Shower Knob Turns But No Water

Many people experience the situation where they enter the shower area and turn the faucet on to the shower, but no water is coming out of the showerhead. It seems annoying and can damage the other parts of the plumbing fixture if you forcefully turn the knob for water.

A shower knob turns but no water from the showerhead or faucet due to damaged shower stems, clogging in the showerhead, loose knob connections, damaged shower valve, worn-out shower diverter, and blockage inside the water pipes or leakage.

It is better to fix the problem in the knob as soon as possible so that you can shower without worrying about water running issues. The shower knobs are designed with different functionalities, such as diverters, handles, or valves, to run the water into the showerhead. The problem with these fixture components can cause low or no water flow.

Problems Solutions
Damaged shower stem Replace the shower stem
Clogging in the showerhead Use vinegar and baking soda or CLR
Loose knob connections Tighten the connections using a screwdriver
Damaged shower valve or handle Repair the damaged valve using epoxy glue
Worn-out shower diverter Select a new shower diverter for better flow
Blockage inside the supply pipes Hire a professional to clean the supply pipes
Pipes leakage Apply  a sealant or tape to prevent the leakage
Damaged anode rod Replace the corroded anode rode with a new one
Old cartridge Install new cartridge and check water flow

Damaged shower stems

The shower stem is part of a shower assembly that controls the hot and cold water in two-handle faucets and is available in different designs and features.

The damaged or stripped stem can cause the knob to become loose, and no water comes out of the spout when you turn the handle or knob.

The wear and tear and excessive use of the shower knob lead to the stripped stem and problems running water through the showerhead.

You can fix the damaged or worn-out stem by turning the main supply line off and unscrewing the nuts using pliers. 

You have to replace the stem if the corrosion and limescale deposits are present because the stripped stem indicates that it is old enough and needs replacement.

Remove the stem and take it to a nearby hardware store or consult the manufacturer company to select a new component that can work well with this shower assembly.

Clogging in the showerhead

This issue happens when the showerhead is clogged with mineral buildup and dust particles. The calcium, magnesium, and lime deposits block the small nozzle holes in the showerhead, and there will be no water if you turn the knob.

It is easy to fix this problem, as you can remove the showerhead from the supply pipe and clean the fixture thoroughly.

People often use natural and homemade remedies to clean the rust, corrosion, and other clogging particles from the showerhead, such as vinegar and baking soda solution.

Remove the clogged component and dip it in vinegar and baking soda solution with a few drops of lemon juice to remove the mold. Let it stay in the cleaning solution for 15-20 minutes, and scrub it with an old toothbrush to remove all the dust and mineral particles.

You can also use CLR and other all-purpose bathroom cleaners to unclog the showerhead and allow good water pressure when you turn the knob on.

Loose shower knob connections

The components inside the shower knob can get damaged or loose if the plumbing fixture is old, such as the rubber washer inside the knob becoming loose and may need replacement.

The washer in the shower faucets offers a tight seal that prevents leakage and keeps the cartridge shut when the knob is off.

Water will not come out of the faucets if the washer is worn-out, and the knob will keep wobbling or turning because of damaged sealing and connections.

You can fix it by removing the knob and replacing the worn-out washer. Check for the screws and nuts and tighten the loose clips and bolts.

Use a screwdriver or a wrench to fix all the set screws, and you can wrap the loose stem or knob with the plumbers’ tape for a temporary solution if you want to take a shower immediately.

Damaged shower valve or handle

The shower valve or the handle can get damaged because of corrosion on the internal metal parts or the faulty O-ring.

The damaged handles or valves cause the shower knob to turn but affect the water flow from the showerhead. In addition, the abrupt and high water temperature can cause the valve to deteriorate over time and will fail to get the water from the main supply line.

You can fix it by replacing the valve or handle or repairing the cracks, as most handles use high-quality plastic.

Applying epoxy glue to fix the cracks in the valve or handle can save you money in selecting a new valve assembly and the labor or installation cost if you hire a plumber.

Worn-out shower diverter

Shower diverters are the multi-functional parts in the shower assembly that controls the water flow and allow it between two showerheads or bathtub spout and showerhead combination.

Water comes from the showerhead if you turn the diverter on and stop it when you close the valve and sends water to the bathtub spout.

The poor flow or no water in the faucets and bathtub spout may occur because of the worn-out diverter, as a damaged diverter cannot turn the water on in the faucet or tub spout.

I have replaced the diverter because there was no water when I turn the shower knob on. I examined the whole plumbing fixture to find out the problem and ended up with a damaged shower diverter.

I selected a new diverter from the same brand and installed it for better water flow in both the tub spout and the showerhead. 

Blockage inside the supply pipes

The main supply lines may have dust particles and rust accumulation inside the pipes, which causes poor water pressure or no water flow in the faucets when you turn the shower knob.

Mold and fungus growth inside the supply pipes can also cause blockage in the pipes, and they supply no water after turning the knob on.

Cleaning the supply pipes is tricky and needs special skills to remove them without damage and clean the dust and mold inside them. Call a professional plumber to clean the clogged pipes or replace them for better flow.

Pipes leakage

The leakage in the shower pipes also causes water flow issues in the faucets. You will face problems even when you move the shower knob.

The pipes can get cracked, or there is leakage in the water supply pipes, which can also cause an increase in the bills.

I noticed the leakage in the shower pipe and put waterproof sealant or tape around the leakage point. You can replace it if the condition is bad and the tape does not work to stop the leakage.

Damaged anode rod

The anode rod in the shower heater is used to prevent rust and corrosion on metal components inside the tank. This anode rod can get deteriorate over time, trying to save the fixture from rust accumulation.

It causes rusty water or can block the hot water supply in the bathroom faucets, and you have to call a plumber to resolve this problem.

Replacing the anode is a tricky and tiring process; therefore, it is better to leave the repairing process to a professional plumber to avoid damage to other components while repairing.

Old cartridge

The cartridge is one of the essential components that affect the functioning of the plumbing fixture. For example, it controls the water temperature in single-handle faucets, unlike the valve, which is for two-handle faucets. 

The cartridge connects the valve with the external trim knob or handle and supports the valve in controlling the water temperature.

You can replace the cartridge by removing it from the valve using pliers. It will come out of the valve without any difficulty, and you can use a lubricating solution if the cartridge is stuck inside the valve.

Install the new cartridge inside the valve and examine that other components are in good condition and there is no corrosion inside.

Check the flow by turning the shower knob on and off one to two times, and secure all the connections tightly to prevent leakage.

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