How to Repair a Squealing Shower | Ask This Old House

[@berk7888]

best site for plumbing on you tube hands down. love the way you simplify everything. not a bunch of talking. you actually show how every job is done.

[@shawnpancake]

I lived with this noise for far too long! Thanks for the diagnostic information. I was ready to tackle the cartridge but after watching this video I realized it was the spout. Thanks a million

[@akontilis1792]

I am in the same boat with this sound. But I think I will trade out the tub spout first, in case that fixes it. 👍

[@MRrwmac]

Richard, Thanks for admitting you missed it the first time. Sometimes even if you fix one part, another one crops up because it has old parts through the system.

[@magdygliny3221]

the

[@kalijasin]

@MRrwmac, that’s why I replace all the parts. 😊

[@kylerstanley1755]

instablaster

[@brotherdan3638]

@@kylerstanley1755 instablow

[@blink882]

The amount of music references this guy throws out, really adds to the experience, the reed instrument, just beautiful!

[@Magick25]

Wow...Great video. I have been trying to fix my squeaky shower for a couple of days now. Replaced the shower head and the valve cartridge, didn't know what to do next. Thankfully found your video. Replaced the tub spout and the noise is gone. Thank You Richard!!! Now the only squeaking is from my singing.

[@albertojespinoza7482]

After I heard Richard mentioned the calcium built up I went and placed a ziploc bag full of vinegar tied with rubber bands and left it overnight to the spout and the shower head, next day I went in removed the bags full of calcium residue and bang problem solve no more of the noise, clean parts.

[@FDroid01]

That's brilliant. 🙌

[@oliviagreen8853]

I liked how he explained how that noise can be caused by a couple different reasons, gives more insight of what could be going on

[@codekat6515]

I have had this issue with my shower for almost three months. Thanks for sharing! I am going to tackle the fix this weekend.

[@flat-earther]

Did you tackle it?!

[@budhannam2718]

Excellent, Excellent, Excellent!!!! Thank you for sharing your knowledge for free in a very professional way. We need this kind of videos and human beings in the world!

[@sonjadez9712]

You just saved my ears!!! 2 months of searching how to fix the squeal. Thank you.

[@kenneththompson8890]

Diverter spout changed. No more squealing and no more complaining from the Mrs. Noice!!! Thank you, Richard!

[@grapemultimedia6230]

Love this video, especially the ending part. Lots only show the perfect solution which is never the case in a real-life situation.

[@leahbrown535]

Cut aways get mentioned in most of your videos and I absolutely love them! They are incredibly informative for a visual learner. Thank you for the great information your putting out into the world.

[@cgriesemer]

I had no clue how that diverter worked and the engineering of send the water from the spout back up to the shower head, really fascinating. Love me some This Old House.

[@stephensnell1379]

It sure is weird It would more than likely force the water back through the diverter before it gets to the Shower 🚿 Head🚿

[@shvester3mitshvester]

Thanks! It’s been bugging me for years but since it’s my guest bathroom I’ve always pushed it to the back of my list. Thanks to you it will be sooner rather than later now 👍

[@steakwilliams4448]

How did the repair go? Don’t tell me you still haven’t done it!

[@kidlargo1]

@@steakwilliams4448 I bet she still hasn't done it.

[@702ringo1]

Great job and video! I love the fact that you let the homeowner install the new cartridge-you just gave them a dose of confidence that they didn't previously have. Excellent!!!Great job of diagnosing the problem too.

[@rtel123]

Delta are noisy when brand new, especially when your pressure is higher. Mine were, and when I was in a hotel, I was often woken up early by someone taking a shower near my room. Whistles thru all the hotel pipes. Thanks, Delta!

[@debbytyler3741]

This is great!! Make sure you watch to end for the other possible fixes. #3 is the fix for me.

[@jacobbyrd8737]

Thank you! Your final analysis fixed our issue. We just had to replace the faucet head. Very easy fix to an annoying problem. Glad I didn’t have to pay a plumber.

[@puppypower2598]

Had the exact same issue with my shower. I travel a lot and hate to tackle plumbing problems with only 2 days at home. watched this video, unscrewed the spout used my thumb as a stopper for the shower and worked great. Heading to HD in the morning. Also going to change the seals in the hot/cold valve. Thank You!!

[@jenl.386]

Thanks so much for this video. I had replaced the cartridge about a year ago and didn't know what else to do. I believe it is the spout based on the symptoms and that there is a lot of play in the lever. If I jiggle it just right, the squealing goes away. Again, thank you so much. I grew up watching This Old House with my dad and still love to watch it. I have learned so much from all of you guys over the years. Keep up the great work!

[@jason8096]

We've had the same problem for the last couple of years. We had our bathroom redone about 6 years ago and were puzzled about why the squealing? After watching the video, I took our diverter valve off and found it was full of rust. Soaked it in some Super Iron Out for about 20-30 minutes and fixed the problem. Thanks for the video. Helped out a lot.

[@grassthief1280]

So was wondering by soaking the DIVERTER spicket that fixed the squealing problem and if so what did you soak it in please respond back thanks ?????

[@jason8096]

@@grassthief1280 , unfortunately it started squealing about a day after soaking it in Super Iron Out. Worked temporarily but I still have to get a new diverter valve. Sucky.

[@grassthief1280]

@@jason8096 i know thats what i needed to do also and mine cost me $100 from a plumbing supply house never buy big items from lowes or depot all their vavles and faucest no good in fact never buy water heater or heaters from them also

[@Nothingmuch1039]

Brilliant! I am actually happy about the call back! Lol I think my issue is that plastic thing you discussed at the end. This also brings back so many memories of my dad watching some Bob Vila on Sunday mornings! Passing the torch to me now! Thanks guys!

[@barbaMimmo]

Hello Richard, I really like your videos! You explain things clearly and calmly and precisely, and you are also honest to admit that not always you can fix everything in one single attempt. I am a pro, but i find your lessons really inspiring also for the style you use to talk about technical details of fixtures and systems. You're my new myth as for plumbing expertise! Great job in teaching everybody how to make our things live longer and work smoothly even when they get older. In a use-once-and-throw-away society like ours, your job is so precious. Thanks for sharing! Mimmo, from Italy :-)

[@crypla7]

This is such good information, and the way it was presented is top-notch. I feel confident about diagnosing my squealing shower issue now.

[@nevermined2233]

Thanks! It was the tub filler for my particular situation as well.

[@rtel123]

Cannot fault Richard for assuming it was the valve. Those Delta valves are notorious for whistling. Stayed in a luxury hotel for my employer for weeks. Woke up early every morning from a whistling shower next door, transmitted thru all the pipes! Years later, bought a house with Delta faucets. All of them screamed too!

[@F3ND1MUS]

This video is so good, seriously underated.

[@jamesdean8669]

Thanks for the plumbing lesson Richard, back to the way it should be. Working!☺️ I was fortunate to sit beside you and your wife/ girlfriend at the Paul Simon/Sting concert about 7 years ago at the TD Center in Boston ( geez, time flies!) . Didn't want to intrude and bother you but honestly, I'm such a big fan of you and "This old house" that it made my night as well as a great concert. I was in the Navy ( 35 years) , from Canada, was away for several weeks at the time and taping your show on the DVR as I always did while away. Great dancing by the way as you got up and " Rock & Rolled" in the aisle for a few tunes but to this day whenever I hear " diamonds on the soles of her shoes" I think of your girlfriend as it must of been one of her favorites as she was singing along with Paul. Thanks for the shower demo and for making one of the best concerts even better.☺️

[@aaronbaraiya3692]

wow, didn't know that side of Richard

[@catcls9205]

had this problem , so glad I watched !!

[@edmenefee1237]

Had a cartridge that I couldn't find replacement for for that was giving me a lot of noise so I took it out and put in white vinegar for 2 hours and that has taken care of the problem for now also put some plumbers grease on all the seals

[@donmichaelcorbin4417]

At the 2:50 Mark I initially thought he said, "Now I've gotta poop, so let's switch places."

[@ricks.1318]

LOLOL

[@adamstone9261]

Lol me too

[@cyborg266]

Uh, yeah. That's what he said. You didn't see him sit on the toilet right after and let a big one rip as she fiddled with the seat and springs?

[@lauraclark14]

Replaced our tub spout after watching this video and our shower is no longer singing! Thank you for the helpful video!

[@Neosoccerblue]

Excellent video, I love the details and explanation guys

[@hamajangz9586]

I love how down to earth and playful Richard is. My fave on TOH.

[@arielg4782]

Wow! I have the exact same noise on my shower. I am going to follow the same directions. Thank you so much !

[@arielg4782]

status update...my issue was the tub spout ...glad i saw this video much appreciate the help here

[@tserevenad]

Top notch plumbing video again. excellent teacher and troubleshooter. I like the end of video wrap up and tutorial. Thanks.

[@brijeshbhakta]

Very honest of you Sir Richard . I learned from your Videos. Some more on pex plumbing please

[@therealamirhere]

She just fancies you Richard, that's why she called you back! Lol!

[@stephensnell1379]

That's absolutely ridiculous you fool

[@aaronbays4]

Had this problem when I first moved in, was the shower head. Pretty easy to diagnose when its all clogged up and spraying in 6 different directions lol. I swapped that out after my first shower lol, nothing more annoying than a high pitched squeal first thing in the morning about 6" away from your head.

[@michaelobama465]

AWESOME!!! I was about to hire a Plummer for this!

[@loueckert4970]

I have the same diverter problem. My house is 12 years old. Thanks for posting Richard, love TOH.

[@dustinsimpson9188]

Thank you very much for this informational video. I will check back in tomorrow after I get this noise taken care of to let everyone know how it worked out!

[@flat-earther]

Oops did you forget to check back with us?!

[@dustinsimpson9188]

@@flat-earther Yes I did. To anyone who needed a confirmation, this in fact did work. The flap inside the spout was worn which was creating that noise. Replacing it worked

[@ShelliLoop]

I would suggest FAUCET GREASE whenever replacing rubber parts. Makes the parts work properly much longer.

[@alwayslookingup4658]

Oh my gosh, I have the same problem from my shower spout--so happy I finally know how to fix it!!

[@ricks.1318]

ALL parts will wear out !! Ev en human parts, over time .....

[@dirtyhairy8884]

This video was very helpful, Richard. Thanks.

[@plumbingstuffinoregon2471]

Wow! That's exactly what my shower does! It usually only does it for a few seconds though, when I first turn it on. But at least I can fix it now.

[@rtel123]

I have one of these Delta faucets that I rebuilt. Never quiet unless you have very low water pressure. Very poor heat balance too. Notorious. Stayed in a high rise hotel that had them. Anyone showering nearby woke me up with the whistle sound through the pipes.

[@grady1807]

Ours is squealing like a pig. I’m gonna try to fix it this weekend. 💦 Thanks for the video 👍

[@grady1807]

It worked, thanks 😁

[@rawmeat01]

I’m surprised that there was a update to this 😳

[@grady1807]

Richard laid some pipe for this ole gal too. 👍 theres your update

[@shimes424]

@@grady1807 💦😆🤣

[@TheInroad]

4:08 = God level pliar usage. Watch and learn folks.

[@mikewolf8771]

Just fixed a loud squealing in my shower. While the cartridge was worn, it was the spout/diverter making all the noise.

[@marcel1016]

This is a great video!! I have the identical problem. I know exactly where the problem is now!! Thank you so much!!

[@JoseGonzalez00101010]

Mine was 1 month old, there was a piece if teflon tape stuck between the gasket and the seat. Even after removing the tape there was that reed effect. After investigating, the valve works with water pressure. The water pressure fills the back of the gasket pushing it against the bronze seat. In Mexico, there is not enough water pressure from the city to make a good seal. What I did may void my warranty but I made due with an 1/16 foam sheet cutout on the back of the gasket. this add extra pressure on the gasket but may worn it out faster... beware

[@raymondmyers6899]

My elderly father's guest bath has this exact problem. Now I know how to tackle it.

[@joshluckett2610]

This really helped the first fix didn’t really matter for my shower but it was good information to learn!

[@mikedean615]

This is similar to what I’m hearing but with a 2-handle bathtub. The cold side makes this same noise as soon as I turn it on, water comes out, then I start to adjust it. Does the entire stem need replacing in that case?

[@milspic74]

My plumbing whistles whenever any faucet is shut off. How could i pinpoint the problem area? Love the videos by the way.

[@edieserrato2337]

Mine does that to just on the hot water side in the kitchen, so I’m interested to see the answer.

[@alfredopaez9097]

Without this video, I will never figured out what was wrong on my shower head, I got it fix with this video.👍👍👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@beaconbus]

Nice video! Just replaced my cartridge yesterday due to a bad drip, and the shrieking started the next day. Only does it with the diverter engaged. Why did it start right after the cartridge replacement? Did I knock some mineral deposits or sediment loose while working and turning the water off and on repeatedly? Great tips on this video!

[@aaronbaraiya3692]

you ever figure it out?

[@beaconbus]

@@aaronbaraiya3692 I ended up hiring a plummer and can't remember what is was. Sorry.

[@aaronbaraiya3692]

@@beaconbus thanks for at least responding anyway

[@beaconbus]

@@aaronbaraiya3692 You're welcome. Good luck!

[@chipgriffiths3655]

yeah baby glad I watched to the end.

[@labmanme]

good job,,,,I would of put silicone grease on the rubber parts

[@cizzlebot]

This is SO helpful, especially the follow-up! Thank you! :) :) :)

[@atwaterkent911]

I always add plumber's grease to the seats and its surface on the valve

[@doseofreality100]

I would think checking the spout/diverter would be the first thing to check. Usually if that's the culprit all you have to do is pull the diverter to get the shower going, per usual. And then get the shower to squeal. Then just jiggle the diverter handle. If you can change the pitch or stop the sound completely..... you know that's the culprit. It's an even easier fix than changing the valve. Literally unscrew a screw or unthread the spout.... and replace it. Bam, done. Simple. Hardest part is picking out a new spout.

[@mannequindisplay]

I know this is a old video but both my spout and valve are less then a year old as I taken off the valve and put my thumb over the pipe to hold back the water and I still get the noise like in the video but only on the hot water as the noise goes away when you turn to cold and you don't hear if at all when not using the shower. I may change it again as I think I have a spare new cartridge in my storage , I thought this was the strangest thing ever as the old cartage was about 15 years old and reason for changing it was dripping all the time and driving me nuts and now this LOL

[@dwightemorgan4367]

educational as usual...great job

[@eoj1001]

What about shower faucet starts high pitched noise when faucet is not being used. No water coming out hours after being used ? Turn on water any where else in house it gets quite. Pressure is normal .

[@tillmannoneya6941]

Should help, I replaced cartridge, and still made noise. Gona try this now.

[@aaronbaraiya3692]

Mine only makes a noise when I turn the handle on, and only for about 5-10 secs then the squealing stops, also there is no tub spout, just a shower head on the top, anyone know what might cause the squealing?

[@James-ke5sx]

Great video. The apartment upstairs is squealing. At least now I know it is repairable without changing the plumbing inside the wall.

[@vivimu]

no you need to cut open the wall and remove and replace every water pipe

[@stefanu3407]

If u put your ear next to either the handle or the diverted, you’ll figure out which one it is, mine is making the squeal at the diverter so I know that’s all I have to repair or replace. Hope that helps...

[@killerseddie8295]

Thank you so much! I've been trying to figure this out for years.

[@eltruheyo]

Thanks for the video. I recently had a shower remodeled and had separate hot and cold handles replaced by a single handle. That along with the shower head are both new but were re also experiencing the squealing noise. What do you think it could be?

[@flat-earther]

Interesting, did you figure it out?

[@seanlewis1478]

Wouldn’t you be able to tell if it was Part A vs. Part B by putting your ear down there close to both, when the noise is happening? Whichever was the source of the sound, I’d think it would be easy to zero-in on it.

[@Urahara1001]

Depending on the part, sometimes you can also clean up calcium deposits with a weak acid, like vinegar, to break them up and flush them out of the system. Just be sure to run the water through for a bit to clean out all the residue before you put everything back together.

[@sziltner]

Thank you.....my blasted diverter! 👍

[@coleengregory9886]

Are shower heads for hard water worth buying? Do you have any recommendations?

[@TheInroad]

I was actually surprised when he went to the valve. My shower does the same thing and it's always the diverter. I wiggle the stem and the noise stops.

[@hunterklemz0597]

Do you have to shut the water main off?

[@kodiethorsen1109]

Well, I replaced the cartridge and I still get the whistling sound. It’s occurring in a shower only unit, I have no tub sho I have no shower diverter at the bottom. I have also replaced the shower head! So what could I try next?!

[@HowardSantiago-qn4kv]

He replaced a lot of PAAAATS. "Im gonna MAAAk it"

[@ricks.1318]

@Erald M. That's "I de-a" fool .....

[@jsollien127]

That tub spout looks and sounds just like a Moen Chateau.

[@VndNvwYvvSvv]

What about the squealing or hissing from a supply pipe as a toilet or washer is filling? It isn't from the toilet or washer itself.

[@gantmj]

That's assuming the new cartridge (name brand or not) is of matching quality. Hardly anything is anymore.

[@edvenuto9614]

Great show

[@AnnaDomini2011]

I've heard an occasional squealing noise in one of my showers. Going to call a plumber! :)

[@ncooty]

@5:15 Why have your water heater set high enough to scald you? (Assuming it's not also a boiler for a hydronic system.)

[@kylewagner6607]

So your dishwasher and clotheswasher can do their job

[@waltermedwid8589]

Don't throw away the spout as suggested in the video...#1 you can clean soak the end with the diverter in CLR or just spray with a similar cleaner-that may take the sediments away so that the diverter seals better; option #2 is to by a diverter repair kit that ($5)

[@stevenbernstein1978]

I agree. However, often the universal diverter repair kits do not match & do not fit.

[@11JuniperJennifer]

So is the part universal? I live in an apartment and my shower is making that exact noise.

[@ShelliLoop]

Great recovery.

[@grilledche3ze434]

Thank you very much. Great video

[@AndreaAcostas755]

I just watched this video and yes, we have that problem with the spout but do we need to replace the spout or can we buy just the part that is loose? Thank you

[@flat-earther]

Allegedly you can replace the diverter part if you find one that fits. Did you end up repairing it?

[@MSgreen4]

You saved my sanity.

[@trevormcmanis]

Is this the same repair process if the faucet has a drip?

[@tsull2605]

I can't believe he assumed she had never been invited into a bath tub.

[@rupe53]

Richard says it's "constricted" which means squeezed from the outside. (what a snake does to it's prey) What he should have said was "restricted" and that means a slight blockage from the inside, or narrowing of the passage.

[@CTMKD]

now let's imagine this, what if it was a mistake?

[@achalorocks]

Good guess, but the whistle was an out of tune Ab6 that was flat, and then it switched to E6

[@tomaskot9278]

Is this the type of bath faucet where you control flow (speed) of water and mixture (temperature) by the same valve and thus cannot control them independently? I was very surprised when I found this system in a hotel tub in California (during my first trip to the U.S.A.). I really cannot imagine anything less practical than this :) In most of Europe (except for maybe the U.K.) people usually use lever faucets where one lever allows you to set temperature (rotation of the lever) and water flow (tilt of the very same lever) independently and extremely easily and quickly.

[@DJ_Dett]

I spy with my little eye... a Leatherman Fuse. Best multitool I ever bought over 10 years ago.

[@Greg08101995]

Dettweiler / DJ Dett how big is your other eye?

[@elia2441]

Would changing those parts help with hot water distribution from the faucet to the shower?