Dr. Cartridgeby Encano
Dripping taps and showers · open 24/7
Shower and Faucet Cartridge Replacement in Richmond, BCthe right part, found and fitted
Dripping tap, a shower that will not shut off or no hot water at the handle? We identify the brand and model, source the right cartridge and fit it.
- 5.0 on Google, 51 reviews
- Free assessment in Richmond
- 1-year workmanship warranty
What is a shower or faucet cartridge, and when does it need replacing?
A cartridge is the small valve inside a single-handle faucet or shower that opens the water and mixes hot and cold when you turn the handle. When its seals wear out, the tap drips, the shower keeps running after you shut it off, the temperature goes wrong or the handle gets stiff. Replacing it with the exact matching cartridge usually fixes the problem without changing the faucet.
Most homeowners never think about the cartridge until the shower drips all night or the kitchen tap will not stop running. It hides behind the handle, and from the outside one chrome faucet looks a lot like another. Inside, though, every manufacturer uses its own cartridges, and the same brand can have dozens of models that look almost identical. A cartridge that is a few millimetres off, or made for a different year of the same faucet, will not seal.
That is the part of the job that turns into a headache, and it is why many plumbers would rather sell you a whole new faucet than chase the right part. We do the opposite. We take the handle off, identify the manufacturer and the exact model, find out where the correct cartridge can be bought, and fit it. When the cartridge or the valve body cannot be saved, we replace the shower valve or the whole shower trim instead, and we tell you which it is before any work starts.
Encano is a family business based in Richmond. You get an assessment (free in Richmond, travel time quoted first elsewhere), one flat price in writing before we start, and a 1-year workmanship warranty on the repair. We speak English, Portuguese and Spanish.
Signs the cartridge is the problem
The faucet keeps dripping
A steady drip from the spout with the handle fully off is the classic sign of worn cartridge seals.
The shower drips or will not shut off
Water keeps coming from the shower head or tub spout after you turn the handle off.
No hot water at the shower, only lukewarm
If the rest of the house has hot water, the cartridge or its mixing part is the usual suspect.
The temperature jumps or is hard to set
Scalding one moment and cold the next, or the hot side never quite comes in.
The handle is stiff or grinds
A handle that is hard to turn, sticks or feels gritty often means a worn or seized cartridge.
Low flow from one faucet only
When every other fixture is fine, debris or wear inside the cartridge can choke the flow.
Water leaks from around the handle
A leak at the base of the handle or behind the trim plate can come from failed cartridge seals.
What cartridge work from Encano includes
The fix is only as good as the part, so most of the work happens before the new cartridge goes in.
- Identifying the brand and model
- We take the handle and trim off and identify the manufacturer and the exact faucet or valve model, even when there is no name on the outside.
- Sourcing the right cartridge
- We find out where the correct replacement can be bought and get it, so you are not left guessing between look-alike parts on a store shelf.
- Replacing the cartridge
- Water shut off, old cartridge out, valve body cleaned and checked, new cartridge seated and the handle set so hot and cold sit where they should.
- Shower valve replacement
- When the valve body itself is cracked, corroded or the part no longer exists, we replace the shower valve in the wall.
- Shower trim replacement
- When the handle, trim plate and spout need to change with the valve, we replace the whole trim so everything matches and seals.
- Testing before we leave
- We run the faucet or shower through hot, cold and off, check for drips and leaks at the handle, and clean up.
How a cartridge repair runs
- 01
Call or text with a photo
Call or text (604) 764-2031. A photo of the handle and trim helps us start narrowing down the brand before we come out.
- 02
Identify the faucet and quote
We open it up, identify the manufacturer and model, and give you one flat price in writing for the cartridge or, if needed, the valve or trim.
- 03
Source the part and fit it
We get the correct cartridge and install it. If a valve or trim replacement is the right call, that is what we do instead.
- 04
Test and walk you through it
Hot, cold and off are tested, the handle is set right, and we show you what was replaced and why.
Cartridge replacement cost in Richmond: how we price it
We do not post a price list, because the price depends on the faucet, the part and how easy it is to reach. A common cartridge and a discontinued one are very different jobs. What we do instead:
| What you pay for | How it is priced | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AssessmentOutside Richmond, travel time is quoted before we come out, with a discount on it if you go ahead with the work. | Free in Richmond | Outside Richmond, travel time is quoted before we come out, with a discount on it if you go ahead with the work. |
| Cartridge replacementOne price for the part and the labour, agreed before any work starts. | Flat price in writing | One price for the part and the labour, agreed before any work starts. |
| Shower valve or trim replacementOnly when the cartridge or valve cannot be saved, and only after you approve it. | Flat price in writing | Only when the cartridge or valve cannot be saved, and only after you approve it. |
What moves the price: the brand and model, whether the cartridge is still made, whether the valve body is damaged, and whether tile or a wall needs opening to reach the valve.
The assessment is free in Richmond. Outside Richmond, travel time is charged, and we quote it before we come out. If you go ahead with the work, you get a discount on that travel time. You always know the price before we go.
New cartridge, or a new valve?
Most dripping faucets and showers only need the cartridge. Sometimes the valve behind it is the real problem, and we will tell you which.
A new cartridge fixes it when
- The faucet drips or the shower will not fully shut off
- The temperature is off but the valve body is sound
- The handle is stiff but turns
- The correct cartridge for your model can still be found
The valve or trim needs replacing when
- The valve body is cracked, corroded or leaking inside the wall
- The cartridge is seized and cannot come out without damaging the valve
- The cartridge for your model is no longer made
- You want a new handle and trim style that needs a matching valve
Faucets and showers in Richmond homes
Richmond has a wide mix of fixtures. Detached houses in Broadmoor, Seafair, Blundell and Thompson built between the 1960s and 1990s often still have their original shower valves, sometimes behind a newer handle someone added later. Newer homes and townhomes in Terra Nova, West Cambie and Hamilton have modern single-handle valves from many different manufacturers. That spread is exactly why identifying the model before buying a part matters.
In condos around Brighouse and Garden City, a shower repair can depend on the building. Some suites have their own shut-off valves and some do not, so turning the water off for one shower may mean coordinating with the strata or building manager. Tell us the building when you call, and we will let you know what to ask for before the visit.
Our base is in Richmond, so the assessment here is free. For the rest of Metro Vancouver, including Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Delta and New Westminster, travel time is quoted first, and you get the same flat price in writing before anything is taken apart.
Neighborhoods we work in
- Steveston
- Terra Nova
- Broadmoor
- Seafair
- Thompson
- Blundell
- Garden City
- Brighouse
- West Cambie
- Hamilton
- East Richmond
- Riverdale
Also across Metro Vancouver
Every cartridge, valve and trim job is quoted in writing before work starts and backed by our 1-year workmanship warranty. New parts carry the manufacturer’s warranty.
Ask us anything51 reviews on our Google profile, copied word for word.
Makoto TaniguchiGoogle review · 6 months ago
Eddie was friendly, gave me a good quote, came in early and explained the tasks prior to starting and did an excellent job. Highly recommended.
Luiz PortellaGoogle review · 7 months agoEddie is amazing! Great customer service and attention to details. He helped me with a leaky shower that needed a cartridge replacement and a couple of other minor repairs. 5 stars hands down. I recommend!
Talitha NobregaGoogle review · 7 months agoSecond time using Encano Company, and Ed was amazing once again! He’s reliable, professional, and gets the job done quickly. Really appreciate the great service highly recommend!
BY KGoogle review · 6 months agoReally thankful to Ed for replacing our kitchen sink and garbage disposal. The service was fast,very professional and the quality of work was excellent. Highly recommend!
Vivian WongGoogle review · 5 months agoWe had a kitchen sink emergency Sunday night and Eddy saved the day. Showed up Monday morning as promised, stayed patient through a tricky clog, and clearly knew exactly what he was doing. Price was more than fair. Highly recommend Eddy if you need a plumber you can trust. Thank you very much Eddy!
Ivan LeungGoogle review · 3 months agoGreat work. Used for commercial and personal property. Met quotes and was available to bring in other trades when necessary to complete jobs efficiently.
Philipe BolzanGoogle review · 2 months agoAwesome service. Reliable and experienced technician. Solved the problem with my toilet in 15 minutes hassle-free
rafael francoGoogle review · a year agoI had a really good experience with this plumbing service. The team showed up on time, were friendly and professional, and paid attention to the details. They found and fixed the problem quickly, cleaned up everything after, and explained what they did in a simple way. The result was great and made me feel relaxed. I totally recommend them and would call them again if I need help!
CD SincGoogle review · a year agoExcellent service. Ed found a way around a complicated problem, fixed it and explained what he was doing to me. He was friendly, courteous and professional. Thank you so much!!
Antonio mussiGoogle review · a year agoEd provides exceptional plumbing services! He combines expertise with a consistently friendly and transparent approach. Every time I’ve needed assistance, Ed has delivered prompt, reliable solutions, often going above and beyond by offering clear, practical advice to help prevent future issues. His dedication to customer satisfaction and proactive communication truly sets him apart. Highly recommended without hesitation!
Leonardo SbardelottoLocal Guide · a year agoCalled Ed late at night, he didn’t hesitate. Fixed the busted pipe fast and stopped a disaster. Can’t thank him enough!
Robson MacielGoogle review · a year agoExcellent professionals, they resolved everything perfectly, clean, fast and hassle-free work!
Trendfashions VTGoogle review · 5 years agoEddie had to re-pipe my entire house due to faulty piping. It was a major job. He advised me to install many safety features too, as well as a new shower tower. I would highly recommend him, not only is he knowledgable but pleasant and professional. You are in good hands with canada place plumbing.
Celine YinLocal Guide · a year agoExcellent workmanship, quick response time and reasonable pricing! Would highly recommend.
rachel lemosGoogle review · a year agoEd is very experienced and very responsive, I highly recommend this company
alex de salesGoogle review · a year agoEd is professional, honest, and my go to plumber now.
Karri LamGoogle review · a year agoThis is a good company 👍👍nice staff, good service, recommend! …
DezzaGoogle review · a year agoDedicated service. 10/10 recommend.
The MadaFakLocal Guide · a year agoAmazing company!
Ingrid MonteiroLocal Guide · a year agoAmazing company ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Carson LovedayGoogle review · a week agoExcellent service by Eddie who went above and beyond with the repair.
Onilton MacielLocal Guide · 3 months agoEddie is amazing. He is professional and quick in resolving the issues. He has very fair prices. Highly recommend!
gustavo de almeida françaGoogle review · 3 months agoEddie is super friendly, helpful, and transparent! Always making sure his clients understand what needs to be done and how much it will cost ahead of time.
Pam AndrewsLocal Guide · 3 months agoGreat service. Eddie is knowledgeable and informative. Arrived very quickly and did an excellent job.
Larissa RodriguesGoogle review · 6 months agoEddie is very responsible! Best plumber in Vancouver area. I called him due to an emergency and he stopped by at the same day. I highly recommend him. 10/10
Flavio TruzziLocal Guide · 4 months agoI can't recommend Encano Plumbing & Drain enough! They came to replace my dishwasher and immediately ran into a problem left behind by the previous installers, a metal piece that had been incorrectly fitted and was completely blocking access to remove the old unit. Rather than giving up or charging me extra to come back another day, Ed handled it on the spot, cutting through the obstruction efficiently and professionally. What really stood out was how thorough and tidy he was throughout the whole job. He kept the work area clean, and didn't leave me with a mess to deal with, which honestly isn't always a given. On top of that, he went out of his way to help me get rid of the old dishwasher, which saved me a huge headache. This is exactly the kind of tradesperson you want: calm under pressure, resourceful when things don't go to plan, and genuinely helpful beyond just the bare minimum.
John MondaniGoogle review · 6 months agoEd is great, timely, professional, friendly everything you want. Would recommend to anyone. Fair pricing and only recommends what is needed.
Celine YinGoogle review · 10 months agoVery responsive, on-time and excellent service. Ed is very professional and knowledgeable. He helped us with installation of new hot water tank, garburator, dishwasher, washers/dryers, toilets and removal of the old ones. He also handled any other plumbing concerns we’ve got. He can do them all. Would highly recommend!
marmotageGoogle review · a year agoEd was fantastic! He showed up on time, quickly identified the problem, and fixed it with no hassle. Very professional, friendly, and reasonably priced.
Hirtonio AndradeLocal Guide · a year agoAmazing service! Encano Plumbing & Drainage Ltd was super fast, professional, and paid great attention to detail. From the first call to the end of the job, they were friendly, clear, and easy to deal with. They showed up on time, gave a fair quote, and the work was done really well. I’d definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a plumber they can trust. One of the best service experiences I’ve had here in Canada!
Eliane MirandaGoogle review · a year agoExcellent service! Ed quickly found an efficient solution to our problem without overcomplicating things. We truly appreciate his support, thank you!
Lucas J. SantosGoogle review · a year agoEddie is an excellent professional, always committed to delivering the best service. Thank you for meeting him!
Ana CeciliaGoogle review · a year agoSuper reliable and professional, I wouldn’t hesitate to call Ed again.
Ming LauGoogle review · a year agoAmazing company to work with and Eddie is Great . If you want great a Plumbing company , choose them !!!
Jay TeeLocal Guide · a year agoGreat service! Eddie provided great customer service.
Frederico LemosGoogle review · a year agoEd is a professional who updates himself in his work area and skillfly manages the service and its challenges.
Stanley LauGoogle review · a year agoEd is the best plumber ever ! Best service and company ever !
Sabrynna CaGoogle review · 3 months agoexcellent 🤩 …
Nelson JrGoogle review · a year agoThe best , better than I expected.
Leonardo SbardelottoLocal Guide · a year agoAlways reliable.
Edmarcio GuedesLocal Guide · a week agoI used Encano a few times and they were vwry good. Except service and a fair price.
Cris ReisLocal Guide · 3 months agoMr. Eddie, as always when we need him, performs the work quickly, accurately, and with great competence. The best one!
Shower and Faucet Cartridge Replacement questions
Straight answers. If yours is not here, text it to us.
Open now · 24 hours, 7 days
Pipe burst at 2 a.m.? Call or text. We pick up.
Shut the main water valve if you can, then call or text. The Encano team answers 24/7 and tells you what happens next, including the price, before anyone touches a tool.
Get your shower and faucet cartridge replacement price
Tell us what is going on. We reply with next steps and a time, and the price is agreed before any work starts.