How to Fix a Dripping or Leaky Shower Head

I've had to put off the bathroom renovation I hoped for this year, but I HAD to do something about that leaking shower! This old Delta Monitor 13 series shower handle just needed some new seats and springs, and replacing them was easy!

Seats and Springs part number RP4993:

Like my shirt? Find it here:

[ObsessiveEngineering]

FOR ANYONE ELSE for whom this doesn't fix your problem: the part that the seat and springs go into is the "cartridge" which can also be pulled out with a bit of persuasion. I actually pulled it out by accident while following this video, and noticed the "legs" of the cartridge had O-rings that were completely worn down. I went to Home Depot and got 10 replacement O-rings for $2.50 (I looked up the correct size online based on the part number, which looks to be the same as in this video: O-rings were 9/16" ID, 11/16" OD). THAT was what fixed my leak, and was only one extra step to remove the cartridge.

This video was great by the way. It gave me the confidence to try this even though I know nothing about nothing when it comes to plumbing!

[willierobison]

For those of you that do not know when you have your home built make sure that the contractor install Delta products throughtout your new home. That way anytime any Delta item leaks or stop working you call and tell them what you need and they will sent it or them to you absolutely, FREE! I'm a Air Force Veteran and have had to new homes built and they are equipped with all Delta everything. I have never paid one-penny for anything. Even the shipping and handling is free. That way you won't have to clean any old plastic parts before you replace them. Everything will be new.

[Brownspdr]

From water shutoff to turning it back on, taking pictures with each step, and even with cleaning the covers, it took about 45 minutes. This was my first time replacing my seats and springs, but you made it so simple and easy. Thank you, thank you, thank you! This leak has been driving me nuts for over a year!

[prettikisha]

I just watched this video to fix my leak and all I can say is THANK YOU so much!!!! This video was so helpful with the step by step instructions. I really appreciate the time you took to show people like me who are not that handy how to fix a leaky shower.

[raycoleman]

Mam, you demonstrated this function better than some plumbers Ive seen . Simple and to the point, good job!

[nscast]

Thank you for the perfect tutorial! My Delta faucet was slightly different than yours on the inside but changing the seats and springs did the trick!

[jamesd]

I was not expecting the opening commentary. Hilarious! I used this in hopes of addressing my leaking issue. Fortunately, I have the same type of shower faucet, just a little newer. Guts are slightly different, but still has the same seats and springs. Thanks!

[ccatdaddy]

BTW, if there is something stuck that will not move, bring a pot of vinegar to just starting to boil and pour it on that part. It may be beneficial to first wrap the part with a rag so that hot vinegar has more working time.
This has worked for me countless times.

[aaronlagomarsino]

Thank you for posting this! the shower was leaking last night and the wife and I could not sleep! you are awesome!

[lilvalmar]

Omg! Thanks for your video and including that part of the shower head leaking by itself! With other vids I was unsure if they had the same issue I have in my shower lol! Thank youuu!!!

[lesliemcguirk]

This was fantastic! Mine was not exactly alike, but got enough information to fix mine as well. While I was in there I went ahead and identified the cartridge and ordered a replacement as I'm sure the whole thing will need replacing in the next few years. Both purchases very inexpensive compared to getting a plumber!

[cristinacruz]

I love how you did this with beautifully manicured nails! Go girl!!!! Thanks for posting this helpful video.

[christinegreen]

We had the same issue. Tried your method and it worked wonderfully. Hardest part was finding the right seats and springs. Thanks

[scottrose]

Awesome job! I would have never figured this out on my own. Mine was so corroded that it would hardly budge, but I knew it would come off by watching your video. Thanks for posting!

[neatchip]

Awesome video. Short and to the point, lighting, commentary, everything. Perfect! Added to my playlist for sure!

[crewdawg]

Excellent video! Very informative and straight to the point. And, I have a Delta shower faucet that drips like yours.

[souflikar]

So glad I found this vid with the part number. That irritating drip is finally gone! Thank you!!!!

[rljay]

Good job! I basically hate to do any kind of plumbing-even though I know it usually is not as hard as I imagine! My shower 'faucet' is a bit different from yours, but I think with your video I should be able to figure it out. Now to find where to turn off the water! We have no basement-it must be in the yard somewhere. Good luck on your bathroom remodel.

[judygist]

Thanks! You've given me the confidence to repair my shower leak.

[rboconnor]

ok after i stopped laughing at how you did this (positive laugh)i was so amazed how easy you did this i watched no less than 5 of these stupid videos to fix this shower and YOURS was the most informative because you did step by step no matter how simple it was ..thanks very much and the guys in the videos above you could learn a lesson ..