Dripping or Leaking A leaking shower valve is one of the more common signs that it could need to be replaced. At the very least it is a sign that repairs are necessary. If you notice water dripping or pooling around the valve, it could be a sign of a faulty or worn-out valve.
Fluctuations In Water Pressure or Temperature
Plumbing repair becomes necessary when homeowners start noticing unexpected cold or hot water blasts or the water pressure goes up and down. In both cases, these symptoms indicate a problem with the valve that requires correcting.
Stuck faucet handles: Your shower handle should readily turn after you apply pressure. Faulty cartridges cause the handle to stay in one position, keeping you from controlling the temperature and flow. Worsening handle stiffness: If your handle doesn't become completely stuck, it may resist you turning it.
A properly installed shower valve should serve you well for a long time. Even if you live in an area with hard water that causes limescale build-up in your appliances, you can expect to have a shower valve work well for about four or five years.
Unusual sounds or noises that seem to come from behind the shower wall. Customers are getting inconsistent water temperatures when they take a shower. Customers have difficulty in “tuning in” just the right temperature when using the shower. The shower valve is leaking and causing other damage in the bathroom.
Proper maintenance and care ensure a good-quality shower cartridge can last between 10 and 30 years. You'll know it needs replacing if your shower is dripping or running after you turn it off or if it's difficult to turn it on and off.
The benefit of replacing your own shower cartridge is primarily saving money. By doing it yourself, you eliminate the cost of hiring a professional plumber. Hourly rates for plumbing pros can range between $25–$200 per hour.
It depends on the cartridge model and the type of repair, so call a pro for an accurate quote. A shower cartridge replacement costs $275 on average, but you could spend as little as $100 or as much as $400. If you feel like your shower is suddenly too hot or too cold, you're not Goldilocks.
To replace a shower valve, you really need to be an experienced home improvement DIYer. To replace a shower valve is a far more complicated task than changing a showerhead. A good knowledge of plumbing is absolutely necessary to do this job successfully.
The average cost to replace a main water shut-off valve is $500, but most homeowners pay between $375 and $600 for the service.
Typically, the type of shower faucet and handle will indicate the type of shower valve behind it. Zero handles may mean a shower panel faucet with buttons to control water flow and temperature.
In most showers, the valve mechanism is a cartridge valve made from plastic and brass. The cartridge can be easily slipped out and replaced when the rubber O-ring degrades over time. If you notice these signs, it's time to replace the cartridge: Leaky faucet though the faucet is shut off.
Natural wear and tear on the valve can make it slow to react when another faucet is using hot water in the house. As frustrating as this problem is, it's common because these valves get used a lot, sometimes multiple times a day. If you're struggling with this problem at your home, it's time to replace the valve.
If you see any water leaking from your valves, it's a sign that they need to be replaced. If a valve begins to leak, it can lead to significant water waste. For example, the average household with one leak wastes more than 10,000 gallons of water annually.
Preparing to Change a Shower Cartridge
First, you need to turn off the water supply. You have two options for turning off your water before beginning the project, and your home's water setup will determine which to choose. In most cases, you'll want to shut off your water supply at the main valve.
If you notice frequent fluctuations in temperature or water flow, you should inspect the cartridge regularly and possibly clean it for maintenance. As far as replacement is concerned, this is usually necessary every 5 to 10 years.
Shower valves don't last forever, and regular use will eventually cause your shower valve to stop working. Valve seals can wear out and cause leaks over time. The valve's bearings can wear down, impacting valve function and causing unexpected temperature changes.
In a nutshell, there are three different types of shower valves on the market: pressure balancing shower valve, thermostatic shower valve and diverter shower valve.
If one or more valves become leaky, blood leaks backwards, which means less blood is pumped in the right direction. Based on your symptoms and the overall condition of your heart, your healthcare provider may decide that the diseased valve(s) needs to be surgically repaired or replaced.
One of the tell-tale signs of a water leak coming from a shower valve behind the wall is water stains. If you have an upstairs bathroom, you may notice dried water stains on the ceiling below the shower. Most times shower valve leaks behind the wall are very slow.