Is your shower not providing you with a perfectly balanced stream of water? Have you ever noticed moisture along the floorboards of your bathroom or nearby walls? If so, you may have an issue with your shower cartridge. When faulty, it can cause leaks that lead to poor water pressure and much worse, mould development! It’s important to replace a shower cartridge that is worn out in order to prevent these issues.
What exactly is a shower cartridge and what does it do?
We all need to mix hot and cold water in order take warm showers, right? Your shower cartridge enables you to do just that. An essential element of any working shower system, a shower cartridge is the small, cylinder-shaped device found inside the shower valve. It regulates the hot and cold water flow, enabling you to adjust the temperature to your liking. A shower cartridge literally works behind the scenes to help you avoid either freezing or scalding showers.
Simply put, without a shower cartridge, your shower wouldn’t work. In addition to regulating water temperature, the device also helps for you to maintain consistent water pressure in your shower. By controlling how much water can pass through your pipes, it prevents both unnecessary surges of water and little drippy leaks. It’s all about balance. A good working shower cartridge makes your showers just right!
Why do shower cartridges wear out?
Just like everything else we use, there’s bound to be some wear and tear on your shower cartridge over time. The tricky thing is that you can’t see it in action because it’s hiding behind the wall where your faucet and showerhead emanate from. Hard water, for example, can create mineral build up. Over time, this can lead to the corrosion of the shower cartridge’s inner parts. This damage will make the device less effective at controlling water temperature and pressure.
As well, wear and tear can cause the rubber seals inside the shower cartridge to degrade. Naturally, the breakdown of a rubber seal is sped up when the water pressure is particularly high or if the shower is being used pretty frequently. This is common, of course, in households that contain several people.
How do you replace a shower cartridge?
As you’re likely aware, your first step will be to shut off the water supply to the shower. Then, you will need to remove the shower handle as well as the trim plate that sits behind the handle. Using a screwdriver, loosen the screws that secure the trim plate to the shower wall. Slide it off the valve stem. You will likely need to scrape off the old caulk and clean the trim plate and shower handle.
Your next step is to grip the shower valve stem with some pliers. Slowly pull out the shower cartridge to make space for the new one. Slide in the new shower cartridge and secure it with either the old retainer clip or a new one. Now it’s time to reattach the trim plate and the shower handle. You’re done!
Sound like a lot of work?
Don’t worry! Your friends at 2 Bro’s Plumbing are always here to help you with any and all of your household plumbing needs. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 905-556-0790. You may also email us at admin@2brosplumbing.ca.
