For the uninitiated, a leak in the shower faucet means replacing the faulty part. Does the phrase shower faucet fix seem to have failed to make its way into your lexicon? Never mind those arrogant attempts to fix a compression or cartridge faucet in your kitchen sink, here’s a pronouncement that’s sure to be greeted with much joy. A faulty faucet in the shower can be fixed with the same mechanism.
With a socket wrench, an hour of your precious time, and an investment of less than $50, you’re well on your way to ending the sordid saga from drip to drip.
seven steps to success
This is what you always wanted to know, but didn’t know who to ask:
- Start by turning off the water supply to the shower. Using a small pocket knife, remove the shower handle cover, revealing more than a glimpse of the screw inside.
- Using a screwdriver, loosen and remove the screw. Remove the handle and keep it safe.
- Using another small screwdriver, pry up the cartridge retaining clip into a U shape. Remove the nut that locks the cartridge to the valve body.
- Remove the cartridge with the help of pliers.
- Open the water line for some time. This exercise is intended to remove all dirt and debris clogging the valve body passageways.
- Using an old, soft toothbrush, remove all visible traces of dirt and grime. Check for worn o-rings at the stem base. Replace them with new ones.
- Reinstall all parts in reverse order.
Now a test
Once the repair process is complete, now is the time to assess the degree of success. Open the water line and voila, your efforts have paid off. What if the leak is back? Well, don’t let that dampen your spirit just yet. A cartridge repair kit will surely fix it permanently.
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