Repair a Leaky Showerhead 02

Kitchen And Bathroom Renovation : Repair a Leaky Showerhead 02


THE RENOVATION PROJECT

1. With the water shut off from the shut-off valve or the water main, turn on the shower to check that the water is off.

2 Gently pry the decorative cap on the handle off with a metal nail file or flathead screwdriver.

With the screw exposed, unscrew it and pull off the handle.

3. With the handle off, there may be a sleeve, a locking nut, and/or retaining clip(s) that need to be removed. Use a wrench or pliers to remove the sleeve or nut. Use a flathead screwdriver or needle-nose pliers to remove the clip. (Faucets vary, so you may need to work through a bit of a puzzle to remove the cap, handle,
nut, clip[s] and so on, so be patient!)

4. Pull out the cartridge using pliers, but first look to see if there’s a mark, fl at side, or notch, and mentally note its orientation. Pulling out the cartridge may take some patience—wiggle it out little by little.
5. If the cartridge won’t budge, consider using a cartridge puller, which can be purchased at a plumbing supply store (see the sidebar “Using a Cartridge Puller” below).
6. Bring the old cartridge to the store with you for the proper replacement part. Remember to note the brand of faucet. If you have a choice of brass or plastic, opt for brass—although more expensive, it lasts much longer.
7. To insert the new cartridge fi rst recall a mark, fl at side, or notch to indicate orientation. Push the new cartridge in place with your finger. The manufacturer may recommend plumber’s grease.
8. Reassemble the unit—insert the retaining clip(s) locking nut, and so on (if applicable). Then reattach the handle.
9. Turn on the water from the shut-off valve or water main and test the faucet. Check to see that hot and
cold water work in the proper handle position. If they’re crossed (hot comes out of cold and vice versa),
rotate the cartridge 180 degrees.
10. Replace the decorative cap. Finished!

Using a Cartridge Puller

When a cartridge just won’t budge, which is very common with older shower faucets and in areas with hard water, you may need the assistance of a cartridge puller. Pullers vary according to faucet brand, so each one is set-up a little differently. Be sure to find one that is compatible with your faucet type.

To use the puller, you insert it into or over the cartridge by pushing or screwing the puller in place. (Typically, there is a threaded screw on the puller that screws into the old valve cartridge stem.) After the puller is engaged with the old cartridge, twist the puller slightly clockwise and counterclockwise, and then pull the
cartridge straight out. This will break loose any mineral buildup and set that cartridge free.