Repairing and Replacing Shower Faucets
Repairing a shower valve is really pretty
basic but there is an amazing amount of problems you can have if you don't know what you are doing, which is
why it is a job for a pro. Basically you need to replace the washer and the shower seat. Removing the stem requires
a special socket type wrench. Once you have the stem removed you can usually remove the old washer with a screwdriver
and replace it with a new washer the same size. Then last but not least you will need a special seat wrench to
remove and replace the seat.
If you are reading through this entire website page by page you will notice some redundancy. One thing I want
to get across to people is that there are different levels of expertise when it comes to technicians and because of
that, it is important to get references relating to the exact type of job desired. Please consider this, the more
expensive a job may be, the more important it will be for you to spend the time to get the information you need.
Just by asking for the technician best suited for the exact type of job, may be enough for you to be ensured that
you are getting the best.
When it comes to replacing a shower valve you will be confronted with several options.
- What type of material is the wall constructed of where the valve is?
- What is behind that wall? (A closet? Outside wall? Another shower?)
- Will you need a repair plate?
- Will the shower control operate like the last one?
In regards to #1, if you have tile you can basically go with whatever type of valve
you want, as long as you don't mind a slight difference in tile color or style. I personally have never understood
why people want to have the exact same tile instead of some tile around the valve that is just slightly a different
color or texture. But if you would rather stay with the same type of valve and you can repair the valve from the back
you can have the repair done without altering the tile.
In regards to #2, if you have the opportunity to work from
the other side of the wall the only repair you will need to make is to that wall. If it is a closet wall you may not be
that concerned about the perfection and simply replacing the cutout portion of the wall may be enough. In many cases,
covering the hole with an oversized piece of plywood is suitable. It can be painted and it is useful for access if
there is a need later. If it is a wall that is very noticeable you will probably want to contract this part of the repair
to another tradesman because plumbers are usually not as efficient at drywall repair and it would usually be more expensive
if you had the plumber do it. Remember the less amount of driving around the better, and the plumber has enough tools on
his truck just for his own trade.
#3, the repair plate issue is only a concern if you have to make a hole through the front of the wall where the valve is,
and that hole will be bigger than the trim plate or escutcheons that come with the valve.
#4 refers to the fact that we are creatures of habit and if you are use to pulling and turning you may not want to adjust
your water temp with 2 handles instead of one. Some people like a change and some do not but it is easy to overlook
features when color or some other feature is in the forefront of our decision making.
darrel@plumbinglessons.com