Replacing a mixer shower

VoucherMan

Having temporarily abandoned ideas of having a bathroom fitted I decided to try and replace the old mixer shower.

It's not easy to use as the controls are very stiff and, probably as a result of this, the mixer unit has come loose from the wall.



I don't want an expensive one as I still hope to get the bathroom done in the next couple of years.

The first problem I had was the gap between the pipe centres. Mine is 135mm but many new ones seem to be fixed at 150mm. I've found some such as this one which are adjustable. I'm sure there are many more.


Can anyone recommend a good place to buy mixer units (if not the one on ebay)?

And for a bit of reassurance as I'm still fairly new to plumbing - I've fixed a few leaks, changed a couple of taps & a radiator -
Apart from removing the old unit, fixing the new one to the wall and connecting the pipes, which knowing my luck will need new connectors, are there likely to be any problems I've not thought of?

1984ReturnsForReal_2

Controls are stiff because it needs servicing.

Grease & o-ring pack is about £16.

GaryS

I had exactly the same problem, my Richmond shower also has 135mm pipe centres. And we have 2 identical showers in the house.

I managed to find a Meynell V6 shower (same item different name) on eBay for about £80.00.

I swapped it over and then refurbished the old one with a seal kit from "Showerdoc".

That one was then also swapped over and the other old one has been kept for spares.

Your photo looks a lot like the Meynell / Richmond V6.

** Do not get a Meynell V8 - pipe centres are too far apart.

har0ld

Check that there isn't a service kit available before you try anything else.
If you do change your shower I would normally switch to a bar style mixer - again with nominal 150mm centres. There is a brilliant device that you fit behind the tiles to support your pipework, valve etc (and is almost universal) called a shower pl8 - its great apart from one of the Triton valves which didn't fit.(bar style valves start from £40 - £3/400 and all work if on a pressurised system or at least with a decent head of water - 2/3metres)
If low pressure - maybe a little more money required and an Aqualisa valve would still be the best - also one of the dearest.

VoucherMan

1984ReturnsForReal wrote: »

Controls are stiff because it needs servicing.

Grease & o-ring pack is about £16.

Found The Shower Doctor website. Sent them a picture and they replied


'That shower looks very much like a rebadged Sirrus 1850 thermostatic shower. Any mixer showers brought out with "Redring" have normally been manufactured on their behalf by A and J Gummers (who are now known as Sirrus by Gummers). Please follow the link to view the spare parts list for your shower on our website.

http://www.showerdoc.com/shower-spares/sirrus-by-gummers/GUM-PARENT-14-Sirrus-1850---1850-Dual-Shower-Valve'



So looking at the list I'm guessing Sirrus Spindle Assy. Kit should have everything I'll need.

Can anyone confirm if this is likely to be the best choice before I go ahead and buy it?

keystone

Personally I be thinking about changing the whole catridge assembly and not just part of it if you want to keep that shower valve.

Cheers

VoucherMan

Also found Sirrus Seal Kit via a Google search. Doesn't seem to be listed on the Shower Doctor/Sirrus index page.

VoucherMan

keystone wrote: »

Personally I be thinking about changing the whole catridge assembly and not just part of it if you want to keep that shower valve.

Cheers

Starts to get expensive then. Cartridge is £132 & I could get a new shower for less than that.

keystone

VoucherMan wrote: »

Starts to get expensive then. Cartridge is £132 & I could get a new shower for less than that.

I know - thats why I said "if you want to keep that shower valve".

Cheers

1984ReturnsForReal_2

VoucherMan wrote: »

Starts to get expensive then. Cartridge is £132 & I could get a new shower for less than that.

The 1850 kit is all you need.

http://www.showerdoc.com/shower-spares/sirrus-by-gummers/GUM-SK1850-1-Sirrus-Seal-Kit---1850-968-Valve-SK1850-1 <<< That one is the one you need. You posted it above.

That & some wire wool, screwdriver, large adjustable spanner & a pair of circlip pliers.

Just make sure you wash off all the wire wool.

http://www.bristan.com/howto



Click the link & then click 1850.

Also, after you take the valve out look into the housing on the wall & you will see an o ring in there that needs replacing. Its in the kit.

1984ReturnsForReal_2

keystone wrote: »

Personally I be thinking about changing the whole catridge assembly and not just part of it if you want to keep that shower valve.

Cheers

The whole cartridge assembly comes apart & is solid metal. Once cleaned up they are as good as new.