[Laker14]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

Note that replacing a cartridge on a sink faucet and a shower mixing valve are 2 different things. You can turn off the water under the sink, replace the cartridge, and immediately see if you have a leak. But, for the shower mixing valve, you need to turn off the water for the entire house, replace the cartridge, and hope that you properly seated the o-rings inside the wall. If you didn't, water will leak inside the wall every time you turn on the shower. In my house in Virginia, I watched a master plumber damage 3 o-rings because of a defect in the cylinder inside the wall before he got one properly seated. I have installed several sink faucets, but I would not attempt to replace a shower mixing valve. Usually, when you need to turn off the water to the house, I will defer to a plumber.

I suppose anything is possible, but the leaky seals being replaced are dripping water out of the faucet, not back into the wall. Typically it's only the seals that need to be replaced.
As far as turning the main water supply off, I do that every Spring, and turn it back on every Autumn. It might not be a bad idea to have some faucets open when you turn the water back on, so you don't get a sudden burst of pressure in the system, but I wouldn't call a plumber to turn that valve for me.

[airstreamingypsy]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

Mike Scott Plumbing

I would buy a new faucet in case yours cannot be fixed. You can always return it. The Delta faucets that the builder installs are less than $100.

I wouldn't call Mike Scott plumbing unless you have so much money you don't mind wasting it.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by Laker14

I suppose anything is possible, but the leaky seals being replaced are dripping water out of the faucet, not back into the wall. Typically it's only the seals that need to be replaced.
As far as turning the main water supply off, I do that every Spring, and turn it back on every Autumn. It might not be a bad idea to have some faucets open when you turn the water back on, so you don't get a sudden burst of pressure in the system, but I wouldn't call a plumber to turn that valve for me.

I assume that some mixing valves have different designs. I was referring to the large o-ring that seals off the water between the mixing valve mechanism and the permanent metal chamber mounted to the studs inside the wall. If that o-ring fails, water will leak into the chamber, and possibly into the wall.

[Tyson]

unscrew the top and replace the washers, very simple.

[BrianL]

If the faucet is a Delta Faucet as are all the faucets in our house, the have a lifetime warranty from Delta. All you need to do is call Delta and they'll send you the replacement part.

[dougawhite]

I bought a delta replacement tub mixing valve (just the valve guts, not the outside valve body that's inside the wall). I asked Gay Plumbing to install this valve replacement kit and their fixed price for the job was nearly $800!! I said no and am now scratching my head. I may try it myself, but I have the same concern as expressed above about having to rely on the whole house shutoff valve. If something goes wrong I'd be in big trouble!

[Laker14]

Originally Posted by dougawhite

I bought a delta replacement tub mixing valve (just the valve guts, not the outside valve body that's inside the wall). I asked Gay Plumbing to install this valve replacement kit and their fixed price for the job was nearly $800!! I said no and am now scratching my head. I may try it myself, but I have the same concern as expressed above about having to rely on the whole house shutoff valve. If something goes wrong I'd be in big trouble!

like I said, I use my main shut off valve every spring and autumn. your $800 plumber is going to have to use it as well. There is no other way to shut off the water to your tub fixture.
I used it when I changed out the seals in my faucet, and I use it when I change the water filter in my refrigerator.
Being turned off and on is what it is designed for. Your system is built for 60-70psi. Mine measures 70psi at the hose bib.

It probably doesn't matter, but I left the kitchen faucet open when I turned the valve back on.

[JGibson]

Originally Posted by airstreamingypsy

I wouldn't call Mike Scott plumbing unless you have so much money you don't mind wasting it.

You get what you pay for sometimes. Mike Scott may be pricey but they do quality work like a union master plumber. They’re also honest and upfront about pricing, with no sudden surprises.

If you want some hardware store groupie to do the job go right ahead.

[Laker14]

He may be a brain surgeon, but you don't necessarily want to pay a brain surgeon to change a band-aid.