How to Replace Shower Valve O Rings

Water that leaks through the shower knob is often caused by worn out or corroded parts underneath the shower handle; making the source of the leak hard to detect. O-rings are an internal component of the shower handle, and prevent water from leaking around the stem of the shower knob. The ring sits tightly around the throat of the stem and allows it to turn freely with the knob to turn the water on and off.

Flathead screwdriver
Phillips screwdriver
Wrench

Instructions

- 1
  Turn off the water from the main. The main may be located outside, or in the basement, utility room or a crawlspace. Turn the handle until the water shuts off. Turn off the hot water supply at the water heater.
- 2
  Pry off the decorative cap in the middle of the handle with a flathead screwdriver, then loosen the screw underneath the cap with a Phillips screwdriver.
- 3
  Lift the shower faucet handle off the stem with your hands. You may need to pry it off with the flathead screwdriver.
- 4
  Unscrew the packing nut underneath the handle with the wrench. This will expose the rest of the stem.
- 5
  Rotate the stem in the "on" direction to thread it out, and remove it.
- 6
  Remove the o-ring from the stem with your hand. Replace the it with a new o-ring.
- 7
  Follow directions in reverse to reinstall the stem and handle.

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