Shower faucet dripping after turning water source off to replace cartridge
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Shower faucet dripping after turning water source off to replace cartridge
Hi guys, I am currently trying to replace the cartridge inside my shower handle. Of course, before I do this, I have to turn the water off going to the shower and open the faucet handle so that any remaining water is relieved from the pipes. The problem is, when I do this, there is still a very small trickle of water that's still coming out of the shower faucet.
In my basement, there are 4 multi turn valves. One of them primarily turns off the water going to the shower, but that still leaves water trickling out. When I turn off the other 3, the trickle slows even more. Even when all 4 valves are turned all the way to the right such that I can't twist anymore, there is still a small trickle of water.
What do I do at this point? Is it safe to take the cartridge out of the handle even with a slight trickle or will that just create more problems? If the trickle needs to be completely stopped, then what do I do?
Thanks for your help!
In my basement, there are 4 multi turn valves. One of them primarily turns off the water going to the shower, but that still leaves water trickling out. When I turn off the other 3, the trickle slows even more. Even when all 4 valves are turned all the way to the right such that I can't twist anymore, there is still a small trickle of water.
What do I do at this point? Is it safe to take the cartridge out of the handle even with a slight trickle or will that just create more problems? If the trickle needs to be completely stopped, then what do I do?
Thanks for your help!
#2
Group Moderator
If you are on municipal water I would turn the water off at the meter. Then you can replace the shower cartridge and repair your leaking shutoff valve.
#3
Member
#1, There's no such this as a "multi turn valve", just guessing you have globe or gate valves, and they always leak after they have been in for a few years.
The good thing is if there still just dripping it's not an issue, just replace the cartridge.
The good thing is if there still just dripping it's not an issue, just replace the cartridge.
#4
Member
Thread Starter
So if the faucet is still dripping after turning the water off, it's safe to change the cartridge?
#5
Group Moderator
Safe... yes. Will water leak out when you have the cartridge removed... yes. Open another faucet on warm (some hot some cold) somewhere so it can prevent and water pressure from building up.
RJHNY1
voted this post useful.
#6
Member
Thread Starter
Thank you Pilot Dane, so turn everything off, turn on multiple faucets elsewhere in the house, and change out the cartridge. Do you think that will completely stop the water from dripping out of the faucet?
Thank you.
Thank you.