Have you ever been annoyed by a shower handle that sticks out too far? It can be a real pain, especially if you have a small shower. Not only is it uncomfortable to use, but it can also be dangerous. If you’re not careful, you could easily hit your head or elbow on the handle. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to fix this problem.
The first step is to identify the type of shower handle you have. There are two main types: single-handle and double-handle. Single-handle showers have one lever that controls both the water temperature and flow. Double-handle showers have two separate handles, one for the hot water and one for the cold water. Once you know what type of shower handle you have, you can follow the appropriate steps to fix it.
For single-handle showers, the most common cause of a sticking handle is a build-up of minerals. These minerals can clog the cartridge, which is the part of the handle that controls the water flow. To fix this problem, you’ll need to remove the cartridge and clean it. You can usually do this by unscrewing the handle and pulling it out. Once the cartridge is out, you can clean it with a vinegar solution. Simply soak the cartridge in the solution for a few hours, then rinse it off with clean water. Once the cartridge is clean, you can reassemble the handle and test it to make sure it’s working properly.
Troubleshooting Shower Handles
Determining the Source of the Problem
Identifying the cause of a sticking shower handle is crucial for effective repair. Common issues include:
- Loose handle: The handle may be loose and moving excessively, causing it to stick against the shower wall.
- Mineral buildup: Over time, mineral deposits can accumulate inside the handle mechanism or on the valve stem, hindering smooth operation.
- Broken parts: A broken spring or cartridge within the handle can prevent it from functioning properly and cause it to stick.
- Improper installation: Incorrect installation can lead to improper alignment of the handle, resulting in sticking.
To determine the specific cause, inspect the handle closely. Check for loose screws or other visible damage. Remove the handle (if possible) and examine the valve stem for mineral buildup or corrosion. If the problem appears to be internal, it is advisable to contact a licensed plumber for further assistance.
Other Causes
- Narrow shower space: Even when installed correctly, a handle may stick if the shower space is too narrow.
- Age and wear: Over time, shower handles may experience normal wear and tear, leading to sticking.
- Debris in the handle: Small pieces of debris, such as soap scum or hair, can accumulate inside the handle and cause it to bind.
Loosening the Handle Assembly
First, turn off the shower’s water supply. You should find the shut-off valves underneath the sink or behind the shower wall. Once the water is off, remove the handle’s cap or cover. This can usually be done by hand or with a small screwdriver.
Underneath the cap, you will see a screw or nut that secures the handle to the valve stem. Using a screwdriver or wrench, carefully loosen the screw or nut. Do not overtighten, as this can damage the handle or valve.
| Screws or Nuts | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phillips | Use a Phillips head screwdriver. |  |
| Flathead | Use a flathead screwdriver. |  |
| Allen | Use an Allen wrench. |  |
| Torx | Use a Torx screwdriver. |  |
| Compression Nut | Hand-tighten or use an adjustable wrench. |  |
Once the screw or nut is loose, carefully pull the handle straight towards you to detach it from the valve stem. Be careful not to pull too hard, as you could damage the valve.
Inspecting the Handle for Damage
Before proceeding with any repairs, it’s crucial to thoroughly inspect the shower handle for any visible damage or defects. Follow these steps:
1. Check for Loose Components
Examine the handle for any loose parts, such as the handle itself, setscrews, or any other components that may have come loose over time. Tighten any loose components using a screwdriver or Allen wrench.
2. Examine the Stem
Inspect the stem, which is the cylindrical part that connects the handle to the valve inside the wall. Look for any cracks, corrosion, or other signs of damage.
3. Test the Handle Movement
Move the handle back and forth to check for any stiffness, binding, or excessive play. Note any resistance or unusual noises that may indicate an underlying issue.
4. Check for Obstructions
Examine the area around the handle for any obstructions that may prevent it from moving freely, such as soap scum, mineral deposits, or foreign objects.
5. Disassemble the Handle …
Carefully disassemble the handle by following these steps:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Turn off the water supply to the shower. |
| 2 | Remove the handle cover, usually by prying it off with a flathead screwdriver or knife. |
| 3 | Locate the setscrew or Allen screw securing the handle to the stem. |
| 4 | Loosen the setscrew or Allen screw using the appropriate tool. |
| 5 | Carefully pull the handle off the stem. |
Once the handle is disassembled, you can inspect the individual components for damage or wear that may be causing the handle to stick out too far. If you find any significant damage, you may need to replace the handle or other affected components.
Realigning the Handle Stem
If the handle stem is not properly aligned, it can cause the shower handle to stick out too far. To realign the handle stem, you will need to:
- Remove the handle by pulling it straight out.
- Loosen the setscrew on the handle stem using a screwdriver.
- Turn the handle stem clockwise or counterclockwise until it is aligned properly.
- Tighten the setscrew to secure the handle stem.
- Reinstall the handle by pushing it straight back onto the handle stem.
- Check to make sure that the handle is properly aligned and that the shower is functioning properly.
If you are unable to realign the handle stem yourself, you may need to call a plumber for assistance.
| Tools Needed | Materials Needed |
|---|---|
| Screwdriver | None |
Replacing the Handle Assembly
If the handle assembly is damaged or worn, it may need to be replaced. This is a relatively simple repair that can be done in a few steps:
- Turn off the water supply to the shower.
- Remove the old handle assembly by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place.
- Apply a small amount of sealant to the threads of the new handle assembly.
- Screw the new handle assembly into place.
- Tighten the screws that hold the handle assembly in place.
- Turn on the water supply to the shower and check for leaks.
Step 8: Reinstalling the Handle
Once the handle assembly is replaced, you can reinstall the handle.
To do this, follow these steps:
- Align the handle with the handle assembly.
- Push the handle onto the handle assembly until it snaps into place.
- Turn on the water supply to the shower and check for leaks.
Tools You’ll Need
- Adjustable wrench or pliers
- Penetrating oil (optional)
- Tape measure
- Level
Steps
- Turn off the water supply to the shower.
- Remove the handle by unscrewing the set screw or bolt that holds it in place.
- Clean the handle and the valve stem with a damp cloth.
- Apply penetrating oil to the valve stem if it is stuck.
- Reattach the handle to the valve stem and tighten the set screw or bolt.
- Turn on the water supply and check for leaks.
- Adjust the handle so that it is in the desired position.
Preventing Future Handle Protrusion
There are a few things you can do to prevent the shower handle from protruding too far in the future:
- Use a handle that is the right size for your shower.
- Install the handle correctly, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Tighten the set screw or bolt securely so that the handle does not come loose.
- Periodically check the handle for looseness and tighten it if necessary.
- Do not hang heavy objects on the shower handle.
- Do not use the shower handle as a towel rack.
- If the shower handle is damaged, replace it immediately.
- Have your shower inspected by a plumber regularly to ensure that it is in good condition.
Shower Handle Sticking Out Too Far: How to Fix
A protruding shower handle can be an annoyance and even a safety hazard. If you’re facing this issue, here are some simple steps you can follow to fix it:
1. Identify the Type of Shower Handle
Determine if you have a single-handle or double-handle shower. This will influence the specific steps you need to take.
2. Gather Necessary Tools
For most repairs, you will need:
- Adjustable wrench
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Allen wrench (if necessary)
- Plumber’s wrench
3. Turn Off Water Supply
Locate the main water shut-off valve and turn it off to prevent flooding during the repair.
4. Remove Handle Cap or Screw
Using a screwdriver or Allen wrench, remove the cap or screw that secures the handle to the shower valve.
5. Loosen the Packing Nut
Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the packing nut, which is usually located just behind the handle.
6. Adjust the Handle Position
With the packing nut loosened, you can now adjust the handle’s position by turning it clockwise or counterclockwise.
7. Retighten the Packing Nut
Once the handle is in the desired position, hand-tighten the packing nut to secure it.
8. Replace Handle Cap or Screw
Reinstall the cap or screw that you removed earlier to cover the packing nut.
9. Turn On Water Supply
Carefully turn on the water supply and check for leaks. If there are any leaks, you may need to further adjust the handle or replace worn parts.
10. Additional Tips for Handling Protruding Handles
In addition to the above steps, here are some extra recommendations:
| Tip | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Use a Telescopic Shower Rod | This can extend the reach of the showerhead and potentially reduce the protrusion of the handle. |
| Install a Recessed Shower Niche | This can create a built-in space for the showerhead and handle, minimizing their protrusion. |
| Consider a Wall-Mounted Shower Head | This eliminates the need for a shower rod, which can reduce the protrusion of the handle. |
Shower Handle Sticking Out Too Far: How To Fix
If your shower handle is sticking out too far, it can be a nuisance and make it difficult to use. There are a few simple steps you can take to fix this problem yourself. First, check to see if the handle is loose. If it is, simply tighten the screws that hold it in place. If the handle is not loose, you may need to adjust the stops. The stops are located on the inside of the shower valve and they determine how far the handle can turn. To adjust the stops, you will need to remove the handle and then use a wrench to turn the stops clockwise or counterclockwise until the handle turns to the desired position.
People Also Ask About Shower Handle Sticking Out Too Far: How To Fix
Can I fix this myself?
Yes, you can fix this problem yourself if you are comfortable working with plumbing. However, if you are not comfortable with plumbing, it is best to call a plumber.
How much will it cost to fix this?
The cost to fix this problem will vary depending on the severity of the problem and the type of shower valve you have. However, in most cases, you can expect to pay between $50 and $150.
How long will it take to fix this?
The time it takes to fix this problem will vary depending on the severity of the problem and the type of shower valve you have. However, in most cases, you can expect to fix the problem in less than an hour.
