How to Replace a Washer in Your Shower Faucet

Fix a leaky shower faucet with this DIY guide

Bathtub and shower faucets function the same as sink faucets; each has handles to twist the cartridge-based valves beneath its decorative plate. To prevent leaks and drips, washers are used to ensure the cartridge valve is kept off. However, when these washers wear out, you may find your faucets beginning to trickle. In this guide, we’ll teach you how to replace the washer in a bathroom faucet using a screwdriver and pliers.

How to Replace a Shower Faucet Washer

Turn off the main water supply. Then, remove the screws holding the handle and plate to expose the faucet cartridge. Remove the cartridge and the screw holding the washer in place. Swap out the old washer with a new one, then reinstall the screw. Replace the cartridge, plate, handle, and screws, and turn your water on.

1

Shut off the water supply.

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Turn the water supply valve to the “OFF” position. Locate your home’s main water supply, which may be in the basement (if you have one), near the water heater, or outside near a property line. Turn the valve “wheel” handle clockwise to shut off the main valve.^{[1]XResearch source}
- If your water supply has straight valve handles, ensure the valve is perpendicular to the water supply pipe. If it’s parallel, that means the water is still on.

2

Expose the faucet cartridge.

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Remove the screws, handles, and decorative plate to access the faucet. Look on the sides of the faucet handles for a small screw. Use a flat-head screwdriver to remove this screw, setting it aside in a plastic bag or tray to avoid losing small pieces. Once removed, lift the faucet handle off the escutcheon (the decorative plate) and set it aside.^{[2]XResearch source}
- Use this same method to remove the escutcheon from the wall. The handle usually hides the plate screws. Set the plate aside, exposing the faucet cartridge.
- Use a utility knife to score the caulk surrounding the escutcheon loose.
- Screws may be beneath or on the underside of the handle. Remove any decorative plates hiding screws with your fingers or with the screwdriver.

3

Remove the cartridge.

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Release the cartridge’s locking nut with a pair of pliers or a socket wrench set. The key is to have a good grip to twist the cartridge free from the wall. Once it is free, turn the cartridge upside down to locate the washer at its base.^{[3]XResearch source}

4

Replace the washer.

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Unfasten the old washer using a screwdriver to loosen it. Grasp the cartridge with pliers to help loosen it if you’re having difficulty. Twist counterclockwise to remove the screw. Add a new flat washer to the end of the cartridge, placing the screw back to keep it secure.^{[4]XResearch source}
- If you need to replace the O-ring (the circular black silicone or rubber piece) lift one side of the ring with the screwdriver to shimmy it down the length of the cartridge.^{[5]XResearch source}
- To find the right washer replacement, first understand what type of faucet you’re working with. Ball faucets have a single handle and use o-rings and rubber seals. A disc faucet uses ceramic discs to control the flow of water.^{[6]XResearch source}
- Cartridge faucets close water with a simple handle twist and use rubber o-rings. Compression faucets use a few twists and rubber washers.^{[7]XResearch source}
- Take your washer to the hardware store to match the size and type.

5

Replace the cartridge, plate, and screws.

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Insert the cartridge into the wall and twist it clockwise to lock it back in place. Press your escutcheon plate over the valve and secure it with the screws from earlier. Then, you can replace the handle over the plate by screwing it back on.^{[8]XResearch source}

6

Caulk the edges of the plate.

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Run a thin bead of silicone caulk to seal the plate. To ensure no leaks or internal water damage to the walls or pipes, apply fresh silicone caulk to where the decorative plate and wall meet. Cut the tip of the caulk tube off at a 45-degree angle. Squeeze the tube slowly and carefully to fill the gap.^{[9]XResearch source}
- Use a caulk gun for even distribution.
- Wipe excess caulk down with your finger or a caulk finishing tool.

7

Turn the water back on and test for leaks.

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Twist the main water supply valve to the “ON” position. Then, inside the bathroom, turn the faucet on and inspect the handles for any drips or leaks.^{[10]XResearch source}
- If you still see leaks, ensure all the screws are tight. You may need to double-check your work.
- If the problem persists, schedule an appointment with a local plumber.

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Question
Where do I turn off the main water line?
Community Answer
Usually, it's extremely close to the water meter. There should be a shut-off valve both immediately before and after the water meter. Both can be turned off if one isn't doing the trick. If neither shut off the water completely, then you'll need a plumber to replace both with ball type valves for vastly improved predictability and reliability.
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What do I do if the cartridge just spins and doesn't come out?
Community Answer
Make sure you removed the large outermost nut, an extremely common setup. You can also both push and pull to free the possible O-ring(s), or you can spray some oil into the back. It should just pop out, but some corrosion or buildup may need to be overcome. If nothing's working, then call a plumber and they'll grease up everything so future replacements are uneventful.
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Do I have to turn off the water to do this?
Community Answer
Yes, you must turn off the water. The washer holds back the water pressure from the main line. If you remove the handle and washer without cutting off the water supply, water will spray everywhere.
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Tips

Take the entire cartridge and washer to the hardware store to purchase a replacement washer. Washers come in many sizes, and the incorrect size may cause leaks.
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