Kyle TuckerYour shower handle is a vital part of your shower controlling the flow and temperature of your water. But not all showers are the same. Some have handles with hidden screws, and others have no obvious way to remove or replace them.
Shower handles get used a fair amount and will wear out over time. Gaining the skills to replace any type of shower handle yourself gives you a feeling of accomplishment and saves you money by not hiring a professional.
This article will give you everything you need to know about shower handles with no screws or hidden screws. In addition, this article will show you all the tools you need and contains a detailed step-by-step guide on removing these shower handles.
How to Remove Shower Faucet Handle With No Visible Screws
Types of Shower Handles
Lever Handles
Lever handles are bar-shaped and rest on a pivot. Lever handles come in a variety of styles, designs, and finishes. These handles usually have screws hidden under a cover or faceplate. Therefore, replacing a lever handle generally involves removing the faceplate to gain access to the hidden screws.
Knob Handles
Knob handles resemble door handles and come in styles such as globe, jeweled, and squared. These handles use a circular motion to access hot or cold water and to turn off the flow of water. Knob handles can have hidden screws or no screws at all. Unfortunately, there will be no way to determine the removal method until you determine which type you have.
Cross Handles
Cross handles resemble an X shape. Cross handles are the easiest to grasp and have a retro look. Cross handles operate in a similar fashion as knob handles. However, cross handles can have hidden screws or no screws like knob handles, so the removal process depends on figuring out whether your handle is screwed in or screwless.
Double Faucet Handle
Double faucet handles have two separate handles, with each handle controlling hot and cold water. Double faucets usually come with cross or knob handles and are generally found in older homes. Double faucet handles may need to be twisted off or can have hidden screws.
Tools You Will Need
- Allen wrenches
- Hex key set
- Flathead screwdriver
- Adjustable wrench
- Some cloth or rags
- Distilled white vinegar (if necessary)
- Lubricant or Rust Cleaner (if required)
- A handle puller set (if needed)
Step-by-Step Guide
Removing a Shower Handle With Hidden Screws
- Begin by turning off your water supply. This may be done through a bathroom water cut-off or by turning off the water supply to your entire home.
- Remove the faceplate. You can accomplish this by using a cloth and twisting it off or if your faceplate has a bolt, use an adjustable wrench to remove it. Apply a lubricant like WD-40 if necessary.
- Inspect the inside of your handle. Use distilled white vinegar to clean any parts if necessary. You should find the manufacturer of your shower handle inside the faceplate or on the handle itself.
- Consult the manufacturer if you run into any issues.
- Find the hidden screws that are attached to your shower handle.
- Lever handles often require hex keys or Allen wrenches to remove.
- Use an Allen wrench, hex key, or screwdriver to remove your handles bolts or screws.
- Take care after removing these bolts or screws. They are good to hang onto and are very small and easy to lose.
- Pay close attention to how the handle was assembled if you need to reinstall it.
- With the screws or bolts removed, you should be able to pull your handle out by hand.
- If you have a double faucet handle, repeat this process for your other handle.
Removing a Shower Handle With No Screws At All
- Start by turning off your water supply, preferably through your bathroom’s water cut-off valve. Otherwise, you’ll have to shut off the water supply for your entire home.
- Remove your handles faceplate. Use a cloth or rag to twist off your faceplate by hand gently. If you have trouble removing your faceplate, use a lubricant or rust cleaner.
- Once your faceplate is removed and you have determined there are no screws, find your shower handle’s manufacturer, which is often stamped inside the faceplate.
- Consult the manufacturer to see if there is a guide that contains and specifics to removing your handle.
- Tug on your handle to see if it detaches from your shower. Be careful not the damage your handle or shower. If your handle does not detach, follow the steps below.
- Some screwless handles can be twisted off by hand. Twist the handle in the opposite direction from which the handle turns on.
- Other screwless handles need a special tool known as a handle puller set to be removed. Again, consulting the manufacturer can help you determine whether or not you need this special tool.
- Once your handle is removed, distilled white vinegar or rust cleaner should be applied before your handle is replaced or reinstalled.
- Repeat this process on your other handle if you have a double faucet.
