How to Remove a Mixet Shower Faucet

Mixet shower faucets use a single handle to control the water flow and the water's temperature. The flow of water is then routed to either the tub's spout or to the shower head by the gate diverter. Over time, the valve assembly can become clogged with calcium deposits that remain when the water which flows through the valve dries. This is particularly problematic in areas with hard water. Even if the valve is free from deposits, the valve's seals can crack or otherwise corrode, resulting in water leaks. To either repair or replace the faucet, the existing faucet must first be removed.

  1. Turn off the main water supply to the house.

  2. Remove the single screw from the center of the faucet's handle with a Phillips screwdriver. Some Mixet faucet designs have a plastic cap which covers the handle's retaining screw. If this cap is present, it must first be removed by prying the cap free with a flat-head screwdriver.

  3. Pull the handle away from the faucet to remove it.

  4. Remove the metal plate, sometimes referred to as the escutcheon plate, from the wall to expose the faucet. Escutcheon plates usually attach to the wall with one or more retaining screws, which must be removed with a screwdriver. Other designs use a bead of caulking around the plate to secure it against the wall. The caulking can be cut through with a plastic putty knife. Pull the plate away from the wall to remove it.

  5. Remove the faucet's retaining ring or bonnet nut from the faucet with an adjustable wrench.

  6. Grasp the tip of the faucet valve with a pair of adjustable pliers and pull the faucet out of the wall to complete the removal.