Ep 26. Ask TOH | Shower Cartridge

In the Season 18 Episode 26 of Ask This Old House named "Ask TOH | Shower Cartridge", the TOH experts are back to solve yet another household problem. This week, they are helping homeowners with their shower cartridges. A shower cartridge is an essential part of any shower valve that controls the water flow and temperature. Over time, shower cartridges can become worn out and start to leak, affecting the water pressure and temperature of the shower. This is where the TOH experts come in, as they help homeowners with their shower cartridge replacement or repair needs.

The episode features four segments, each with a different homeowner with a specific shower cartridge issue. In the first segment, plumber Richard Trethewey travels to Massachusetts to help a homeowner with a leaking shower faucet. The homeowner, Dan, noticed that his shower head was leaking hot water even when the faucet was turned off. Richard diagnoses the problem as a faulty shower cartridge and replaces it with a new one. The process is relatively simple and involves turning off the water supply, dismantling the shower handle, removing the old shower cartridge, and replacing it with a new one. Richard also shows Dan how to properly maintain his shower cartridge by regularly cleaning it with vinegar.

In the second segment, electrician Heath Eastman is in Rhode Island to help a homeowner with a different kind of shower cartridge problem. The homeowner, Stephanie, has a digital shower valve that is not working properly. The valve controls the temperature and water flow of her shower using a digital screen, but it is not responding to her touch. Heath diagnoses the problem as a faulty digital cartridge and replaces it with a new one. He also shows Stephanie how to reset and calibrate the valve, which should solve the problem in the future.

In the third segment, carpenter Nathan Gilbert is in Vermont to help a homeowner with a shower cartridge replacement. The homeowner, Lisa, noticed that her shower was not producing hot water even though the hot water was turned on. Nathan checks the temperature of the hot water and realizes that it is not hot enough to produce steam. He then diagnoses the problem as a faulty shower cartridge and replaces it with a new one. Nathan also checks the water pressure and finds that it is too low, which he suspects is due to a clogged filter. He replaces the filter and checks the water pressure again, which has improved significantly. Lisa is now happy with her hot shower.

In the last segment, the TOH experts are back in the studio to answer viewer questions about shower cartridges. They demonstrate how to diagnose the most common shower cartridge problems and offer tips on how to fix them. They also give advice on how to prevent shower cartridge issues, such as using a water softener to reduce mineral buildup and regularly cleaning the shower head. The segment concludes with a quick fire round of questions from viewers, which the experts answer with ease.

Overall, Season 18 Episode 26 of Ask This Old House is a helpful guide to shower cartridge replacement and repair. The TOH experts offer practical advice on how to diagnose and fix common shower cartridge problems and provide valuable tips on how to prevent them in the future. Whether you are a homeowner or a DIY enthusiast, this episode is a must-watch for anyone who wants to keep their showers running smoothly.