Thermostatic mixer shower

GT60

Hi I need a new shower to replace my old one that's no longer working properly and i cant get parts for.
I think it is a Thermostatic mixer shower as there is no electrics going to it and it appears the water supply comes direct from the boiler.
I have enclosed a photos of my old one as i don't have a clue on what type i need  except i have measured the distance between the inlets coming in to the mixer bar thing is 15cm.
No idea what the pressure is but would like something similar to what i have and not above £130 if possible.
Thanks  

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grumbler

I think 150mm is pretty much standard distance and is usually adjustable to some extent.

So, just google for "Thermostatic mixer shower" and you'll find prices starting from c. £70. Usually you can find all dimensions in the specifications.

You'll probably have to pay bigger amount for the installation.

That said, it's possibly worth trying to repair your old shower fist. Most likely it's either the thermostatic control valve or the flow control cartridge that developed a faul.

Jeepers_Creepers

As Grumb says.

Yes, it's a thermostatic shower which runs off your boiler (I presume it's a combi type?) or from your hot tank. And, yes, it'll be a pretty standard fitting in terms of where the pipes come out the wall.

Having said that, there could be some variation in how long the pipe tails could be for different models, so a 'simply' swap could end up a bit of a 'mare. What's on the other side of that wall - is there access to the pipes from a cupboard, for example?

Other similar-looking models might also have their wall fixings in different places - see where the riser is attached to the wall near the top? If this cannot be adjusted, it'll likely mean a new hole and the old one filled with silicone or similar - not the end of the world.

As Grumb suggests, almost certainly your current one can be fixed - what is the actual problem?

If it's a leaking tap or a non-adjustable temp control, then a plumber should be able to come out, remove the miscreant bits, measure them and order replacements. A half-hour job.

Your call. But as Grumb says, it'll likely cost more to fit a whole new one than to buy it in the first place.

GT60

Hi Yes to a combi and the other side of the wall is solid with a channel taken out of the plaster board for the pipes.

I have tried to source parts in the past from local plumbers merchant and online by taking the part to the shop and e mailing photos to suppliers as the top shower bit doesn't work unless the tap is at a certain position but not fussed about that.
The new concern is the supply pipes that go to the shower in the wall are now leaking from the mixer.

I have done tests to find the issue via running the shower with the shower head in the bath for 20 minutes no leaks and then by normal use with the head in the holder = water running down the supply pipes from the mixer.

From what i can see the inlet to the mixer head is sealed but the riser rail does have water trapped in it which i found out when i moved the holder for the shower head to see how it fits together and if you moved the rail slightly water came out of it.

I only found out it was leaking when the electrics shorted out and seen water coming out of a plug socket in the kitchen.

Jeepers_Creepers

Thanks for the detailed reply.

Are there isolators on the pipes to the shower? Or does it not leak if it's not being used?

Can you wipe down the exposed parts completely with paper towel, and then get a torch and camera, turn on the shower and detect where EXACTLY the water leak is coming from? Take a photo if possible?

You say you took parts to a merchant before, so that suggest you are capable of removing these bits? Which parts were they? If you can do this again, and photograph and measure them, good chance we can find replacements for you.

GT60

Hi It doesn't leak when not in use and the leak is coming down from the mixer area.
I don't have isolators on the shower feeds but may put some on the main feed pipes to the bath and shower pipes whilst doing the shower.
The parts are the brass valves in the mixer one each side.
I am seriously thinking of getting a replacement shower now as the shower head needs replacing also and by the time i have bought a replacement valve if indeed at all and taken the shower of the wall to find the leak i may just get a new shower and fit it this week as a treat to myself.as the hot water valve is also playing up and tight to turn some times.
I really do appreciate all the advice and help you all are giving me though.


How would i know what my pressure is as some showers say high pressure only on Screwfix web site?
Thanks 


 

grumbler

I think by high they mean mains pressure as against gravity fed vented systems with a tank in the loft.

However, for about a tenner you can buy a special tool - Mains Water Pressure Test Gauge

Jeepers_Creepers

Yes, 'high' pressure means it's from the mains, so either a combi boiler or unvented tank - no need to test your pressure.

Might be worth also comparing the stated flow rates for each shower you short-list, tho', since there can be some variation.

Anyhoo, your leak is almost certainly from water running down your shower wall and going behind these decorative square plates. You can test this by running the shower and ensuring no water hits that wall. Once you've shown there's no leaks, then try aiming the handset at the tiles above the shower mixer, letting the water run down the wall. If that shows the leak is where I suspect, then clean up around the square plates, and run a teeny bead of sili along there - the top and sides.

That channel for the pipes looks nice and wide, so if you do go for a replacement and the pipes did need some adjusting, it looks as tho' there's room - that's good.

(In anticipation of me replacing my old shower with a dual set like you have, I kept an eye on eBay on actual 'auctions', and picked up a new Triton shower - £170 at Screwfix - for £70.)

southcoastrgi

The problem you have is the fixed rail & head & a separate hand held head, yes you can get a thermostatic bar mixer for around £50 but something similar to yours is closer to £200 

grumbler

If by 'similar' you mean only design, not quality (that we can only guess about), then, for instance, this one is just £70 delivered