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Common Bathtubs & Showers Problems

Common bathtubs & showers problems and how to diagnose and fix them.

All Bathtubs & Showers Problems 4

Low Shower Water Pressure

medium DIY

Weak shower flow? Could be a clogged head, partially closed valve, worn cartridge, low house pressure, or an aggressive flow restrictor. Fix depends on whether the problem is shower-only or whole-house.

easy 15 - 45 minutes $0 - $20 DIY; $100 - $250 with a plumber
Tools: White vinegar (for soaking and descaling the shower head) Adjustable wrench (for removing the shower head) Toothpick, safety pin, or needle (for clearing nozzle openings) Needle-nose pliers (for removing the flow restrictor) Screwdriver and Allen wrench (for removing the shower handle and trim) Replacement shower cartridge (brand-specific) Water pressure gauge ($10-15, for testing whole-house pressure)

Leaking Shower Door

medium DIY

Water escaping around, under, or between shower door panels -- worn seals, misaligned doors, bad caulk, or spray hitting the gaps directly. Most fixes take under an hour and cost less than $30.

easy 30 minutes - 1 hour $10 - $30 for replacement seals; $50 - $150 if new caulk and hardware needed
Tools: Replacement bottom door sweep (matched to glass thickness) Replacement side seal strips or magnetic strips 100% silicone caulk (mold-resistant, clear or white) Caulk gun Razor blade or oscillating tool (for old caulk removal) Rubbing alcohol (for cleaning surfaces before caulking and seal installation) Screwdriver (for hinge and roller adjustment) Painter's tape (for clean caulk lines)

Bathtub Won't Drain

medium DIY

Tub draining slow or holding standing water? Almost always a hair clog in the stopper, crossbar, or P-trap. Soap scum and conditioner cement it into a dense mat. Clearable in under 30 minutes.

easy 15 - 45 minutes $0 - $15 DIY; $100 - $250 with a plumber
Tools: Needle-nose pliers (for pulling hair from the drain) Plastic zip-it drain cleaning tool (barbed strip) Drain snake or drum auger (15-25 foot, for deeper clogs) Screwdriver (for removing overflow plate and stopper) Cup plunger (flat bottom, not flange style) Baking soda and white vinegar Flashlight Bucket and towels (for P-trap access)

Shower Temperature Fluctuations

medium

Scalding hot or ice cold without touching the handle? Failing pressure-balancing cartridge, competing water demand, or a heater issue. Replacing the cartridge is the most common fix.

moderate 30 minutes - 2 hours $15 - $50 DIY; $150 - $350 with a plumber
Tools: Allen wrench set (for shower handle removal) Replacement pressure-balancing cartridge (brand-specific) Cartridge puller (brand-specific, for stubborn cartridges) Adjustable wrench or pliers Plumber's grease (for O-rings on the new cartridge) Thermometer (for testing water temperature and setting the limit stop) Screwdriver (flat and Phillips, for trim plate and retaining clip)