Shower Handles That Won't Turn Off Water Flow
Having a relaxing shower suddenly interrupted by a faulty handle that won't shut off the water flow can be frustrating for any homeowner. Not being able to control the constant stream of water coming from your showerhead wastes this precious resource and leads to higher utility bills.
We'll also provide troubleshooting tips to diagnose the specific issues with your particular shower fixture. Finally, we'll outline the necessary steps to repair or replace the malfunctioning internal hardware so you can once again enjoy a soothing shower without the headache of water that won't turn off.
What Causes Shower Handles To Malfunction?
There are several root causes that can lead to problems with shower handles not functioning properly to control water flow as intended:
Worn Out Washers and O-Rings
The internal rubber washers and O-rings inside the shower handle assembly form water-tight seals when the fixture is turned off. Over time, these components wear out, harden from mineral deposits, or sustain damage. This allows water to continue passing through the space between the stationary and moving parts instead of cutting off flow.
Broken or Dislodged Cartridge
At the heart of the shower handle is a cartridge containing either ceramic disks, a rotating ball bearing, or a piston assembly. Cracks in these internal pieces or broken retainer clips can lead to water leaking out from the cartridge chamber. The cartridge may also become dislodged from its proper seating, preventing a complete shut-off of water.
Corrosion and Mineral Buildup
Exposure to moisture and certain water conditions leads to corrosion, limescale deposits, and sediment accumulation on the movable shower handle components. This fouling prevents smooth operation and the proper interacting of parts required to stop water flow.
High Water Pressure Issues
Excessively high water pressure placed on the shower assembly can stress the internal seals beyond their tolerance, as well as increase leakage through tiny gaps in the worn parts. Replacing washers and O-rings may temporarily fix the problem, but the high water pressure soon causes premature failure of these components.
How To Troubleshoot A Shower Handle That Won't Turn Water Off
Check The Handle Tightness First
Before disassembling the shower fixture, first try tightening the handle screw underneath the button or cap to securely reseat the components. Spray lubricant on any sticky mechanisms. Turning the shower on and off several times may also help re-align parts temporarily. Capture photos of your shower faucet setup beforehand for reference during repairs.
Turn Off The Main Water Supply
After confirming that simple tightening does not fix the handle issue, turn off the main or shut-off valve supplying water to your shower. This is typically located on the wall behind the fixture or accessed through the basement ceiling underneath.
Disassemble The Faulty Cartridge
With the water supply cut off, carefully take apart the fixture down to exposing the cartridge responsible for controlling flow. Using a screwdriver, remove the handle cover plate, handle screw, lever arm if needed, and the retainer nut holding the cartridge in place. You may require pliers or vice grips to extract a stubborn assembly.
Inspect seals, washers, springs and ceramic disks for wear, tear, and cracks. Scrub out any gunk or mineral deposits before reinstalling. Replace defective O-rings and other elastomeric components if feasible. Otherwise replacing the entire faulty cartridge is necessary.
Repairing or Replacing Your Shower's Faulty Cartridge
The make and model of your shower fixture determines the specific replacement cartridge needed. Bring the old one to the hardware store to match up components. Key cartridge types in most showers include:
Ceramic Disc
Used in single-handle showers, these contain sectors that rotate against stationary ceramic discs to adjust temperature and flow volume. Severe water pressure and heat gradually erode the smooth disc surfaces over time. Replacement involves swapping out the entire ceramic disc cartridge.
Rotational Ball
These cartridges rely on an internal ball that rotates around a central post sealed by spring-loaded rubber seats. Old rubber components tend to flatten out, allowing water to sneak by the ball even when the shower is turned "off". The solution involves replacing the entire cartridge with new rubber seals.
Compression
Common in vintage showers using separate hot and cold handles, compression faucets have a screw-down stem that presses down on a rubber seat washer to cut off flow. As the washer gets rigid and thin with use, water leaks past despite tightening the packing nut. Simply replacing washers and O-rings can fix leaks without replacing the entire assembly.
Install The New Cartridge
Before inserting the brand new cartridge, apply some plumber's grease or silicone lubricant on any O-rings and moving components. This helps everything slide smoothly into the correct position inside its chamber. Replace any obviously cracked or missing interior parts during re-assembly. Consult your faucet model instructions for proper cartridge orientation.
Reinstall The Fixed Shower Handle
After securely installing the new cartridge and hardware back into the shower fixture, it's time to re-attach the handle and test for proper water flow control. Follow these remaining steps:
Confirm Proper Alignment
As you put interior components like the escutcheon plate and handle back into position, check that the cartridge stem inserts correctly into the handle socket. Misaligned parts will prevent proper operation.
With everything tightened back into place, slowly turn the main or shut-off valve back on to restore water supply to the shower. Rotate the newly repaired handle from fully open to fully closed several times. It should completely stop water flow when placed in the off position without any drips.
If leaks persist, double check that interior seals are still in good shape and aligned correctly before assuming the new cartridge is defective.
Dealing with a faulty shower handle that fails to stop running water can quickly ruin your morning routine. But armed with the helpful troubleshooting and repair tips outlined here, you can confidently tackle this frustrating issue and restore normal operation to start enjoying soothing showers once again.