How much does it cost to fix a shower faucet?
Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC trades can be overwhelming for homeowners.Some prefer to leave these skilled trades to the pros.You should have a professional help you with a plumbing problem.
The cost will depend on a number of factors, but the average labor cost is between $100 and 250.Depending on the brand, it can cost between $30-$100 for the material alone.
There are four kinds of valves in plumbing.They are most common in the shower.Water flow and pressure are controlled by Cartridges.
Older valves were made of metal.The shower stem valve had a metal body that applied pressure to the rubber O-ring when turned.This could be used to open or close the faucet.
The plastic version was invented because the metal one was hard to turn.The plastic body is light and easy to turn, making it more user friendly.
A shower can have one or two handles.The temperature can be regulated by turning the knob from left to right.The knob is turned up and down to regulate the water flow.
The dual handle valves are easier to operate than the old-school metal ones.They are a good choice to match the style of an older home.They are more resistant to rust, so they will last longer than their older counterparts.
A diverter has either a three- or one-handle faucet assembly.A diverter means it opens or closes a supply line to regulate temperature and flow.
If you are having trouble regulating your shower's temperature or water flow, it is time to replace the cartridge.
If your shower faucet is leaking, that is probably not the problem.Over time, the rubber parts of the O-rings and gaskets can dry out.Replacing those parts will solve your leak problem.
The cost of a shower valve replacement can be determined by a number of factors.
The average cost of a replacement valve is $90 across the country.Some can be as much as $103 and others as low as $85.Some companies will allow you to purchase a separate valve component, which can range from $30-50.
Save your receipts because some brands have a lifetime guarantee.If your faucet fails, they will send you replacement parts for free.This also includes valves.
The national average cost of labor and materials to replace a shower valve is around $250.Depending on the scope of work, some plumbing companies may charge as little as $100.
Depending on where you live, labor costs will vary a lot.A job that costs $100 in a rural community may be twice as expensive as a big, coastal city.
A trip fee is charged by some plumbing companies.This is a minimum charge to make sure the trip is worthwhile.If the job takes 10 minutes, they will charge a minimum amount.
A good plumbing professional should be able to give you a free estimate.It is a good idea to get three quotes from different companies to make sure you are not being taken advantage of.There are a lot of scam artists in construction.
Who you hire will affect your labor cost.A big company has more overhead than an independent one.A larger contractor will likely charge you more and take a cut off the top.
Make sure they are licensed, no matter who you choose.If anything goes wrong, you will be covered by their insurance.
We all know how one project can lead to another.A more in-depth replacement may be needed if the whole valve is compromised.
This can include cutting away and repairing tile, which is both expensive and messy.It is a common hazard of plumbing work to have leaks, which can cause mold or further damage.
Does your home have a warranty?Before you pay for a repair, look at your policy.Plumbing items like valves and diverters are covered by many home warranty policies.
There are minerals in the water that accumulate on the plastic.It is possible for Cartridges to become damaged by mineral build up.If you open the faucet, you can determine if you need to replace it or just clean it.
You may be able to clean it by soaking it in a liquid.The deposits should be washed away gently with a soft toothbrush.
You will need to replace it if it is damaged.This can happen during the removal process or as a result of other plumbing repairs.
Some cartridges are better than others.You can't get a universal plumbing part at a home improvement store.You need to know the brand and serial number of your plumbing fixture to find the right one.
It can be difficult to find the model number, or you weren't the one to install the faucet.Look at their website or call their store if you can identify the brand.
Take a picture of the fixture and go to a plumbing supply store.They can help you solve the mystery and order the right part.
The first thing you need to do is turn off the water.You don't want to get burned by hot water before you start.
Behind the handle and trim, there is a hidden part of the faucet.You will need an Allen key and a hidden set screw to remove the trim.It is usually hidden behind the fixture.
This is how you can change the look of your plumbing fixture.If you want to change the look of your bathroom, you have to buy a trim kit.
The cartridge should be easy to see from this point.The temperature limiter is a plastic disc.The pin is connected to the valve stem.Unless there are mineral deposits in place, it should come out easily.
A tool called a cartridge puller is needed if the cartridge is stuck.It works like a corkscrew for plumbing parts.Take a photo of the plumbing fixture and note its orientation.
It depends on your comfort level with do-it-yourself projects, the tools you have at hand, and the valve's condition.Give it a try if you have a moderate degree of comfort with home renovation projects and have the proper tools.If you lose the instructions, you can follow them online.
You might want to ask for help if you see that the cartridge is in poor condition after removing the trim.You might need to call a pro if the valve gets stuck or breaks.
You run a small risk of damaging the valve's body if you follow instructions.Paying for a plumbing service can give you peace of mind.An emergency call may be avoided if a non-emergency call is made now.
A good-quality replacement should last about 30 years.It is possible to prolong the life of your cartridge by cleaning it regularly.
It is up to you to decide if you want to repair your shower or replace it.Replacing this crucial part of your shower will help regulate the flow and temperature.A long shower is one of the best things to do in your home.Enjoy!
A wife, mother, and writer from New Orleans, she has always had a love for home organization and making spaces beautiful.She and her husband have spent the last several years lovingly renovating her grandparent's former home, making it their own and learning a lot about life along the way.