How To Fix LEAKING Shower Head, Faucet, No Plumber, by jeffostroff on YouTube. 18 min 27 s.
- Video length
- 18 min 27 s
- Time to do it
- 1 hour
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Turn off the water supply to the shower at the main valve or the shutoff screws behind the wall access panel. Open the faucet to drain pressure.
Before buying parts, try tightening the faucet handle screw and check the shower head connection for a loose fit.
Pry off the handle cap and remove the handle screw. Pull the handle off the stem to expose the cartridge.
Unscrew the retaining nut with pliers or a wrench and pull out the old cartridge. Keep a towel under it to catch leftover water.
Take the old cartridge to the store or photograph it. Match the brand and model number, such as a Danco VA-4 for a Valley valve.
Buy a springs and caps kit if your valve uses one. Check the old parts match the new ones before you start.
Coat every black rubber O-ring and seal with silicone faucet grease. Do not use petroleum jelly, which can damage rubber.
Slide the new cartridge in with the alignment tabs in the right slots. Refit the retaining nut and tighten it firmly but not hard.
Put the handle back on and tighten the screw. Snap the cap back in place.
Turn the water back on slowly and test the shower head and handle for drips. Run hot and cold water for a minute.
Tips and common mistakes
Shut off the water and open the faucet before you pull the cartridge so you do not get soaked.
Match the cartridge by brand and model, not by looks alone, since similar cartridges will not fit.
Do not overtighten the retaining nut or you can crack the plastic cartridge body.
If the drip continues after a new cartridge, the valve seat or shower head seal may also be worn.
Questions
Do I need to shut off water to the whole house?
Not always. Many showers have local shutoff valves behind an access panel. If you cannot find them, turn off the main water supply.
How do I know which cartridge to buy?
Take the old cartridge to the store or note the faucet brand and model. A plumbing counter can match it from the old part.
Can I fix the drip without replacing the cartridge?
Sometimes tightening the handle or replacing the springs and seals stops a small drip. A steady leak usually means a new cartridge.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
