How to Repair a Three Handle Shower Valve | Ask This Old House

Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey repairs and replaces a leaking shower valve.
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Cost: $80
Time: 3-4 hours
Skill Level: Moderate
Tools List for Repairing a Three Handle Shower Valve:
Screwdriver [amzn.to/2n1Bvrg]
Slip joint pliers [amzn.to/2mZ1Hmu]
Tub sockets [amzn.to/2lprx2J]
Adjustable open ended wrench [amzn.to/2lQS9df]
Shopping List:
Drop cloth [amzn.to/2ls2z2L]
Shower valve replacement kit [amzn.to/2ltWYce]
Shower valve stems [amzn.to/2lmWSTH]
Steps:
1. Shut off the water at the main water shutoff.
2. Put a drop cloth in the tub to protect it from any work and also to prevent small parts from falling down the drain.
3. Remove the handles from the valves using the screwdriver. They’re usually under small covers that read “hot” and “cold”.
4. Remove the escutcheons from the valves. They can usually be loosened by hand.
5. Unscrew the valve bodies from the wall with the slip joint pliers and the tub sockets.
6. Replace the seats for the valves. They should come in the repair kit.
7. Put the new stems into the valves and tighten them with the tub socket.
8. Tighten the bonnets on each of the stems with the open-ended adjustable wrench.
9. Screw the trim from the replacement kit over the stem and then put the escutcheons on over the trim.
10. Add the handles to the stems and screw them in with a screwdriver. Be sure to have the “hot” and “cold” labels installed right side up so they’re easier to read.
11. Turn the water back on.
Resources:
Three-handle shower valves are no longer up to code due to a risk of scalding, and should be replaced with a single-handle, pressure-balanced one, particularly if the shower is used regularly or will be used by children. Pressure-balanced shower valves can be found at home centers or plumbing supply stores. You can also purchase cover plates that can hide holes left behind in the tiles when the valves are swapped.
When repairing existing three-handle valves, finding the correct components requires some detective work. Home centers have a book you case use to help you match up the correct parts, or you can go to a plumbing supply store and they will usually have the parts that you need.
Tub sockets and the other materials required to complete this project can also be found at home centers and plumbing supply stores.
Expert assistance for this segment was provided by Eastside Plumbing Supplies Inc.
About Ask This Old House TV:
Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we're ready to answer. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers-and we make house calls! Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook.
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How to Repair a Three Handle Shower Valve | Ask This Old House
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[@Dennis-bj9cj]

Richard is a national treasure

[@zenjon7892]

Word from the wise: take the old parts with you to match them

[@lorenzoparedes2306]

The harsh reality is that in most 'markets', a part time 'sales consultant' in the plumbing department will look at the parts and say: "Hmm... no gots."

[@zenjon7892]

@@lorenzoparedes2306 unfortunately, yes; avoid them

[@pamelasutphen8637]

I

[@drakewald123]

So true. Me, at the hardware store: I know my toilet seat is elongated. My toilet: I am not elongated you idiot.

[@Viper81766]

Amen 👍🙏

[@lrigdrenlrigdren2147]

Thank you for the close-ups and into-the-wall camera shots! A lot of videos tell, but don't really show - you do both! I know what it should look like, and also what the different parts are called. Awesome!

[@kentucky8554]

Really appreciate these videos. We Just purchased an older home built in 78. The bathrooms need upgraded but it cannot happen right now. The complete instruction on this video is greatly appreciated EXCELLENT how to video! Thank you!

[@Kaodusanya]

I have the EXACT same issue, the diverter is broken and I just want to make the whole system an external system this video helped alot before taking anything apart

[@plumbingstuffinoregon2471]

I love seeing original vintage bathrooms, and it's especially cool when the home owner appreciates what he has and wants to keep it original.

[@angelarush1244]

Thank You so much for your straight forward and informative video. I replaced my 3 faucet shower fixtures while watching your video step by step. So very helpful!

[@justanotherguy8791]

I love the Richard videos. He 100% seems to know his stuff.

[@maureenmcdowell8868]

Greg Dinert g

[@markofsaltburn]

One of the best.

[@wooski9022]

Been watching this old house since the early 90’s with my dad & still love watching it to this day.

[@sharondaevans6373]

I love this video tutorial. I have had so much trouble with my bath tub. Not only has it saved my sanity, it also saved me money, and time. Thank you so much ❤️

[@darkness272727]

Watched this and was able to replace my diversion valve and stop the leak in my wall. Thanks a ton guys.

[@wyattspop]

Have you dealt with any damage yet? Our ceiling below the tub. the old popcorn knockdown type is actually soft to the touch...the kitchen ceiling!

[@oldtwinsna8347]

Richard is a certified expert in shower valves.

Brilliant video. Imagine how much a plumber would charge for doing what this guy did. Notice how the old parts were sturdy metal and the new parts are flimsy plastic?

[@yomomma5295]

I’ve been waiting for this video FOREVER!!! My house is from 1925, so of course everything is outdated.

[@tedcallender2933]

I've have learned a lot from Richard! He really knows his stuff! Thank you very much for the excellent job!

[@markofsaltburn]

He’s an excellent broadcaster and a great communicator and teacher.

[@ljones2752]

Glad I found this. I enjoy how in depth it is.

[@P8ntR3ff]

I want to do this in my apartment so bad! ive been watching your videos alot! its a lovely 1960"s triplex in san clemente ! overlooking casa romantica. gorgeous house the property owners have let it go for a few years and I totally want to do every one of your videos to bring it back to its former glory ! lol great work guys !

[@mystique0417]

I could watch Mr T all day. He solves plumbing problems like I eat a sandwich. Plus, he knows how cool he is.

[@lonnieaichele3271]

Thanks Richard.... you made this so simple that I just saved myself a big chunk of change..... this single mom just finished the job in no time !!!!! Thanks again

[@joecontreras5444]

Best explanation I've seen by far, you even covered an upgrade. Thank you very kindly sir.

[@theted1601]

This video was the perfect assistant to dealing with a problem I have. Thanks!

[@Mrjanthony555]

THIS is exactly what I need to do and have been looking for! Thank you Richard! Hope i can find the parts...house is with original everything and was built in 1955. This shower is same as ours,tile/ color included.

[@Anne--Marie]

That is a beautiful color.

[@jordanmiller6374]

Lol mine too!

[@jaypea51]

Sincere thanks for a great video. I was very concerned about changing out the seats when doing this project. Your guidance, with a "gentle tap" to loosen them was the key to a successful change-out. The hot water was the culprit (very corroded). All done. Hope to get another 20 years out of the bathroom, unless we remodel. Thanks again.

[@MRrwmac]

Richard, as usual, very well explained and demonstrated! Thanks.

[@stephensnell1379]

Very true

[@Waddy5691]

Just replaced the diverter after watching the video and back in business!! Thanks Richard!!

[@suvro3]

Best video for Three Handle Shower Valve issues. Very informative. :)

[@wahinenuiloa]

Thank you ! Richard know his stuff. Very informative,

[@itsAmiTheBeatMasta]

Very well put together. Professional. Thank you.

[@nsharma99]

Y’all are always so fantastic! Excellent, freaking excellent presentations in each of your videos. Wishing you all a lifetime of success 🎉.

[@davidmclain1875]

Don't know what I'd do without you guys! Love the show.

[@MrAlienware1]

Through my years I been a handyman and this is one of the careers that if you know your stuff you will make good 💰💰 and I been noticing that the new millennium don’t want this type of work??..why?? I applaud Richard all that knowledge that he has 👏👏👏👏

[@debrasimms6821]

MrAlienware I'm trying to re assemble the " Alson" handheld shower Diverter hose to the main shower head & I think a part is missing? The hose won't fit on threads

[@Jg-lq6hs]

I love plumbing ❤️

[@TheBoondoggler]

A lot of ppl under 30 were raised on video games and computer screens they were never exposed to hands on work with plumbing, ac/heat or electronics. Very disposable generation. For them if something is broke, they return it for a refund or replacement like magic. College majors also shifted focus toward service industry jobs like marketing and communications. Tons of jobs now basically sitting at a computer all day moving one piece of data to another location and emailing dozens of other faceless ppl behind computer screens along the way. This new paradigm is celebrated as if it's some kind of peak career goal. Very odd, very sad.

[@alexmartins9971]

This little kzbin.infoUgkxVoi3B4CB6Oygq1-vo4OTL1M_M5JkrXif tub works perfect in our 6 x 6 shower and is easy to get in and out. Also easy to drain.

[@KyrstynaTexeira]

day 4 of no shower waiting on our parts to come in for our house which has eljer shower valves - we are not plumbers and cant afford a full makeover quite yet so this video saved us our sanity after trying to figure out what the heck was going on with our leaking handles after being replaced already for the 2nd time! (first time we were sold the wrong parts) -- THANK YOU!

[@jasondevault5066]

The wealth of knowledge you people share is awesome.

[@lgndnhswnmnd]

Thanks for this post! Grateful for KZbin!

[@TheScoobysnack08]

Sooooo LOVE This Old House!❤️👍🏻

[@bernitup6492]

I am so lucky to have a Ferguson plumbing center that I can go and gets parts. I have a 1960's home and one visit I ended up getting the parts. I also get a temp fix tip to replace the rubber washer until I was able to get the ordered parts. Great place.

[@collinbrubaker5508]

this video is a life saver, i just replaced mine but had some leak problems from the crush washer, had to use a little Teflon tape and now its perfect

[@JayZoop]

Plumbing is always rewarding when completed. Always a crazy journey to get there.

Whenever I do a plumbing job I follow the instructions to the letter and when I'm finished I always have a leak.

[@cootegary]

Man I love you guys the way that you guys explain and how to do it it's a lifesaver. 🕺

[@-David.-]

Great video, this is the kind of thing KZbin and the whole internet could do with a lot more of.

[@TheYWvideopro]

Excellent information, I will try to fix mine tomorrow, thank you.

[@mycats7321]

Thank you! I live in a house built in the 40s (although I think the bathrooms might have been "updated" in the 60s or 70s) with a one-piece avocado green fiberglass shower/tub combo. It has two handles & the diverter is on the tub spout. The original handles were replaced about 10 to 15 years ago but recently the hot water handle stopped working (as in, we turn it and no hot water comes out). I got a universal kit with a metal spud that screws on to the stem to make sure it catches the splines. The stem turns fully & without problems but no water will come out when it turns. I'm guessing something is either stuck inside or that the cartridge part of the stem is clogged up with sediment. I was trying to figure out how to remove the stem safely & I didn't even know about the seat. Most of the guides I found were for the new single-handle units. So, this is very helpful. I'll have to remove the old stem & see if I can identify what the problem is.

[@bengt_axle]

This is a great video because many times you don’t have easy access to the valve body to replace it, without cutting a hole on the wall or removing old tiles. The new old styled parts also fit the decor of the rest of the bathroom.

[@darryl7933]

Great video in perfect detail! Thanks

[@DRstayhard2]

Richard you the man as usual!!

[@JustinCrediblename]

I really found this valuable. thank you.

[@zg6766]

Solid thorough procedure👌🏼

[@justinprice6281]

This is a good video I may need to use it in the future who knows

[@mynonameyt]

One thing I think was missed. When putting in the new valves, they must be backed off or in the open position. Otherwise when you tighten them you will be compressing the gasket on the brass set.

[@kilo_kilo]

This helped me repair mine today. Thanks guys!

[@radioflitercairplanes1715]

Awesome as always! Thanks T.O.H.!

[@janetstone236]

Thank God for you - I am in a 1965 Aframe - and I am replacing the water spotted/deteriorated handles, tub spout and diverter and drain - a basic remodel. (along with replacing the grout/calk at the tub wall joints at the entire perimeter all around the tub. Yeah. Tub spout is on, but had to find 'Central' parts for the knobs and stems, and for $85 at Home Depot - luckily I found the entire package you displayed that has all the new parts. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU.

[@janetstone236]

Okay, it's 1 hour later - the stems do not match from the 'Central' equipment in the wall pipe? - the flange/knobs are 1/4" in short of covering completely the old stem. :( more research

[@candeffect]

Before installing the stems, apply a liberate amount of plumber's grease on the treads and a little on the rest of the stem. Install the stems, close the valves, turn on the water and inspect for leaks. Finish installing the other parts. If the threads don't have enough grease, the threads will wear and become loose and cause the water to slowly turn off.

[@billsmith2212]

Great information . There is always some IDIOT who thinks he knows everything . They pull their truck on the sidewalk , leave it running - because they are " important " - and proceed to jam in whatever parts he has guesstimated as " the fix " . They grossly over charge . When it leaks , immediately or in short order , they argue that they are professionals !

[@AStanton1966]

You are right about plumber's grease. For a time a guy had a program on the DIY channel and he was forever putting that grease on everything.

[@JeepTJay6]

Ahhh! I remember seeing those “tub sockets” in the basement of the house I grew up in. I always wondered what those were for. My dad was a pipe fitter. Love these how to videos.

[@TheMurr264]

This is a great video. I have never replaced bathroom shower faucets before but, after watching this video, I was able to replace the entire set like a pro. This video explained each step with detail to make performing this task with extreme ease. Thank you guys keep up the good work!

[@eolsunder]

the trouble is, its very easy to replace THESE type of valves and faucets because these are basic builds.. stem, seat matching washer, etc. But many mechanisms and valves aren't even close to what this is. Its like watching videos showing how to repair copper pipe leaks and breaks, where everything is 1/2 inch copper, out in the open easy to access. Nice for explanation for bad for reality. My copper pipes are 3/8, not the 1/2 norm. My, pipes aren't just out in the open easy to get to, you have to crawl under the house, cut out part of the floor to access them, or even find the breaks/leaks. Demonstrations are great if your lucky enough to have exactly what they are showing you. Most times you don't.

[@AlfordLau]

This video helps me. Thank you.

[@wyattspop]

A video on replacing the rubber grommets in the valve stem body would be equally helpful , almost every time, it's the rubber that fails from overtightening, hard water and time, and the seat rarely fails. This way we spend 10 cents and not $20 for a new stem for both hot, cold and diverter = $60 or .30 cents

[@jsmcguireIII]

I agree but remember there is also packing, mineral deposits and other stem elements that may also be an issue - plus the sunken cost of time and labor to pull the stems. In my case a 15 year life span is reasonable to replace rather than rebuild. I don't want ANY risk of leakage in my house. You could also focus on just replacing the hot valve stem since they fail the most, and just replace the washers on the cold and diverter.

[@bsm6776]

It’s hard to take them out and put in another one.

[@eolsunder]

true because the seat is metal and the rubber is well, rubber, so it gets damaged easier. Of course always check the seat also, hard water or build up can wear it away and damage metal, so normally you check everything when its apart.

[@SenorDennis]

Perfect video exactly what I was looking for

[@johnnyfigueroa4690]

Very detailed and clear. Nice!

[@lovingmesomeoutdoors8729]

Richard is the pipe master

[@Arieeeee]

Richard is the best and 100% correct about being lucky if you find the part. I had a nightmare scenario where I was doing a favor for an elderly relative and changing the rubber O-ring on a Sterling stem which has a clamshell type design (not like the one in the video) and the plastic clamshell thing broke off and I couldn't find the right stem anywhere and stores were closing. I couldn't turn the water back on because it would shoot out of the faucet! Luckily, at the 5th store I found a sterling stem that wasn't an exact match but would still fit there, but even after months of looking for an exact match, I couldn't find it. I found one guy on ebay who had a kit but wanted $200 for it.

[@wyattspop]

Every remotely large city has a plumbing supply store (not Home Depot), and they have parts for any style of valve stem

[@eolsunder]

@@wyattspop yes remember home depot /lowes are big stores but they don't focus on plumming parts or any other area, they are "broad general" in terms of what they sell, and they usually only sell the most common items. 1/2 copper pipe items not 3/8, or such. You should find a local actual specialty store for plumming, electrical and such that will sell you a broader range of items. Its great if your parts match exactly what you see in videos, but most of the time that isn't the case.

[@wyattspop]

@@eolsunder Absolutely correct. Neighborhood plumbing store is the answer when it's not the standard off-the-shelf home depot type of job

Yes, contrary to what the guy said in the video, many old parts are not available. Wholesalers won't sell to a retail customer, so you'll have to hire a plumber.

[@Arieeeee]

I still have one more o-ring that I'm keeping in case the dripping gets really bad but I told the elderly family member that I'd have to start the project early in the day and be prepared to replace the whole faucet which will suck but would still be easier than running around town all day looking for parts.

[@HIREDWEAPON]

yup, saved my butt today. Fixed following step by step.

[@IrishFlip313]

Could have used this video a few years back when I replaced my shower valves. well done. Do you have a video on converting the three handle shower to the single handle?

[@rickpayne9355]

Good detail in describing the importance of lightly tightening the bonnet nut.... But in 3:50 to 3:55 - mis-identifies the valve seat and washer......Overall - very informative and helpful

[@PlayingwithPawz]

I bet Richard makes his own cutaways lol I love it great video

[@jimgiordano8218]

I was born in 1957, we learned real fast to step back of the shower spray when you felt a pressure drop before the HOT water got you. Different times then, you/we adapted.

[@dug.e.fresssh325]

So well explained! Cheers!

[@ben-vf]

What I love is all the effort that goes into waterproofing a shower recess and no one seems to care about 3 large holes in the wall.

[@cup_and_cone]

Most newer escutcheons have a foam seal on the back. If they don't or you're using old ones, you can use plumbers putty on the back. If you have neither a foam seal on it or plumbers putty, you can caulk as a last resort (caulk only the top half, you want the bottom open so any water can drain if necessary; and caulk the edge, if you caulk the back you'll never get it off without a fight).

[@mr.wizeguy8995]

Uponor have system where PEX-pipe is installed with protective pipe and special wall fixture. If it leak water will drip either shower room or inside protective pipe and other end from that pipe is example basement near drain and water can leak out there so therefore it can't enter inside structure.

[@branch210]

You guys are the best!

[@domgreco7]

Always appreciate #thisoldhouse info.

[@kellismith4329]

Great information, I was unaware of the retrofit kit to a single handle

[@fatherfinger]

Love you guys!

[@user-ns7ef5nq8o]

Explaining the pressure drop was good info you always see in movies and tv shows somebody flushes the toilet and someone in the shower screams but you never know why. That’s actually cool to know why they are screaming

[@Vincerama]

Thanks for the video! Hoping I can find the right parts for my 1938 house. Fingers crossed!

[@johnbastille5483]

Thanks, Rich. I have to repair my 3-handle American Standard diverter and now I know how to do it (I hope!).

[@mayaurbano-aly2768]

I thought of replacing with 3 new handles, but now I want to upgrade to a single knob. thank you

[@BiblicallyAccurateToaster]

Got a leaky faucet in an identical bathroom setup, only 1960s peach/pink lol. Great informative video

[@fanliu3966]

Wonderful video, thanks.

[@erickmorton8085]

I love that bathroom I love the design of it

[@Slimjim260]

Richard’s IS BOSS!

[@edwindelgado8775]

I have a friend just a couple of days ago show me she has water coming out of the shower head 🚿 and the down spout 💦 at the same time. This was helpful 🙂

[@HotRodTom47]

GREAT GUYS, GREAT SHOW

[@visual-_effects_forlife9243]

Just bought a house from the 1950s and the the shower handles don’t work at all thanks so much for the in depth and easy to under stand explanation

[@HAMRADIOJOE4178]

GOOD JOB RICH.............

[@mitchd949]

CA homes built in the 80s and 90s still used the 3 handle tub shower setups. My guest bath has Delta and I found all new parts to make it look new and original. Quite inexpensive too.

[@augustreil]

Excellent rebuild ! I always use Never-Seize on all the threads just to make sure I can get it off in the future.

[@wyattspop]

It's about the right tools, they have a specialty tool for pulling valve stems, one for the diverter, one for the seat, with these tools, they'd have to be hermetically sealed to make them even difficult to pull

[@thomassemich4627]

I agree, grease all threads with something!

[@eiserntorsphantomoftheoper2154]

You'd think a rich dude like Zuckerberg would just buy a nicer house.

[@russellphillips4979]

😂

[@rebblekrew7527]

Super helpful,, just had to deal with that same thing in nj

[@ETSecm]

Please consider putting a donate link or button because you saving us a lot of money and most of us would just like to donate some of that to you for your efforts.

[@HackThePlanetNow]

New drinking game. Watch all Ask TOH videos and whenever Richard says “Full city water pressure” drink beer and whenever he says “cutaway” take a shot

[@HackThePlanetNow]

Patrick Wagz you trying to kill us haha

[@wyattspop]

That's friggin hilarious, like we have our houses set to low pressure, everyone likes a shower with no water pressure!

[@gretzkysyotes]

I like to take a shot when he describes these setups. Every "Hot Water Comes Here" And "Cold Water Comes Here"

[@misfitsman805]

I'm not trying to die of alcohol poisoning today....

[@mwmoore123]

Thank you!!! Great video!!!

[@JennMariie7]

Wow i learned so much!!!!

[@inflameslp311]

Side note, I very much enjoy hearing him say “Snug it up with a tub socket.”

[@hayleyb467]

Pillow talk;)

[@meganmccarthy8114]

100% agree!

[@jashimuddin7716]

Thank you very helpful

[@gvm1210]

Wooo what a great video thanks

[@michaelmulenga6447]

good instructor

[@dino21tx]

Amazing how these cartridges always come out easily with these videos! How about videos that show the real world with stuck/broken parts???

[@BlairMaynard]

Yeah. I had to leave the seats in. I tried to get the first seat out and it started cracking and I was definitely stripping it, so I stopped.

[@flymeetspaddle]

fantastic A++ tutorial. gotta love a good cutaway ;)

[@antrygis1]

They want to tear out the wall of tiles where I live. I ain't no plumber. But he put in a diverter that has the pull up feature instead of the one that was there that didn't. I am disabled and take baths. But when I turn on the hot and cold the water comes out of the shower too. Even if a new diverter like the old one did not work...I suggest he look at this. People, people, people...don't get hurt at work and end up like me in public housing. Great video. Thanks Richard!

[@queondacanal4775]

With this video now I feel like a pro plumber.