Removing Delta Monitor Shower Control: A Step-By-Step Guide

Removing a Delta Monitor shower control can be challenging and time-consuming, but it can save you money on expensive repair bills. Before starting, make sure you have the right tools and replacement parts. First, shut off the water supply to your home or apartment by closing the main water valve. Then, remove the handle and trim from the valve. This may require some force, but be careful not to damage the faucet. Once the handle is removed, you can unscrew the bonnet and pull out the old cartridge. Coat the new cartridge with plumber's grease and insert it into the valve body, making sure to align the hot side and notches correctly. Finally, reassemble the faucet by replacing the bonnet, trim sleeve, and handle, and tightening the screw.

Identify the Delta Monitor shower valve

To identify the Delta Monitor shower valve, you can look for the words "Delta" and "Monitor" on the trim plate. Delta Monitor faucets feature pressure balance valves to maintain the water temperature within a safe +/- 3-degree Fahrenheit range. They also feature anti-scald technology, which prevents burns from hot water temperature changes.

The Delta Monitor shower valve is part of a two-part system, with the other part being the trim kit. The trim kit is the part of the shower that you see, including the shower handle, the escutcheon plate, the showerhead, the shower arm, and the flange. The trim kit may also include the tub spout for a tub and shower combination faucet.

Delta offers a lifetime warranty on the operation and finish of its shower faucets. The brand provides a wide range of options, including various finishes and styles, from contemporary and modern to traditional Victorian.

Delta shower valves are designed to be universal, allowing you to install any of their shower faucet trim kits. You can choose from any Delta collection, finish, and style, such as modern or traditional. Additionally, Delta's universal valve offers the ability to change the function of your shower without replacing the valve. For example, you can switch from a normal shower to a thermostatic shower or convert a shower-only installation to a tub and shower combination.

Delta has different series of shower valves, such as the R10000-UNBX and R10000-UNWS, which are the most commonly used. They also offer high-flow shower-only valves and thin wall shower valves.

To identify your Delta Monitor shower valve, look for the model number, which is typically in the format "R10000-XXXX." You can then refer to Delta's website or a plumbing supply store for more information on the specific model.

Turn off the water supply

Turning off the water supply

Before you start to remove your Delta Monitor shower control, you must turn off the water supply to avoid any accidents or leaks.

Step 1: Locate the main water shut-off

The first step is to locate the main water shut-off for your house or apartment. This is likely to be in the basement of a house or duplex. There are two types of valves: a ball valve or another style of valve.

Step 2: Close the valve

For a ball valve, grip the handle and rotate it clockwise. Move the handle until it has moved a full 90 degrees from its original position. For the other style of valve, grip the round handle and turn it in a clockwise direction until it is fully closed.

Step 3: Check the water has shut off

Turn on a nearby faucet to check that the water supply has been shut off. The water should slow down and stop running after 30 seconds. If the water does not shut off completely, return to the main shut-off, open it by turning it counter-clockwise, and then shut it again, this time applying slightly more pressure. If the water still does not shut off, call a professional to replace the valve.

Step 4: Leave the faucet open

If the water has stopped completely, leave the faucet open. This will drain the water left in the pipes once the shower cartridge is removed.

Remove the set screw lever handle

Removing the set screw lever handle from your Delta Monitor shower control can be a challenging task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be accomplished. Here is a detailed guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Identify the Set Screw

Locate the set screw behind the lever handle. It is usually found under a cap or button on the handle base. You may need to pop off the cap to access it.

Step 2: Remove the Set Screw

Use the appropriate tool to remove the set screw. It could be a Phillips-head screwdriver or an Allen wrench, depending on the type of set screw your shower control has. If the set screw is stripped or corroded, you may need to use a screw extractor or drill it out carefully. Be cautious not to damage the surrounding parts.

Step 3: Rock and Tug the Handle

Once the set screw is removed, try rocking the handle side to side and up and down while gently pulling outwards. This may require some patience and effort, as the handle could be stuck due to corrosion or calcium buildup.

Step 4: Apply Penetrating Oil or Heat

If the handle is stubborn and doesn't come off easily, consider using a penetrating oil like WD-40 or PB Blaster. Allow it to soak for some time before attempting to remove the handle again. Alternatively, you can apply gentle heat to the top of the handle where the spindle is located. Be cautious not to overheat and damage the plastic parts.

Step 5: Cut the Handle (Last Resort)

As a last resort, if the handle is still not budging, you may need to cut it off. Use a hacksaw or a Dremel tool to carefully cut through the handle, being mindful not to damage the underlying parts, especially the cartridge.

Step 6: Replace the Handle

After successfully removing the old handle, you can now install a new one. Remember to apply a grease on the shaft of the new handle to make future removals easier.

It is important to note that if you feel uncomfortable or unsure at any point during the process, it is best to consult a professional plumber to avoid causing further damage.

Remove the cartridge

Now that the bonnet has been removed, it's time to take out the old cartridge. Grip the cartridge and pull it straight back towards you while applying steady pressure and slightly wiggling it up and down. If the cartridge is stuck, you can use tongue and groove pliers or needle-nose pliers to remove it. Be careful not to use excessive force when using the pliers, as this can deform the cartridge.

If your cartridge still won't budge, there are a few other methods you can try. One option is to drill out the set screw. This will likely damage the handle, but if you're replacing the cartridge anyway, this may not be a concern. You can also try using a handle pulling tool or applying heat to the top of the handle where the spindle is located. If none of these methods work, you may need to cut the handle and the brass spline off of the cartridge to access the necessary screws.

Once the cartridge is out, coat each new set of O-rings with plumber's grease and insert them into the new cartridge at the back portion. It's important to grease the O-rings to help the cartridge install and seat properly in the valve body.

Reassemble the faucet

Now that you have removed the old cartridge and replaced it with a new one, it's time to reassemble the faucet.

First, put the trim sleeve or orderly covering back in place. Then, replace the bonnet. Next, replace the stop limit and temperature control knob of the Delta Monitor shower faucet. Finally, tighten the screw properly to keep all the parts in place.

Before reassembling the faucet, make sure that the stop cap is in the same position as it was originally. This is important because the stop on the cap determines the direction of the water flow. Normally, the stop faces the left, which means that the cold water will run first when you turn on the faucet.

After reassembling the faucet, turn on the valve so that cold water runs down first to avoid scalding. This is important because if the hot water is turned on first, you might accidentally scald yourself.

If you have hard water or your water supply has high levels of lime, rust, minerals, or other contaminants, it is recommended that you conduct regular inspections of your Delta Monitor shower faucet. Over time, these contaminants can build up and cause clogs or damage to the faucet. To inspect the faucet, simply pull out the cartridge as described in the previous steps, turn the cartridge valve to the full mix position, and shake it vigorously. If you hear a rattling noise, it means that the cartridge is still in good condition and you can reinstall it. If you don't hear any noise, it's time to replace the cartridge.

Frequently asked questions