Good Question: How to Replace Shower Fixtures?

I bought my first apartment this month and am facing my first repair. I'm wondering if you handy DIY-ers have some advice for me about how to fix my shower without calling a plumber. The round shower knob that turns the water on and off is broken and I can't turn the water on without a wrench and it takes forever to figure out how many turns of the wrench it takes to get the temperature right. I don't want to pay a plumber $150 for what's probably a five minute job, but I also have zero plumbing skills. Also, any chance there's a better-looking replacement that isn't costly? Thanks! JP Lee

(Include a pic of your query and your question gets posted first! Email questions and pics with QUESTIONS in subject line to: boston (at) apartmenttherapy (dot) com)

Comments (8)

Pop the Hot / cold button off with a screwdriver. You should see a screw under it, unscrew it and screw on the new one. Pop the hot/cold buttom back on.

posted by nothinlikeadame on June 5th 2009 at 9:27am
view nothinlikeadame's profile

1 Remove the small plastic cover in the center of your knob. You can you a small screwdriver to open this. This will expose a screw.

2. Remove screw. The knob should come off.

3. Replace old fixture with new parts.

posted by Comicgeek on June 5th 2009 at 9:29am
view Comicgeek's profile

YOU CAN DO IT:)

posted by luvdecor on June 5th 2009 at 9:45am
view luvdecor's profile

For future basic home repairs (as I'm sure you've already finished this one right?!), remember if you google the problem you will find many how-tos online, including very good videos. This Old House has done a great job of breaking down their segments this way.

posted by home body on June 5th 2009 at 10:25am
view home body's profile

make sure you turn off the water main that goes to the bathroom before tackling any repair!

posted by ilonastella on June 5th 2009 at 11:43am
view ilonastella's profile

holmes on homes

posted by iroh on June 5th 2009 at 7:18pm
view iroh's profile

There are plenty of DIY sites that will give you each easy to follow step. Chances are...you will even be able to find a DIY video on any assortment of sites including YouTube.

posted by baileyb on June 5th 2009 at 7:36pm
view baileyb's profile

You would be paying the plumber $300 for that, I imagine, not $150! If you have a plumber who will come to your place in Boston for $150 I hope you will post his/her name.

posted by Charlotte on June 5th 2009 at 9:19pm
view Charlotte's profile