Top Signs a Shower Cartridge is Failing
A shower cartridge is an essential element of a working shower system, and it's inside the shower valve behind the valve. The primary purpose of a shower cartridge is to regulate hot and cold-water flow and temperature coming from the showerhead when the user turns the handle. Shower cartridges come in different sizes, shapes, colors, and designs. They usually consist of nylon or brass.
Shower cartridges have O-rings and other parts, which break, dry out, corrode, or wear out with time, leading to improper functioning of the shower valve. In a mixer shower, each faucet handle has its cartridge.
Why does a shower cartridge fail?
The top reason for a shower cartridge damage or failure is a constant hot and cold-water pressure imbalance. Hard water can cause the cartridge to wear out earlier than it should. The shower cartridge can also fail when it gets clogged due to mineral deposits.
Signs of a bad shower cartridge
Here are a few symptoms of a failing shower cartridge:
The water continues to run or drip even after turning off the water. It is the most common reason behind a shower cartridge going bad.
The shower handle feels hard to turn, and the issue only gets worse with time.
The shower handle fails to turn on the water as it gets stuck.
It is essential to replace the shower cartridge as soon as possible. Leaks can cause water wastage, mold and mildew growth, and rot behind the wall.
Shower cartridge replacement
The shower cartridge is easy to replace. It is essential to find out the current shower cartridge type and get the same one for replacement. Identifying the existing cartridge is easy. The faucet face, handle, or escutcheon may have the brand name, initials, or logo. Several manufacturers give a lifetime warranty on their cartridges and can send a replacement kit without charging any cost.
For shower cartridge replacement, turn off the water to the shower. If it does not have a shut-off valve, stop the water supply to the whole house by turning off the main shut-off valve. Pull out the handle by loosening its screw using a wrench. The next step is to remove the escutcheon (decorative trip plate used to cover the wall opening) by removing the screws. If the escutcheon is caulked to the bathroom wall, use a knife to cut the caulk and then remove the escutcheons.
A retainer clip holds the cartridge in the shower valve. After pulling out the cartridge clip, use a specific cartridge removal tool to pull out the cartridge to prevent it from breaking or getting damaged. To install a new cartridge, lubricate it first for easier installation. Carefully push the cartridge inside the valve. Put back the retaining clip, cover plate, escutcheon, handle just as removed, and turn on the water supply. Check the shower for proper functioning.
Also, contact a local plumber to replace the failing shower cartridge.
Solace Plumbing is a licensed commercial and residential plumber with 26 years of experience in Gilbert, Az. We provide the East Valley with a wide range of plumbing services, including 24-hour emergency service. Some of our specialties include plumbing installation and repair, remodeling, natural gas and propane piping, slab leak detection, and full-service repiping. Commercial work includes restaurants, school districts, and tenant improvements. Call Solace Plumbing at 480-262-1011.
