You’re ready for a bath, and you turn the shower faucet on just to find it loose. Don’t panic yet, because it is totally fixable. A loose faucet from the wall can cause more destruction over time when left unchecked.
So you know now what your plight is: having a shower faucet loose from the wall, and you might be wondering how to fix that. You successfully discovered the problem, and consequently, you are ready for the next steps. Take a closer look at these recommendations for you.
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How Do You Fix a Loose Shower Faucet?
There are simple ways to fix a loose shower faucet. Since it is just wobbly, there is no need for you to replace it. Instead, you can simply tighten it back to its position. The first step to doing this is to check the covering that places the shower faucet on the wall if it is already loose or detached.
Following this, you may find the filler around it, which needs to be removed. This filler also known as caulk, is supposed to hold the faucet’s covering in place, but since the shower faucet got loose, it means that you may need to replace it. Unfasten the caulk with a knife.
After doing a great job removing the seal around the shower faucet plate, disassemble the screws from the shower handles, and reach for the pipe connected to the faucet. Remove any excess fillers and just thoroughly check and clean it from any corrosion. Make sure that you don’t tug the pipe too much that it gets disconnected from the valves.
Once all is clear, paste new fillers or caulk around the faucet plate to fasten it on the wall. Make sure you push the faucet cover firmly. Position the screws of the shower handles and shower faucet back to their proper places.
Finally, make certain that you have checked the faucet for any more problems. Turn on the faucet and regulate water pressure. Observe closely and listen for any noise from the faucet that could indicate that it is still not tightly fastened.
If you want more visual guide, check the video below:
How Do You Secure a Shower Faucet?
Echoing what most people say, “Prevention is better than cure,” you can save yourself from the trouble of having loose shower faucets from the wall as long as you secure them. One straightforward solution is to cover the stem of the faucet to prevent water from leaking out.
You can do this by enfolding the stem part of the shower faucet with the plumber’s tape. It can be helpful in a way that it can protect not only the shower handle but can also aid the shower faucet against corrosion. When the components of devices that control water pressure, such as faucets, corrode, they are more prone to rusting, resulting in their disconnection or coming off loose.
This precaution helps your shower faucet become more sturdy and long-lasting. In addition to reinforcing your shower faucet to prevent leaks, you can also control the water pressure that comes out of it. You can easily reduce the impact of the water in your shower by turning the valves clockwise.
Why Is My Shower Faucet Loose?
There may be more technology and science behind the making of your shower than you think. Remember when you turn on your shower faucet? The water instantly comes out, and so does the water pressure. This can be one of the prime reasons why your shower faucet is loose.
There is technology supporting the construction of your shower, including your shower faucets. That is Fluidics’ business. Fluidics is concerned with the current of water or other types of fluid that goes into a tool so you can control it.
You can adjust water pressure from a faucet, but sometimes the water just has more impact, which causes the pipes to vibrate. Excessive water pressure can also cause corrosion in the pipes that form rust in the material, making up the faucet. Most parts of shower faucets are brass and stainless steel, and though both of these materials do not rust easily, they corrode when exposed to strong water pressure.
How Do You Fix a Loose Faucet Spout?
The spout is the most eye-catching part of the faucet, which means that it is also easier to detect what the matter is if it gets faulty. In order to fix a loose faucet spout, you must turn off the water supply from the valve first. There are so many ways the faucet can get damaged since it is used daily but for now, let’s focus on the loose faucet spout.
Like what has been mentioned earlier, the spout is the part of the faucet that is very noticeable, and it also comes in different shapes and sizes. Faucet spouts may come in a straightforward look, so the water goes directly from the pipes to the sink. Other times, the spout may look more elegant, like ‘swan-neck’ styles that are popular in hotels and classic homes.
The spout or tap is the part that serves as the pathway of the water from the water supply valve to the sink. The length of the spout is also important to consider since we are talking about shower spouts (you would not want your spout placed too low that you won’t be able to bathe as comfortably as possible).
Although corrosion that causes leakage is a more common problem for faucet spouts, having them loose can also cause a problem, but it is more fixable. If the spout is loose, you may begin to do the repair by yourself with these few simple steps:
- Locate the main water supply and then turn it off.
- Look for set screws. A wrench may be helpful so you can slide out the faucet spout.
- You will need a screwdriver for this next step. Put in the screwdriver through the end of the spout and then twist it. Tighten the spout by turning the screw.
What Is a Good Time to Change the Shower Faucet?
One common indicator that it is absolutely a good time to change your shower faucet is when there is water already leaking. Sure there are quick fixes to issues like that, but they can only last so far, and if you consider its long-term effects like corrosion and even molds building up in your bathroom walls, it would be pretty devastating. It would be easy to decide that the time to replace your shower faucet is now.
According to experts, you should not delay this action. Not only will you be able to save water when you instantly stop the water leakage in your shower faucet, but you will also prevent other problems from occurring that can disrupt the function of your water system.
How Do I Change a Shower Faucet?
Changing the shower faucet often depends on the plumbing or upon its first installation, and also varies on what type of shower faucet you use in your home. It is important to know what comprises its system for you to successfully replace it. Knowing the manufacturer or the brand of the device that controls your water flow is also necessary, especially because valves are not generally similar to one another.
The materials that you have to consider in changing your shower faucet is the faucet itself, valves, handles, cartridges, stems, and faucet covering. Most of those are available in hardware. Once you are done with troubleshooting and gathering needed tools and materials, you can proceed to follow the following steps:
- First, you have to stop the water or turn off the water flow before beginning your work.
- Unscrew the shower faucet and detach handles, cartridges, or any other part of the shower faucet you want to replace. Make sure to keep the screws you just detached; you may need them later.
- Screw your replacement materials into place. The valves may come first, then the stem, faucet cover, and the handles. It is suggested that you already fortify your shower faucet so it would not loosen in the long run.
- At last, turn on the water system and check for any more needed repairs.
Summary
Come to think of it, our mundane activities have always included the use of simple constructional inventions for the home. Most people want to save money only to realize that in the end, they have incurred more losses than gains because they neglected the small fixtures in the house, such as the one we have been talking about in this article. You will not want to make the same mistake.
It is understandable that the shower faucet in our home will have the usual wear and tear, so it must be fixed or replaced after a long while since it is used frequently. Good thing there are ways that you will be able to save money by doing the repair all by yourself.
This article has been a guide to you on simple ways to get through the shower faucet troubles, but it is always your call to open your toolbox and start repairing. You always have the option to call your trusted repairman but getting the job done with your own hands is well worth it.
Resources
Image credits – Photo by Dan Smedley on Unsplash
