View Full Version : Shower spoutleaks
ggibson
Feb 20, 2008, 02:08 PM
Hello
Recently the shower spout started leaking. I have replaced the spout with a brand new one but the leak continues. The water is coming out from the copper pipe and I suspect it could be the shower "on/off" ( hot/cold) tap ( not sure the exact name:confused: ). If the tap closes properly , it would not allow water to flow downwards to the spout and cause a continuous leak.
Please advise what I should check/replace
hkstroud
Feb 20, 2008, 02:36 PM
Yes it sounds like the shower valve is leaking. Please describe the shower valve, is it a one or two handle or kmob. Is this a shower or a tub and shower.
ballengerb1
Feb 20, 2008, 02:37 PM
Your spout is doing what it is supposed to do, pass water that has gone through your mixing valve. The mixing valve is what is leaking. Do you know much about your valve, is it a cartridge, Brand name, one handle or two?
ggibson
Feb 21, 2008, 01:59 PM
It is a one handle shower valve (Delta)
Any tips on replacing it . Do I need to close off the mains before proceeding. Should I replace the entire valve?
ballengerb1
Feb 21, 2008, 02:39 PM
Shut off your main if this shower valve does not have integral shut off on it. If there are two brass screws, one on each side of the inlets turn them clockwise to shut off the water and then open the valve to see if its shut tight or just close the main. Remove the handle and the escutcheon plate and you should see a threaded collar or ring that holds the cartridge in place, remove it and pull the cartridge. You can but replacement cartridges or rebuild the seals, its up to you. Grease the valve body before you slide the cartridge back.
massplumber2008
Feb 21, 2008, 04:44 PM
OK.. shut off the water main (or the integral shutoffs on each side of valve (see pic.) by turning clockwise) and release pressure by opening the shower valve... then remove handle and face plate, then loosen threaded metal collar (counterclockwise) and pull out the cartridge and most of the parts as seen in picture below.
For your purposes I would just pick up a pair of springs and two washers (#2 in pic. Part # RP4993) and then re-install parts and see if that fixed it.
When disassembling... note the alignment of the parts... very important as this type valve has a temperature limiting device (just under #1 in pic.) and want to be sure you set same temp. back.
If that did not fix, then replace the cartridge. (A).. that usually fixes all.
Hopefully, this is your valve... if not, the other Delta are similar... hope the pic. Helped.
If my answer helped, please RATE MY ANSWER by clicking on upper right or bottom of this post. Thank you.
.
ballengerb1
Feb 22, 2008, 11:11 AM
If your Delta is an old one it may not look quite like MASS's picture. If the handle looks like it is part of a big chrome ball you have to unscrew the collar on the ball. Inside you may find a brass ball with several holes, it sits in a half ball manifold that apears to be black rubber. This kind of valve is rebuildible but parts are a tad more difficult to find than the newer ones.
massplumber2008
Feb 22, 2008, 11:27 AM
Fine... fine, Bob... here you go... ;) This is the type Ballenger was referring to ggibson...
If this is your shower valve, like Bob said, shut water at main shutoff, release pressure by opening shower valve open, take off handle, remove screws and face plate and then loosen thet chrome dome by turning counterclockwise... then the rest is basically same as the newer type... you still need to go after the springs and seat (part #RP4993... nice to know some things don't change)... and work from there.
I hope these pics. Help. If need more info. Come on back and let us know. Good luck.
If these pics. Helped please RATE MY ANSWER. Thank you.
ballengerb1
Feb 22, 2008, 11:33 AM
MASS, really really close but the one I just removed this week was even old than you pic but its basically the same. It didn't have the push button diverter either but I'm sure Gibson gets the picture from what you posted. Are you pasting from a Delta catalogue or where are you picking these great images.
Thanks,
Bob
massplumber2008
Feb 22, 2008, 11:41 AM
I don't think I can find an exploded view of one THAT OLD, Bob... :p
Hey, I found these at www.delta.com
Then entered shower valve type (old/new... not too specific) then clicked on parts and specifications... and finally on exploded view.
Glad to pass on to all you guys... you have all passed plenty to me. Good day!
ballengerb1
Feb 22, 2008, 12:39 PM
I think this baby is original to this house, about 1973 so it is longer in the tooth. Thanks for the link. You have been very helpful.
ggibson
Feb 22, 2008, 02:11 PM
Thank you for the thorough explanation and pics. I will work on this and get back to you