Quote:
Originally Posted by lawgolfer
It is not hard to replace the "mixer" valve/cartridge yourself. If you can identify the brand, go to Ace Hardware, buy a replacement, and borrow a jig they have which helps you pull the old "mixer" cartridge. For you automotive "gearheads", the jig is like a "gear puller". You don't have to use this jig, but it does make the job easier. I've bought different brands of "mixer" cartridges in several different towns from both Ace and True Value. Each one had a jig it would loan with the purchase of the cartridge.
If the cartridge doesn't come with it, buy a small tube of silicone "plumber's" grease and lightly lubricate the cartridge before sliding it back into the valve body.
Make a note of the position of the cartridge as you pull it from the valve body and insert the new cartridge in the same position. If not, you will reverse the direction to turn the valve when selecting hot or cold water. If you make this mistake, the new valve will work fine, but you will have to get used to turning it clockwise for hot water which is opposite of what is normal. I made the mistake and lived with it for 10 years before we moved. This was not a problem at home, but did cause some surprises when we stayed at hotels! My wife didn't appreciate my laughing and the persons in the adjoining room didn't appreciate her shrieks when she would turn the handle to change the temperature of the water while in the shower.
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In my only experience with replacing a shower mixing valve, there is a large O-ring that prevents water from leaking inside the wall. If that O-ring is not seated properly or is defective, you can have a small amount of water that leaks inside the wall when you turn on the shower. This would cause a serious problem in the future. It is not an issue with sink faucets because you will see the leak. Also, with sink faucets, you do not need to turn off the water to the entire house. That is why I would hire an experienced licensed plumber to do the work.