How to Repair a Leaky Two-Three Handle Tub/Shower Faucet

Enhance your two-three handle tub/shower faucet repair knowledge with detailed installation instructions and a “How to” video.

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How To Instructions

Step-by-step Instructions

Your tub-shower faucet gets a lot of use, so you want to keep it in tip top shape. If you find that your shower is leaking water, you can replace a few of its parts without spending a lot of time and money on a new faucet. We promise it’s easy, and the best part is, you can do it all by yourself.

Tools required: Flat head screwdriver, Phillips head screwdriver, wrench, and a seat removal tool (optional).

1

First, determine the source of the leak. If water is leaking from underneath the handle onto the wall, the stem of whichever handle is leaking needs to be replaced.

If water is dripping from the tub spout or shower head, you’ll need to determine if it is from the hot or cold side. If your shower has an access panel that allows you to turn off the water, determine which side is leaking by turning off the hot or cold water, one at a time. If you do not have an access panel, you’ll have to make your best guess based on the temperature of the dripping water. Once you’ve determined which side is leaking, turn off both the hot and cold water supply or turn off the main water supply to your home (usually found outside near the street)

2

Remove the index cap off the handle to reveal the handle screw. TIP! You may need to loosen the cap with a flat head screwdriver. Loosen the handle screw then remove the handle. You will need to set aside the handle, handle screw and index cap to reinstall at the end of the project.

3

If you have a brass stem, remove the stem by using a wrench and rotating it counter clockwise until it threads out entirely.

3A

Take a look at the washer which is located on the lower end of the stem. If the washer is squeezed flat or has a groove worn in it, a new washer may be all that’s necessary to repair the faucet.

3B

It is recommended that you replace your faucet seat (if applicable) at this time to ensure a tight seal between the stem, washer and faucet seat.
When replacing the faucet seat, you can remove and replace the seat with an Allen wrench or a seat removal tool. Turn the seat counterclockwise to loosen, clockwise to tighten.Tip: If you cannot remove the faucet seat, then use a faucet reseating tool to even out and smooth the faucet seat to a flat surface to ensure a tight seal.

Take the stem to your local Lowes home improvement store and use the Picture Perfect Locator System or use the online Stem Selector Tool. This system makes it easy to find your replacement part.

4

Once you have purchased your new stem, you can install it into your faucet.
When installing a brass stem, turn the stem completely to the open position, then rotate the body of the stem clockwise into the faucet until it threads in entirely. Tighten with a wrench.

5

Place the handle over the stem and secure with the handle screw. Replace the index cap.

Turn the main water to the house back on, and then check for leaks.

Step-by-step Instructions

Your tub-shower faucet gets a lot of use, so you want to keep it in tip top shape. If you find that your shower is leaking water, you can replace a few of its parts without spending a lot of time and money on a new faucet. We promise it’s easy, and the best part is, you can do it all by yourself.

Tools required: Flat head screwdriver, Phillips head screwdriver, wrench, and a seat removal tool (optional)

1

First, determine the source of the leak. If water is leaking from underneath the handle onto the wall, the stem of whichever handle is leaking needs to be replaced.

If water is dripping from the tub spout or shower head, you’ll need to determine if it is from the hot or cold side. If your shower has an access panel that allows you to turn off the water, determine which side is leaking by turning off the hot or cold water, one at a time.  If you do not have an access panel, you’ll have to make your best guess based on the temperature of the dripping water. Once you’ve determined which side is leaking, turn off both the hot and cold water supply or turn off the main water supply to your home (usually found outside near the street)

2

Remove the index cap off the handle to reveal the handle screw. TIP! You may need to loosen the cap with a flat head screwdriver. Loosen the handle screw then remove the handle. You will need to set aside the handle, handle screw and index cap to reinstall at the end of the project.

3

Unscrew the retainer nut and pull out the stem.

3A

Some cartridge-type stems have seats and springs. Look back into where the stem came from and check to see if there is a seat and/or spring. If so, use needle nose Pliers to remove them.

Take the stem to your local Lowes home improvement store and use the Picture Perfect Locator System or use the online Stem Selector Tool. This system makes it easy to find your replacement part.

4

Once you have purchased your new stem, you can install it into your faucet.
Depending on the style of stem, there may be a spring and a rubber seat. If so, the spring goes into the faucet body, wide end first, and then the rubber seat goes on top.

Replace the plastic stem by placing into the faucet body. Next, screw on the retainer nut.

5

Place the handle over the stem and secure with the handle screw. Replace the index cap.

Turn the main water to the house back on, and then check for leaks.