Are you looking to remove your shower handle which does not have any visible screws? It can be a bit tricky, but it’s definitely doable!
When you see a shower handle, apparently it seems that it doesn’t have any screws. However, in most knob-type shower handles, the screws are hidden underneath a cap. To remove these shower handles, first, you pull off that cap and then remove the screws. Similarly, the lever-based handles have a clip or key, hidden underneath their caps/buttons. To remove these handles, you get rid of these clips with an Allen wrench and then pull off the handle.
Further, in this guide, I will talk about the different types of shower handles that come without screws. Then, I will walk you through the steps necessary to remove your shower handle quickly and easily.
Different Types of Shower Handles
A shower handle is merely a water valve. It controls the flow of water through a cartridge under the knob. In most types of handles, turning this knob anti-clockwise opens the valve and the water flows out. However, turning that knob clockwise turns it off.
You will normally find three types of shower handles namely knob type, cross handles, or lever handles.
Knob Handles
Knob handles are traditional ones, with an appearance just like a door knob. They mostly come in circular shapes. However, you may also see some of them in other stylish designs as well.
This type of handle opens and shuts through the movement of the knob. Turning them anti-clockwise opens the faucet while turning them clockwise closes it.
Being common and traditional, they are low-priced compared to other shower handles.
Cross Handles
Cross Handles as the name suggests are shaped just like a cross. They work exactly as the knob handles. The only difference is a cross-shaped handle instead of a circular knob.
Also, in comparison to the knob-type handles, I think that these handles give your bathroom a modern look.
The cross may be an excellent option if you have trouble opening or closing your shower because your hands keep slipping off the knob.
Lever Handles
Lever handles work on the principle of a lever. The handle is made up of two parallel bars that are connected at a pivot point. Pulling off that lever allows the water to flow out. Then, pushing the lever back, the water supply cuts off.
Lever handles are available in a number of styles. According to the style of your bathroom, you may pick from a wide range of textures, patterns, and colors available in the market.
Now, let’s talk about situations when you need to remove the shower handle.
When Do You Need to Replace a Shower Handle?
You will need to replace a shower handle when the handle is loose, damaged, broken, or when leaks.
Before we move on to the step of removing the shower handle, make sure to pick up these things.
- Allen wrench
- Screwdriver
- Piece of cloth
How to Replace a Capped Shower Handle Without Screws?
The first method is for removing shower handles that involve a cap on them like knob handles or cross handles. Apparently, it seems the handle doesn’t have any screws. However, when you remove the cap, the screws are underneath it.
So, let’s go through the step-wise guide to removing capped shower handles.
Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply
This step won’t be necessary if you just change the outer handle or cap of the shower. However, if your shower is leaking and you intend to change its cartridge as well, it is in your best interest to turn off the main water supply to the bathroom.
Step 2: Look for the Cap
The handle of the shower mostly bears a cap, it is usually hard to identify. You will find likely it under the marking of the brand in the center. While finding keep in mind that it has a noticeable edge.
Step 3: Pop Off the Cap
You will need a flathead screwdriver, to pop off the cap from the shower handle. Be nice and gentle so that you don’t damage the handle or cartridge.
Step 4: Take Out the Screw
Next, you have to remove the screw from the handle. For that, you will need an Allen wrench. Place it on the top of the screw, and turn the wrench’s handle to loosen the screw.
Step 5: Pull Out the handle
Once the screws are gone, nothing is holding the handle in place. You can pull it off. However, that is not simple as it seems. Take pliers to pull it off, or you can cover the handle with a washcloth and then try to pry it off.
Optional Step
Some handles don’t have caps on them, you may need to twist them to pull them off. For a good grip, I suggest you take a clean washcloth. Place it on the top of the knob handle, and twist the knob in the direction opposite to the ON position. Then, gently try to pull it off.
How to Replace Lever Shower Handle Without Screws?
Lever handles behave and work differently than capped shower handles. So, the process to remove their handle is a bit different. Like the previous case, it won’t have any visible screws.
To replace the lever kind shower handle, follow the simple steps mentioned below:
Step 1: Locate and Remove the Hot & Cold Button
The lever-based shower handles have a popped-out cold/hot button. Find it out. It is usually on the sides.
Pull out that button with the help of a flathead screwdriver.
Step 2: Pull off Allen Key
Unlike the knob handles, the lever handles have an Allen key underneath the popped button. Using the Allen wrench remove it.
Step 3: Disengage the Handle
Once the key is out, the handle is loose and can easily be pulled out.
Final Words
That’s all you need to know about replacing shower handles without screws. I hope this guide will be helpful the next time you need to replace a shower handle. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment below.
Amos Christen graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from Drexel University — Philadelphia, PA. Since 2003, Amos has worked with top interior design professionals in this area, including architects and interior/graphic/lighting designers. As a skilled interior designer, Amos Christen is highly versed in fine arts and crafts and uses that to supplement his main area of expertise. He often publishes articles related to home décor on several websites, including Sprucetoilets.com, Sprucebathroom.com, and Mybesuitedhome.com. He also contributes to leading interior design magazines.