check our guide on why shower heads leak for more.
Not easily. That requires replacing the “rough-in” valve behind the wall, which means cutting tile and soldering pipes. This guide covers trim/cartridge replacement only.
Generally no, as long as the water is off. However, regarding safety, people often ask is it dangerous to shower during a thunderstorm? (Yes, it is due to metal pipes conducting electricity!). Always prioritize safety.
Replacing a shower faucet is one of the most rewarding DIY projects. You save hundreds of dollars and fix annoying drips immediately. Once your new faucet is installed and the pressure is back, treat yourself to an upgrade. Maybe install a rainfall shower system or, if you really want to relax, look into a steam shower generator.
Now that the water is flowing perfectly, you can get back to life’s important questions, like should you shave before or after a shower? (The answer is after—your blades will last longer!).
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, ShowerBlog earns from qualifying purchases. Always follow local building codes when performing plumbing work.
