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Shower Repair in Kelowna 101: Learn How to Repair a Shower Faucet with Easy Steps!

Posted in Plumbing Repairs

Showers play a crucial role as a plumbing fixture in our homes. It helps you relax from a stressful day or prepare you for a long day ahead. The last thing you want is fluctuating temperatures or constant changes in water pressure. Whether you need to learn how to repair your shower faucet or shower converter, our local Kelowna plumber has the answers for all your shower repair needs.

At 911 Plumbing Heating Drainage, we are committed to helping our local community in Kelowna and surrounding areas maintain a healthy plumbing system. This includes ensuring that all plumbing fixtures are functioning optimally.

We have put together a small shower repair 101 guide, which Kelowna residents can use to effectively restore their fixtures. Alternatively, our team of plumbers is always available to take your call should you have any questions!

Shower Repair Near Me – Warning Signs

A nice hot shower is one of the most enjoyable activities, whether first thing in the morning or in the evening after a long day. Therefore, should anything not meet your expectations, you will notice it right away. Even when you stay on top of your bathroom maintenance, there are plumbing issues that slip through the cracks. That’s because you can’t see them, but the symptoms are clear enough for you to know that something is wrong.

Bad Odour

There are numerous reasons behind the bad odour in a shower. Generally, standing mould and mildew from water leaks or clogs cause bad smells. In case you notice musty smells, we recommend that you check for clogs and ventilate the bathroom. Clogs may occur not only in your drains but also in your vent stacks. For a proper inspection and diagnosis, count on your local Kelowna plumbers for an ultimate solution.

Clogs

One of the most common problems faced by homeowners is a clogged shower drain. Over time, soap residue, hair, and sludge accumulate inside your wastewater pipes, which results in clogs. In the event of a soft blockage, you’ll notice slow drains. In this case, you can pour white vinegar and baking soda down the drain to see if that clears the problem. However, if the clog is more major, you could try using a plumbing snake to break through the clog. If all attempts end in vain, call an expert for professional shower repairs. Our professional plumbers in Kelowna use specialized tools, such as mechanical augers, to clear stubborn shower drain clogs.

Leaky Faucet

In case you encounter a leak in the shower faucet, you might require a new seal, O-ring, gasket, or cartridge. When replacing a faucet’s components, it’s important that you select the matching pieces. We’ll be able to help you find high-quality parts easily and also complete the replacement job.

Inadequate Pressure

Nothing can be more frustrating than taking a shower with low water pressure. Generally, if a shower does not have the required pressure you want, there could be a problem with the faucet. Check if you have a low-flow shower head. If you’re unhappy with it, our pros can help install a high-flow faucet and shower head.

However, if both units are fine, there could be dirt and mineral deposits in the water pipes. In order to restore your normal water flow, our Kelowna plumbers are more than happy to offer hydrojetting services.

Rattling Pipes

Adjusting the mixing valve is an ideal solution to fix the issue of rattling pipes. However, it is advised to be extra cautious while adjusting a mixing valve, as any mistake could lead to thermal shock. In case you do not know how to adjust the valve, consider hiring an expert for the job.

Apart from these, a noisy shower is also a major issue that needs to be inspected by a plumber. It is common to hear the sound of streaming water. Get in touch with 911 Plumbing Heating Drainage Ltd. for efficient shower repairs in Kelowna.

We have a team of experienced as well as licensed plumbers serving areas like Kelowna, West Kelowna, West Bank Kelowna and Peachland. No matter whether it is two in the morning or afternoon, the experts would provide an immediate response.

How to Repair a Shower Faucet That Leaks

Do you have a dripping shower head or faucet? These are the most common shower repair issues we receive from our Kelowna clients. It’s not always easy to tell what causes it until you start with the most basic investigation, which involves disassembling the faucet. A shower repair in Kelowna has never been easier.

We recommend that you gather some tools before you start on this project:

  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Needle nose pliers
  • Pipe wrench
  • Utility knife, glass scraper

Replacement items needed for repair include:

  • Replacement cartridge
  • Locking clip
  • Valve sleeve
  • Faceplate
  • And, if necessary, shower handle and cover

Shower Repair 101: Shower Faucet Cartridge Replacement

Use this small guide on how to fix a leaky shower faucet successfully:

  1. First and foremost, turn off your shut-off valve to stop water from entering your fixture and drain any remaining water that’s still inside.
  2. Spread a towel over the shower floor to make sure no small pieces will fall into the drain, or use a bathtub stopper if you have a shower-bath combo.
  3. Use a screwdriver to remove the cover plate. (Please note that if there is caulk around the plate, we encourage you to remove it carefully with a utility knife.) Next, pull apart the plate and place it aside.
  4. Next, you shall be able to unscrew the handle. If there are any threads, you’ll be able to remove them once you’ve unscrewed the faceplate.
  5. Behind the faceplate, you’ll find a metal sleeve above the shower valve. You might be able to simply pull it out or unscrew it.
  6. A retainer clip is a common feature found in many shower valves. If you have one, use your needle nose pliers to pull it off.
  7. Next, you want to replace the cartridge. First, use a wrench to unscrew or pull out the nut that is attached to the faucet stem. Put the nut aside.
  8. Now, you’re able to loosen the cartridge with the wrench. Compare the existing cartridge with the new one and make sure it’s compatible with your shower faucet.
  9. Place the new cartridge in the empty valve and use the wrench to tighten it.
  10. You would reassemble the faucet the same way you disassembled it. We recommend replacing all the other small pieces. If the nut is still in decent condition, you may reuse it.
  11. Turn your water back on to check for leaks.

How to Repair a Shower Diverter

If you wonder what a shower diverter is, it is the pulling device that diverts water flow either towards the bathtub spout or the shower head. You’ll commonly find shower diverters in bath-and-shower combos. The popular and standard type is the single-valve diverter, as we just described.

Common shower repairs in Kelowna include the diverter failing to reroute the water flow. Or you notice the faucet leaking while the shower head is in use.

To fix this issue, we recommend that you purchase a shower diverter replacement kit and then refer to this guide:

  1. Turn off your shut-off valve and drain any remaining water.
  2. Use a drain stopper to plug the drain, or place a towel over the shower floor.
  3. Check the faucet spout for screws to untighten and remove the faucet entirely.
  4. Locate the small plastic piece that slides up and down when you pull the diverter. You’ll be able to determine if the diverter is faulty or if the washer is worn out. Ideally, you replace both—diverter and washer. This is where the diverter replacement kit will come in handy. Make sure you purchase the correct brand or something that is compatible with your current unit.
  5. Replace the necessary components, and while you’re at it, check your spout and aerator for calcium deposits. If necessary, use baking soda and white vinegar to clean it. (The same applies to your shower head.)
  6. Reassemble the way you disassembled the faucet spout and ensure you tighten it well.

Instead of reusing the same spout, you may also replace it for optimal functions.

Call 911 Plumbing Heating Drainage Ltd. for Quality Shower Repair Services in Kelowna

We are proud to be Kelowna’s first-choice plumbing company, offering a wide range of services that include maintenance, repairs, and emergency services. Besides that, we also offer exceptional home remodels, such as bathroom and kitchen remodelling. Are several fixtures malfunctioning in your cooking or bathing space? Or do you want to upgrade from an old-fashioned bathtub to an elegant walk-in shower? Call our customer service team at (250) 801-0911 today to arrange a consultation, and let’s get started! Our licensed professionals look forward to serving you!

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