Replaced Delta Shower Cartridge & Went From Slow Water to No Water

[John E]

My master bath shower head and tub spout were barely emitting water, so I decided to replace the cartridge. I had a Delta 17 series "multichoice" cartridge. Ferguson plumbing said that the replacement was a "Jones Stephens Pressure Balance Cartridge". After swapping in the new one, I got no water at all. Water is coming to the "rough-in assembly" because water gushed out after removing the cartridge. I even tired re-installing the old cartridge and no water flowed with it!

What could be the problem? I cleaned the brass rough-in assembly with a wire brush to remove the scale. Could I have dislodged a piece that is now clogging the system? I have removed and re-installed both the old and new cartridges in all possible orientations, and not a drop of water will come out of the shower head or tub spout. I am stumped. I have replaced numerous cartridges before in other bathrooms and never had a problem. Could my plumbers grease have clogged something?

 

[Twowaxhack]

Try attaching an air compressor to the shower arm pipe with a valve so you can let the air compressor fully pump up to its max psi the let it all go at once to blow backwards through the valve with the cartridge out.

Yes, the valve is clogged up most likely.

Always use genuine Delta parts

 

[John E]

Try attaching an air compressor to the shower arm pipe with a valve so you can let the air compressor fully pump up to its max psi the let it all go at once to blow backwards through the valve with the cartridge out.

Yes, the valve is clogged up most likely.

Always use genuine Delta parts

Thank you!

 

[TomFOhio]

You could also try flushing water through the valve also. Put a towel under the valve. This will take two
people if the main water is off.

 

[Twowaxhack]

the Delta multichoice standard valve comes with Deltas version of a twin ell built into the center portion of the valve.

This can get clogged with deposits and trash. it restricts flow.

For a shower only its not needed.

Here in the pic I have removed it. I remove them when Im installing a shower only valve because they can clogg with crap in the water.

Delta's High Flow shower valve doesnt come with it.

If your valve is clogged, this is where its clogged. the center portion.

 

[Twowaxhack]

Heres what it looks like installed before i removed it.
Looking from the shower outlet down into the valve.

Looking from the tub spout outlet.