PSA - Don't let a plumber rip you off. (with pics)

[LeftyFingerPop]

In 2000, I got horribly ill with a major depressive episode. Flat on my back, totally non-functioning type of ill. Coincidently, every single faucet in my home conveniently and simultaneously crapped out 2 days later. My shower faucet, 2 bathroom sink faucets, and my kitchen sink faucet all died at once.

I was too sick to figure out how to fix them myself, so I called a plumber. They were very helpful, to the tune of 900 fucking dollars.

I told myself that would never happen to me again. I have very hard water, so subsequent to this episode, I have had to replace everything again. I taught myself what to do, and in this post, I will show you how to fix a leaky shower cartridge faucet for $2. Yes, $2.

If your shower head is leaking, the cause is most likely the seats and springs within the faucet, rater than the cartridge itself.

See the pics below.

1) Pry off the plastic temp adjustment handle with a screwdriver or butter knife.

2) Remove all the screws that you see to get down to the seats and springs. When you get to the white plastic cartridge, pull it straight out.

3) Pry off the old black rubber seats with a screwdriver.

4) Under the seats are 2 conical springs. Take those out too.

5) Buy a $2 kit of seats and springs for your faucet type from a plumbing supply house. Replace them in the reverse order that you disassembled them.

6) Put everything back together in reverse order.

7) You just saved yourself a few hundred bucks.

[Aristus]

1. I've got Delta faucets, so I'm bookmarking this thread.

Thanks! :thumbsup:

[LeftyFingerPop]

2. You're welcome...and if you need a part number for the seats and springs...

Go to the Delta site and fish around. They have some very good instructions, as well as complete diagrams with part numbers.

[LeftyFingerPop]

3. In addition, if it still leaks after replacing the seats and springs...

Then the cartridge will need to be replaced. It will probably cost you 60 bucks for the part, but it is better than paying a plumber.

[Robb]

4. Plumbing's just one of those things

I know, 'cause but for the grace of FSM, I'd be a third-generation one.

I'd say 80-85% of things plumbers do, about anyone could. A small amount of knowledge goes a long way. But most folks are a little afraid of plumbing. They shouldn't be, it's really hard to screw most stuff up beyond repair.

Because I grew up around it, I can handle about anything my home throws at me. But I do know when to call in the professionals:

A few years back, I switched to a low-water-usage European clothes washer in the basement. The old one had a pump strong enough to go up three feet to the waste main (which then heads out to the sewer below the street). The new one didn't, so I had to put in a little sump bucket dealie, and tie it into my waste line.

Waste line = where the poop goes.

As I looked at the prospect of cutting into the poop line over my head, I realized now was a great time to spend money. I called a plumber and he quoted me $100 to cut into the waste line and install a "T" for my little sump/ejector pump.

I waited upstairs, listened as I heard the reciprocating saw start cutting into the plastic line. When I heard a "YEAAAARRGGHH! UUUUUUHHHH! GOD!" as that saw reached poo, I knew it was the best $100 I'd ever spent. :D

Moral: pay plumbers for that kind of stuff. Do the other yourself.

[LeftyFingerPop]

5. Good post...I totally agree...

The smart person knows when to spend a little money and call in a pro.

Some things are too dirty or too risk laden to take on yourself.

Don't want to end up like this guy....

[Orsino]

6. What a great PSA!

Thanks for sharing. :thumbsup:

[LeftyFingerPop]

9. You're welcome...hope it is helpful to you. n/t

[GOPisEvil]

7. My dad and I just wrestled with a new sink.

Getting the old one out - not too much of an issue.

Getting the disposal off - trouble, but we got it done.

Putting in the new sink - PROBLEM. The little clips provided with the sink suck. There are some support cleats under the sink opening that prevent one from using the clips to secure the sink. Right before dad had to leave, he thought he had a way to fix it. He'll be back in a couple of weeks to try his fix. So, I have a sink in, but it's not TOTALLY in. Everything is hooked up though...

Oh yeah, the BRAND NEW supply line I bought had the nut on one end come flying off spraying my dad with water, so I had to use one of the older supply lines from the previous sink. It'll do for a couple weeks.

I've replaced bathroom sinks and faucets, toilet fill valves and supply lines, etc. Most plumbing isn't that big of a deal, but there are times when it's best to call a professional.

[LeftyFingerPop]

10. Well I'm glad your sink is functional anyway...

Good luck with it when your dad returns.

[LeftyFingerPop]

8. kick for the night crew. n/t