Repair a Leaky Showerhead 01

Kitchen And Bathroom Renovation : Repair a Leaky Showerhead 01

If your shower is leaking from the showerhead when the water is completely shut off , you probably
have a leaky cartridge or valve. Like a leaky faucet, a shower faucet repair works the same way. You need to first identify what type of shower faucet you have. Is it a cartridge, compression, or ball type? (See “Repair a Leaky Faucet".) The steps to repair a regular faucet can be used to repair a shower faucet with a few minor variations that you’ll be able to fi gure out with a little hands-on inspection. This project addresses a typical cartridge-type shower faucet.

CONSIDER THIS

To replace your faucet cartridge, you’ll have to shut the water off to your shower from a shut-off valve to your bathroom or at the water main to the house. Before attempting this project, verify that your showerhead
isn’t a bit clogged—if that’s the case, water will build-up in the nozzle and slowly drip out when the water is shut off , mimicking a leak. (See “Clean a Showerhead”.) If you cannot identify your shower’s faucet brand and model, the best way to fi nd a replacement is to bring the old cartridge with you to the hardware or plumbing supply store.

PREP WORK

• Shut off the water to the faucet from the shut-off valves or at the water main.
• Place a rag over the shower drain so that nothing falls down it.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

Replacement cartridge
Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
Needle-nose pliers
Tongue-and-groove pliers
Wrench*
Metal nail file or pocket knife
Cartridge puller*
Rag
Heat-resistant plumber’s grease
* If applicable