The removal of a shower's faucet is the first step to either repairing or replacing the existing faucet. Thankfully, with the right knowledge and the proper tools, removing a shower's faucet is a straightforward job that can be completed within just a few minutes.
- Flathead screwdriver
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Plastic putty knife
- Shower step socket
- Pliers
Turn off the water to the house at the main water pipe. The water can be turned off by turning the main valve in a clockwise direction.
Pry the cap off of the end of the shower faucet with a flathead screwdriver. The cap rests flush against the faucet and it used to conceal the screw which attaches the faucet to cartridge valve.
Remove the screw that appears behind the faucet cap with a Phillips head screwdriver. Turn the screw in a counterclockwise direction to remove the screw.
Pull the faucet handle away from the wall to remove it.
Remove any caulking which appears around the faucet's escutcheon plate with a plastic putty knife. The escutcheon plate is the metal piece that rests behind the faucet's handle and sits flush against the shower wall. The plate operates to prevent water from entering the interior of the wall.
Slide the escutcheon plate away from the wall to remove it.
Remove the retaining nut that sits just behind the escutcheon plate. The retaining nut holds the faucet's cartridge in place. To remove the nut, slide a shower step socket over the retaining nut, then turn the socket in a clockwise direction. Shower step sockets are available at most hardware stores.
Remove the faucet's cartridge from the wall with a pair of pliers. Grasp the end of the cartridge with the pliers. Then pull the cartridge straight out of the wall to complete the removal of the faucet.
