Repair a single handle cartridge shower yourself.
Fixing a leaking shower cartridge is not a difficult project. The water and energy savings are well worth the time spent and expense invested by the homeowner. Cartridge faucets are washer-less and generally not as maintenance intensive as compression faucets that rely on a rubber washer being compressed or released against a brass seat to control the flow of water. Cartridges are one piece valves that are available in plastic, metal and stainless steel.
Instructions
1. Turn off the water supply to the house at the main water supply where the water enters the house, usually located next to the water meter. Lift the shower handle to drain the water line.
2. Remove the handle by unscrewing the Phillips head screw underneath and at the base of the handle. Remove the handle. If the handle is corroded or if it sticks, it may be necessary to purchase a specialized handle puller from a hardware store.
3. Use a screwdriver to remove the two screws that attach the chrome cover to the faucet assembly. Remove the chrome cover, on the back of which is stamped the number of the cartridge that you need to replace.
4. Take notice of how the cartridge is positioned in the faucet; the replacement will need to fit into the faucet in the exact same way to make certain that the hot and cold water supply is not reversed.
5. Find the metal clip at the end of the cartridge, and remove it with a pair of needle nose pliers.
6. Grasp the cartridge with a pair of pliers, turn it counterclockwise and pull it out. If the cartridge won't come out, it may be necessary to purchase a specialized cartridge remover from the hardware store.
7. Take the cartridge and the cartridge number to the hardware store, and buy an identical model. Consider upgrading from plastic or metal to stainless steel for longer cartridge life.
8. Lubricate the sides of the cartridge, the O-rings, retaining clip and cartridge stem with plumber's grease. Slide the cartridge into the faucet assembly the same way as the original cartridge was positioned.
9. Reassemble the faucet, turn on the water and verify that the hot and cold water are correctly positioned.
Tips Warnings
Call ahead to hardware stores, and give them the cartridge number on the inside of the chrome cover to be sure the cartridge is in stock.
Substitute vaseline petroleum jelly for plumber's grease.
Do not use extreme force as costly damage to parts may result.
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