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Disconnecting Plumbing Fixtures — Remove the Old Shower Faucet Trim

Beginner3 hours

Part of project

Delta Monitor Shower Faucet Installation & Replacement Guide · Step 2 of 5

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In this video

The plumbing fixtures are disconnected. First, the shower faucet handle is removed by prying off a small center cap and unscrewing the Phillips head screw underneath. He advises putting the screw and cap back in the handle for safekeeping. Next, the down spout is unscrewed using channel lock pliers. He recommends wrapping the spout with a rag to prevent scratching if you plan to reuse it. The shower head is also removed.

Goal: Remove faucet handle and spout

  • Place the handle screw back inside the handle after removal so you don't lose it.
  • Wrap chrome fixtures with a rag when using channel lock pliers to avoid scratching the finish.

Used in this video

  • Screwdriver (Tool Type: Hand Tools, Screwdriver Type: Phillips) — Removing the screw that holds the faucet handle in place.
  • Channel Lock Pliers (Tool Type: Plumbing Tools) — Unscrewing the tub's down spout.
  • Sharp Tool (Tool Type: Hand Tools) — Prying the small cap off the center of the faucet handle to access the screw.
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FAQs

What specific tools are essential for replacing a Delta Monitor shower faucet?

You'll primarily need a Phillips head screwdriver for trim removal and installation. A crucial specialized tool is an Arcan Hardened 3 in. Gear Puller AS3GP, which is often necessary for removing a stubborn old valve cartridge. Have penetrating oil and silicone grease ready as well.

What's the most important safety precaution I need to take before starting this project?

The most critical step is to completely shut off the water supply to the shower. This can be done at the main house shut-off valve or by turning off individual hot and cold water lines if available. Double-check that no water flows from the shower before proceeding to prevent flooding.

I'm a beginner. How difficult is this project, and how long should I expect it to take?

This project is classified as beginner difficulty, meaning it's manageable for those new to DIY. The estimated time for completion is around 3 hours. However, this can vary depending on the condition of your old faucet and any unexpected issues, so allow some extra time.

What should I do if my old shower cartridge is stuck and won't come out?

A common issue is a stubborn old cartridge. First, try applying penetrating oil around the cartridge base and let it sit for a few minutes to help loosen it. If it still doesn't budge, you will likely need to use a gear puller, such as the Arcan Hardened 3 in. Gear Puller AS3GP, to extract it safely without damaging the valve body.

Transcript
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So, it'll be lots of fun. All right. So, we've took this off and, uh, all the pieces and very carefully. You might want to, in this case, uh, I've got to pull the trim loose so it wouldn't break that trim. It's got a wallpaper border on it. I didn't want to move that trim. So, it's the territory border of the hood. But, uh, one of the things I didn't tell you guys in that, I just don't play along the way. Whenever, uh, you go to pull that especially ring off, you got to remember that inside that knob is a clip in the middle of that, is a clip that covers a screw that holds in right there. So, you want to pop that out with that cap. Something sharp and pop that ring out, uh, that little cover over and pull the screw out. You know, what I normally do is take that knob and put that screw inside. So, in this case, you actually wouldn't got it. So, it's sitting inside there so that it won't go anywhere. And then I put the screws where I can find them. Um, when it comes to the downspout here, uh, channel locks, although you do make channel locks, they have real smooth, uh, right here so they don't scar up. Really pretty chrome. So, when you go to grab in that, if it's real tight, which you might do is wrap a rag around it and then use your channel locks and get, once you get it started, you can back it off. So, you may have to do that. Um, just be careful. Don't score up your own drain because you have to buy another drain. That's so they're $15, $20. Post the time to go get it. So, now,

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