How to Replace Shower Knobs: A Step-by-Step Guide

Not all bathroom updates have to be costly or time-consuming, and replacing shower knobs is a prime example. Whether you’re looking for something new to better match your bathroom or your old ones are starting to lose their luster, learn how to replace shower knobs in this simple guide. 

Why Should I Replace My Shower Knobs?

You can replace your shower handles for purely aesthetic reasons, but besides that, you’ll need to do so when you notice signs of damage or age. This might include cracks on the handles, stains that won’t clean off, or even mold growth.

Updating your shower handles can also be a low-cost way to bring a little bit of new sparkle to your bathroom.

How to Replace Shower Knobs

1. Turn Off the Water

The first thing you need to do to change your shower knobs is to turn off the water. You can simply turn off the water to your shower, but you can also turn off the water main.

2. Cover the Drain

Next, place a rag over the drain while you’re working. This will help you keep loose screws and parts from accidentally falling down the drain.

3. Remove the Current Shower Handles

Removing your existing shower handles might be easy or difficult, depending on if there’s mineral buildup or corrosion.

To get started, pop off any trim with a flathead screwdriver or a utility knife. Next, unscrew the screw that’s either under the plastic trim or under the handle.

Once that’s done, you can remove the shower handle by twisting the knob until it comes off. If the knob is giving you a hard time, you can apply plumber’s lubricant. If that doesn’t work, then you might need to grab a handle puller from the store. This nifty little tool helps you remove stubborn knobs.

4. Replace the Handles

The process of installing new shower knobs is essentially the same whether you have one, two, or three handles. When working with a triple knob setup, you need to keep track of which knob is which. Use tape to label the position of each handle.

Wrap the base with plumber’s tape, then position the new handle in place and screw it until it is tight. If the handle has any decorative trim or plastic knob labels, simply secure them in the correct place. If you have two or three knobs to install, repeat the process for the remaining handles.

Cost to Replace Shower Knobs

A set of shower knobs can cost as little as $8 or as much as $500 for designer handles. Most homeowners can find an attractive handle or set of knobs for less than $40. If you do the work yourself, you will only need your new knobs and a roll of plumber’s tape, which is about $1.

If you decide to hire a local shower installer to handle the job, expect to add up to $45 to $200 to the price of materials for one hour of labor.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro 

Replacing your shower handles is a great DIY project that you can take on, even as a beginner. It doesn’t take a ton of time, and it’s a fun way to improve the appearance of your shower.

However, if you’re having a hard time removing your existing handles or you simply just have too much on your to-do list, don’t worry. You can hire a faucet installer near you to help you out.

Mizuki Hisaka contributed to this article.