How to Remove a Shower Handle with No Visible Screws (Step-by-Step Guide)

Got a headache getting the shower handle off your bathroom and you can’t spot screws anywhere? Do not worry, it is a common problem. Many contemporary shower fittings come with concealed screws or set screws that are hidden from sight. The neat and minimalist style looks great, but complicates basic procedures like removing the shower handle.

This comprehensive guide will help you through on how to remove shower handle no visible screws step by step. Whether you want to change a faulty handle, upgrade to the new fashion or have access to the shower valve for repair this article has everything about it. Let us begin!

Is It Possible to Remove Shower Handle No Visible Screws?

Certainly! It’s possible to remove the shower handle without using visible screws. In this case, there is a set screw holding the handle in place underneath a small red/blue plastic piece. The build-up of minerals can make accessing the set screw difficult. But it can be cleaned out using dental picks, flat jewelers’ screwdrivers amongst other tools. Triangle shower benches are also useful for this task. With the removal of these screws, then pull out this grip.

Why Are There No Visible Screws on My Shower Handle?

Image source.

Shower handles have changed significantly in design over time. Gone are days when people had ugly protruding screws in their bathrooms that were an eyesore. To date, manufacturers have adopted sleeker and less-is-more approaches. It often conceal such fixings for better aesthetics.

There are several reasons why your shower handle might be missing any apparent fasteners:

Hidden Set Screws: These have little set screws on them that are beneath caps or cover plates on certain types of handles for aesthetic purposes. They’re used to fasten lever-style plumbing taps onto their stems.

Snapping Designs: Some handles just fit together with valve stems having no attaching individual parts at all. They depend on friction or locks so as to keep them in position.

Trim Plate Covers: In other cases, however, the shower handle is part of a larger trim plate or escutcheon that covers up the entire valve assembly. This trim plate may be hiding the screws that attach the handle.

Irrespective of such designs, it may be quite difficult to remove the shower handle without apparent securing elements. However, do not worry because there are procedures you can use to avoid breaking your fixtures.

Tools You’ll Need to Remove Shower Handle No Visible Screws

Before we proceed with step-by-step instructions ensure you have these tools:

• Numerous sizes of Allen wrenches (hex keys)
• Flathead screwdriver
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Needle nose pliers
• Penetrating oil (e.g., WD-40)
• Flashlight
• Towels or rags

With these tools at hand removing shower handle no visible screws will become much simpler and will minimize any accidental damage to your bathroom fixtures.

Step 1: Identify the Handle Type

Image source.

First things first identify the type of shower handle you have for this will facilitate its removal process.

Look closely at both the knob and its neighborhood. Following are some examples of popular types of non-screwed shower handles:

1. Lever Handles: Lever-style design handles typically come with small hidden set screws underneath caps or cover plates.
2. Knob Handles: Knob-style handles often have a small hole or slot on the underside where a set screw is located.
3. Trim Plate Handles: If your shower handle is part of a larger trim plate or escutcheon, the screws may be hidden behind this plate.

Once you’ve identified the type of handle you’re dealing with, you can move on to the next step.

Step 2: Look for Set Screws or Cover Plates

Image source.

Set screws are commonly used when securing shower handles without visible screws. These diminutive fasteners are normally kept from view by a cap or cover plate that usually sits atop the handle.

Here’s what you need to do:

Check the shower handle carefully and look at the underneath side of it for tiny caps, covers or slots.

Use a flashlight to bring light into the area and check if there are any small set screws in place or places where they could be positioned.

If there is a cap or cover, attempt lightly prying it off using either needle-nose pliers or flat-head screwdriver. However do not mar its finish.

When cap removed, one should see a set screw which can easily be removed using an Allen wrench (hex key) of appropriate size.

Proceed to the next step if no set screws or cover plates are apparent.

Step 3: Check for a Snap-On Design

Image source.

A few shower handles have got snap-on designs that don’t call for any form of screwing. Such kind of handles just snaps on to valve stem after which they remain firm due to frictional forces as well as lock mechanism systems used with them..

Steps to remove snap-on shower handle include:

Holding onto it firmly, pull straight back away from valve stem. It may take some effort but make sure not rotate nor leverage in order save valve stem parts from breakage.

If there’s resistance during removal try wiggling gently back-and-forth while pulling towards yourself slightly.

Should it prove stubborn, try using a flathead screwdriver or even a thin putty knife and gingerly pry it loose. Put the tool through the handle going towards the wall or trim plate and gradually go round until it comes loose.

Remember to stop if there is too much resistance or something feels like it’s being damaged and move on to the next step.

Step 4: Remove the Trim Plate or Escutcheon

Image source.

If everything you have tried has failed, then you are probably dealing with a bigger trim plate that covers your entire valve assembly including your shower handle.

Here’s how to remove the trim plate:

Check around the perimeter of the trim plate for screws or set screws which may be hidden by small caps.

Use an appropriate screw driver or Allen wrench in removing these screws and set screws.

Now that all screws have been taken out, pull off trim plate from shower assembly showing valve faceplate as well as mounting screws for shower handle.

Using a screwdriver or Allen wrench remove screws holding down shower handle and lift off.

When to Call a Professional

Still, although removing a shower handle without visible screws is quite feasible for most do-it-yourselfers, there are some instances where you would rather call in skilled plumbers or handy people.

Such situations include:

Stuck or Corroded Parts: Insisting on forcing stuck, corroded parts that seem unyielding can lead to expensive mess. Unyielding fixtures can be stubbornly approached by professionals who have correct equipment and experience.

Unfamiliar Valve or Handle Design: If you find yourself with an unknown complicated valve or handle design then it is advisable to let the experts deal with them.

Accessing Shower Valve for Repairs: For purposes of repairing or replacing the actual shower valve it should be dealt by professional. Working with shower valves that can leak after any wrong move requires expertise just like other plumbing appliances.

Lack of Confidence or Tools: When you do not trust your skills in handling this de-installation procedure so as not to damage anything through the process of taking off the faucet handle in bathroom, call a professional. This will assist in preventing damage arising from mistakes due to lack of knowledge on how to properly remove such fittings from bathrooms.

Conclusion

While removing a shower handle without visible screws may seem hard. It is possible and can be undertaken by most DIYers using the right method and tools. This article offers step-by-step instruction which helps one understand how their handles appear and how they go about easing out their bathroom showers even when no screws show up at first glance.

For changing a faulty handle, giving your bathroom an upgrade, building a shower tray, or reaching the lever behind your shower wall, this guide equips you with all essentials needed for successful completion of this task.

And remember if there is too much resistance or you don’t feel comfortable with any part of the process, it is better to consult a professional plumber or handyman. They have been trained and have experience. It can prevent accidents from happening during installation in order to get things right.

Featured image source.