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There’s nothing as relaxing as a hot shower, but if your faucet is leaking, the constant dripping is anything but. Fortunately, you may not have to call a plumbing company to fix this. In most cases, the cause of a leaky shower is a faulty cartridge. Use the following step-by-step guide to replace this simple plumbing component.

How to Fix a Leaky Shower

1. Identify the Faucet & Remove the Cap

If you have a cartridge valve faucet, your shower will have a single handle that rotates, allowing the cartridge inside to slide in and out. After you turn off the water supply to your shower, remove the plastic cap inside the handle so the screw underneath is exposed. You may need a pocketknife to do so.

2. Remove the Handle

plumbingUsing a screwdriver, remove the screw and place it in a plastic bag so it doesn’t roll away. Then, pull the handle away from the wall until it slides off. If it doesn’t come off right away, use a hair dryer on the highest setting to soften the adhesive.

3. Take Out the Cartridge

Take off the tube underneath the handle. Then, use the tip of the screwdriver to lift the retaining clip so you can remove the handle washer. Once this piece is gone, you can wiggle the cartridge stem to loosen it and pull it out completely with pliers or a specialized cartridge puller.

4. Install the New One

The cartridge itself will consist of a few parts, including a hex screw and nut. Once you turn the hex screw and move up the nut, pull on the cartridge handle until it comes out of the faucet body. Then, align the new cartridge in the same way and put the parts back together.

 

If you’re interested in projects like these, consider enrolling at Berk Trade and Business School of Long Island City, NY. This technical institute trains ambitious students in a wide range of trades, including plumbing and electrical work. For more information on their courses, visit the website. You can also call (718) 729-0909 to discuss your enrollment plans.

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