Some bathrooms have a separate valve for the shower located in the bathroom, but this is uncommon. If the water supply handle is round and looks like a wheel, turn the handle clockwise to switch it off. It will take around 2 full turns. [2] X Research source If the water supply handle is a lever, give the handle a 1/4 turn, where it will stop.
You can use a utility knife instead of a flathead screwdriver. [4] X Research source If the cover plate is stuck, use a handle puller to remove it. You can buy these from your local hardware store.
Place a cloth over the shower drain in case the screw or any small parts fall.
If the knob seems to be stuck on the valve, give it a few very light taps with a hammer on the outside, where you hold it to turn it. This will loosen any mineral deposits and it won’t damage the knob.
A universal faucet handle is another option if the store doesn’t sell your particular brand. Shower knobs are made from many different materials, and you should try to find some that match your other fittings in your bathroom, such as the showerhead and taps. Brass, plastic, and chrome are common materials. [8] X Research source
If your old shower knobs were previously the wrong way around, this is a good opportunity to switch it.
Turn the main water supply back on slowly. For round handles, pause after a 1/2 revolution for a few seconds before opening it fully. [13] X Research source Turn a lever 1/8 of a turn, wait for a few seconds, and turn it the rest of the way until it’s parallel with the water pipe.
This prevents you from getting accidentally soaked if you turn the handle while you are replacing it. The main water supply can usually be found in your basement or outside. If the main water supply handle is a wheel, switch it off by turning it clockwise for 2 full turns. [15] X Research source For main water supply handles that are levers, turn the lever 1/4 until it’s at a right angle to the pipe. It will stop being able to be turned at this point.
The covered button goes over a hole in the shower handle where the screw is. Some showers don’t have a covered button for this hole, and in this case you won’t have to remove one. Just find the small hole on the underside of your handle.
Use the long end of the Allen key, as the hole will be quite deep. It will only take a few full twists for the handle to be able to be pulled away.
If they don’t sell handles from the same brand, they will offer you a universal faucet handle instead, which can fit onto any fittings. Choosing a new shower faucet with the same layout means that you will be able to replace and install it yourself, rather than needing to get extensive plumbing work to switch between the styles. Shower faucets are made from many different materials, including brass, plastic, zinc-alloy, and chrome. Match your new handles to the other fittings in your bathroom such as the showerhead and taps. Brass is the most expensive option yet will last the longest, while plastic is the most inexpensive option. [20] X Research source
Fitting the new handle will depend on the type and brand of faucet that you have, so checking with the instructions that came with your new set is best.
These screws usually go in the very center of the new shower handle.
Make sure that the cover is firmly in place and that it is sitting flat against the handle.
If there is a leak, remove the new cover and tighten the screws. Taking your time to slowly turn the water back on is key. For wheel-shaped handles, stop after a 1/2 revolution for a few seconds before turning it the full way. [25] X Research source For levers, turn it 1/8 of a turn, wait for a few seconds, and then turn it back to the original position of being parallel with the pipe.
