Fix leaky shower head with a stuck handle
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- Опубліковано 10 лют 2025
- Single handle DELTA faucet and cartridge.
A $5 job turns into a $65 job
How to fix a leaky shower head. This happens because the cartridge is bad or the springs/washers are worn out. This example has a single handle faucet that the hex screw is stuck. So we had to break the handle off and buy a new handle and cartridge.
Well done! My hex bolt was corroded, drilling didn’t work and neither did cursing at it in a language I’ve never spoken. Followed your lead and snapped its neck! And it was very therapeutic. After a trip to Lowes and Home Depot, with about $55 spent, got a new cartridge and handle. All is good. Thanks!!!
cant you use the existing handle?
SubVet 8286 Nope! I had to break the handle. Couldn’t use any of the old handle parts. Although, it turns out that my cartridge was a half old and new version, so I separated it, bought a new one and swapped out the bad parts. Worked like a charm. Surprised that they fit. Worst part was recalibrating the hot water that came out of the shower. Up and down 2 flights of stairs about 10 times. But eventually I got it right. And no leaks!
I had the same problem but in my case, water was dripping from the bathtub faucet. The handle screw was stripped as well. After watching your video I went straight to tug the handle until it broke off the same way as yours! You saved me the time and effort of drilling and $480 dollars that my local plumber estimated for replacing the cartridge and handle.
Dude, Yo da best! Thanks so much for posting this video!
Appreciate it! That’s what it’s all about: SAVING MONEY
I’m having the same problem, but it’s coming out the tub Fossett as well
I got it off!!Using the same technique you used. Thanks a lot!!!That stuck nut was driving me nuts!!Thanks for taking the time to make the video. It was very helpful.
We r having same exact issue. Will buy new one to replace tomorrow. Ty for video!!
That is very helpful. Thanks for sharing.
Also, manufacturer, Delta, should improve the design based on such many painful experience /claims from the customers.
I have this screw driver kit that comes with multiple little different screw heads and I managed to take off the screw on my handle with a T10 screw head. It was the perfect fit, screw came off easily. Try using this type of screw. I have a STREBITO Precision Screwdriver kit, if anyone is interested in using the screw head that I used. It is a pretty good buy, it has come in handy dozens of times. The kit costs about 20 bucks, so hopefully that might save you from having to break the handle.
Your comment lead me to try and it worked a charm. Thank you !
Thanks. Your post helped
Genius. I love men and how smart they are when it comes to handy work or --> hard labor.. etc. God created man so amazingly & I personally am very grateful. Certain things come so natural to men and what a gift that is in itself. Like fixing things so the family is good and functioning normally. Thank you I appreciate this video with detail. I have been looking for a video basically doing step by step what you just did. My shower handle doesn't show a brand so I'm not sure about that, but at least i feel confident I can tackle this issue. God bless you and your family brother & keep up all that you are doing.
🫶🏼🫶🏼 god bless you!
Very Helpful! I had issues with the handle screw being corroded, so knowing I could break it off saved me a lot of time and effort. Thank you!
Beautiful! Glad it helped!
Hi all. My handle was stuck and what's wild is there did not appear to be an allen bolt down in there. I had to do the "break" method which took 60 minutes of back and forth wiggling.
Then the bonnet nut was stuck. Channel locks did not work! I hit it with some PB blaster penetrant and let it sit for 30 minutes, came back to it and was able to finally turn it by holding the pipe with another wrench. The bonnet nut and pipe threads had calcium deposits in them, this is the reason it was stuck. I wire brushed the threads and nut with the penetrant and it went back together.
I appreciate your demonstration, it was very helpful.
I want to thank you for this video! I just fixed my leaky Delt faucet and my wife is very happy. Now, I know it's late but I want her to make happy now! Lol
Nice video. Mine was stuck like this as well. I soaked mine in WD-40 overnight and it came off effortlessly in the morning.
Someone give this poor man a GoPro 😂 but for real loved this video about to try this on both of my showers. Thank you!
Thanks for the video! My handle screw was stuck and after watching your video I just broke it off as you demonstrated. Since I was changing the cartridge anyway, breaking it wasn’t an issue - just bought a new handle and all was done. Thanks for sharing!
Exactly the same issue i am having now.will order a new handle and follow the instruction
Man I have this exact same setup and exact same situation! So happy I found this video. Worked like a charm
Before stripping the nut make sure you have the right size alan wrench. Mine was corroded and impossible to turn. I let some vinegar soak in the hole for a couple hours and poured boiling water on it to get some expansion and it loosened right up and I was able to unscrew the nut with an alan wrench. Good luck!
It is 1/8 inch that is the correct size and what he tried to use.
Would wd40 work also have no access to boiling water
@@voyagerariaofharmony7769 It’s worth a shot and will help
A blow dryer will help for expansion. Same applies when working on a vehicle. Need some heat to help loosen things.
You are literally a life saver!!! This did the trick with the 1/8 key.
Thanks so much!
Worked like a charm. This was the only video and the only way that solved my problem after trying for several hours . Thanks for sharing . My advise to all DO NOT drill the handle , use this way to break it but be careful and patient while doing it eventually it will break . Thanks again
🙌🏼🙌🏼 glad it helped!
Took me years to finally get it open but i was successful because of this video 🤣 ! Thanks.
PRAISE!
Thanks man. Who would thought that I’d be in the exact same situation with the exact same handle. You told me exactly what I needed to know, can I break it. Appreciate your help
Thank you. Have this exact problem. Pulled out the Sawzall and was about to do some real damage but your vid saved me.
Awesome to hear!
Big help! Managed to get it off and cap off the whole unit before it flooded my basement, now just to wait for the professionals in the morning. Thanks man!
FOR THOSE WONDERING LIKE I WAS!! YES go ahead and just buy a brand new shower head set with handle!! It has the cartridge included!!! It’s cheaper than buying the cartridge and shower handle separate, plus you get a shower head and the roughing for behind the wall if needed. Which you shouldn’t if only needing to change the cartridge out. Im going to use the shower head in my other bathroom! The $79 one at Home Depot didn’t have the same valve but the $89 one does!! Hope this helps someone 🫡
I had a Moen that was leaking. I soaked the hex nut in CLR and it came off. I also called Moen and they sent me a new cartridge free of charge. For the most part these fixtures have a lifetime warranty.
Hell yes I tried all kinds of ish and finally found your vid! I got he handle off and was able to replace the cartridge and leak gone! Thank you for sharing!!
Did u also need a new handle as well?
Thanks for the great video! Helped make my sunday project successful!
Thank you for the video I appreciate it comforts me that I knew there was no other solution but break the handle not because I can’t figure it how things work but because the stupid manufacturers they design it that way for consumers keep spending in a piece of work.
Four years ago I’m here, doing the same exact thing with mine too. Seems like the only way to take it off is broken it. Thank you.
Well done!! I've been looking for some advice about getting the handle off
The manufacturer really intended to make it hard removing the handle. They knew that the only way to remove it is to destroy it so will have to buy a new one.
I ended up taking an angle grinder to the handle after 2 broken Allen wrenches, last time I buy a delta.
Having this issue now
@@Lilmickcrocodiledundee0001 dealing with the same problem, screw is calcified and won't budge....
You so right, I believe the same thing, I hate the manufactures they are bad intentions or who whatever design this, is all about make the consumers spending more money stores like Home Depo and Lowes dont sale separate parts but only the whole piece, i am woman and I everything at home stuff i do it myself even cause me a lot stress but I rather do it because hired a person very expensive and see work some guys that they may they have more strength than me but they also don’t look they know much and they charge you a lot …I paid one time to someone and I will not hired again anyone ever to come to my house either way or I fix it myself or the house things can falling apart and stay I don’t care. So lets hope i fix this stupid shower and i don’t have to worry for long long time Lol..
Which is crazy cause you only need to buy one every 20 years once it’s in
I agree. I spent an hour drilling it out with no luck. I used a 1/4 bit and drilled right through it, still couldn't get it off... I'll have to break it off... those things are made with harder stuff than bank vaults.
Took me a full day, but I got it off. Clamped on the faucet remover tool (that's made for knob-type handles). The remover tool was to get a proper ledge for prying. Then using a prybar and pieces of wood for leverage, pried where the remover tool was holding behind the handle. Pried several times with force until I saw a big enough gap to remove the tool and pry directly under the handle.
who would've thought that removing the handle is the most difficult part!!! i am still stuck with the stuck handle! might need to try drilling or wiggle it off like you did, #crying!...
Thank you, Just bought a home and this just saved me major cash!!!
Had the moen faucet handle which is supposed to take a 7/64 allen key. No luck. Tried using a T10 torx bit worked like a champ - makes me wonder if these grub screws are actually torx grubs and they just told the north americans to use allen keys because torx used to be uncommon.
oh man! thanks your video. Im doing cadtridge replacement and can not take off the the hex screw because the hex bolb is strip. so I decide to drill the same you and it works. thanks bro
That’s what I like to hear!
I had the same problem. I tried ATF/acetone nut buster w/o success. Just left things greasy. I have hard water and in an aha moment, I used a straw to siphon vinegar down onto the set screw a few times. Let it sit. Then tried again and the screw turned.
My handle was stuck but after watching the video I decided to use pliers over the skirt to loosen the nut. I pulled the assembly out then got the handle off. My set screw came out but the handle was frozen in place originally.
I wanna thank you so much for saving me at least $300
That’s the name of the game! Save some money my friend!
I’m a master plumber,I would have done this same thing bad design by delta. Good job
My hex setscrew is corroded and stripped too, and I used anti-seize when I installed a few years back to hopefully make it easier to remove. Hole is too small to get a Torx bit or larger bit in there to try to grab. Glad I found this video to suggest just breaking the handle off. I'll try to rescue the handle later.
@@bigpjohnson was gonna ask if handle could be saved?
I had a leaky valve of the exact same type. I called Delta and under lifetime warranty they mailed me a new cartridge for free.
Dude. Lifesaver. I decided to break off my handle too. I was able to actually get the screw OUT but for some stupid reason the handle was STILL stuck. After breaking off the handle it was as easy as just finding the right part and putting it all back together. Life saver dude. 🎉 You just savedme from having to call a plumber, that's another 300$ I just saved.
Mine was not as dramatic. The allen screw was not corroded in place but the handle was. I improvised with the standard knob remover, a prybar, a piece of 2x4 and a rubber mallot.
Then I soaked everything in vinegar and coated them all with silicon lube before reassembling.
Two months later, Delta sent me the replacement cartridge (free). I feel like writing to them asking them to make a handle removal tool.
Well named video! I love the solution... Remember these things will break bc they were engineered to break!
#facts
Thank you so much!! This worked for me.
I found that spraying wd40 into the screw hole and using a tiny screwdriver (similar to those that fix reading glasses) you can scrape out the hard water deposits from the Allen key hole and the allen key will set in as intended. Then you can slowly turn the screw out avoiding having to break the handle.
Can I replace this kind of handle with the round door knob kind instead and if so how easy will it b to switch?
The geniuses at Delta did not realize that by putting a screw inside a hole right under the shower, through daily use the hole would turn into a goo deposit.
Once you change a new cartridge, put a tape so water won't go into the hole and no rust will bother you even again.
‘Did not realize’…sadly i HIGHLY doubt this. As another commenter mentioned above Delta doesnt necessarily stay profitable by selling ONE handle for a lifetime to a customer. The repeat business aspect is something the majority of companies these days utilize to the detriment of the customer.
What kind of tape should I use to cover the hole?
Vinegar is the key to removing the handle. Spray and layer soak fir about 5 min
Thank you so much for this video. You definitely saved me from calling a plumber. I didn't realize my handle was the issue. I thought it was the whole thing. I will have to do the same process as you with breaking the handle because it is completely disconnected from the body area.
Same with mine did you just buy a new handle?
I tried to replace the cartridge on mine. The brass ring holding the cartridge did not come off. I tried to use a pipe wrench on it and broke off the valve. Needless to say, an $8 job turned into an $800 job because I had to call a plumber to break open the wall and replace the entire faucet Moral of the story is to make sure you brace the valve with another wrench. I had no idea that the valve was only held onto the main fitting with three small copper tubes that break easily.
Next time maybe try soaking the ring with white vinegar and hitting it with a rubber mallet to loosen the corrosion. Worked for me.
good video, I was able to get the handle off with WD40 in the hole for a half hour then some force, handle got shredded regardless from build up and crap so I had to replace that --- the nut was also not moving, I put a notch in it with a hacksaw and used a flathead screw driver and a hammer to start it. Make sure to brace it when you are doing this though so you dont put to much force on your copper pipes and bust them inside the wall.
I followed your method and I was able to remove the handle. The tube supporting the round plate was stuck due to thread problem. I used an angle grinder to cut it off. Thanks
Is there any way to get that cartridge screw out of the handle to save money on not getting a new handle.
Okay cool. My hex screw is also stripped and I didn’t know what to do for a cartridge fix. I now think ima have the confidence to break it off.
Get it!
@@hammershomereno unable to break off I think ima drill bit the screw
Final update: I drilled the screw for about 10 minutes which allowed me to break the handle off. Drilling itself didn’t allow the handle to slide off ,,but allowed me to break it.
I concluded it was a Pfister cartridge and I was able to re use the handle!
Also, replacing the cartridge fixed another one-handle problem I’ve had for over one year. Being that my shower /bath wouldn’t produce cold water. With a new cartridge we can now alternate between cold and hot , instead of just hot water.
1. No cold water
2. Slight drip
3. Major drip
4. Full leak
Soooooo I also learned that a lack in ability to change water temps is an early indicator of a failing cartridge.
Thanks for making this video
Thank you!!!! Great video had the issue of not being able to take off handle but got it now..THANKS AGAIN
I tried to hard to turn the allen key and I think I stripped it. Doesn't look like any hope with wd40 or vinegar at this point. I spent 2 hours.
I think this is a delta h79 handle for $30 if I'm correct. At this point I rather just buy a handle and I already have the cartridge to replace.
My question is, can I damage the pipe while breaking off the handle?? I don't want a $30 repair to be a $800 repair.
Exact same thing happened to me today. I'm $80 deep and still got a leaky shower head!!! I'm so mad!!! I couldn't find just a handle so I had to purchase a handle, sleeve, and cover piece. Then I had to purchase a new cartridge.
So no seats and springs. The blind leading the blind. Well done.
My set screw came out fine, but the handle would not come off no matter the force. It must be corroded something fierce in there. Sprayed tons of lubricant and going to try tomorrow.
I probably almost snapped the cartridge, which would be fine since I already have the new one, but feel like I might damage the piping if I keep going.
Any other ideas? Just a slow drip I’m trying to resolve so I don’t want to be drastic.
This is the only realistic video about fixing a dripping from the shower/tub. There is no way to removing the corroded screw with the Allen key. My situation is the same, I am stuck right now with the drilling part. Hopefully I have a little bit more patience. You automatically gave me more patience LOL.
Get it get it!
"$5 job turned into a $70 job real quick" All too true.
Story of my life!
Thank you so much it was very helpful
That’s exactly what I was thinking I needed to do. Thanks!
What a pain in the butt that turned out to be for a little rubber washer. Excellent video, mine was stubborn
I got the screw out after letting it drench in a lubricant for days. But i still cant get the handle off. The screw is out, but still stuck tight.
Try snipping abit off the end of the Allen wrench and it won't be stripped anymore
Sometimes if you’re incredibly lucky you might try a metric hex bit. If you’re Irish you might even have Fedex deliver it with a unicorn. My first thought actually was kroil and ez out. But ultimately you got it. Bill
Can you give me the oem number for the handle and valve thanks
Thank you so much your video really help it
What happened to your hand?
ave a handle with a screw hole in the middle on the front of the handle, not the top or bottom, that I cant get it off. I can't find any tool to go in the hole and latch onto anything. How would you suggest I get it off?
I found the allen screw on the handle was severely corroded into the handle. I used a rust buster type of liquid, a spray or two every morning and night, for three days. This loosened the corrosion so the allen screw could be removed. You should see pieces of corrosion flush out as you spray into the openning. Also, make sure the ends of your allen wrench (key) is in perfect condition. If it is already rounded off, you will strip the allen screw.
I took my slightly used allen key and cut of the end up to where the key was in perfect condition, using a grinder cutting wheel, and that left the key end edges square and sharp. OR, go buy a new key. You will thank yourself later!
Tap the key ALL THE WAY into the screw, using a small hammer, and twisted slowly left and right to begin loosening the screw. Keep the key firmly seated STRAIGHT into the screw during this process.
After backing out the screw enough to remove the handle, I took it down to the work bench and put the handle in a vise to finish removing the screw with the allen key. Once screw was out, I cleaned threads and screw with vinegar to remove corrosion. Rinsed off the parts thoroughly, and applied an anti-seize compound (can use plumbers grease too) to the screw, threads and opening where the valve stem inserts into the handle. This will prevent future corrosion for a very long time.
Good luck!
I’m having a similar problem. Allen set screw is full of gunk, can’t get a grip on it to turn it.
Mine is still stuck on. Will pray and hope for the best.
How did u fix it?
Thank you so much for this video. Very informative and easy to understand. We are going to try this tonight. Just subbed and look forward to more videos
Did you make it ? How long does it take to remove the handle ? I am afraid that using excessive force will damage the copper pipes and connection inside.
Got the set screw out after a solid battle… but the handle still won’t come off. Been sending WD-40 down the hole 2x ea day for 2 days now and still no budge. Might move on to vinegar. Worried I’m going to bust the pipes inside
Such a simple yet over complicated thing
Thank You very much, been dealing with this issue for the past week, just saw this and cant wait to try the drill on it.
Thanks lots. Can you provide the parts # for the cartridge and where to buy? I have the same issue as you have.
Thank You So Much Just Got My Handle Off Had Same Problem Had Drill It Out
I have Delta shower faucet Monitor 13/14 series multichoice model and I don't have allen setscreews in the handle and I don't see any can on the handle also to open and look for allen set screws. The handle is one single piece without any setscrews. Any idea on how to remove this handle.
Put silicone grease on all the O rings and threads before installing the new cartridge!
What kind did you use?
Where can u buy silicon grease?
Did you have to buy a new handle?
Such a frustrating repair for something so simple. I don't want to damage the 21 year old copper pipes by flexing them with the force required to remove the handle the way you did. Have tried CLR, WD-40 penetrating formula, a heat gun... nothing seems to work, and the screw appears to fit the 1/8th inch hex head. I've been applying WD40 each day for a few days now and its probably why the CLR is now not working- too much displacement from WD40 for CLR to reach the screw. Seems like the best way to remove without too much force might be to get a cutting tool and cut the whole handle off since I'll have to replace it anyway. These 13/14 series valves are old, but I think I will avoid Delta in the future. We're doing a kitchen sink replacement soon and I'll be looking at Moen for that instead. Delta has already consumed too much of my time and these shower handles are pretty ugly to boot...
Add a little silicone grease to all rubber parts before reassembly
Need instruction a for a Delta faucit
Where you close the water
In the alley it should be under a metal circular cover
Did this but soon as I turn the main water valve on water starts coming out the bottom and won’t shut of 😫
For loosening the handle, I used the SAE hex key 3/32".
The SAE hex key set with various sizes seem to be a good buy that can come handy for other household items too.
White vinegar is what you use to remove that limescale
7/64 inch hex/allen for my Moen single shower handle
What was the cartridge number I have the same faucet
I’ve tried everything. Nothing bites on the stripped hex screw. Heat, WD40, CLR, LimeAway, vinegar, FIRE (literally). Nothing will get the damn thing to loosen. And I don’t want to drill it out or rip off the handle. Ugh 😑
He’s correct - $5 job into a $70 job (probably $100 with this 2022 biden economy). But I suppose it’s better than calling a plumber and being charged $300-$400.
Could you tell me the part number of the cartridge?
A better way is to hammer a T15 Star Screwhead into the bolt head, and it will screw out with a bit driver/screw driver. Takes 2 minutes.
Instead of spending $65 to $70, buy the entire replacement parts from Danco. Comes with 2 handles, one like yours & one round one, your choice. And new face plate, screws, cartridge, basically everything you need. Comes in chrome or satin finish. $39.99. Then keep the original for any replacement parts one may need like seals and springs.
I saw them at Lowe's, next to the Delta cartridges which are outrageously priced high.
Do you have the link or full name on Danco? I would like to get it as your suggested. Thanks.
Better yet, spend nothing and get factory parts. Delta & Moen sent me replacements cartridges (Delta RP19804, Moen 1225B) for free. Go to their websites for warranty replacement parts. They asked for a picture of the unit and it took about a week to arrive. Delta also sent me a new handle assembly as I had the same problem noted here with not being able to remove the set screw. Totaled about $100 in free parts from the two companies. Just an FYI for all those who do their own work.
@@billwegemann3274 same here
Need a class action lawsuit against Delta. Had to try drilling out hex screw also and ended up needing to break my handle off also. However in doing this the PVC line feeding my cold water side cracked also. So a 15 min $5 washer change ended up being a 4 hour $168 job requiring me to cut all 4 half inch lines to my Delta valve and replace all couplings, 90s, and adapters. I added 2 ball valve cutoffs because this is the 2nd time I've had to do this in the past 15 yrs.
Some Anti-Seize compound applied to the threads of the new handle set-screw should hopefully prevent a stuck handle next time.
I did that 3 years ago when I installed mine. Still got enough mineral deposits in there to seize and strip when I tried to remove it. I'm going to put more anti-seize on the end of the valve and inside the handle, then silicone the screw hole. The water here is hard and leaves minerals all over.
@@bigpjohnson Silicone for the screw hole sounds like a great idea! The set-screw on my tenant's faucet handle was stuck to the point where a plumber wound up removing the handle with a blow torch.
@@davidh7339 I wound up drilling the set screw out. Now I need to figure out to tap it for a new set screw. A new handle is $50 and I'm not crazy about spending that.
@@bigpjohnson They have the Delta H79 Chrome Metal Lever Handle Kit for $14.01 currently on Amazon for the "monitor series." Perhaps it would be easier to just get that instead.
@@davidh7339 I know, but I have the Alux trim in a brushed nickel finish, so I have to get the correct one. On chrome trims, yeah just throw any handle on there!
You guys are aware that white vinegar will break up the calcium holding that screw in. Turn the water off, turn the handle up, pour some in the hole, wait about 5-10 minutes and it’ll break free! I bought a $2 thing of vinegar instead of a $65 new faucet.
This is exactly why I read the comments, as there is generally better advice. It took several vinegar soakings which also involved some scrapping and cleaning with a q-tip but I was eventually able to get the set screw free. Thank you for your advice Scott.
Perfect! Vinegar worked after days of trying all other stuffs. Thank you!!!
Tried vinegar. Multiple times. Two different bottles (one old one new). Didn’t work
You showed me exactly what i needed to do to get the frozen shower handle free and fix the drip. Thanks!!
My set screw will not move. I tried soaking in vinegar etc. I guess drill it out?