Can a Bad Shower Cartridge Cause a Leak in Cleveland Height, Oh?

Don't let a plumbing leak ruin your day. Call Formica Plumbing and Sewer Co. at 440-485-3850 for reliable repairs in Cleveland.

If you're experiencing a leak in your shower, it can be due to any number of things, from bad sealant to an ineffective O-ring or a faulty shower cartridge. If you're wondering, "Can a bad shower cartridge cause a leak?" then allow Formica Plumbing and Sewer Co., a Cleveland Heights certified plumber business, to teach you more.

What Is a Shower Cartridge, and What Does It Do?

A shower cartridge is a valve inside the faucet that helps you control how much cold or hot water comes through the spout. Depending on the kind of showerhead you own, your shower cartridge may function and malfunction in different ways. For example, the reason your shower cartridge may be faulty is because of a lack of sealant on the O-ring; corrosion or age can also lead to parts within your shower cartridge failing.

One of the major reasons you may notice your shower cartridge failing is the constant influx of hot and cold water, which may end up causing leaks over time. As the shower valve flexes and the shower handle moves, it could cause the shower cartridge to become looser than it should, resulting in water leaking through it and through the system. A shower cartridge may leak due to the amount of mineral deposits that accumulate naturally through your water.

Can a Bad Shower Cartridge Cause a Leak?

If you have a leak in your shower, a shower cartridge can be a cause, although it isn't the most likely source. First, remove the plate that covers the valve to access your shower internals and investigate the leak. This involves removing the handle so that you can see properly into the valve section with a flashlight. 

If the leak spouts from the wall, check the entirety of your shower as it goes up the wall. Once you look through all possible exits, slowly turn on your water.

As the pipe slowly pressurizes, with the aid of a flashlight, you'll be able to see where the leak is coming from. If you have a leak, aside from the shower cartridge, there may be many possible causes, such as:

• Drainage leaks
• Shower connection pipes
• Ceiling sealant leaks

Signs Your Shower Cartridge Needs Replacement

How can a bad shower cartridge cause a leak? There are a few signs you should look out for when your shower leaks so that you can narrow down what might be the problem and how you can fix it. Some of the symptoms of a failing shower cartridge include:

Stuck Shower Handle

If your new shower cartridge leaking, it may make your handle harder to move when you want to turn the shower on. A leaking cartridge may cause mineral buildup not just in your pipes but also around segments of your piping, like the handle. This can cause it to stiffen or become significantly harder to turn when you want to run your shower.

Stiff Shower Handle

Just like with a stuck shower handle, your shower handle may get stiff if you have a leak in your pipes. A stiff shower handle may also be due to broken seals, which can cause your shower handle to slip. A fault in your sealants can cause a shower handle to be ineffective, so even if the slip and stiffness subside, you may find your shower handle far less effective over time the longer the problem persists.

Dripping Water

One of the most obvious signs that your cartridge or shower pipes are leaking is a steady drip from the faucet. Lacking control over your water output may mean that either your cartridge or sealant is leaking, causing your handle to become less effective and your spout to run even when you've closed it as tightly as possible. If you notice dripping water, this could raise your water bill by a small amount.

If your faucet still leaks after replacing cartridge, it's best to call a professional who can help instead of DIYing a solution yourself.

How To Secure a Shower Cartridge Replacement

Shower cartridges are relatively easy to replace. If you've already opened your shower valve to look for the source of the leak, you should see the current shower cartridge type and the brand name that comes with it. Using a flashlight, locate your shower cartridge and identify any labels, whether they be brand initials or a logo on the faucet face or the cartridge itself.

If you have the manufacturer warranty intact, you may have the option for a replacement kit from your plumber. Once you've located the cartridge, turn off the water for your shower via the main shut-off valve. Then, after removing the escutcheon plate on the wall, look inside the panel and remove the retainer clip that holds the cartridge inside the shower valve.

Suppose you know which cartridge to get and are planning on replacing it yourself. In that case, you can remove the cartridge clip and use a removal tool with your manufacturer kit to dislodge the cartridge and replace it. If you aren't planning on replacing it yourself, show your plumbing expert the cartridge, and they can replace it with the correct version for you.

Call on Formica Plumbing and Sewer Co. for All Your Plumbing Needs in Cleveland Heights, Ohio

Now that we've answered the question, "Can a bad shower cartridge cause a leak?" why not solve all your leak issues with a professional plumbing company? Whether you need to get your shower to stop dripping or learn how to stop running a sump pump, Formica Plumbing and Sewer Co. is here to help you with your plumbing endeavors. We're a professional plumbing company that can provide you with quality help at a competitive price.

If you're ready to schedule reliable plumbing services from a top-rated company in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, call Formica Plumbing and Sewer Co. at 440-485-3850 today.