Can't get water from bath/shower mixer tap, without running taps in sink!

morningcharlie

Hi Moneysavers,

I can't get water out of my bath/shower mixer tap without running the hot tap in the bathroom sink

I have an 18 month old Worcester Bosch boiler, and the mixer bar tap for shower and bath was installed a year ago. Occasionally I'd have this problem, and a quick spurt from the basin taps would get things flowing again but it has been happening more frequently, now involving 30 mins of messing around to get the shower started, and sometimes having to leave the taps in the sink running. I've already increased the boiler pressure, which hasn't made a difference.

If I run the hot tap in the sink on full for a few seconds, this seems to kick the bath/shower mixer tap in (after a few attempts).

Before anyone asks, the plumbing co that installed the boiler are not an option (I won't have them back after they way they treated my house), and the other plumber who installed the mixer tap has moved away.

Am thinking its either the valve within the tap, or something to do with the cold water pressure, rather than anything else (but am no plumber, that is just my best guess).

Wondering if anyone has any suggestions before I go and part with £200 for someone to come and fix it?

Myser

Sounds like an air-lock.

Does it only happen with the hot tap?

Do you get cold water out from the bath tap without opening the basin tap first?

marlot

There could be a non-return valve in the mixer tap. There was in mine - which gave exactly the same symptoms. I'd phone the tap maker and ask them - they can usually be removed. You may need to put a replacement non return vavle elsewhere in the plumbing though - or get air locks.

har0ld

Is this a worcester combi or gravity boiler? what sort of tap are we talking about or is it a decent shower mixer? some shower mixers have non return valves that are too aggresive for UK spec houses and are best removed and then (ideally) replaced by low pressure 22mm ones. Difficult to give you qualified advice without the details of your exact system.
all the best:)

keystone

Im with H ^^^

Cheers