How to Repair a Peerless Shower Faucet cartridge

The Peerless shower faucet is a popular plumbing fixture in many homes worldwide. It is known for its sleek design and durability. However, like any other plumbing fixture, the Peerless faucet is susceptible to wear and tear over time.

It is essential to repair the faucet promptly to prevent further damage to the plumbing system and avoid wasting water.

A leaky faucet can waste up to 3,000 gallons of water annually, significantly increasing water bills. Moreover, fixing a faucet is an easy and inexpensive DIY project that anyone can do with the right tools and materials.

Common causes of Peerless shower faucet issues

Sure, here are the common causes of Peerless shower faucet issues in list form:

• Worn-out washers
• Broken cartridges
• Mineral buildup
• Corroded pipes
• Damaged o rings

Worn-out washers can cause leaks and low water pressure, while broken cartridges can cause a reduction in water pressure and difficulty in turning the faucet handle.

Mineral buildup and corroded pipes can also reduce water pressure and leaks. Identifying the specific cause of the problem is crucial in determining the appropriate repair steps to take.

Tools needed to Repair a Peerless Shower Faucet

• Hex wrench or Phillips screwdriver to remove the handle
• Locking pliers or a wrench to unscrew the retaining nut holding the valve
• Deep well socket wrench to grip the valve nut as the base of the stem

Having these tools handy will make the repair process smoother and easier.

How to Repair a Peerless Shower Faucet step by step

If you’re having problems with  your Peerless shower faucet, don’t worry – it’s a common issue that can be easily fixed. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to repair your Peerless shower faucet.

Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply

Before you repair your Peerless shower faucet, turn off the water supply to the faucet. Locate the water shutoff valve for the shower and turn it off. If there is no shutoff valve for the shower, turn off the main water supply to the house.

Step 2: Remove the Handle and Trim Plate

Next, remove the handle from the faucet. Depending on the type of handle, you may need to use a hex wrench or Phillips screwdriver to remove the set screw that holds the handle in place. Once the set screw is removed, pull the handle off the faucet.

Next, remove the trim plate that surrounds the handle. The trim plate is usually held in place by screws located under the decorative cap on the plate. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws and pull the trim plate off the wall.

Step 3: Remove the Retaining Clip

Once the trim plate is removed, you will see the cartridge controlling the water flow. Use pliers to remove the retaining clip that holds the cartridge in place.

Step 4: Remove the Cartridge

Use a cartridge puller to remove the cartridge from the valve body. A cartridge puller is a specialized tool designed to fit over the cartridge and pull it out of the valve body. You can usually rent one from a plumbing supply store if you don’t have a cartridge puller.

Step 5: Replace the Cartridge

Replace the old cartridge with a new one. Peerless cartridges are available at most home improvement stores and plumbing supply stores. Before installing the new cartridge, ensure the valve body is clean and free of any debris.

Step 6: Reassemble the Faucet

Once the new cartridge is installed, reassemble the faucet. Place the retaining clip back in place to secure the cartridge. Then, replace the trim plate and handle.

Step 7: Turn on the Water Supply

Finally, please turn on the water supply to the faucet and test the faucet to make sure that it is working properly. If the faucet is still not working correctly, you may need to replace other parts of the faucet, such as the valve or the spout.

Conclusion

Repairing a Peerless shower faucet is a straightforward process that can be completed with basic tools and a little bit of know-how. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can save yourself the expense of hiring a plumber and getting your shower faucet working properly again.

Tips for Repairing Your Peerless Shower Faucet

Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter any issues with your Peerless single-handle faucets, here are some troubleshooting tips to help you identify and solve the problem:

• Check the water supply: Make sure the water supply to the shower faucet is turned on and working correctly. If the water pressure is low, it could be a problem with the water supply, not the faucet.
• Inspect the faucet handle: If the faucet handle is difficult to turn, it could be due to mineral buildup or a broken cartridge. Remove the handle and inspect the components for any damage or buildup.
• Check for faucet leaks: Leaks can occur around the faucet tub spout, faucet body, handle, or base. Inspect these areas for any signs of water leakage.
• Look for signs of mineral buildup: Mineral buildup can cause low water pressure and leaks. Look for white or greenish buildup around the faucet components.

Maintenance Tips

To prevent issues with your Peerless shower faucet, it’s essential to perform regular maintenance. Here are some maintenance tips to keep your faucet in good working condition:

• Clean the faucet regularly: Use a soft cloth and mild soap to clean the faucet components regularly. Avoid using abrasive cleaners, as they can scratch the finish.
• Remove mineral buildup: Mineral buildup can be removed using a mixture of vinegar and water. Soak a cloth in the solution and wrap it around the affected area for 10-15 minutes. Rinse the area with water and dry it with a soft cloth.
• Lubricate moving parts: Apply a small amount of silicone lubricant to the faucet handle and other moving parts to ensure smooth operation.

Safety Precautions

When repairing your Peerless shower faucet, it’s important to take the necessary safety precautions to avoid injury or damage to the plumbing system. Here are some safety precautions to keep in mind:

• Turn off the water supply: Before starting any repair work, turn off the water supply to the shower faucet to avoid water damage.
• Wear protective gear: Wear gloves and safety glasses to protect your hands and eyes from debris and chemicals.
• Use the right tools: Make sure to use the appropriate tools for the job and handle them carefully to avoid injury.
• Consult a professional: If you’re not confident in your ability to repair the faucet, it’s best to consult a professional plumber to avoid causing further damage.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your Peerless shower faucet remains in good working condition and avoid costly repairs or replacements.

How do I stop my Peerless bathroom faucet from dripping?

Steps to stop a Peerless bathroom faucet from dripping:

Turn off the water supply.

Locate the water valves under the sink and turn them off.

Remove the faucet handle.

To do this, use either a 1/8-inch hex wrench or a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screw that holds the handle in place. Once you remove the screw, lift the handle off the faucet.

Remove the dome-shaped ball cover

You can do this by unscrewing it by hand or using pliers.

Unscrew the ball retainer

Use a pair of locking pliers to grip the retainer and turn it counterclockwise until it comes loose.

Lift out the ball

Once the retainer is removed, you can lift out the ball to expose the two gaskets at the bottom of the valve housing.

Remove the gaskets

You can remove the gaskets by prying them out with a screwdriver. Be careful not to scratch the valve housing.

Replace the gaskets

Install new gaskets in the same position as the old ones. Make sure they are properly seated and aligned.

Reassemble the faucet

Reinstall the ball, retainer, and ball cover in reverse order. Then, reattach the handle and turn on the water supply to test for leaks.

By following these steps, you should be able to stop your Peerless bathroom faucet from dripping.

How to Remove a Peerless shower head?

First things first, you need to turn off the water supply to the shower. You don’t want to risk any water spraying everywhere while you’re trying to remove the shower head. So, find the shutoff valve for your shower and turn it off.

Next, you’ll need a crescent wrench to unscrew the shower head from the pipe that extends from the wall. Be sure to wrap the shower head with a rag to avoid any scratches. Once the shower head is loose enough, you should be able to twist it off by hand.

If you need to remove the entire faucet, you’ll need to take a few extra steps. First, remove the handle using a hex wrench or flat head screwdriver. Once the handle is off, you should be able to see the valve behind it.

Next, use locking pliers or a wrench to unscrew the retaining nut holding the valve in place. Be careful not to damage the valve or any of the surrounding plumbing.

Once the retaining nut is off, you should be able to carefully pull the metal stem out of the wall. Be gentle and take your time to avoid any damage to the plumbing.

And there you have it! With these steps, you should be able to remove your Peerless showerhead or faucet without any issues.

How do you Tighten a peerless faucet?

To tighten a Peerless faucet, you don’t need to be a plumbing expert. With a few simple steps, you can quickly fix the problem. First, turn off the water supply valves to prevent water from flowing out of the faucet while you work on it. You don’t want to get wet or cause any further damage to the faucet.

Next, use a 1/8-inch hex wrench or a Phillips screwdriver to remove the faucet handle. This will allow you to access the adjusting ring that controls the tightness of the faucet. You can find the adjusting ring just beneath the handle.

Now, using the wrench provided, turn the adjusting ring clockwise to tighten the faucet. Keep turning the adjusting ring until water no longer leaks around the stem of the ball when the faucet is on, and you apply pressure to force the ball into the socket. Be sure not to overtighten the faucet, as this could damage it and cause more leaks.

If tightening the adjusting ring doesn’t work, you may need to replace the ball assembly using a repair kit RP12388. This kit contains all the necessary parts you need to fix the faucet and make it work like new again.

FAQ

How do you take apart a Peerless shower handle?

Removing a Peerless faucet handle is a relatively simple process. Firstly, you need to turn off the water supply to avoid any accidents or damage. 

Once the water supply is off, you can remove the handle using either a 1/8-inch hex wrench or a Phillips screwdriver. You may need to apply a bit of force to loosen the handle, but it should come off easily.

How do you remove a Peerless shower valve cartridge faucet?

To Remove you remove a Peerless shower valve cartridge, follow these steps.

1. Turn off the water supply to the shower.
2. Remove the handle using a hex wrench or Phillips screwdriver.
3. Unscrew the retaining nut holding the ball valve using locking pliers or a wrench.
4. Using your fingers, carefully pull the metal stem out of the wall.
5. The cartridge should be visible at the bottom of the ball valve housing.
6. Use pliers to grip the valve cartridge and pull it straight out of the valve.

How To Remove peerless single handle faucet?

• Start by turning off the water supply. Then, use a hex wrench or Phillips screwdriver to remove the faucet handle. 
• After that, unscrew the dome-shaped ball cover and ball retainer with locking pliers. 
• Lift out the ball to access the two gaskets in the valve housing, and remove them with a screwdriver. 
• Next, use locking pliers or a wrench to unscrew the retaining nut holding the ball valve. 
• Carefully pull the metal stem out of the wall, and if needed, release the water supply lines by twisting the connectors counterclockwise.