Shower Valve Repair in Roswell, GA

What happens when you call

The number on this page connects you with an independent plumber who covers Roswell. Expect a few quick questions: is the shower dripping, swinging in temperature, losing pressure or leaking somewhere it shouldn't? Mention how many handles it has and any brand on the plate.

At the house, the plumber shuts off the water, removes the handle and trim and inspects the cartridge or stems. Many visits end with a new cartridge or seal kit. If the valve body is cracked or unsupported, the plumber explains what replacement involves, including whether a wall must be opened.

What sets the cost

• Repair type: seals and cartridges are quick; a valve body is a bigger job.
• Valve age: some 1980s valves need special-order parts or a full swap.
• Access: a panel behind the shower avoids cutting tile.
• Trim: a new valve usually comes with its own handle and plate.
• Permit: replacement may need a city permit, which the plumber handles.

Roswell homes and water

Roswell grew from an 1850s textile mill town, but most of its homes are from the late 20th century. Census survey figures show a median year built of 1989, with about 22% of homes from before 1980. That puts many bathrooms in the age range where original cartridges have worn out. Older houses near the historic district may still have two-handle valves.

Roswell is split between two water systems. The City of Roswell Water Utility serves part of the city from its Big Creek plant, and Fulton County serves the rest; your bill shows which. Both disinfect with chlorine, not chloramine. Fulton County handles all sewer. Permits come from Roswell's Community Development Department, whose building permit application lists plumbing as a trade.

Because the two water systems bill separately, Roswell homeowners sometimes call the wrong office about a leak. A shower valve is always on the private side, so it is a plumber's job whichever system serves the street. The utility only comes into it if the problem turns out to be at the meter or in the main.

Many Roswell subdivisions from the late 1980s used the same few valve brands, so plumbers working here often recognize the trim on sight. That speeds up ordering the right cartridge.

Before the plumber arrives

• Find the main shutoff in case the shower won't turn off
• Clear bottles and caddies away from the handle
• Check a closet behind the shower for an access panel
• Look for stains on the ceiling below
• Note whether you're on Roswell or Fulton County water