As a homeowner there are always things to fix and as a woman we tend to think that these repairs require a handyman, family friend or professional. I am here to tell you to save yourself some money and do it yourself or Do It Herself 😉
I tend to start by heading to Google or YouTube when it’s something I haven’t done before, so on one chilly morning when my shower decided that I needed a freezing cold wake up, I knew I would need some internet help. Why would my shower suddenly only deliver cold water while my bathroom sinks and everywhere else in the house was wonderfully warm.
I quickly realized that the issue was a cartridge that I never knew existed behind the shower handle was the most likely culprit. Who knew? I watched a few YouTube videos to get an idea of what I was going to need to do and was convinced this just didn’t look very difficult. So screwdriver and wrench in hand I went to work.
Now not all showers have the same handles and styles but the process is very similar despite the variations. Your first step is to remove the screws from the face plate and the handle itself. The face plate screws are pretty easy but for the handle you will either need to use a flat head screw driver or something flat like a nail file to remove the small cover in the center of the handle. Once removed it will expose a screw. Remove this one too and the handle will slide off allowing you to pull the face plate over handle and set it aside.
Next you will need your wrench to remove the ring that holds the cartridge in place. This may take some effort to get the ring to budge at first but remember leverage helps and you can do this! Once you have the ring loosened slide it off and set it to the side with the other pieces.
Now this next piece is very important and my friends, should be your first step as I learned very quickly! Maybe I should have paid more attention to the YouTube video but make sure you have already turned off the water to your house before you end up like this…
Lesson learned!!! I was drenched within 2 seconds and all I could do was laugh. It was like a cartoon where the the firehouse blows someone down the street. I luckily had already moved my phone to the bathroom counter but I was a soggy mess as I ran past my daughter and her friend to race downstairs. After I was able to get the water turned off, I returned to survey the results of my mistake. Not a big deal that a few towels and a new outfit couldn’t fix. Don’t worry mistakes happen and is no reason to give up!
So now that you have the water turned off let’s move on.
You will want to remove the white piece that you see right in the center of the pictures above. There are grooves in the cartridge and it fits pretty snug so again you will need to get a good grip with your hands or can use the wrench if your grip strength is not enough. Once you have this out, it is time for a trip to your local Home Depot or Lowes. There are several types of cartridges so take it with you to compare. This is the best way to ensure you are getting the right one.
The cartridges are not expensive and should only be between $7 to $15. Don’t be afraid to confirm with someone that you have the right one because you don’t want to get home and realize you have to go back. I guarantee someone at home is going to want the water back on. Soon!
Now that you have the cartridge you will place it back in and reverse the previous steps. So insert the cartridge and twist to make sure that it is snug and locked in. Place the ring back over the cartridge and use your wrench to tighten. When there is no water present you should be much better off here than I was. Next put the face plate and handle back in place. Make sure the screws are secure and test out the water. It may take 30 seconds or so with air making the water sputter a bit but your warmth should come shortly.
Project Complete. 🙂
Total Cost to Do It Herself:
$8.99 for the Cartridge
1 hour of time (including trip to Home Depot)
1 soaked outfit and 3 towels (But you won’t make the same mistake right!)
Some sore abs from laughing at myself and vindication that I didn’t need anyone’s help
Estimated Cost for a plumber:
$100 per hour (A plumber will charge for the full hour even if it only takes them 20 minutes)
Cost of Cartridge (Most likely will not reflect as $8.99 on your invoice)