Removing Delta Monitor Shower Faucet Guard: A Step-By-Step Guide

If you're looking to remove the guard on your Delta Monitor shower faucet, you've come to the right place. This is a challenging task and can take well over an hour, but it's definitely doable as a DIY project. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

First, make sure you have the right tools for the job. You'll need a faucet replacement kit, plumber's grease or putty, and the exact replacement parts to avoid any problems. Once you've gathered your tools, shut off the water supply by stopping the flow of water into your faucet at the main source.

Now, it's time to remove the set screw lever handle. Use an Allen wrench to remove the small cap at the base of the handle, then carefully pull out the screw. You can then remove the temperature control handle. Next, you'll want to pull off the covering, bonnet, and O-ring. If the bonnet is stuck due to sediment accumulation, use channel-lock pliers to slide it off.

At this point, you'll be able to access and remove the cartridge. Grip the top of the cartridge securely with channel-lock pliers, especially if it's stuck in the faucet. That's it! You've successfully removed the guard on your Delta Monitor shower faucet. Now you can adjust the water temperature to your liking.

Characteristics of Removing the Guard on a Delta Monitor Shower Faucet

Identify the Delta faucet series or model number

Identifying the model number of your Delta faucet is essential when it comes to maintenance, repair, or replacement. Here are some detailed and direct instructions to help you identify the Delta faucet series or model number:

Check the Faucet Spout

The Delta faucet model number is often found on the faucet spout, particularly for kitchen and bathroom sink faucets. Look at the underside of the spout near the base for a tag or engraving. The model number typically starts with an "A" followed by a series of digits.

Examine the Faucet Base

If the model number is not on the spout, check the underside of the faucet's base, near where it attaches to the sink or countertop. For single-handle faucets, especially newer models, the model number may be laser-etched onto the handle. Remember to turn off the water supply before attempting to remove the handle for a better view.

Look Behind the Escutcheon Plate or Trim

In the case of shower and tub faucets, the model number is likely located on the valve housing. To access this, carefully remove the escutcheon plate or trim, which is the decorative cover around the faucet handle and valve. Once removed, look for a tag or stamp on the valve housing, as it often contains the model number and other relevant information.

Check the Packaging and Instruction Manual

The Delta faucet model number is included in the product packaging and instruction manual. Look for it near the UPC code or the top of the box. The written instructions will have the model number clearly marked. If you have retained the original manual, it will provide valuable information about your faucet model.

Contact Delta Customer Service

If you are unable to locate the model number or if it has worn off, don't hesitate to contact Delta's customer service. They can be reached through their official website or customer service hotline. Provide them with as many details as possible about your faucet, such as its type, features, and a description of its appearance. Their representatives are experienced in helping customers identify their faucet models.

Utilize the Delta Website and Product Identification Tools

Delta's official website offers resources to help identify your faucet model. Visit the "Support" or "Customer Support" section and look for the "Product Identification" tool. This interactive tool will guide you through a series of questions to narrow down the possibilities and locate your faucet model. Additionally, Delta's website provides images of common models, allowing you to visually identify your faucet.

Identify the Faucet Collection

Delta organizes its faucets into collections or product lines, each with unique designs and features. Knowing the specific collection your faucet belongs to can help you browse Delta's website or catalog to accurately identify your model.

Seek Help from Local Experts or Mobile Apps

Local plumbing supply stores and home improvement centers often have knowledgeable staff who can assist in identifying your Delta faucet model. Bring clear pictures of your faucet from different angles to aid their assessment. Alternatively, explore mobile apps like "FaucetSnap" or "FaucetFinder," which use image recognition technology to match your faucet to a database of known models.

Gather the right tools

Before you start any repair work, it's important to ensure you have the right tools for the job. In this case, you will need:

• A faucet replacement kit.
• Plumber's grease or putty.
• The exact replacement parts to avoid problems.
• An Allen wrench to remove the set screw lever handle.
• Channel-lock pliers to slide off the bonnet or trim sleeve.
• A screwdriver to pry off a plastic disc blocking access to the cartridge.

It's also important to identify the model of your Delta faucet. The model number should be on the instruction or user manual that came with the faucet. Delta's website has a product identifier tool where you can enter a description of the faucet to find the model number. However, this only works for newer Delta products released in the last five years. Alternatively, you can take apart the faucet to check the model number.

Once you have identified the model, you can determine which tools you will need to adjust the scald guard. For example, the 13 or 14 Delta Faucet Series requires hex keys or Allen wrenches to remove the screws on the side or back of the shower handle. On the other hand, the 17T Delta Faucet Series requires a screwdriver to gently pry off the decorative knob cover.

Turn off the water supply

Turning off the water supply to fix a Delta Monitor Shower Faucet

Before attempting to fix a Delta Monitor Shower Faucet, it is important to turn off the water supply to avoid any accidents or damage. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Step 1: Locate the Main Water Shut-Off

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

Step 2: Shut Off the Water

For a ball valve, grip the handle and rotate it clockwise. Turn the handle a full 90 degrees from its original position to ensure the water flow is shut off. For the other style of valve, grip the round handle and turn it clockwise until it is fully closed.

Step 3: Check if the Water is Off

Turn on a nearby faucet to check if the water supply is indeed shut off. The water should slow down and stop running after 30 seconds. If it doesn't, return to the main shut-off valve and try again, this time applying slightly more pressure. If the water still doesn't shut off completely, it may be best to 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 help drain the water remaining in the pipes once the shower cartridge is removed.

Tips for Older Valves:

Be cautious when dealing with older valves. If the bonnet is difficult to remove, you may need to use channel-lock pliers. However, be careful not to apply excessive force, as this could deform the bonnet.

Always remember to turn off the water supply at the main source before attempting any repairs or replacements on your Delta Monitor Shower Faucet. This will ensure your safety and prevent any unnecessary complications.

Remove the set screw lever handle

To remove the set screw lever handle of a Delta Monitor shower faucet, you will first need to shut off the water supply by locating and closing the main water shut-off valve for your house or apartment. Once you've done that, you can proceed with the following steps:

• Remove the small cap at the base of the handle of the Delta Monitor shower faucet. This will expose the set screw.
• Using the correct Allen wrench, loosen and remove the set screw. If the screw is stripped or rusted, you may need to use a screw extractor or drill it out.
• After removing the set screw, pull off the temperature control handle.
• With the handle removed, you can now access the cartridge and proceed with further repairs or replacement as needed.

It is important to note that repairing a Delta Monitor shower faucet can be challenging and may take over an hour to complete. Always make sure to have the necessary tools and replacement parts ready before beginning any repair work.

Remove the cartridge

Now that the water supply is shut off and the trim has been removed from the valve, it's time to remove the old cartridge. Grip the old cartridge and pull it straight back towards you while applying steady pressure and wiggling it up and down. If it's stuck, you can use tongue and groove pliers or needle-nose pliers to get a better grip and remove it.

It's important to check the inside of the pipe after removing the cartridge to ensure that it didn't break or leave any small pieces behind. Use needle-nose pliers to remove any remnants. Double-check that there are no objects left inside that could interfere with the installation of the new cartridge.

Prepare and Install New Cartridge

Before installing the new cartridge, apply a small amount of faucet grease to your finger and lubricate the O-rings of the new cartridge. This will help with the installation and seating of the cartridge in the valve body. Locate the "H" marking on the cartridge, which indicates the hot side. When inserting the cartridge, ensure that the "H" is facing the hot side of the valve body, which is on the left-hand side when facing the valve.

Align the notches of the cartridge with the indents of the valve body. Once aligned, apply steady pressure to the cartridge until there is no gap between the notches.

Frequently asked questions