What Damage Can a Leaking Shower Do?

So, just how much does it cost to fix a shower?

Cost will vary in different regions, and each plumber will have various rates. Prices tend to depend on the basic cost of supplies — which can fluctuate greatly. The cost can also be based on the problem that needs shower repairing. The type of shower can have an impact on the cost of a shower repair.

What happens when a shower valve goes bad?

If your shower has a TMV, (a thermostatic mixing valve that combines cold and hot water to get the desired water temperature) can wear out over time. This is indicated when the shower keeps dripping after you’ve turned it off. When worn out, the TMV can’t be placed in the correct position to shut the water off. Or that dripping could be because the cartridge or seals have worn out. 

Again, you can call a plumber or handyman for shower repair, or you can learn how to replace a bad shower valve and how to repair a leaky shower faucet are almost identical using the following steps since they are connected:

• Block the Shower Drain: Covering the drain is important so that screws and other small parts can’t fall into the drain. 

• Shut Off the Water: Shut the water off to the shower to stop any further leaking and to keep from having water spraying while making this shower repair. 

 

• Remove the Handle: Using a hex wrench, remove the shower handle of the head faucet, remember how you do this so you can re-attach it when your shower repair is complete. 

• Loosen the Trim Plate: Unscrew the trim plate on both sides and remove it from the wall. Remove any caulk off the trim plate, screws, and wall.

• Remove the Old Valve: You should see a valve through an opening now, you may need to widen the opening a little more. Inside the hole is the old valve that needs to be removed. Remove the clip holding the shower valve using needle nose pliers and place it in a safe place, even though a new cartridge should come with its own clip. Some shower valves will have retainer nuts that can be removed with a wrench. Now, the defective valve can be removed using pliers. Pull it slowly but firmly, you may need to wiggle it some to get it started. 

• Fixing a New Valve: With pliers, hold the new cartridge by the metal end and slide it in the hole where you removed the old cartridge. You may need to wiggle it as you slide it in.  Now, using the needle-nose pliers, affix the clips to the new cartridge so that it is in the same position as the old cartridge. Connect the new valve and water pipe. If you must solder it, be careful so that you don’t catch anything on fire. 

• Attach the Water Supply: You can use Teflon tape to attach PEX plumbing then, with an adjustable wrench, connect the pipe-crimp ring fittings. If you have copper pipes, you’ll need to solder them together.  This is one reason a homeowner prefers to call a professional plumber for this type of shower repair. 

• Finishing Up: Test your shower repair for leaks by turning the water back on. If there are no leaks, return the trim plate and shower handle in place. 

Another common shower repair is the drain leaking. This could be the easiest of shower repairs ever! The following steps will walk you through how to repair a leaking shower drain without having to remove the shower pan: 

1. Take the drain cover off.
2. Remove and toss the compression gasket.
3. Remove the body of the shower drain.
4. Clean the drain rim.
5. Install the new shower drain gasket.
6. Screw the new shower drain body into place and seal it with plumber’s putty.
7. Wipe away excess putty away from the drain.

For a homeowner, knowing how to repair cracked grout in the shower will keep your shower looking good, an important factor if you’re placing your home on the market. Just follow these steps for this shower repair: 

1. The old grout needs to be removed. First, cover the drain so the grout doesn’t fall in and cause a clog. You can do this with a grout saw then vacuum out any grout left behind. 
2. Starting at the top, using a premixed grout, and working in small sections, with a grouted tile, apply the grout in the lines, pressing as you go along. 
3. After you have re-grouted each small section, using clear water and a clean rag, remove any grout on the tiles.  If you use an epoxy grout, you’ll need to use vinegar or other products recommended by the manufacturer. 

If the wall around your shower is damaged and rotted, repairing this should be a shower repair priority. The mildew and mold within that wall are spreading and affecting the air your family is breathing. To learn how to repair a rotted shower wall follow these steps: 

Step One: Remove the tiles from the damaged area

Step Two: Remove the base trim

Step Three: Locate the closet stud

Step Four: Cut the damaged drywall out

Step Five: Replace any rotted studs

Step Six: Replace the drywall you’ve removed

Step Seven: Fill the screw holes and seams with drywall mud

Step Eight: Repeat applying the drywall mud so that it is raised above the surface then sand smooth

application

Step Nine: Paint the new drywall

Step Ten: Replace the tiles