Have a single handle shower faucet that's giving me major problems. For weeks it has been leaking from behind the handle and this morning I turned the shower on and noticed the temperature control didn't seem right, so I shut it off, but now it doesn't turn back on when I pull out. I removed the hex screw, but the handle will not budge off. I don't see any other screw holding the handle in place. Do these things get stuck sometimes? I unfortunately don't know the brand offhand and am not home. Don't remember seeing a brand name anywhere on the plate though, so it is probably some cheap brand.

So, two questions.

1. Why would the water not turn on? Does this sound like an easy fix? I am pretty handy so I am not all that concerned with being able to do it unless it involves soldering.

2. What is the trick to getting the handle off the shaft?

We will need the brand name of your shower valve. Back to you, Tom

This is the exact setup as in the lever handle screws off as in this one. Whether another brand makes the same handle type, I'm not sure, but I'm going to go with Moen.

Monticello chrome standard tub shower by Moen : (R-CONSUMER:T2529) (http://www.moen.com/ecatalog/detail/monticello/chrome-standard-tub-shower/_/R-CONSUMER%3AT2529)

2. What is the trick to getting the handle off the shaft?first things first! Let's get that handle off so you can work on your valve. Since you've removed the hex retaining screw the only thing holding it would be crud built up in the spline. Squirt some WD-40 in there and then try wiggling the handle at the same time you pull out. It'll break free, just keep on trying. Good luck, Tom

Can you post a photo of the faucet in question ?

Thanks guys. I'll post a photo as soon as I get home.

I am having the same problem with a VERY old Delta (I believe) shower faucet. It's 'single handle' but also has a flow control handle. The faucet must be at least 20 years old. Doesn't have a hex (yes I've looked ALL around with a flashlight). Does have a screw in the center, which is removed. The handle will not budge at all - not loose at all. I'm attaching some photos. I've removed the two screws holding the larger round cover. In the photo, you can see the main handle and then a smaller one (about 1.5-2" long) on the bottom. There's no screw holding that handle on that I can see (It may be behind the main handle), and I've used a mirror to check behind it just in case (although how one would remove a screw from the back with no more than 3" between the handle & the tub wall is beyond me).http://www.ginamitten.com/faucet1.jpg

Nothing is holding that handle in. Only the screw that you already removed. The handle is sitting on the stem. Ruct or calcification is preventing it from breaking loose. Take a long screwdriver and put it under each handle protrusion and kind of prey it away a bit. Do it many time around. Do it in opposite fashion like tightening rim bolts on your car. You can also tap it with screwdriver handle. It will take some effort and time - but it will go. Be patient. You can use DW-40 and leave it to work over night. Let us know how you did...