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Author:
Noctaire (OH)
My showerhead drips like mad. Ideally, I'd rip out the wall and replace it but I don't have the time or money. I talked to a home repair company and they were talking upwards of $1000 to fix it.
I'm getting killed on water bills, not to mention the massive announces of a dripping shower that's actually gotten worse. Are there any ways to repair this, either temporarily or long term, that won't break the bank? I've done a variety of plumbing work on my homes over the years, so I'm not afraid to pick up a wrench. The faucet in question is a fairly standard, two handle design. Only the handles stick out of the wall and it's probably twenty or more years old.
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Author:
steve (CA)
Chances are all that needs to be done is replace the seats and washers in the existing faucet. Has the faucet been disassembled and inspected?
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Author:
m & m (MD)
If you'd like specific help from here, you'll have to post a pic.
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Author:
Noctaire (OH)
No; I've never done it before. The faucet is so old, I wonder if I could even get it apart....
I would post pictures but it does not look like this forum supports it directly and I do not have anywhere to upload them to link. Suggestions?
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Author:
KCRoto (MO)
Forget the home improvement contractors trying to sell you a new bathroom, get a licensed plumber in there to rebuild the shower. It should be relatively inexpensive and take less time than what it would take you. In the end you won't be wasting the money on water, and the work should be guaranteed.
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Author:
steve (CA)
Post the photos to photobucket or tinypic and then post a link for them here. Near the top of every page of this site is a yellow banner with posting directions.
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Author:
Fixitangel (NC)
For a long term fix, hire a plumber who can rebuild/repair your existing shower valves. (Much less than replacing the whole shower valve unit.
If you want a temporary low-cost fix, add a shower cut-off valve to the showerhead (available from our sponsor):
Edited 1 times.
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Author:
Lloyd C (DE)
When your water is leaking sometimes tightening the shower head from your hand can solve your problem but this is not the permanent solution. Repairing a shower head is a normal task you will not need a plumber for that. just remove your shower head. Use a wrench to turn the threads, if necessary. Place a cloth over the shower head and arm to protect it from scratches, or use a strap wrench.
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Author:
hj (AZ)
The faucet is leaking NOT the shower head, and, while it should be a fairly simple repair for a plumber, you do not appear to have the experience to do it, and should call a plumber.
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Author:
hj (AZ)
quote; If you want a temporary low-cost fix, add a shower cut-off valve to the showerhead (available from our sponsor):
PRobably a bad suggestion in this case, because he would probably turn the shower off using that valve and then have cross connection problems, and if the valve does not turn off 100% to avoid that, then it would still leak.
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Author:
hj (AZ)
What good would doing that do when the problem is bad faucet?
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Author:
mr leak (CA)
Turn the water off to the house and water hater the open the shower faucets to drain the water
access the shower by removing the shower handles then the internal valve stems take them to a plumbing supply house not a box store
If you can get nre hot cold valve stems and seats for under 100.00 spray inside valve body with WD or similar then remove valve seats replace with new and you are all set
IF YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND THE ABOVE CALL A PLUMBER YOU ARE OVER YOUR HEAD
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Author:
bernabeu (SC)
DITTO DITTO DITTO
==============================================
"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638
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Author:
hj (AZ)
why are you spraying the inside of the faucet with WD-40? I have NEVER done that.
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Author:
KCRoto (MO)
if wd-40 could penetrate you wouldn't need it. The next few showers would be potentially hazardous as well.
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Author:
hj (AZ)
Yes.
Poster: "When I turn on my shower after I just repaired it, I get a funny odor. It wasn't there before, what could it be?"
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Author:
Wheelchair (IL)
GREAT ADVISE, HJ. I hope the issue is resolved. Like you said the problem is not the Shower Head. Its all in the faucet or shower valve. We don't know if the user has a single handle shower valve or a two handle shower valve. Yes, a picture is worth more than 10,000 words. Even today.
A licensed plumber, only if no pictures, would be the best advise. Far cheaper than paying a large water bill each month.
Best Wishes
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