- Make sure the water supply to the shower is turned off, then close the bathtub drain to prevent parts from falling in. Next, remove the faceplate off the shower handle with a screwdriver, exposing screw behind it.
You will see a ring that surrounds the actual cartridge once you remove the faceplate. This must be removed to the shower faucet cartridge. The ring can easily be removed by first cutting with a knife any caulking that holds the ring in, then turning it with a standard wrench until it comes free. - Now you have access to the cartridge itself. Start by lubricating the bolt that holds the cartridge in place with WD-40 or a similar lubricant. Remove the bold or nut with the appropriate tool, then use your wrench to slowly and gently pull the cartridge out of its surroundings.
Take your new cartridge and lubricate with WD-40 or a similar lubricant and insert in place of the old old cartridge. Tighten and replace nut or bolt. Now, test for leaks by turning on both hot and cold water in both the shower and the bathtub settings. If there are no leaks, your cartridge has been inserted correctly. Replace the ring, re-caulking if needed, and then replace the faceplate. - Screws used in bathtubs or showers are often made of soft copper, so be sure to use the right type of screwdriver to prevent doing any damage when removing them.
Keep in mind that not all shower faucet cartridges are the same. Its best to take the old cartridge, once removed, to your local hardware store for a perfect match.
Plumber's tape can also be used around the threads of the nut that holds the cartridge in place, once the cartridge is replaced. This helps form a better seal and reduces future leaking.
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