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Showering should be straightforward, but that can be far from the case if you have a faulty shower cartridge! This small component behind your shower handle can wear out over time, sometimes making it hard to turn the faucet on or off or control the water temperature.
If you’ve noticed either of these signs, it’s time to take action. In this step-by-step guide, you can learn how to remove a shower cartridge and replace it with a new one to get your shower back in action! Shower and faucet cartridges often wear out the same way. Our blog post on faucet cartridge replacement can help cover all your bases.
How to Know You Need to Replace Your Shower Cartridge
Many signs can indicate the need to replace a shower cartridge. You may notice any of these:
- Constant water flow/dripping when the handle is in the off position
- Reduced water pressure
- Leaks
- Stiff handle
- Inconsistent water temperature
Shower Cartridge Types
Shower cartridges are designed for installation in mixer showers. When you are learning how to replace a shower cartridge, it’s important that you buy the right one! Most shower cartridges come in different shapes, sizes, designs, and colors, but are mostly made from brass or nylon.
The most common shower cartridge types include:
- On/off/control cartridges – also known as a ‘flow’ cartridge
- Diverter flow cartridge
- Thermostatic cartridge – also known as a temperature/mixer cartridge
- Half cartridge – if your cartridge has multiple parts, you don’t always have to change the whole component
If you’re unsure which shower cartridge type you have, take it to your local hardware store upon removal, or contact your local trusted plumber.
How to Change a Shower Cartridge
If you suspect that you need to change your shower cartridge, take the steps below. Your shower can be ready for use in no time!
Tools You’ll Need
- Shower cartridge to suit your shower model
- Cartridge puller
- Screwdriver
- Hex wrench
- Silicone grease
- Tongue-and-groove/water pump pliers
1. Turn Off the Water
As you’ll soon be disassembling parts of your shower, you’ll first need to turn the water off. While you may be able to turn off the water supply directly to your shower, most homeowners find it easier to turn it off via the main shut-off water valve. Once it’s off, turn the faucet on to remove the remaining water in the lines.
2. Remove the Shower Handle
To replace a shower valve cartridge, you must first remove the shower handle. You’ll likely need a hex wrench for this task. Remove the screws that hold the flat plate surrounding the handle in place. This is called the escutcheon. Once the screws are out, the escutcheon should slide out freely.
3. Remove the Retaining Clips
With the flat plate of your shower faucet removed, you will often see a chrome sleeve and the cartridge. If there’s a chrome sleeve, you can pull it out or unscrew it. You’ll then need a screwdriver to remove the retaining clips from around the shower cartridge.
4. Remove the Shower Cartridge
You’re one step closer to learning how to change out a shower faucet! The final hurdle involves removing the cartridge from your shower setup. Sometimes, you can remove them easily with a pair of pliers. Other times, you’ll need a cartridge-pulling wrench. These are available at most hardware stores to suit specific shower faucet types.
As you’re removing the shower cartridge, take note of its orientation. If it has a tapered shape rather than grooves, you’ll need to put it back in the same way you took it out. If, after installing the cartridge, you notice that the hot and cold water are reversed, rotate it 180 degrees.
5. Restore Your Old Shower Cartridge
You don’t always need to replace a shower cartridge. Sometimes, you just have to replace specific components, so it works at its best once more. Inspect it for mineral deposits and clean them away by soaking the cartridge in vinegar. If the cartridge seems to be in good condition, replace any worn components, such as O-rings. O-rings can be easily replaced – just don’t forget to apply silicone grease before reinstalling. Many property owners opt to replace the whole cartridge if multiple components are in poor condition.
6. Install a New Shower Cartridge
If your old shower cartridge is damaged beyond repair, it’s time to install a new one! Place it back into the faucet body while making sure it’s the same orientation as before. Slide the retaining clips back in place, followed by the handle and escutcheon. Congratulations, you’ve now just learned how to change a shower cartridge!
Replacing your shower cartridge is also a good opportunity to install an anti-scald valve if you don’t already have one. Talk to your local plumbing expert about whether you can replace your original ‘standard’ cartridge with an anti-scald cartridge. This is recommended as a safety measure and is standard in all new plumbing fixtures.
Request Help from Mr. Rooter Plumbing®
If you lack confidence, time, or know-how to replace a shower valve cartridge, a faucet cartridge, or another plumbing component, the team at Mr. Rooter Plumbing® is here to help! Our experienced plumbers can install new shower cartridges, troubleshoot other shower problems, and even take care of complete shower installation. Contact us to request a job estimate today. We’re here to take your call 24/7.
