How To Fix a Dripping Delta Shower Faucet

Fixing a Dripping Shower Faucet

The great thing about the variety of choices when it comes to bathroom fixtures these days is you can pick one which you feel best suits your bathroom. But when a leak occurs, you need to find the screw that holds the handle. And this can be a tricky task given the different designs of shower faucets.

Here’s a guide:

• Turn off the main water shutoff valve so that water is cut off from the faucet. Open the faucet so water pressure is relieved.
• Find the screw connecting the handle to the faucet system. This is usually found behind the faucet lever or beneath it. If you can’t find one, it might be placed under a cap.
• Use a Phillips screwdriver or an Allen wrench to remove the screw. Remove the handle then take out the temperature-limiting disk if you find one.
• Use needle-nose pliers to remove the retaining pin holding the cartridge.
• Use pliers to grip the valve system then pull the cartridge out.
• Examine the cartridge closely to see if it’s full of mineral deposits. If so, soak this overnight in white vinegar so the mineral dissolves. The deposits prevent the cartridge from sealing out water which then results in leaks. But you will need to replace the cartridge if you find pitting or cracking.
• Use a utility knife to cut the old O-rings off the cartridge. Replace these with new ones and use plumber’s grease on the new washers so sliding them on wouldn’t be too hard.
• Use a flat-head screwdriver to remove the rubber gaskets from the valve seats inside the valve housing. Replace these with new ones.
• Push the new cartridge as far as it will go then replace the pin or screw on the collar. Reset the temperature limiter then replace the handle and cap.
• Try turning on the water to check for leaks.