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Remove Shower Handle — Remove the Old Shower Handle: A Step-by-Step Process

Beginner90 mins

Part of project

Shower Head & Handle Replacement: A Step-by-Step DIY Guide · Step 2 of 4

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In this video

To begin, you will need to remove the shower handle. Locate the small set screw on the underside of the handle. Using a 7/64 inch Allen wrench, turn the set screw counter-clockwise to loosen it. You do not need to remove the screw completely. Once it is sufficiently loosened, pull the handle straight off the valve stem.

Goal: Access the inner components of the shower valve

  • For easier access to the set screw, you can turn the shower handle to the 'on' position. Just be sure the water to the shower is off before starting.

Used in this video

  • Allen Wrench (Size/Specification: 7/64 inch) — Loosening the set screw on the shower handle.
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FAQs

What should I do if I can't find or access the main water shut-off valve for my home?

If you can't locate your main shut-off valve, look for individual shut-off valves for your bathroom or shower, often under the sink or behind an access panel. If those aren't present or accessible, you may need to contact a plumber to identify and mark the main valve, or temporarily shut off water to your entire property from the street if you have access and permission. Do not proceed with the project until the water supply is confirmed off to prevent significant leaks.

The project mentions a screwdriver, but what if my old handle has a set screw that requires an Allen wrench?

Many modern shower handles use a small set screw, often hidden underneath the handle, behind a decorative cap, or on the side, which typically requires an Allen wrench. Carefully inspect your handle for a small opening or a cap that can be popped off. A multi-size Allen wrench set is an inexpensive and valuable investment for various DIY projects.

What if my old shower head or handle is corroded or stuck and won't budge with normal tools?

For a stuck shower head, try applying a penetrating oil like WD-40 to the threads and letting it sit for 15-30 minutes before trying again with an adjustable wrench. For a stuck handle, ensure any set screws are fully loosened. If corrosion is severe, using a pipe wrench with gentle, increasing pressure (for metal parts) or carefully applying heat with a hairdryer to expand metal connections might help, but avoid excessive heat on plastic components.

My new shower head is leaking right after installation, even with plumber's tape. What could be the issue?

The most common reason for leaks is insufficient or improperly applied plumber's tape. Ensure you wrap the tape clockwise around the shower arm threads (the direction it tightens) 3-5 times, making sure it covers all threads without gaps. Also, confirm the connection is hand-tightened, then given a final quarter to half turn with a wrench, but be careful not to overtighten and crack plastic components.

Transcript
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regular number two Phillips screw gyro. So I already on the bottom of this handle right here. There's a set screw. Okay I went ahead and already took that set screw out. So the handle would just pull off naturally doing this in the off position is a little bit challenging because the handles in the down position. Sometimes I notice but for filming purposes I'm doing it with the water off but a lot of times it's easier to actually turn the water on outside of the shower. You know so you can get a better angle on the Allen wrench to take the handle off. So once you take the handle off you need a Phillips screw driver.

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