The retainer clip is a small piece of metal that is inserted through the top of the shower valve to secure the shower valve cartridge and prevent it from becoming loose or sliding out of position. This clip is easy to remove with a set of needle-nose pliers.
The shower valve is the inner device within the wall that regulates water temperature, flow, and output to the showerhead, tub spout, and other shower accessories. The cartridge in the valve connects it to the external trim handles as a supporting player in controlling the water flow and temperature.
In most cases, you'll want to shut off your water supply at the main valve. Some showers have individual valves stationed behind the shower handle that you can shut off, so shutting it off there is fine if your shower has one.
Installation should be hand tight plus one quarter turn with a wrench. Confirm that the cartridge parts are in place and correctly assembled.
After removing the old cartridge, replace it with a new one, ensuring the three holes are lined up correctly. Hand-tighten the cartridge, then use an adjustable spanner to secure it. Don't over-tighten the cartridge, as it could damage the thread, causing further leaks.
A shower cartridge should last between 10 and 30 years, depending on the brand, cartridge material, and how well you maintain it. It's important to do proper maintenance and regularly clean the faucet with a cleaning solution of one part vinegar and one part water to help expand its lifespan.
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.
A shower cartridge controls the flow of water to your shower. It can shut off the water suddenly, which may be the ultimate cause of your water hammer. However, just because you get a water hammer after you turn the shower off, doesn't necessarily mean the cartridge is at fault.
Shower cartridge replacement costs $100 to $350 on average, including labor and materials. Plumbers charge $90 to $270 for labor to replace a shower valve cartridge. A shower faucet cartridge costs $10 to $80 for the part alone, depending on the brand, type, and material.
If your shower keeps dripping long after you've shut off the water, you've probably got a bad valve. It's an easy repair you can do yourself in less than an hour. The valve behind your shower's handle is the most frequent cause of dripping from the showerhead.
Shower valves are generally replaced every five to seven years, but this can vary depending on the type of valve and how often it's used. If you have a hard time remembering when your shower valve was last replaced, there are a few signs that indicate it may be time for a new one: Rust or corrosion around the handle.
Water continuously dripping from the showerhead when the unit is switched off indicates a mechanical fault inside the flow control valve or solenoid valve depending on the model of shower. These parts are non-serviceable and will need replacing.
The Danco Waterproof Silicone Sealant Grease is ideal for lubricating faucet stems, valves and cartridges when repairing a leaky faucet. Silicone Faucet Grease helps reduce friction provides long-lasting lubrication and helps hard-turning faucets work smoothly.
In addition, Plumbers Grease is also great for preventing leaks while you wait for a repair, as it provides a tight seal that prevents water from seeping through. It's thick, food-grade, waterproof, and can last a while depending on the severity of the leak.
We mentioned Vaseline is similar, but since most faucet seals and O-rings are made of Nitrile Butadiene Rubber, Vaseline can break down the products in it and ruin the seals. Other products that might seem like they could work are olive oil and WD-40. Do not use these.
Both kitchen and bathroom faucets have a lifespan of between 15 and 20 years. This means that the cartridge these faucets come with have a similar lifespan. However, how long the cartridge actually lasts depends on a number of factors including the construction of the faucet and water quality.