Overview
Shower valves wear like faucets: the cartridge or stem loses its seal, scale makes parts sticky and temperature control goes erratic. A drip after shutting off is usually the cartridge. A stain below the bathroom is different and could be the valve, the drain, the pan or water getting behind tile.
We identify the valve brand, replace the cartridge or stem, and clean scale out of the body. For suspected leaks, we test the drain and pan separately so the right part gets fixed. If the valve body itself must be replaced, we look for access from behind the wall before touching tile.
How we handle it
Identify the valve
Brand and type for the right part.
Repair through trim
Cartridge or stem replaced, scale cleaned.
Test for leaks
Drain and pan checked if there is a stain.
What it costs
Cartridge replacement is the common repair and affordable. Valves without built-in stops require shutting off the house, and replacing a valve body takes wall access. We start with the least invasive option.
Good to know
- Clean shower heads in vinegar to clear scale.
- Reseal grout and caulk around tubs to keep water out of walls.
- Turn handles gently; forcing a stiff valve can crack old parts.
Two-story homes in Alamo Ranch often have an upstairs shower over the living room. A small stain on that ceiling is worth a call before it turns into drywall repair.
Shower repair questions
Will you break my tile?
Usually not. Most repairs go through the trim.
Why does my shower turn hot when someone flushes?
An older valve that does not balance pressure. A new cartridge or valve fixes it.
Can you fix low shower pressure?
Often. It is usually scale in the head or cartridge.
Why is my shower water lukewarm?
Often a worn mixing cartridge or a water heater issue. We check both.