This is a one-knob shower. You pull the knob to turn on the water - then you move it right or left for hot or cold. This shower hasn't been used for more than a year. Tried turning it on (pulling) recently and couldn't. Do you know what the problem is? Would it be hard to fix it ourselves? Thanks. Please refrain from suggesting to "pull harder" - that didn't work.
2006-09-05 09:52:24 · 7 answers · asked by curious1223 3 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
See if you can remove the little plastic center cap on the knob. There may be screw beneath that. Remove the screw and take the knob off. Now spray some lubricant (WD-40) over any moving parts.
You may be dealing with lime build-up. It comes from hard water. This would require the replacement of the shower valve itself. See if there is an access to the shower behind the wall (possibly in a closet).
OR
See the website below:
http://www.ehow.com/how_117462_repair-tub-shower.html
2006-09-05 10:03:11 · answer #1 · answered by nobody 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most likely if it has been that long since it was used it is simply gummed up inside. Try pouring hot water around the base of it and see if you can loosen it up. If you decide to replace I suggest you go to a Home Depot and ask their helpers there to show you how it is done. It's not that hard if you have the water off and the right tools the first time. Usually only a screwdriver and a wrench will be all you need. Good luck. And don't simply try pulling harder, this will most likely just break it for sure.
2006-09-05 09:58:29 · answer #2 · answered by Christine H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'll bet you have a MOEN "tear drop" shower knob.These are notorious for '"locking up". The have a rubber sleeve pressed onto a plastic cartridge.The sleeve will dismember itself from the cartridge and thus, locking it up.Youll have to shut the main water off and open up a faucet near the tub.remove the cap off the knob via jewlers screwdriver,unscrew the screw,remove the handle.Then remove the "U" clip from the side (it';s brass) and pull the cartridge out.It's probaly a #1225 moen cartridge.You can get one a any Big box Home imp. store.
2006-09-05 10:05:46 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually there is a removable plastic head on the handle. Some manufactures put their logo on the removal plug or head. It may have arrows on it showing which way to turn for hot or cold/ Slip the point of a small knife under one edge of the plug or head and it should pop out, allowing you to see the nut under the head, that you will turn to release the handle/
2006-09-05 10:07:31 · answer #4 · answered by loufedalis 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they make a puller for the MOENs cause you'll never get it out without one. It screws to the end of the cartridge and forces it out. You can rent the puller or buy one at most hardwares. It won't come out without one and it is'nt very expensive. A plumber will charge you $150 to replace it.
2006-09-05 10:26:01 · answer #5 · answered by zocko 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
rust and corrosion. you would be better off replacing it. depends on who it was put in. i did mine twice and it gets easier. just dont buy cheap. you might be able to take it apart and put it back to gather. its not hard but if you have to go farther like taking down a wall. it could be a lot of work but not hard you can ask a guy at the hardwher store
2006-09-05 10:01:19 · answer #6 · answered by brakedown61301 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try pulling a twisting at the same time.
maybe try some of those cleaners on the market and maybe the reason it's not moving is because there is some gunk or something in it.
2006-09-05 09:55:19 · answer #7 · answered by Jaq 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋