It can be annoying when your Delta shower handle is not properly working. Before calling a plumber and paying them for the job, you might want to try a DIY to save a few bucks. If you haven't removed a Delta shower handle before, we've researched this topic to help you out.
To remove a Delta shower handle, turn off the waterline and locate the handle screw. If the handle screw is not visible, remove the faceplate first and then undo the handle screw to detach the handle from the wall.
If the type of Delta shower handle that you have has a visible handle screw, simply undo it using a screwdriver and carefully pull the faceplate from the wall. After that, detach the adapter and the valve and remove the handle.
It may seem overwhelming at first, but removing a Delta shower handle is actually pretty easy. To learn more about this topic and gain some tips on how to deal with Delta shower handles with more complicated components, keep reading this post until the end.
How To Remove A Delta Shower Handle [Step By Step Guide]
Like any other shower handle, rust and mineral buildup may cause a Delta shower handle to get stuck. When this happens, your shower handle might be hard to use.
Good thing removing a Delta shower handle is easy when you know how to do it properly. Whether planning to clean the handle or totally replace it, detaching the handle can be handy when following these simple steps.
1. Turn Off The Waterline
Before you proceed with your project, turning off the water supply to prevent possible leaks while working on your shower handle is important. You can cut the water supply by accessing the shut-off valves or by simply turning off your home's water supply.
2. Prepare The Tools You Will Need
After ensuring that the water supply is completely off, you may now collect all the tools you will need for this project.
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- Flat screwdriver
- Hammer
- Plumber's lubricant
3. Locate And Remove The Handle Screw
The handle screw keeps the handle attached to your shower wall. To remove the handle without causing damage to your wall, you must remove the handle screw first.
Visible Handle Screw
Not all shower handles have the same component. Some Delta shower handles have a set of handle screws that can be seen attached to the faceplate. This type of handle screw is pretty easy to remove using a screwdriver.
Twist the screw in a counterclockwise direction to loosen it. You can apply some plumber's lubricant if the screw has rust buildup, making it hard to undo.
Non-Visible Handle Screw
Non-visible handle screws are often used to provide a sleek and clean look to shower handles. It may look complicated at first, but don't worry. Removing a non-visible handle screw is actually easy.
All you have to do is remove the faceplate first using a flat screw. Once the faceplate is detached from the wall, you can quickly locate the screw that secures the handle in place.
4. Remove The Handle
After undoing the handle screw, detach the valve and the adapter from the faceplate. This action should allow you to remove the handle from the faceplate completely.
If it's too hard to pull the handle off the faceplate even after applying some plumber's lubricant, grab your hammer and gently tap the handle to loosen the grip. Avoid slamming the hammer too hard onto the handle to prevent damaging it.
See this plumber's lubricant on Amazon.
How To Remove A Delta Shower Handle With Plug Buttons?
Some Delta shower handles are secured using plug buttons instead of visible handle screws. If you have such a type of Delta shower handle, the first thing you must do when trying to remove the handle is locate the outer portion of the shower valve stem. After doing so, pull out the plug button using a flathead screwdriver. Lastly, undo the screw to release the shower handle and the adapter.
How To Remove A Delta Shower Handle With Bonnet Nut?
If the type of Delta shower handle that you have has threaded bonnets or bonnet nuts, hold the shower handle, then turn the bonnet nut in a counterclockwise motion until the part is loosened.
Detach the faceplate and undo the screws using a flathead screwdriver to release both the bonnet nut and the shower handle from the retainer.
How To Clean A Delta Shower Handle
Taking care of your shower handle is the best way to avoid replacing it often. In addition, you can prevent mineral and rust buildup when your Delta shower handle is regularly cleaned.
In case you're wondering how and which products can be used to clean your Delta shower handle, here is a step-by-step guide that you can follow.
1. Prepare The Materials
The first thing that you need to do is prepare everything that you will use. Good thing cleaning a Delta shower handle does not require expensive or chemical-based products. You will only need the following for this project:
- White vinegar
- Tap water
- Bucket
- Clean cloth
- Brush with soft bristles
- Cleaning gloves
2. Mix The Solution
Pour two cups of tap water into the bucket, then add a cup of white vinegar. If you need more water and vinegar solution, follow a 2:1 ratio.
3. Soak The Cloth
After mixing water and white vinegar, soak the clean cloth in the solution. Let the cloth completely submerge if possible to ensure its fibers absorb the mixture.
4. Wrap The Cloth Around The Handle
Put the cloth around the shower handle and leave it for 5-10 minutes. This method will allow the solution to soften mineral and dirt buildup around the shower handle.
5. Brush The Handle
Next, remove the cloth. Using a brush with soft bristles, remove any excess mineral and dirt buildup on the shower handle. Repeat the process if necessary.
Check out this Delta shower handle on Amazon.
Delta Shower Faucet Is Leaking - What To Do?
Leaks can cause your to use more water than normal. When left unresolved, it can lead to a higher water bill.
Have you encountered a leaking Delta shower faucet? If so, before you give your plumber a ring, you might as well want to try to fix the problem on your own first. Here is how.
Reasons Why Your Delta Shower Faucet Is Leaking
Before we proceed to the step-by-step guide on fixing a leaking Delta shower faucet, let us first look at the possible reasons why this is happening.
- Faulty or loose bonnet nuts
- Too much water pressure
- Broken cartridge
- Improperly installed or worn out washer
- Incorrect washer size
How To Fix A Leaking Delta Shower Faucet
To get rid of the leak, the first thing that you have to do is cut the water supply. Once the water supply is turned off, you may begin detaching the parts of your Delta shower faucet. You can use a screwdriver to remove the parts to inspect each and see what is causing the leak properly.
You may begin by undoing the handle screw or the bonnet nuts. If the bonnet nut looks good, you may inspect the other parts of the faucet, such as the valve stem.
After finding the cause, replace the part if necessary to prevent leaks from happening again. Put the parts back one by one and then turn the waterline on to see if the problem has been fixed. You might have to repeat the process if the leakage persists.
If you were able to replace the faulty parts of the faucet, yet the leakage continues, you may consult your plumber to see if the problem occurs because of the water pressure. Too much water pressure can damage the water pipes and cause several issues, such as leaks.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining your Delta shower handle in good condition will reduce the risk of leaks and damages. That being said, you must know how to remove the shower handle correctly in case there is an instance where you will need to detach the handle. By knowing what to do, you can perform the task efficiently.
Before you go, don't forget to check out these posts, too:
How Does A Shower Faucet Cartridge Work And How Long Should It Last? [Basics For Beginners]
How To Find The Model Number On A Delta Faucet