Tools You Need to Service a Hudson Reed Shower Valve

Is your shower dripping? Or maybe the handle is so stiff you need two hands to turn it? It is super annoying. Most people call a plumber immediately. They see a bill for £150 just for showing up. But honestly, servicing a shower valve isn't rocket science. If you can build flat-pack furniture, you can probably change a cartridge.

You just need the right parts—specifically Hudson Reed Shower Spares—and a few basic tools. Before you start ripping tiles off the wall (please don't do that), here is the actual toolkit you need to get the job done.

The Magic Allen Key Set

First off, look at your shower handle. How is it held on? Usually, there is a tiny little "grub screw" hidden underneath or behind a small cap. You can't turn this with a normal screwdriver. You need a set of Allen keys (hex keys). If you lose this screw down the drain, you are in trouble. So, put the plug in the bath before you start. Trust me on this one.

A Decent Adjustable Spanner

Once the handle is off, you will see the cartridge. It’s the big brass thing in the middle. To get it out, you need an adjustable spanner (wrench). Don't use "Mole Grips" or pliers if you can help it. They have teeth that chew up the brass. If you damage the nut, it becomes a nightmare to remove. A smooth-jaw adjustable spanner is your best friend here.

Silicone Grease (The Secret Sauce)

This is the one thing most people forget. When you buy your Hudson Reed Shower Spares from us, the cartridge is clean and dry. If you shove it straight into the valve body, the rubber seals can twist or rip. You need a tiny bit of silicone grease. Not WD-40. Not cooking oil. Plumber's silicone grease. Rub a little bit on the black O-rings. It helps the cartridge slide in smooth and makes sure it seals watertight.

White Vinegar (For the Old Stuff)

Okay, this isn't a tool, but you need it. When you pull the old cartridge out, the inside of the valve will probably be full of limescale and gunk. If you put a new cartridge into a dirty valve, it will leak in a week. Soak a cloth in white vinegar and wipe out the inside of the brass body. Get it nice and shiny before you install the new part.

Why You Need Genuine Parts

Tools are important, but the part is the key. Hudson Reed valves are high quality. If you try to fit a cheap generic cartridge from eBay, it probably won't line up. The splines (the teeth on the handle) will be different, or the length will be wrong.

At My Toilet Spares, we stock the actual Hudson Reed Shower Spares. We know which cartridge fits the "Tec" valve vs the "Grand" valve. Don't guess. Check the photos on our site, grab your Allen keys, and fix that drip yourself.