Tub and Shower Ball Faucet Repair and Installation

Tub and Shower Ball Faucets

A ball faucet has a metal or plastic ball with grooves that control flow. Small springs press rubber seats against the ball. Replacing the seats and springs usually will stop a leak. However, the ball may also need to be replaced.

Tightening the adjusting ring with pliers or a special tool may stop a leak. If water flow is slow or erratic, remove the seats and springs and flush out any debris.

Checklist

Time
An hour or two for most repairs

Tools
Screwdrivers, adjustable wrench, groove-joint pliers

Skills
Shutting off water, dismantling a faucet, installing small parts

Prep
Shut off the water, close the tub stopper, and place a rag in the tub to catch any parts

Materials
O-rings, seats, other rubber parts, silicone grease, cylinder if needed

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Step 1

Shut off the water and turn the faucet on until water stops flowing. Remove the handle and escutcheon. Pry off any retaining clips, unscrew the retaining ring, and pull out the cylinder.

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Step 2

Take the cylinder with you to buy replacement parts. Most O-rings can be removed easily with your fingers. Replace all rubber parts. With a rag under the faucet body, slowly turn on the shutoff to flush out debris.

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Step 3

Apply silicone grease to the rubber parts. Reinsert the cylinder, reattach the retaining clip (if there is one), and screw on the adjusting ring. Tighten the ring if the faucet leaks.

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