How do I remove this shower mixer cartridge?

ThisIsWeird

GDB2222 said:

Can you prise that circlip off with a flat bladed screwdriver? 

I'd agree that's worth trying as a potentially easier way to get a literal grip on the cartridge. It all depends on what's under that black cover - it could be a large splined part of the body, in which case gentle use of an adjustable wrench ('water pump pliers') could be applied to it. Or it might even have a couple of 'flats' that a spanner could go on.

Bf, seriously consider removing the whole mixer from the wall if there's any concern of too much turning force being applied to the two connectors coming out the wall. If the mixer body moves as you try and turn the cartridge - if it's stuck firmly - then take extra care. If, on the other hand, it is rock solid, then you should be ok.

I don't suppose you have a vice in the garage, or know someone who does? That would be ideal - clamping the body firmly, well protected from damage using thick card or similar, and able to apply a good and safe force to the cartridge. Worth adding a wee tube of silicone grease to your purchases, so you can lube the thread and rubber seals before refitting this or its replacement. 101 other uses in the home, too - stiff kitchen tap spout? 

knightstyle

I replaced a very similar cartridge, I used long nosed pliers and a pair if grips to unscrew, normal right hand thread. Then got a new cartridge from https://www.divapor.com  as no local supplier had the right one.

breaking_free

Hi all.
I've emailed these guys for advice and to see if they can identify my shower. 
https://www.showerdoc.com/

I also figured out how to take better pictures on my phone camera so with any luck they'll be able to identify the shower and either sell me the parts I need or recommend a replacement that I can fit without having to drill a new riser bracket into the tiles! Here's hoping.
Thanks to everyone for their advice.

ThisIsWeird

Please keep us updated, and also whether you get the 50o shower you are after!

jusferbrowsing

It looks similar to the one we have 

https://www.wickes.co.uk/Wickes-Supreme-Thermostatic-Mixer-Shower---Chrome/p/161421?fix&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqdvTn8TH_QIVSO3tCh10jg-dEAQYASABEgLYufD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

breaking_free

jusferbrowsing said:

It looks similar to the one we have 

https://www.wickes.co.uk/Wickes-Supreme-Thermostatic-Mixer-Shower---Chrome/p/161421?fix&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqdvTn8TH_QIVSO3tCh10jg-dEAQYASABEgLYufD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

SNAP! I was looking at that one this morning and thought the exact same thing. I wonder if it actually is the one I have? 
Anyway, I shall keep you updated (tune in for the next exciting episode...)

breaking_free

Well well well I have a reply. I shall ask them about the maximum temperature, but do you good people reckon this looks like a good like-for-like model? Going forward I want to be assured that I can get replacement cartridges that easy for a DIYer to remove.
+++++++++++++++++++++

Thank you for your enquiry.

The closest shower we have that is similar is,

https://www.showerdoc.com/nuie-s-steel-bar-valve-with-riser-and-kit-jty386

GDB2222

Surely, all you actually need to be concerned about is the height of the bracket on the riser arm? If the bracket can use the same hole, it is a quick job just to replace the whole mixer. 

I can’t see anything wrong with the Wickes one, but you need to check the bracket position. 

breaking_free

Greetings good people.

Looks like I am nearly there. Because of the awkwardness of trying to remove the cylinder while the thermostatic bar was attached to the wall I turned off the water and removed the whole thing. Following the advice of some of you I tapped one of the grooves in the locking nut several times with a hammer and hey presto, the locking nut (for that is indeed what it was) became loose enough for me to turn. I then had to get a pair of pliers to grip and turn the cartridge to fully remove it. Here's the wee blighter!

I've emailed the shower doctor again who should be able to identify an appropriate cartridge for me to purchase. Onwards and upwards!

GDB2222

Now you have it removed, can you see what's wrong with it?