What are the steps to repair a tub and shower valve?

To repair a tub and shower valve, turn off the water supply. Then remove the handle and plate, remove the old valve and inspect it, notes HomeDepot.com. Replace any broken parts and place the valve back in the tub.

In most cases, a malfunctioning tub and shower valve have worn or broken parts, notes FamilyHandyman.com. Luckily, this is a fairly easy repair to do at home. To replace parts in a tub and shower valve, run through the following steps.

1. Turn off the water supply

Shut off the water supply to the tub and shower. If there is no separate water line running to the bathroom, turn off the water supply to the entire house. Turn on the bathroom faucet taps to drain any remaining water in the tub pipes.

2. Remove the handle and plate

Gently unscrew the handle and the plate. If any nuts are present, use a pair of pliers to carefully unscrew them.

3. Remove the valve

Use pliers to remove the valve and inspect it. Inspect its parts, including the cartridge, seats, washers and O-rings.

4. Replace the valve or its parts

If the valve appears relatively intact, replace any individual worn or broken parts with identical parts. If the entire valve appears to be broken, replace the entire unit. Insert the new or repaired valve back into the tub.

5. Replace the handle and plate

Screw the plate and handle back onto the tub.

6. Turn on the water and test the faucet

To test the faucet, turn on the water supply and let the faucet or shower run.