New Pfister Shower Cartridge Difficult to Turn

[lrk1993]

Hi All,

We moved into our house 2 years ago, and one of the showers has a Pfister shower cartridge. At the home inspection, it was found to operate (turn) with a lot of resistance (and noise).

After taking possession of the house, I changed our the cartridge for a new Pfister cartridge, and it acted the exact same. None of the other valves in the house give any resistance when operating.

Originally I thought maybe it was just that this cartridge was more sensitive to high water pressure (which has now been remedied with the installation of an expansion tank. And even after bringing the house water pressure down to 60 PSI, it still operates loudly and with resistance.

Any recommendations? It's odd that both cartridges act the same.

 

[Twowaxhack]

Did you replace with genuine parts ?

 

[lrk1993]

Did you replace with genuine parts ?

Yes, from Menards (just found the receipt).

It's Pfister cartridge #6740615 for an 0X8 valve.

 

[Twowaxhack]

Take the trim off and operate the cartridge without the trim on. See if it’s easier.

 

[lrk1993]

Take the trim off and operate the cartridge without the trim on. See if it’s easier.

When I remove the threaded collar that holds the escutcheon plate against the wall, the handle does turn about 50% easier, but sill makes noise and provides slight resistance.

Apparently, the handle has since corroded itself onto the shaft since I last had it off 2 years ago. Removing the handle is next to impossible without it pulling on the pipes/valve behind the wall (which I don't want to do). Perhaps this is a case of living with an annoying handle for the sake of not having to risk damaging plumbing behind the wall trying to get the handle off.

 

[Twowaxhack]

When I remove the threaded collar that holds the escutcheon plate against the wall, the handle does turn about 50% easier, but sill makes noise and provides slight resistance.

Apparently, the handle has since corroded itself onto the shaft since I last had it off 2 years ago. Removing the handle is next to impossible without it pulling on the pipes/valve behind the wall (which I don't want to do). Perhaps this is a case of living with an annoying handle for the sake of not having to risk damaging plumbing behind the wall trying to get the handle off.

Ok