If this is your first time to repair a Delta Monitor shower faucet, be ready for some challenge. It can take well over an hour to fix the entire thing, but it can be very relieving to employ DIY, right?
1. Prepare Your Tools
- Allen wrench
- Channel-lock pliers
- Faucet replacement kit
- Plumber’s grease or putty
Always order the exact replacement parts to avoid problems.
2. Shut the Water Supply
Before you do any repair, always stop the flow of water into your faucet right at the main source.
3. Remove Set Screw Lever Handle
With the correct Allen wrench, get rid of the set screw lever handle. First, remove the small cap at the base of the handle of the Delta Monitor shower faucet, then the temperature control handle. Then pull off the screw with great care.
4. Pull Down Orderly Covering, Bonnet and O-Ring
With the channel-lock pliers, slide off the bonnet or trim sleeve when you can’t remove it smoothly due to accumulation of sediments. Make sure that the stop cap is put back in the same position.
5. Remove the Cartridge
Drag the cartridge backwards and remove it from the Delta Monitor shower faucet head. Use the channel-lock pliers to grip the top of the cartridge securely, especially when it’s stuck in the faucet.
6. Replace O-Rings
Coat each new set of O-rings with plumber’s grease and insert them into the new cartridge, at the back portion. Set up the cartridge on top of the faucet head and apply enough pressure to make it fit into the fixture.
7. Reassemble the Faucet
Assemble the various parts removed earlier using the last-out-first-in basis. Replace the trim sleeve or orderly covering, the bonnet and then the stop limit and temperature control knob of the Delta Monitor shower faucet. Tighten the screw properly to keep the parts in place.
Helpful Tips:
1. Before removing valve cartridge assembly, note the position of the stop on the cap. Make sure to put the valve cartridge assembly back in the same position. Normally the stop faces the left.
2. After the reinstallation, turn on the valve of the Delta Monitor shower faucet so that cold water runs down first to avoid scalding.
3. Never pry the valve cartridge out of the faucet head with a screwdriver. Use the appropriate tool. Grip its apex with the channel-lock pliers and then make a quarter counterclockwise turn and then lift the cartridge out.
4. Conduct regular inspection of your Delta Monitor shower faucet when your water supply has high levels of lime, rust, minerals and other contaminants. Pull out the cartridge as recommended above. Turn the cartridge valve to full mix position and shake it vigorously. If there is a rattling noise, it’s okay to reinstall it. If there is no noise, replace it.
5. When removing and replacing seats and springs, replace the biggest spring into the seat pocket first and then secure it by tapering the end of the seal.