ARG! My @%&! shower is leaking

[Magic Mom]

Of course this couldn't have happened before DH went overseas. DD went to take a shower this evening and said the knob was broken, I went in and tried to turn it, but when I did, it stuck a little and then turned all the way, and only a small stream of water came out. But when I tried to turn it off, it wouldn't stop. Its too late to call a plumber, and DD is asleep, so I can't got to Lowes ( are they even still open?).
I am afraid that it will break all the way and water will start pouring out. I'm hoping that if we leave it alone, it will be fine until tomorrow after work. I wonder if it's something I can change out, or should I call a plumber. I know I would have to buy a tool to turn off the water main, because there isn't a water valve access at the shower.

 

[RNMOM]

Is it cold or hot water that is running from it? Where is your hot water tank? We have 'runs' that come from the tank and can be shut off independently. We are on a slab and our cold water runs along the same areas so it is pretty simple for us.

Is this an upstairs shower? What about calling over a neighbor's husband? Really, I'm sure any guy would be happy to make sure you won't flood out your ceilings tonight. As for tools, I have a robogrip that works on so many things I just love. Even a pair of plyers can tighten things a little.

My shower handle becomes loose over time. I have had different ones on there because they are always plastic and wear out. I have older sons who are hard on things. I have to remove the center design button that tells me who makes the handle. Usually this will pop off with a thin screwdriver kinda like a paint can lid. Under there is a screw that keeps the handle in place. If it gets too loose it won't grip onto the nut, I believe it is, that opens and closes the water. I tighten this screw up and put the decal back on periodically. I know whenever there is much 'play' in the handle it is time to do this again. I keep all my handles tightened up and we don't have problems with them. If it requires more than that I call a plumber. DH is an ELECTRICAL engineer. Don't expect plumbing from him.

 

[lovesmurfs]

Coming from someone whose husband was overseas when she tried to fix something plumbing-related, just have someone do it for you. Your time and stress are worth more than trying to fix whatever it turns out to be.

Hang in there -- when everything's over and he's home safely, you'll realize how fast the time went, even though it's crawling now.

Could you contact militaryonesource to see if they can make a referral for you?

 

[JR6ooo4]

at least the water leak is in the tub. But keep an eye out for leaks in the wall. Do you know where the water shut-off is for the whole house?

Usually there is a cartridge in the faucet that controls the water. It might be able to be replaced with one screw. and that might fix it.

But you have to shut off the water for the house, or just that area if possible. then drain the pipes some. then remove the cartridge and take it to the local hardware and they should be able to match up the right replacement part.

With luck it could be a very cheap repair.

Mikeeee