How to Replace a Shower Temperature Control Valve

  • 1-3 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 50-100
What You'll Need
Adjustable wrench
Flat head screwdriver
Phillips head screwdriver
Channel lock pliers
What You'll Need
Adjustable wrench
Flat head screwdriver
Phillips head screwdriver
Channel lock pliers

The function of the temperature control valve in the shower, as easily derived from the name itself, is to regulate the temperature of the water. In some cases when the temperature control valve is in the form of a single control shower faucet it also serves the dual purpose of regulating the amount of water that the shower stream emits from the spout or the shower head.

These faucets include the diverter valve to regulate the amount of water and the temperature control valve to regulate the water temperature. In case the temperature control valve gets worn out, replacing it is a fairly easy process that requires some basic technical skill, good tools and a set of standard instructions.

Step 1: Removing the Cover

The first step is to remove the screw cover from the center of the shower faucet handle. The cover is held tightly in place and can be lifted out using a flat head screwdriver.

Step 2: Removing the Handle

Remove the handle by using a Phillips head screwdriver to turn the screw that is fitted in the middle of the handle, holding it in place. Once the screw is removed, simply detach the handle from the wall fixture.

Step 3: Removing Escutcheon Plate

The third step is the removal of the escutcheon plate. This is the metal portion that is fitted in between the shower handle and the wall. It is usually found placed next to the wall of the shower system. The function served by the escutcheon plate is to stop the water from the shower entering the wall while the shower is switched on. The plate is held in place using screws and these can be seen easily on the surface of the plate. The screws can be removed using a standard screwdriver. Once they come loose the plate can be pulled away from its place in the wall.

Step 4: Turning Off Water Supply

The escutcheon plate covers 3 pipes that can be accessed once it is removed. A large aperture in the center of the pipe system contains the cartridge valve. There are two more apertures found on either side of the central opening. These fixtures are the water supply shut off valves that need to be turned off to stop the water supply. Use a flat head screwdriver to rotate the screws in a clockwise motion.

Step 5: Removing the Bonnet Nut and Cartridge Assembly

This step involves undoing the bonnet nut and removing it using an adjustable wrench. The nut is found at the center of the pipe system. A cartridge assembly is housed behind the nut. This needs to be extracted using the channel-lock pliers.

Step 6: Installing New Cartridge

Position in the new replacement cartridge assembly in the housing at the center of the pipe system. Once this is done, replace the bonnet nut and tighten it in a clockwise direction. The water supply valves should now be returned to their normal position and the escutcheon plate has to be fitted back into place. The faucet handle must be fitted back carefully on top of the valve and tightened well. The last part is to put the screw cover back on top of the handle and press it downward until it clicks into place.