Domestic shower repair - possible?

[Domdom]

I have the shower mixer valve shown below. It leaks from the main temperature mix part - the cross-head on the very front. You can see the drip just below it. The cross-head is temperature, and the bar behind is rotated anticlockwise to control the flow.

I would actually like to replace it with a more shallow bar type of arrangement, but the pitch between the pipe centres is 145mm, against just about all the replacements being 150mm. Without messing with tiles etc, which I am sure I couldn't get replacements for, I figured this unit might be repairable with some new seals. Getting those won't be easy either.

So, can this be repaired?
Or does anyone know of a 145mm pitch unit, with a top exit for the fixed riser pipe.

Thanks

 

[voipio]

Thermostatic valve cartridges can be bought. Knowing the make and model number for the shower valve will help.

 

[Mark 5]

I have the shower mixer valve shown below. It leaks from the main temperature mix part - the cross-head on the very front. You can see the drip just below it. The cross-head is temperature, and the bar behind is rotated anticlockwise to control the flow.

I would actually like to replace it with a more shallow bar type of arrangement, but the pitch between the pipe centres is 145mm, against just about all the replacements being 150mm. Without messing with tiles etc, which I am sure I couldn't get replacements for, I figured this unit might be repairable with some new seals. Getting those won't be easy either.

So, can this be repaired?
Or does anyone know of a 145mm pitch unit, with a top exit for the fixed riser pipe.

Thanks

Several of the well known branded manufactures made these shower units but would think these seals would get you out of trouble if going for a repair.

SK1850-1 Seal Kit (1850 / 968 Models) for Sirrus, Bristan and Gummers O-rings | eBay

Bristan Damixa Saturn-T Mixer Shower. - Sirrus 1850 / 1850 Dual Shower Valve (including Sirrus Stratus 1850). It has recently started to drip from the front of the shower valve. I've asked my plumber and he looked at the pipes around the back of the shower and they are fine so I'm wondering...

www.ebay.co.uk

As for the pipe off centers and a new shower bar you could try some dog leg connectors.

 

[jenki]

Shower Spares & Replacement Shower Parts | The Shower Doctor

Explore the UK's Number 1 selection of shower spares and replacement parts at The Shower Doctor. Trust our expertise and premium quality products. Shop now!

www.showerdoc.com

Is your best bet, I've just replaced the thermostat and resealed a 30+ year old built in shower all parts available from Shower Doc. Other advice never build in a shower valve!

 

[gaz1]

take your pick as some units are adjustable for inbetween pipes

https://www.manomano.co.uk/p/thermostatic-traditional-exposed-shower-mixer-valve-135mm-165mm-centres-3-4-top-47577536

 

[Gareth J]

In my experience, sadly, while repairable, it's not often economical to do so.

When you find a supply & price for a new cartridge, price up a whole new one. You may find a new bar, riser and head/s work out not a lot more than just the cartridge. No limescale then either.

 

[Domdom]

In my experience, sadly, while repairable, it's not often economical to do so.

When you find a supply & price for a new cartridge, price up a whole new one. You may find a new bar, riser and head/s work out not a lot more than just the cartridge. No limescale then either.

You're not wrong. Over 100 quid for a cartridge and the various seals. Mental. New shower time.

 

[gaz1]

this link will take you to the adjustable center type

exposed shower mixer with adjustable - Google Search

 

[Mark 5]

Can some one provide me with an actual link for an adjustable shower bar not an adjustable exposed shower control unit?

 

[grim_d]

Mira Atom EV Rear-Fed Exposed Chrome Thermostatic Mixer Shower - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. Contemporary thermostatic mixer shower with separate temperature and flow control. Magni-flow technology gives powerful performance and delivers high flow rate, even at low pressure. 110mm showerhead provides large coverage and Coolshield technology ensures the...

www.screwfix.com

Looks like it comes with the "z" connectors as standard now, it was an optional extra when I fitted mine 7 years ago.

 

[Onoff]

Can some one provide me with an actual link for an adjustable shower bar not an adjustable exposed shower control unit?

Like this?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/kisimixer-Thermostatic-Constant-Temperature-Bathroom/dp/B08KQ7KNCL/ref=asc_df_B08KQ7KNCL/

 

[Mark 5]

I should have made myself clearer I got the impression from @Domdom OP, if economically viable they would fix the existing shower control unit, if not time for a shower bar unit.

If I have understood correctly his existing pipe centers are at 145mm or there abouts, not the standard 150mm centers.

To the best of my knowledge there is no such thing as an " adjustable shower bar " when it comes to a direct replacement bar unit for what he has and the existing pipe centers where the bar can be adjusted to fit.

Which is why I though dog legs might get him out of trouble.

I got the impression if not doable or a viable service repair of existing they would prefer to fit a modern shower bar.

I was getting a bit frustrated all of the links were like for like where some are adjustable to fit varying pipe centers but none of them were actual adjustable "shower bars" without the use of dog legs.

Or am I misunderstanding, I can do that very well.

 

[Dilkris]

I should have made myself clearer I got the impression from @Domdom OP, if economically viable they would fix the existing shower control unit, if not time for a shower bar unit.

If I have understood correctly his existing pipe centers are at 145mm or there abouts, not the standard 150mm centers.

To the best of my knowledge there is no such thing as an " adjustable shower bar " when it comes to a direct replacement bar unit for what he has and the existing pipe centers where the bar can be adjusted to fit.

Which is why I though dog legs might get him out of trouble.

I got the impression if not doable or a viable service repair of existing they would prefer to fit a modern shower bar.

I was getting a bit frustrated all of the links were like for like where some are adjustable to fit varying pipe centers but none of them were actual adjustable "shower bars" without the use of dog legs.

Or am I misunderstanding, I can do that very well.

No - you have misunderstood nothing and have appraised the situation well - I think.

 

[Onoff]

To the best of my knowledge there is no such thing as an " adjustable shower bar " when it comes to a direct replacement bar unit for what he has and the existing pipe centers where the bar can be adjusted to fit.nes like in my post.

Do you mean dog legs like the one in my link?

 

[Mark 5]

Do you mean dog legs like the one in my link?

Yes, its not the bar it's self that's adjustable.

 

[Domdom]

Those dog leg thingies are genius. I want something that doesn’t protrude as far into the enclosure cos I keep catching myself on it. Only a 700mm enclosure and I’m a bit on the portly side.

 

[Onoff]

I want something that doesn’t protrude as far into the enclosure

See I'm the opposite...

 

[Mark 5]

Those dog leg thingies are genius. I want something that doesn’t protrude as far into the enclosure cos I keep catching myself on it. Only a 700mm enclosure and I’m a bit on the portly side.

They are and they can get people out of trouble, used them many times but any new shower bar with a set in use will protrude further, larger shower cubicle, not so much of an issue, yours I can understand the issue.

I know you don't want to replace tiles to facilitate a new fitting or believe you can match existing--are you sure of that? Google was my friend here, I got close, I think, unfortunately I've been cutting grass today so my eyes are red and gone to ****e for today

Maybe not a walk in the park or walk in DIY center but pretty sure if not an exact match you should be able to find a pretty damn close match to the existing, 2 x large tiles should do it, a bit of breaking out, some raking, some plumbing to reset your pipe centers, new tiles should sort it.

Or break out the tiles, reset and insert a copper or SS panel, it will look stylish with existing tiles.

 

[Tigman]

I've used Shower Doctor , very good service !

 

[Domdom]

They are and they can get people out of trouble, used them many times but any new shower bar with a set in use will protrude further, larger shower cubicle, not so much of an issue, yours I can understand the issue.

I know you don't want to replace tiles to facilitate a new fitting or believe you can match existing--are you sure of that? Google was my friend here, I got close, I think, unfortunately I've been cutting grass today so my eyes are red and gone to ****e for today

Maybe not a walk in the park or walk in DIY center but pretty sure if not an exact match you should be able to find a pretty damn close match to the existing, 2 x large tiles should do it, a bit of breaking out, some raking, some plumbing to reset your pipe centers, new tiles should sort it.

Or break out the tiles, reset and insert a copper or SS panel, it will look stylish with existing tiles.

With a slim bar and those dog leg things it would still be a massive improvement over the existing one.