The shower knob is used for decreasing or increasing the flow of water through your faucet. You will find a series of splines on the rear of every shower knob. The series of the spline is connected to the valve stem of your faucet. So, when you turn the shower knob, the spline will contact the series of splines on the valve stem.
When the shower knob doesn’t turn the water on, either the shower knob or the valve stem is stripped. You will remove the cover and carefully check if the splines are stripped to know the real issue.
The best way to fix a corroded or stripped shower knob is by replacing it. This article will guide you on how to fix a stripped shower knob.
Reasons why Shower Knob Won’t Turn Water On
Two significant reasons the shower knob won’t turn the water on are faulty valve stem or faulty shower knob. To know the real issue, you can easily unscrew the screws holding the cover, remove the shower knob or handle, and carefully inspect if either or both the valve stem or shower knob are stripped.
If it is a minor issue, you may only need to service and replace them. But if either the shower knob or valve stem is stripped, you will have to replace it.
You can easily find replacement parts in any plumbing store online or in physical stores unless you have an uncommon or extraordinary faucet.
How to Fix a Stripped Shower Knob?
The following steps below will guide you on how to fix a stripped shower Knob without stress.
Step 1
The first thing you need to do before you start fixing the striped shower Knob is to shut off the water supply in your home by turning off your main water valve. Also, before you start fixing the issue, make sure you release the remaining water in the pipes.
Step 2
The next thing you need to do is remove the screws that keep the shower knob in position. The screws are usually located under the cap placed on the knob, and other manufacturers place the screws at the side of the shower knob inside a small hole. So, you must locate the screws and remove them.
To access the screws under the cap, you will have to remove the domed cap with a flathead screwdriver. After removing the cap, you will remove the screws with your screwdriver.
Step 3
After removing the screw holding the knob to the faucet, you will pull out the knob from the faucet. If you cannot remove the shower knob with your hand, you can use a puller tool. Hold the shower knob tightly with the puller tool, then continue to turn in a clockwise direction until you can remove the shower knob.
Step 4
Scrutinize the shower knob to see if it is stripped. Once you notice that the series of splines on the rear of the shower knob is damaged, then you will have to replace the shower knob.
Step 5
Get a new shower knob and replace it to the position you removed the damaged one. To avoid any issue while replacing the new knob, make sure the new knob you bought is the same as the damaged one. The same tools used to remove the damaged knob are used for replacing the new one.
Step 6
Put on the water supply back by turning on your main water valve after replacing the new knob.
How to Fix a Stripped Valve Stem?
Another reason why your shower knob won’t turn the water on is a stripped valve stem. The procedure for fixing a stripped valve stem is almost the same as fixing a stripped shower knob.
Follow the same procedure from Step 1 to step 3.
Step 4
Check the splines on the shower knob for corrosion or any damage. Also, inspect the splines on the valve stem for any damage. If the splines on the valve stem are damaged, you will have to remove the valve stem using a flexible wrench. Set the wrench on the valve stem and continue to turn it in an anticlockwise direction until you can remove the valve stem.
Step 5
Buy a new valve stem and replace it in the same place you removed the damaged one. Put the shower knob and tighten the screws. Finally, put on the water supply in your home by turning on the main valve.
Note
- To avoid unnecessary stress when fixing a tripped shower knob, make sure you check if the replaceable part you want to buy is the same as the damaged one.
- You cannot replace the valve stem only; you have to remove and replace the entire valve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What are the primary tools needed for fixing a stripped shower knob?
The essential tools needed include an adjustable wrench, screwdriver, and puller device.
- Why won’t the shower knob turn the water on?
Two significant reasons why the shower knob won’t turn the water on are stripped shower knob or valve stem.
- Where can I get a new shower knob?
You can get a new shower knob in plumbing/hardware online or in the physical store.
- What are the materials used for making shower knobs?
Shower knobs are made from different materials, including zinc alloy, brass, plastic, and chrome.
Conclusion
There are two primary reasons why your shower knob won’t turn the water on stripped shower knob or stripped valve stem. You will have to remove the screws holding the knob to the faucet and carefully inspect the shower knob and the valve stem to know the real issue.
Once you identify the damaged part, you will remove it and replace it with a new one. The three primary tools needed to fix a stripped shower knob/valve stem are a screwdriver, a puller device, and a flexible wrench.
Study this article carefully to learn how to fix a stripped shower know without stress.
I am James Martin, An professional plumber with more than 16 years of experience. The main purpose of my writing is to share my experiences of helping others. Be with me and explore bathroom plumbing, installation, cleanness ideas, and many more.
