Fix a leaking shower with a new cartridge.
When a single-handle shower faucet leaks, there is a problem with the cartridge in the faucet body. This part is replaceable and should only take about 20 minutes for you to complete the job. If you are experienced with appliances and home repair, you will find this project takes even less time.
Starting the Process
Turn off the shower water by closing the main water lines in the house. There is a valve on the incoming water pipe connected to your water heater. Turn this to the closed position. This shuts off the water inside the entire house. If your shower has an access panel to the pipes in the shower wall, remove it and just shut the valves on the pipes. This stops water flow only to the shower itself.
First Steps
Take off the handle to the shower. On most single-handle shower faucets, there is a screw along the base of the handle. Unscrew this with an Allen wrench and pull off the handle. If the handle is round and ball-shaped, the screw may be located under the plastic cap on top of the handle. Pry out the cap and remove the screw with the Allen wrench. If the screw head is a Phillips head, use a Phillips-head screwdriver.
Extracting the Cartridge
The cartridge is located inside the body under the handle. Either a bonnet nut, a round nut or a retaining nut is the next part to remove. Grasp it with pliers and turn this part counterclockwise, then remove it. If there is no nut, extract the clip in the side of the faucet body housing, using pliers. All you need to do next is remove the cartridge and insert a new one. Use only a cartridge made for your brand of faucet, as others will not work properly. Reassemble the faucet after you insert the cartridge to finish the repair.
Benefits of Fixing Leaks
Replacing a cartridge also improves the operational ability of the faucet, so it is a good idea to replace it if the faucet does not perform properly. This is the main mechanism that controls water flow and temperature. If problems arise with adjusting the temperature or the faucet starts decreasing in flow rate, this repair will fix those issues as well.
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