The shower drips or the temperature drifts
A shower that drips after you shut it off, or swings hot and cold, usually has a worn cartridge or seals in the valve. We match the valve, replace the worn parts, and test it hot and cold before we leave.
Residential Shower and Tub Plumbing
Shower & Bathtub Plumbing
A shower that drips after you shut it off, water that never gets hot enough, a tub that drains slowly, or a new shower going into a remodel. We handle the plumbing side: valves, cartridges, drains, and the connections behind the wall.
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Valves, Drains, and Connections
Shower repair and tub plumbing, done properly
Most shower problems come from one small part. A worn cartridge makes a shower drip or lose temperature control. A failed diverter sends water to the tub spout while the shower is running. A clogged shower head, or a valve with scale in it, kills the pressure. We find the actual part and fix it, instead of replacing everything.
Some repairs are quick. A tub spout, a shower head, or a drain stopper can often be done in one visit. Others depend on what is behind the wall. Whether we can reach a valve from the front or have to open the wall depends on the valve and how it was installed. We tell you which one it is before we start.
For a remodel, we do the plumbing: the rough-in for a new tub or shower, the valve and drain, and the final set once the walls are finished. Tile, glass, and waterproofing belong to your remodeler. We work with them so the plumbing is in at the right time and tested before the wall closes.
Leaks near a tub or shower are worth finding early. A slow leak behind the wall can stain the ceiling below or soften the wall long before you see water. For leaks that are not at the fixture, see our leak repair page.
Shower and bathtub plumbing services
- Shower valve and cartridge repair and replacement
- Tub and shower diverter repair
- Tub spout and shower head replacement
- Tub drain, stopper, and overflow assembly repair
- Tub and shower leak diagnosis and repair
- Rough-in and set for a new tub or shower during a remodel
- Tub-to-shower conversion plumbing
- Handheld shower and thermostatic valve upgrades
- Shower drain and trap repair
Shower and Tub Plumbing Nearby
Shower and tub help where you live
When to call about a shower or tub
Shower and tub problems usually start small. A drip or a drain that slows down is cheaper to fix before water gets into the wall or the floor below.
Water pressure is low or the diverter fails
Low pressure can be a clogged shower head, scale in the valve, or a supply problem. A tub that sends water to the spout while the shower runs has a worn diverter. We check each one and tell you which part it is.
The tub drains slowly or leaks around the drain
Hair and soap build up in the trap and the drain line. A leak at the drain or overflow can come from a failed gasket or assembly, and it often shows up as a stain on the ceiling below. We clear the line or replace the assembly.
You are remodeling a bathroom
A new tub, a new shower, or a tub-to-shower conversion needs the valve, drain, and supply lines set at the right points. We do that work around your remodel schedule and coordinate with your remodeler and tile crew.
Clear Answers
What Happens Next
- 1
Tell us what the shower or tub is doing
Tell us what you see and hear: a drip, low pressure, a slow drain, a stain below. If you know the brand of the valve or the age of the bathroom, tell us that too.
- 2
We find the part and explain the options
We identify the valve, drain, or leak source and tell you whether it is a repair, a replacement, or something that needs the wall opened. You get the real price before we start.
- 3
We repair it and test it
We make the repair, run the shower hot and cold, check the drain, and look for leaks before we close up. For a remodel, we test before the wall is finished.
Plumbing Help Close to Home
Sweetwater Plumbing serves homeowners in Apex, Cary, Holly Springs, Morrisville, Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill.
Helpful Details
Frequently Asked Questions
My shower drips and will not stop. What is wrong?
A drip after you shut the water off usually means a worn cartridge or worn seals inside the valve. Tightening the handle will not fix it. We identify the valve, replace the worn parts or the cartridge, and test it. If the valve body itself is damaged, we explain the replacement options.
Can you replace a shower valve without opening the tile wall?
Sometimes. It depends on the valve and on access. Many cartridges can be replaced from the front, with no wall work. Replacing the whole valve body, or switching to a different valve, usually needs access from behind, through the wall or an access panel on the other side. We tell you which it is before we start.
Why is my shower pressure low?
The common causes are a clogged shower head, scale in the valve or cartridge, a failing diverter, or a supply problem that affects the whole house. We start at the shower head and work back. If the problem is house-wide, we look at the supply side.
Why does my tub drain so slowly?
Hair and soap collect in the trap and the first few feet of drain. We clear the line properly instead of using chemicals that can damage older pipe. If it keeps coming back, our drain cleaning page covers what is behind it.
When should the plumber come during a bathroom remodel?
Twice. First at rough-in, when the walls or floor are open and the valve and drain are set. Then at the final set, after the tile and finishes are done, to install trim and fixtures and test. We work with your remodeler so the timing does not hold up the job.
Do you do tile, glass, or waterproofing?
No. We handle the plumbing side: valves, drains, supply lines, and fixtures. We work with your remodeler or tile contractor so the plumbing and the finish work fit together.
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“Matt was amazing! I've worked with many plumbing companies, and I will definitely contact Sweetwater Plumbing for all my plumbing needs moving forward.”
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Keila Feracho
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“Sweetwater saved the day! I had an active leak from a water pipe in the ceiling. They fixed the leak promptly and did a great cleanup job.”
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Sandy Alex
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“Chris arrived on time and made an assessment. A most conscientious and capable young man — the quality of his work was outstanding.”
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“Great job. Punctual, professional, took time to explain the work, what my options were, and let me choose.”
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Krista Summitt
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“Joseph was a great technician. He investigated the problem and walked me through every step of the way. So kind and patient.”
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Connie Knox
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“I needed repair work done on short notice after a house inspection. Excellent work and great folks to work with.”
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