Is it possible to clean/repair a shower cartridge? I'm desperate.
It's my second time asking a question here about the same dang shower part so if the pic looks familiar, hi, I'm back!
Been without a tub for a month. I have a replacement piece on order but there's a shortage so I'll be waiting at least another month.
My household would really benefit from having a short term fix to see us through. Cartridge is rusty, and no water comes through at all. When it's removed and the faucet thingies are turned, water comes through the pipes. When the cartridge is in place, no water at all. So the problem-child is the cartridge.
I don't have much to lose if I accidentally destroy the thing, because we're starting from rock bottom anyway. Any stern warnings against trying to clean/fix this thing? Any tips? Is this a complete fool's errand?
Additional info: the handle caught and "kerchunked" when it first broke and we went from totally fine shower to totally not fine shower. Plumber suspects a hunk of rust hit us through the pipes and despite the visible rust on it, it felt like something snapped or dislodged in there. I've had two plumbers in now who've said two completely different things, but second at least proved it's the cartridge. If you have any experience with a clunking, catching handle followed by a cartridge not working, I'd love some insight.
