How to Replace Your Shower Cartridge

Steps for Replacing Your Shower Cartridge:

• Go to your local hardware store and purchase plumber’s grease, a new cartridge, and a cartridge puller. You may wait to purchase these first two items, in case you want to take your old cartridge to the store and ask someone working there what you need for comparison, after you have taken it out. However, you will at least need to purchase the cartridge puller to begin the replacement process.
• Turn off the water supply coming to your shower, so you do not burn yourself.
• Block the drain in the shower with a stopper or a rag. This will ensure that small parts do not accidentally get washed down the drain while you are working. You may also want to take a picture of all the pieces you are working with, so you know if anything goes missing.
• Unscrew the shower handle and metal cover using a screwdriver. Lift the handle off the stem firmly but carefully.
• Take all the components out of the shower’s current faucet structure.
• Clean away buildup on shower components using heavy doses of soap and water or a commercial cleaning solution. If you are using a chemical-based cleaner, be careful not to use too much, as the materials in these products can damage your drains.
• Pull out your shower’s retainer clip with a pair of needle-nose pliers.
• Use the cartridge puller to extract your current shower valve cartridge.
• Put in your new cartridge using the plumber’s grease to insert it.
• Put your shower faucet back together, screwing everything into place as it was before.

For more information on shower cartridges, send us a message online, or call Rooter Guard Plumbing Services at [hls_phone_number] for assistance with shower cartridge replacement today!