Leaking/Dripping Shower

moneybunny123

We recently moved into our new home (the house itself is only 7-8 years old, so is in fairly good repair).

However, both showers (which are identical) leak/drip.

I'm no expert (hence why I'm asking for advice on here) but I'm pretty certain that neither shower is electrical. Where the water comes through the wall, it comes into the control (which is where it leaks from if I over-tighten the 'off' handle). But if I don't over-tighten it, it drips from the shower head.

(Hope I'm making sense here!)

The drip seems to be worse if the heating or hot water is on (i.e. when the boiler is firing up to heat the pipes/water).

I don't know the make/model of the shower, which I'm sure would help to get an answer, but how easily/cheaply can this be fixed? I'm anxious because we're on a water meter, and the amount of water it dripped out yesterday I bet could've filled a bath.

unclebulgaria

Sounds like you have a thermostatic shower fed off the rising main and the hot water circuit. If its leaking then the cartridge is possibly worn and needs replacement. How much is anyones guess as we have no model or make.

moneybunny123

Ok, assuming I've found a new cartridge (and I think I may have - I'll have to double check when I get home). How much roughly for a plumbers time? Is it an hour? 3 hours? A whole day?

unclebulgaria

well its a guess but I would think no more than 1 hour to 1.5 hours. Its how long is a piece of string. Costs vary from area to area. I wouldn't like to write it in stone as I may put the cat among the pigeons if your plumber encounters problems. Remember that if you source the part and its the wrong one then the plumber is within his rights to charge you for his wasted time or extra time trying to find the correct part. Might be better allowing him to find it. If you're worried he may inflate the parts cost you could ask to see the invoice but don't be surprised if he refuses, discounts are earned by him using a merchants regularly and its at his discretion to pass them on.