Plumbing question...Shower faucets are hard to shut off and sometimes I can't stop the water flow.?

Question

Plumbing question...Shower faucets are hard to shut off and sometimes I can't stop the water flow.?

Answer 1

You probably need to change the rubber ring on the valve stems that turn the water On/Off.

Answer 2

Its caused by someone turning them off to extremes. change it over to a MOEN single handle & be done with that problem FOREVER.

Answer 3

Under your faucet handles are stems that the handles slide onto.  Both are threaded.  If you are lucky it is just the handles that are stripped out and slipping when you try to tighten the faucet handle.  Use a s***w driver and remove the s***w on the center of the outside of the faucet handle...this is what holds the handle onto the stem.  Pull out on the handle and it will slide off.  Now you will see the stem.  The stem could be worn and stripped too, but if it looks pretty good, (you should be able to feel small ridges that go along the length of the stem) just try buying new replacement handles at a hardware store (take an old handle with you and they can help you pick a set out) and just slip them over the existing stem and replace the s***w.  Directions will come with the package of handles.  If they still slip, the stems need replacing (more complicated and requires you to turn off the main water supply to your house...you'll probably need to call a plumber at this point).

     Just in case you can't get the water to turn off, in an emergency, you can remove the handles as described above and use a pair of pliers to turn the stems to tighten them and shut off the water. Have fun!

Answer 4

There are rubber washers inside.  Yours are worn out and need to be changed.  Shut off the water supply to the shower, remove the valve stem, and change the washers.

If that doesn't make sense to you, get on-site help from somebody who knows what they're doing.

Answer 5

Probably worn out washers.  Continued use in this condition can seriously damage the washer seats.  That means instead of only having to replace some rubber washers you will have to replace the whole thing.  Get it repaired ASAP.

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Answer 6

unless you know how to repair them

you need new ones