You may find the panel that houses your water valve in the room next to your bathroom. It may even be in a closet.

Your handle could have more than 1 screw, so make sure you remove all of them. If your handle won’t come off, try heating it with a hair dryer. Set the heat to high, then blow the hot air onto your handle for 1 minute. Drape a towel over the handle to protect your hand from the heat. Then, try to pull off the handle. [4] X Research source

The faceplate may stick to the tile or shower wall. If this happens, gently wiggle it until it comes free.

This sleeve is called an escutcheon. If you look for one at the hardware store, this is what you’ll need to ask for.

The locking clip should be visible on the top of the valve. They aren’t present on all valves, so don’t worry if you don’t see one. You may need to use a screwdriver or awl to pry up the clip. [8] X Research source

A deep well socket wrench is a wrench that has a long metal tube fitted onto the end so you can remove nuts or screws that are embedded inside a hole. If you don’t have a deep well socket wrench, you can pick one up at your local hardware store or online. Most deep well socket wrenches come with a range of sockets in different sizes so you can find the 1 that fits your nut. You can also find tools that are called “cartridge pullers. ” These will also remove your cartridge. However, make sure you get the cartridge puller made for your brand of faucet. [10] X Research source The cartridge is the part of the valve that controls the flow and temperature of the water.

The cartridge may come out in the deep well socket wrench. However, it’s normal for it to remain in the valve after you pull out the wrench. That’s okay because you can remove it by hand.

If you don’t have your replacement cartridge yet, take the old cartridge to your local hardware store to find a match. For an easy option, show it to an experienced store associate and let them find the match for you. [13] X Research source

If your valve had a locking clip, don’t forget to put it back on before you replace the valve sleeve.

If your shower is still leaking, you’ll need to call a professional plumber to fix it.

If you’re having trouble finding your shower valve, look in the room next to your shower. You may find the panel there.

It’s possible that both sides are leaking. If this is the case, you can replace the washer on the second side if the leak doesn’t go away after you replace the first washer.

This is also called an escutcheon.

A deep well socket wrench is a wrench with a long metal tube on the end. It allows you to reach nuts that are embedded inside a structure. You can find a deep well socket wrench at a local hardware store or online. They’re often sold in sets so you can choose the right size socket for your needs. To make sure it’s the right size, turn the wrench counter-clockwise to make sure it’s gripping the nut.

Your nut should stick in the wrench when you pull it out.

Make sure your replacement rubber washer is the same size as the 1 that’s already there. This will ensure a proper fit. It’s a good idea to buy a kit that has a variety of washer sizes in it, since you won’t know exactly what size you need until you take apart the faucet. [25] X Expert Source David BalkanProfessional Plumber & CEO of Balkan Sewer & Water Main Expert Interview. 23 February 2021. Coat the new washer in heat-proof faucet grease to improve the seal.

If the leak isn’t fixed, try replacing the washer on the other side. If this doesn’t work, you’ll need to call in a professional plumber.