Most of us depend on our shower cartridges each day without even realizing it. A shower cartridge is a key component that’s housed inside the shower valve. Its job is to control water flow, pressure and temperature adjustment. In other words, your shower cartridge makes sure that everything functions smoothly during the showering process.
Therefore, a faulty shower cartridge can lead to a world of frustration. We’re talking cold shocks, low pressure or never-ending drips! So what would cause a shower cartridge to be faulty?
Mineral build-up from hard water.
In our last blog, we listed some issues that can be caused by hard water in your home. They included skin dryness and hair damage. Well, you can add a damaged shower cartridge to the list. Durham Region and its surrounding areas are known to have moderately hard water. Over time, minerals like calcium and magnesium settle inside your plumbing system. This includes the tiny passages inside your shower cartridge.
The build-up can restrict water flow, jam internal moving parts and even cause corrosion on metal components. If you find that the handle is stiff or the water pressure has dropped suddenly, mineral deposits might be the culprit. As we recommended in our last blog, it’s wise to install a water softener system. It will help to prolong the life of the shower cartridges in your household.
Wear and tear on seals and O-rings.
In every area of your home where water is dispensed, seals and O-rings are hidden in the fixtures. The function of O-rings is to seal a joining of two pieces. This ensures that no air, gas or liquid can pass. Every time you turn your shower on or off, the rubber seals and O‑rings inside the cartridge are put to work. Over time, they stretch, dry out or develop small cracks.
As these seals degrade, water can leak through areas it shouldn’t. This causes dripping even when the shower is off. It can also lead to leaking behind the wall, which can damage surrounding structures. If you hear water running when the shower is off or notice mould growing near the handle, it could be a worn internal seal. Naturally, this can degrade your shower cartridge.
Imbalanced hot and cold water pressure.
Modern shower cartridges are designed to blend hot and cold water evenly. Sometimes, one side can be lower in pressure. This may be due to a partially closed valve or scale in the pipes. It causes strain on the mixing mechanism inside the cartridge. Over time, this pressure imbalance can break internal springs, levers or seals. The result is often sudden bursts of hot or cold water mid-shower.
To prolong the life of your shower cartridges, it’s wise to have your water pressure tested professionally. You may also want to consider adding a pressure-balancing valve to protect both your cartridge and your comfort.
Do you need a shower cartridge replaced?
You can say goodbye to drips and uneven temperature with a professional shower cartridge replacement from 2 Bro’s Plumbing. Serving the Durham Region since 2015, our family-owned team specializes in hassle-free cartridge replacements to keep your shower running smoothly. We’re known for our friendly, skilled service and commitment to our customers’ satisfaction.
If you’re experiencing issues with your shower, contact us today to book an appointment and restore your shower to its best performance. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 905-556-0790 or email us at admin@2brosplumbing.ca today!
