Fixing a leaky shower valve

[joey81]

I've been putting off this leaking shower for quite some time now. Pero kapag puno na ang timba, dapat nang ayusin!

Tools needed:
- flat head screw driver
- spanning wrench or vise grip
- scissors

Materials:
- teflon tape
- rubber gasket (or any suitable replacement)

The leak can fill this 20+ liter pail in half a day.
http://joey81.smugmug.com/Hobbies/DIY/i-WcCmKXg/0/M/P1150643-S.jpg

Using the flathead screw driver, remove the handle cap
http://joey81.smugmug.com/Hobbies/DIY/i-nPpdvDw/0/M/P1150629-S.jpg

Remove the holding screw
http://joey81.smugmug.com/Hobbies/DIY/i-RCBhchc/0/S/P1150630-S.jpg

Remove the handle
http://joey81.smugmug.com/Hobbies/DIY/i-kwMmqQb/0/S/P1150631-S.jpg

[joey81]

Then remove the <I don't know what its called>
http://joey81.smugmug.com/Hobbies/DIY/i-xwTmQb9/0/S/P1150632-S.jpg

http://joey81.smugmug.com/Hobbies/DIY/i-NcvkbCH/0/S/P1150633-S.jpg

Use vise grip (or spanning wrench) to remove the valve assembly
http://joey81.smugmug.com/Hobbies/DIY/i-srPMR6f/0/S/P1150634-S.jpg

http://joey81.smugmug.com/Hobbies/DIY/i-JqzXDZb/0/S/P1150635-S.jpg

[joey81]

There's the culprit! A worn-out rubber gasket. It should be of the same diameter as the brass seat underneath.
http://joey81.smugmug.com/Hobbies/DIY/i-M4CgcJH/0/O/P1150636.jpg

Now what do I have lying around that can be used as a replacement for this?
http://joey81.smugmug.com/Hobbies/DIY/i-9cPzmLj/0/O/P1150637.jpg

Bingo! I managed to salvage this roll of used ESD mat from the company thrash a few months back.
http://joey81.smugmug.com/Hobbies/DIY/i-RbMjVd7/0/M/P1150638-M.jpg

Its only half the thickness, but it should work (I hope)
http://joey81.smugmug.com/Hobbies/DIY/i-j28qdqg/0/O/P1150639.jpg

[joey81]

Its hard to cut a circle without a guide. So I just skewered the mat to make a hole and put it on.
http://joey81.smugmug.com/Hobbies/DIY/i-TfRxpZk/0/M/P1150640-M.jpg

Used the brass seat as a scissor guide
http://joey81.smugmug.com/Hobbies/DIY/i-nq3GBmS/0/M/P1150641-M.jpg

Voila! No more leaks!
http://joey81.smugmug.com/Hobbies/DIY/i-zg5TGQf/0/M/P1150644-M.jpg


I don't know how the replacement gasket will last, but I have more than 2 square meters of the ESD mat. :D

[JayL]

Just do it yourself ... I'm sure others will benefit from this post.

Thanks for sharing bro.:sunny:

[violaine]

@joey,

nice DIY tip and great photos btw.

replacement gaskets are aplenty at wilcon.

for new build...i am suggesting gate valves/faucets with ceramic discs..no more worn out gaskets.

of course they dont come cheap.

:mop:

[bigfoot2]

@Doc V
Does the gaskets at wilcon come in that size? I thought its for the ordinary faucet only, or they are the same? I should be needing some soon.

[violaine]

last year i replaced the whole set up (wilcon balintawak) not knowing they have gasket replacements in their Edsa Pasay Branch...will check for you sometime this week.

:)

[pyth]

nice post..short, detailed, educational, focused on the technique not on the tools!!Thumbs up!!:)

[joey81]

Thanks docV, JayL, pyth! :thanks:

Just trying to give something back to the community.

bigfoot, titingnan ko rin sa Wilcon pag nadaan ako. Sana hindi ko makalimutan.:D

[rosy]

Very nice and useful DIY tip joey81.

Ow joey hindi mo malilimutan yan, ang lapit mo lang sa WILCON , just almost in front of SM Cogeo, Antipolo.
HE HE HE HE HE.