Uploaded March 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Struggling with a stiff shower valve? I thought my Vado thermostatic shower valve needed a new cartridge, so I bought a replacement before taking it apart. Turns out, the cartridge wasn’t the issue! Instead, the valve handle was stuck due to limescale and soap scum buildup—even though the property has a water softener.
To fix it, I used a bathroom cleaner, Cif, a toothbrush, wire wool, and wet & dry sandpaper to remove the buildup. Then, I applied silicone lubricant grease and reassembled the valve. Now it works perfectly!
If your thermostatic shower valve is stiff, don’t assume it’s the cartridge—watch this before buying replacement parts!
🔧 Tools & Cleaners Used:
✅ Bathroom cleaner & Cif
✅ Toothbrush, wire wool, wet & dry sandpaper
✅ Silicone lubricant grease
💬 Comment below if you’ve had a similar issue!
#ShowerValve #Plumbing #DIYRepair
Buy Silicone Grease here*:
amzn.to/41HyGM1
amzn.to/4hmhqBK
Here's my Amazon page to check out the products I use*:
amazon.co.uk/shop/theaidenproject
*As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
About me:
I'm Aiden and I'm documenting what was supposed to be my barn conversion, which has now ended up being a new build. I don't have a trade, I just have a go and I'll be doing lots of work myself. This is the boring bit in grand designs that you don't get to see. Subscribe and follow along to find out how our future home turns out.
Instagram: instagram.com/the_aiden_project/?hl=en
contact email: aiden@acer-view.com
Struggling with a stiff shower valve? I thought my Vado thermostatic shower valve needed a new cartridge, so I bought a replacement before taking it apart. Turns out, the cartridge wasn’t the issue! Instead, the valve handle was stuck due to limescale and soap scum buildup—even though the property has a water softener.
To fix it, I used a bathroom cleaner, Cif, a toothbrush, wire wool, and wet & dry sandpaper to remove the buildup. Then, I applied silicone lubricant grease and reassembled the valve. Now it works perfectly!
If your thermostatic shower valve is stiff, don’t assume it’s the cartridge—watch this before buying replacement parts!
🔧 Tools & Cleaners Used:
✅ Bathroom cleaner & Cif
✅ Toothbrush, wire wool, wet & dry sandpaper
✅ Silicone lubricant grease
💬 Comment below if you’ve had a similar issue!
#ShowerValve #Plumbing #DIYRepair
Buy Silicone Grease here*:
amzn.to/41HyGM1
amzn.to/4hmhqBK
Here's my Amazon page to check out the products I use*:
amazon.co.uk/shop/theaidenproject
*As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
About me:
I'm Aiden and I'm documenting what was supposed to be my barn conversion, which has now ended up being a new build. I don't have a trade, I just have a go and I'll be doing lots of work myself. This is the boring bit in grand designs that you don't get to see. Subscribe and follow along to find out how our future home turns out.
Instagram: instagram.com/the_aiden_project/?hl=en
contact email: aiden@acer-view.com
