Shower faucet knobs turn too easily

Larry1013 · 10-14-2016, 09:29 AM

On my 2005 Sydney Outback, the shower faucet knobs turn too freely. If you bump them, you might end up scalded or frozen. The faucet is the two knob, 4" center with only an attachment for the shower hose on the exterior.

Is there any way to tighten the hot and cold valves to increase the turning resistance?

Or is the only remedy/last resort is to replace the faucet? If this is the solution, is there one faucet that is better than others with adequate turning resistance.

Nitka · 10-14-2016, 10:02 AM

I've never found a way to make the hot/cold mix well and yep, a slight bump changes it all. But then we've never replaced the faucet, so maybe this is the cure. Look forward to seeing the responses you get

Pull Toy · 10-14-2016, 01:43 PM

On some higher end faucets you may find a nut behind the Designer knob that allows you to adjust some tension to the spindles.

Place a washcloth over your drain, or by gosh, I guarantee you your small parts will disappear down the drain. LOL.

Next, carefully remove the decorative knob, and check for a hex shaped nut around the valve shaft. Try to gently add a little torque to the nut. If it's plastic, be very careful, and if possible use a deep well six point socket (without the ratchet), to hand tighten this nut a little. Try slight adjustments at first. Don't overdo it or you will accelerate the wear on the shaft and o rings or fitting.

Good luck,

Larry1013 · 10-14-2016, 02:04 PM

These knobs fit onto plastic shafts and they are encased in plastic. There are no "nuts" to tighten the packing as one does on many of the old style shutoffs or faucets knobs.

I don't mind going high end for a replacement but would need to visit a place like Camping World to check them out, unfortunately the closest one is like 75 miles away.

CaptnJohn · 10-14-2016, 06:06 PM

Hard to understand why such cheap bath faucets especially when the kitchen is of good quality.
It was easy finding a good replacement at Lowes for the sink. More clearance from faucet to sink, can actually get my hands under the water. I did find CW has a stainless steel sink to fit as well.
That is the good news. I agree with OP 1000%. Just 1 little bump and it can be burn time. Problem is the shower hose connection. I found nothing locally or online. CW has almost what I wanted and it was best found for only 1 reason. It is cheap plastic but has 2 levers instead of knobs. At least it will be easy to get the approximate correct mix of H/W by sight. Will know soon if any bumps cause great water temp changes. A metal single lever unit was preferred but could not be found.

**JRTJH** · 10-14-2016, 07:17 PM

There are a number of single lever shower faucets available. You can do a Google search for "RV SHOWER FAUCET" and get a number of hits, some of which are single lever.

Here's one: https://www.amazon.com/Dura-Faucet-D.../dp/B00HYIKEKW

Larry1013 · 10-15-2016, 09:13 AM

John, the single lever faucet would be nice but would have similar problem as two knobs with bumping it and changing the water mix. The shower in my 5'r is a corner model with the 4 "side" plus the door as a 5th side.

CaptnJohn, I have located a two knob faucet with brass body that has been marked down to $20. I am waiting til Monday to contact them on how much shipping will be. The only drawback is the finish is shiny brass but for me, that is no problem if it tarnishes.

CaptnJohn · 10-15-2016, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larry1013

John, the single lever faucet would be nice but would have similar problem as two knobs with bumping it and changing the water mix. The shower in my 5'r is a corner model with the 4 "side" plus the door as a 5th side.

CaptnJohn, I have located a two knob faucet with brass body that has been marked down to $20. I am waiting til Monday to contact them on how much shipping will be. The only drawback is the finish is shiny brass but for me, that is no problem if it tarnishes.

I'll see how the 2 lever faucet works soon as we will be leaving on a 2 week trip. If not happy my search will continue. I'm about over the price of the stainless steel sink replacement at CW ($78) and will be looking for another source or just ordering it.

**JRTJH** · 10-16-2016, 04:41 AM

Dirt33, one of our members recently posted a "shower mod" that he did to gain extra room in the shower. While I haven't done the mod yet, it does look like it would gain an extra couple of inches in a "corner shower alcove". You might want to check his mod and see if it would benefit you, since you're going to be replacing the shower faucet. http://www.keystonerv.org/forums/showthread.php?t=26160

Larry1013 · 10-17-2016, 11:32 AM

Currently doing the above mod prior to receiving the new faucet.

I did learn how to replace the seals (o-rings and washer) on the shower faucet. You can see in the photos it is fairly simple. You will need to locate 2 o-rings that will fit the shaft of each knob. The o-ring size appears to be 3/8 ID x 1/2 OD x 3/32 diameter.

First, remove one or both knobs. Then pop off the plastic cover. Then you can take wrench or pliers to remove the insert by unscrewing it. Once insert is removed, you can then screw out the stem. You can see the o-ring and flat washer on the stem. Reverse stems to install.

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