How to Rebuild a Moen RV Shower

Moen is a well-known name in plumbing fixtures, manufacturing high-end bathroom products. Moen also makes plumbing fixtures for recreational vehicles. However, this is a specialty market, and replacement units can be expensive. When an RV shower starts to breakdown, an RV repair shop can be hired to rebuild the shower, but the cost is often high. Use a few simple professional techniques to rebuild a Moen RV shower, saving a costly trip to an RV plumbing specialist.

Things You'll Need

  • Screwdrivers
  • Crescent wrench
  • Rags
  • Epoxy glue
  • Washers
  • Teflon tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Access the shower’s plumbing. Most recreational vehicles have access panels on the outside wall of the shower area. The panels will be held on with either screws or mounting bolts. Remove the bolts or screws with a screwdriver or crescent wrench. Remove the access panel.

    • 2

      Inspect the plumbing. Over time, piping can develop leaks, especially where the pipes attach to the showerhead and valves. Wipe the piping down with a rag until the pipes and fixtures are dry. Run water through the system and look for leaks. Note the location of each leak.

    • 3

      Repair the leaks. Drain any water out of the shower system. Allow 24 hours' drying time before proceeding. Most RVs use plastic piping made from PVC. Apply epoxy glue to the leaking pipe joint. Make sure to fill any gaps between the pipe and the fixtures. Allow an additional 24 hours drying time before running water through the system.

    • 4
      Moen fixtures use Phillips-head screws.

      Remove the fixture’s handles. Each handle is held onto the faucet stem with a Phillips screw. Use a Phillips screwdriver that fits tightly into the screw’s head to remove the handle’s screw. Lift the handle off, repeating the process for each handle.

    • 5

      Remove the faucet stems. Use a crescent wrench to remove the stem from its mount. Place the wrench around the stem and turn it counterclockwise. Repeat the process for each stem.

    • 6

      Clean the stems. Because of mineral content in most water, deposits can build up on the stem, preventing the valves from operating smoothly. Use a standard screwdriver to scrape off any buildup. Wipe the stem down with a clean rag.

    • 7

      Replace the washers. Use washers designed for Moen fixtures. The most important washer to replace is the washer that sits at the end of the stem. This controls the flow of water through the valve. Remove the Phillips screw from the stem’s seat. Carefully fit the new washer into the seat which has a small lip around it to hold the washer in place. Replace any other washers on the stem and repeat the process for any additional stems.

    • 8

      Remount the stems. After the washers have been replaced, wrap the stems with Teflon plumber’s tape. Completely wrap the threaded area of the stem with a single layer of tape. Repeat the process for each stem.

    • 9

      Replace the showerhead. Use a crescent wrench to remove the old showerhead. Wrap Teflon tape around the pipe threads the showerhead attaches to. Thread the new showerhead onto the pipe and tighten with a crescent wrench. Run the shower for at least 10 minutes before using.