How to Turn Off Water to Shower | 10 DIY Steps with Images

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Turning off the water to shower is a simple task that can complete quickly and easily with the right tools.

Unfortunately, it is a step that many people need to pay more attention to when it comes to household maintenance.

The consequences of neglecting to turn the water off can be costly and time-consuming, making it an essential step in keeping your shower functioning efficiently.

The Home Affluence team will provide a comprehensive guide on turning off the water to your shower and some valuable tips to help you minimize the risk of a plumbing emergency.

Whether you’re a professional plumber or a DIY enthusiast, we’ve covered you with all the instructions to get the job done right.

  • Find and shut off the water supply valve.
  • Drain the water out of the shower and tub
  • Create an area to work
  • Disconnect the drain hose from the waste pipe
  • Separate the shower head pipe and faucet assembly
  • Detach the hot and cold-water supply hoses from the faucet assembly
  • Cut through drain flange sealant with a hacksaw or rotary tool. (Determine if you will use silicone or epoxy)
  • Mix epoxy or silicone for installation of the new drain flange. Once mixed, you only have about 15 minutes to install it.
  • Install the new flange, washer, and drainpipe; Epoxy vs Silicone again! It’s your choice. Your plumber may have his/her own preference. (Epoxy is easier to work with.)
  • Reconnect everything, turn on the water supply, test for leaks, and enjoy your nicely refreshed shower!

How to Turn Off Water to Shower

Read on to learn how to turn the water off in your shower!

Step 1: Find and shut off the water supply valve.

The first step in turning off the water in your shower is to locate and shut off the water supply valve. 

Find and shut off the water supply valve

This valve is typically located beneath the sink or the shower and is usually a lever or knob you can turn to the right to shut off the water.

You may need to consult your owner’s manual or contact a plumber if you are still looking for it. Once you have located the valve, turn it to the right to shut off the water.

Step 2: Drain the water out of the shower and tub.

After turning off the water supply to your shower, the next step is to drain the water out of the shower and tub.

To do this, locate the drain at the bottom of the tub and find the stopper or plug.

Drain the water out of the shower and tub

Pull the cork out or push the plug down and allow any remaining water to drain out.

If there is a lot of water in the tub, you may need to use a bucket or cup to scoop it out. 

Once all water has drained out of the shower and tub, you can proceed to the next step.

Step 3: Create an area to work.

Before shutting off the water, you should make a workspace for yourself. It does help you keep track of the tools and parts you need and keep the area clean and organized. 

Create an area to work

Gather all the materials you need, such as a wrench or adjustable pliers, towels, a bucket, and a flashlight, and put them in the designated workspace.

It’s also essential to wear protective gear, such as safety glasses, gloves, and a dust mask, to prevent any injuries or the inhalation of dust.

Step 4: Disconnect the drain hose from the waste pipe.

Once you have the screw removed, you can safely disconnect the drain hose from the waste pipe.

Ensure you have a bucket or similar container to collect the water from the hose.

Disconnect the drain hose from the waste pipe

Hold on to the hose, gently twist it, and pull it away from the waste pipe. 

Ensure you have a firm grip on the hose to avoid splashing. Once the hose is disconnected, please place it in the bucket or container.

Step 5: Separate the shower head pipe and faucet assembly.

Step 5 is where you will separate the shower head pipe and faucet assembly. Start by unscrewing the nut that holds the two pieces together.

Separate the shower head pipe and faucet assembly

Once unscrewed, use a pair of pliers to pull the two pieces apart gently.

Keep a steady and firm grip on the pliers while separating the two so the pipe is not damaged. Once the two pieces have separated, you can turn off the water to the shower.

Step 6: Detach the hot and cold-water supply hoses from the faucet assembly.

The sixth step in turning off the water to your shower is to detach the hot and cold-water supply hoses from the faucet assembly.

Use a wrench to loosen the connections for the hot and cold-water supply hoses.

Detach the hot and cold-water supply hoses from the faucet assembly.

It is vital to be gentler when loosening the connections for the hot water supply hose as it is more fragile than the cold one.

Once the hoses are disconnected, you can safely turn off the water to your shower.

Step 7: Cut through drain flange sealant with a hacksaw or rotary tool. (Determine if you will use silicone or epoxy).

Once exposed to the drain flange, you must cut through the sealant that holds it in place. You can do this with a hacksaw or rotary tool. 

Cut through drain flange sealant with a hacksaw or rotary tool. (Determine if you will use silicone or epoxy)

Before proceeding, you need to determine which type of sealant you will use—silicone or epoxy—as this will affect how you cut it.

Start by cutting away any parts of the sealant that are easy to access, then work around the entire flange until it is completely cut through.

Step 8: Mix epoxy or silicone to install the new drain flange. Once mixed, you only have about 15 minutes to install it.

Make sure to mix the right amount, as more or less will not provide a secure seal.

Mix epoxy or silicone to install the new drain flange. Once mixed, you only have about 15 minutes to install it

Once mixed, you only have about 15 minutes to install it before the epoxy or silicone begins to set and harden. Apply the epoxy or silicone evenly around the drain flange’s edges and press down firmly to ensure a secure seal.

Allow the epoxy or silicone to dry completely before turning the water back on.

Step 9: Install the new flange, washer, and drainpipe; Epoxy vs. Silicone again! It’s your choice. Your plumber may have his/her preference. (Epoxy is easier to work with.

Installing a new flange, washer, and drainpipe is the final step in the plumbing process. 

When choosing an adhesive for them, epoxy is generally considered more manageable than silicone.

Install the new flange, washer, and drainpipe; Epoxy vs. Silicone again! It's your choice. Your plumber may have his/her preference. (Epoxy is easier to work with.

It can also be applied more quickly, making it a more cost-effective choice. However, silicone may be the better option if longevity is a top priority. Ultimately, the choice of epoxy versus silicone is up to the homeowner and their plumber.

The plumber may have their preference and will be able to provide advice on which adhesive does best suited for the job.

Step 10: Reconnect everything, turn on the water supply, test for leaks, and enjoy your nicely refreshed shower!

Reconnect everything, turn on the water supply, test for leaks, and enjoy your nicely refreshed shower!

The final step in the process of refreshing your shower is to reconnect everything, turn on the water supply, and test for leaks:

  • Ensure all shower components, including the tub, showerhead, and valve, are securely connected.
  • Turn on the water supply and wait for the water to reach the desired temperature.
  • Check for any leaks by inspecting the wall and floor around the shower.

If any leaks are present, make the necessary repairs. Once these steps do complete, you can enjoy your nicely refreshed shower!

Expert Opinion

In conclusion, turning off the water in your shower is relatively simple.

Once you have located the water shutoff valves, you can quickly close them and turn them back on when you’re ready to use your shower again. 

Doing this can help save water and help prevent flooding in the event of a plumbing issue. So next time you’re about to jump in the shower, make sure you give your water shutoff valves a quick check.

Doing so can help prevent flooding, water damage, and other costly repairs.

Knowing where the shutoff valve is and how to use it can save you time and money. It does recommend checking the valve regularly to ensure it is working correctly.

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