Help, my Price Pfister shower pressure balance valve leaks up through the shower head when turned off. I replaced the cartridge and it still leaks. It almost stops leaking right after a shower, but over a couple hours it drips about once every second. If I turn on another faucet in the house (lowering pressure), it starts streaming out the shower head. I have taken the new cartridge out and sanded the back of the copper housing at the o-rings (D-rings?) where the water comes into the housing. I started with 320 grit and then used 600 grit. The front chrome plated part that turns with the handle seemed to be smooth and flat so it could seal with the front o-rings. I also used some AmourAll (silicone) on the o-rings. I put it all back together and still have the problem. Is it possible there is some microscopic corrosion/surface uneveness that stops the rubber from sealing? Do I have any options other than tearing out the tile and replacing the whole valve?

The cartridge can be seen at http://209.203.224.14/catalog/SinLever.pdf
Model 0-2085 OEM 974-491

Steve

It's possible you may have worsened the problem by sanding the valve body.

Try replacing the cartridge again -- If this doesn't solve the problem, then replacing the entire valve may be your only option.

I went to the good local hardware store where I bought the cartridge and asked them if plumbers grease or anything else would help. They didn't think so, but asked about the condition of the front chrome plated part that contact the front o-rings. I told them I thought it was pretty smooth. To my surprise, they carried the replacement for this (front section that screws onto housing, holding the cartridge in). When I got it home, I realized it was not an exact replacement (slightly different model #?) and would not really work for me, but I could put it on to see if it would leak. And it did leak. I then looked more closely at my original chrome plated part and did see some circular wear marks at the seal contact location (some debris created scratches?). I started sanding the scratches with 320 grit wet, then 600, then 1000. Put it back together and it seems to be practically leak free. Still seems to be a little leaking when water pressure is reduced. Some of the chrome finish came off when I sanded. I don't want to sand too much because I'm afraid that will greatly reduce the life of the o-rings. But it's nice to know I can get a replacement chrome piece (I think).

Steve