How to replace a showertub cartridge like a pro?

Are you tired of replacing shower cartridges every month or two? If you want to save some cash, then you should consider buying a cartridge instead of having to replace them regularly.

Shower cartridges are usually expensive, especially if you don’t want to spend too much time looking for the perfect fit. They also tend to last only a couple months before they start leaking water.

Replacing a shower cartridge can cost anywhere from $20-$100 depending on where you live. There are ways to reduce the amount of money you spend on replacement cartridges though.

How to Replace a Shower Cartridge?

To make sure that your shower is running properly and efficiently, it’s important to keep track of how often you use it. You will need to know when you should be changing your cartridge so that you don’t waste any water.

If you have an automatic faucet, you will probably notice that the water pressure starts to decrease after about 6-8 weeks. This means that your shower needs to be replaced.

You can either buy a new cartridge at this point or just change out the old one. The choice is yours.

If you choose to get a new cartridge, there are several things you should do first. First, check the manufacturer’s instructions to see what size cartridge you need.

You may also need to look up the model number of your faucet online.

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Remove the Faucet Handle

Before you remove the handle, make sure that you turn off the water supply valve.

Now that you have turned off the water, you can remove the handle by unscrewing it. Next, take off the screws holding the cartridge in place.

Remove the Escutcheon

Once you have removed all of the screws, you can pull the cartridge out. Make sure that you hold onto the end cap while you do this because it tends to come loose easily.

Turn off the Water

After you have pulled the cartridge out, you will need to turn off the water supply. To do this, simply open the shutoff valve located near the bottom of the fixture.

Remove the Cartridge

When you have turned off the valve, you can now remove the cartridge by pulling it out. Be careful not to lose the end cap as it is very easy to drop.

This is the final step. Now that you have changed out the cartridge, you can put everything back together again.

Install the new Cartridge

First, reattach the escutcheon using the same screw holes. Then, reconnect the handles. Finally, turn on the water supply valve. That’s it!

How to Replace a Shower Faucet?

Changing out a shower faucet is similar to changing out a cartridge in a tub. However, you will need to make sure that you follow a few steps more carefully than you would with a tub.

The main difference between replacing a shower faucet and a tub is that you will need to disconnect the water supply line. After you have done this, you can remove the faucet handle and the escutcheon.

Next, you will need to remove the faucet body. Once you have removed the faucet body, you will need to replace the washer and the o-ring.

After that, you can install the new faucet by attaching the escutcheon and the faucet body back into place.

Finally, you will need to attach the faucet handles. Turn on the water supply valve and test the faucet for leaks. If everything has been installed correctly, you should no longer have any problems.

How to Replace or Install Valves by Faucet Type?

There are two types of valves: ball valves and butterfly valves. Both types work similarly but they differ slightly in some ways.

Ball Valve

A ball valve works by having a spherical shaped piece inside a cylindrical pipe. When the valve is closed, the ball sits in the center of the pipe.

To open the valve, you push down on the stem which allows the ball to move away from the center of the pipe allowing the flow of water through the pipe.

Butterfly Valve

Butterfly valves work much like ball valves except that instead of a sphere, they use a disc shaped piece called a “butterfly.” The butterfly opens when pushed toward the center of the pipe and closes when pushed away from the center.

Installing Ball Valves

If your old ball valve had an adjustable stem, you can reuse it. Otherwise, you will need to purchase a replacement valve.

You will also need to buy a new set of gaskets if your old ones were worn out.

Installing Butterfly Valves

You will only need to replace the butterfly if the old one broke or became damaged.

How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Shower Valve?

Shower valves are fairly inexpensive. You can expect to pay anywhere from $15-$50 depending on what type of valve you choose.

However, there are other things to consider such as how long the valve has been used. For example, if the valve has been around for years, then chances are that it may be in good condition. On the other hand, if the valve has just recently been installed, then it could be in rough shape.

Another thing to keep in mind is whether or not the valve needs to be replaced. If the valve is working fine, then it probably doesn’t need to be replaced.

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How much does a shower valve replacement cost?

Replacing a shower valve is usually pretty cheap. Expect to spend about $30-$40 at most.

Conclusion

Changing out a shower valve is easy. All you really need to do is unscrew the old valve and screw in the new one. In addition, you will want to make sure that you get all of the parts needed so that you don’t end up with a leaky shower again.