How to Fix a Leaky Shower Faucet Double Handle (6 Steps)

It’s late at night, and you hear that annoying drip… drip… drip from your bathroom. I’ve been there. My double handle shower faucet started leaking, and I thought I needed a plumber. But after learning how to fix it myself, I saved money and felt proud. In this article, I’ll show you exactly how to fix a leaky shower faucet double handle in the easiest way possible.

Turn Off the Water Supply and Prepare the Work Area

Before touching the faucet, you must first stop the water flow. This is like switching off the power before changing a light bulb—it keeps you safe and prevents a watery mess.

For most bathrooms, the shut-off valves are located behind an access panel, near the shower, or in the basement. Turn them clockwise until they are tight. If you cannot find individual shut-off valves, you might need to turn off the main water supply for your home.

Once the water is off, open the shower handles to release any water pressure left inside the pipes. This will make sure no water sprays when you take things apart. Next, plug the drain with a cloth or stopper so small screws or parts don’t fall in. I once lost a tiny screw down the drain and spent more time fishing it out than fixing the leak!

You should also prepare your tools. For this repair, you will need:

• Adjustable wrench
• Screwdriver (Phillips and flat-head)
• Plumber’s grease
• Replacement washers or cartridges (depending on your faucet type)
• Towel and bucket

Now, wipe the area around the faucet to remove soap residue or dirt. A clean work area helps you see what you’re doing and makes reassembly smoother. Keep all tools within arm’s reach, so you’re not running around mid-repair.

• Turn off water supply completely
• Open shower handles to release pressure
• Plug the drain to avoid losing parts
• Gather all necessary tools
• Clean the faucet area

Remove the Faucet Handles

The double handle faucet has two separate knobs—one for hot water and one for cold. Each needs to be removed carefully. First, look at the center of each handle; you might see a decorative cap. Gently pry it off with a flat-head screwdriver. Underneath, you’ll find a screw that holds the handle in place. Use the right screwdriver to remove it.

If your handles have been in place for years, they might be stuck due to mineral deposits or corrosion. If this happens, gently wiggle the handle while pulling it toward you. Avoid using too much force, as it could crack the handle. For stubborn cases, you can use a handle puller, a tool made for this exact situation.

Once the screws are out, slide the handles off and set them aside. Keep the screws with the handles so you don’t mix them up later. You will now see the stem or cartridge beneath each handle—these are what control the water flow and temperature.

Removing the handles not only gives you access to the parts that need replacing but also allows you to inspect for damage. Sometimes the leak comes from worn-out washers, but other times, the stem itself might be the culprit.

• Pry off decorative caps
• Unscrew handle screws carefully
• Pull handles straight off without forcing
• Use a handle puller for stubborn handles
• Keep screws and handles together

Inspect and Remove the Stems or Cartridges

With the handles off, you will now see the stems (for compression faucets) or cartridges (for cartridge-type faucets). These are the main working parts that open and close to control water flow.

Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the packing nut that holds the stem or cartridge in place. Turn it counterclockwise until you can pull the stem or cartridge straight out. Be careful—sometimes these parts are slippery, so have a towel handy for grip.

Inspect the removed part closely. Look for worn or cracked washers, mineral buildup, or damaged threads. If the washers are flat, torn, or hardened, they need replacing. If the cartridge is corroded or cracked, replace it with a matching new one from your local hardware store. Take the old part with you when buying replacements to ensure a perfect match.

Cleaning is also important. Use vinegar and a small brush to remove mineral deposits from the faucet housing. This will help the new parts fit snugly and prevent future leaks.

• Loosen packing nut with adjustable wrench
• Pull stem or cartridge straight out
• Inspect for damage or wear
• Replace worn washers or cartridges
• Clean faucet housing before reassembly

Replace Washers or Cartridges with New Ones

Now that you know which part is worn out, it’s time to replace it. If you have a compression faucet, you’ll find a rubber washer at the end of the stem. Remove the screw holding it, replace it with a new washer, and screw it back securely. Use plumber’s grease to coat the washer and threads lightly. This makes movement smoother and prevents early wear.

For cartridge faucets, simply insert the new cartridge exactly as the old one came out. Some cartridges have a specific alignment notch—make sure it matches the slot in the faucet body. Push it in firmly but without forcing. Then, tighten the packing nut by turning it clockwise with your wrench.

Always double-check your work. Loose parts will lead to another leak, and over-tightening can damage threads or crack parts.

• Replace worn washer for compression type
• Insert matching cartridge for cartridge type
• Align parts correctly before tightening
• Use plumber’s grease for smooth operation
• Avoid over-tightening

Reattach Handles and Decorative Caps

With the new washers or cartridges in place, it’s time to put everything back together. Slide the handles back onto the stems or cartridges, making sure they are aligned correctly for hot and cold positions. Insert the screws and tighten them securely, but don’t strip the threads.

If your handles had decorative caps, snap them back into place. Wipe the handles and surrounding area with a damp cloth to remove fingerprints, grease, or debris. This is also a good time to polish the handles so they look fresh and clean.

Take a moment to make sure the handles turn smoothly. If they feel stiff, loosen the screws slightly or check if the stem alignment is correct.

• Slide handles back onto stems/cartridges
• Tighten screws without stripping threads
• Replace decorative caps
• Wipe and polish handles
• Check smooth handle movement

Turn the Water Back On and Test for Leaks

You’re almost done. Slowly turn the water supply back on to avoid sudden pressure that could damage your work. Then, turn the hot and cold handles to see if the leak has stopped. Let the water run for a minute to flush out any air or debris.

Check carefully around the handles and faucet spout. If you see no dripping, congratulations—you have fixed your leaky shower faucet! If a small leak remains, double-check that all parts are seated correctly and all screws and nuts are tightened properly.

Finally, clean up your tools, put everything back in its place, and enjoy your newly repaired shower without the annoying drip.

• Turn water supply back on slowly
• Test both hot and cold handles
• Check for leaks around handles and spout
• Re-tighten parts if needed
• Clean up tools and area

Final Thoughts

Fixing a leaky shower faucet double handle may seem intimidating, but with patience and the right steps, it’s something almost anyone can do. Not only will you save money on plumber fees, but you’ll also feel the satisfaction of solving a household problem yourself. That drip-drip sound will be gone, replaced by the quiet peace of a job well done.

Action	What to Do	Tools Needed
Shut off water	Turn valves clockwise	None
Remove handles	Pry caps, unscrew	Screwdriver
Remove stem/cartridge	Loosen packing nut	Adjustable wrench
Replace parts	Install new washer/cartridge	New parts, plumber’s grease
Reattach handles	Align, screw in place	Screwdriver
Test for leaks	Turn water on, check	None

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it hard to fix a leaky double handle shower faucet?

No, it’s not as hard as it seems. With basic tools and patience, most people can do it in under an hour. The key is to follow each step carefully and not rush. The hardest part might be removing old parts if they’re corroded, but using the right tools makes it easier. Once you understand the inside parts, the repair process becomes very simple.

Can I fix my shower faucet without turning off the water?

You should never try to fix a faucet without turning off the water. If you skip this step, water can spray everywhere, flooding your bathroom and damaging walls or floors. Turning off the water is quick and ensures your repair is safe and controlled. Always open the handles after shutting off the water to release any remaining pressure before starting the repair.

Do I need special tools to replace a faucet washer?

No special tools are needed. Most repairs can be done with an adjustable wrench, screwdrivers, and plumber’s grease. However, a handle puller can be helpful if the handles are stuck. You don’t need expensive plumbing equipment—just the basic tools you might already have at home. The most important thing is using the correct size wrench and screwdriver for your specific faucet.

Is it better to replace washers or the whole faucet?

If only the washer or cartridge is damaged, replacing just that part is enough. It’s cheaper and faster. Replacing the whole faucet is only needed if it’s very old, damaged beyond repair, or you want a new style. In most cases, a small part replacement can extend the life of your faucet for years without the extra expense.

Can a leaky faucet increase my water bill?

Yes, even a slow drip can waste gallons of water every day. Over a month, this can add up to a surprising amount of water usage and a higher bill. Fixing a leak quickly is not just about avoiding noise—it’s also about saving money and conserving water. You’ll notice the difference in your next water bill after the repair.

Do I need to call a plumber for this repair?

Most double handle shower faucet leaks can be fixed without a plumber. If you follow the correct process, you can do it yourself. However, if the faucet is extremely corroded or the leak is coming from behind the wall, you might need a professional. But for a basic washer or cartridge replacement, DIY is usually enough.

Is it normal for water to drip for a few minutes after repair?

Yes, sometimes after turning the water back on, leftover water in the spout will drip for a few minutes. This is just the water that was sitting in the pipes draining out. If the dripping continues for hours or overnight, it may mean something is still loose or the washer is not sealing properly, so check your work again.

Can I use any washer or cartridge for my faucet?

No, it’s important to match the exact size and type of washer or cartridge to your faucet model. Using the wrong one can cause leaks to continue or make the handles hard to turn. Always take the old part to the store and match it, or check your faucet brand’s website for the correct replacement part number.