Jul 23, 2011
How to Repair a Shower Faucet Ball Valve
Fixing a shower faucet ball valve is something that most homeowners will have to deal with at some point. While you can hire a certified plumber to handle the problem, fixing it yourself can save you money in labor costs. A leaking shower valve can also lead to water damage for your bathtub and the surrounding areas of the bathroom. While it may sound like a difficult task to complete, making this repair is actually relatively easy with the proper instructions.
Turn the water supply off in your home. Use your allen wrench to remove the screw on the side of the handle of the faucet, and remove both the screw and the handle. With these items removed, slide the gray plastic disc and the metal sleeve off of the faucet.
Use a strap wrench to remove the brass ring that is holding the remainder of the faucet in place. Once the brass ring is removed, use slow and steady pressure to remove the faucet assembly from its place by twisting the unit counterclockwise until it comes loose. Place a towel beneath the opening, as there is likely to still be some excess water in the pipes.
Open the faucet assembly by simultaneously pressing in and twisting on the blue half. Pull out the black rubber seats from the blue half and replace them with the new pieces found in the repair kit. These rubber pieces are the key to eliminating the leak you are experiencing in your shower.
Place the springs and rubber seats in place and twist the blue and white pieces back together to rejoin them. Re-insert the faucet assembly into the brass sleeve, and use the strap wrench to secure it in place with the brass ring. Slip the sleeve back onto the assembly and put the gray disk back into place. Re-attach the shower faucet handle and turn on the water supply in your home.
