Removing shower cartridge

KnownMaynard

Hi All,

Got a problematic mixer shower over the bath. The temperature control gets quite stuck and it's very hard to find a position were the water isn't either freezing cold or really hot. I set it in place at a reasonable temperature and left it, but I really want to get it fixed. I've removed the cover but not sure how to get the cartridge out. I'm hoping if I can remove it I can clean it up and that will fix the problem (ideally) or if not at least get some pictures to identify what make it is to get a replacement. 

How do I get it out, I did put a box spanner on it but it wouldn't budge and as it's brass (and connected to pipework) I don't want to put too much force on it. There is a screw thread inside the spindle (if you'd call it that?) and I have seen from searching online there are tools for removing them involving a screw inside a pulling tool, but how do I know what tool to use? I guess the tools I've seen on ebay are not too expensive so could be worth a punt.

I think the shower brand is Victoria Plumb but they won't give any indication what make the cartidges are. 

I've got a couple of pictures, the temperature control is the middle one. The little half-moon metal ring is not a holding pin, I did remove it (but not for the photo).

Any thoughts appreciated!

grumbler

I think a box spanner is your only option.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nj4Hn9HkuIc

ThisIsWeird

As Grumb says - it'll be unscrewed via that hex nut as shown in the video.

Yes, they can feel tight to begin with, but should undo.

Don't worry about the brass breaking - that won't happen* - but you don't want the whole valve moving too much. You can keep an eye on that by monitoring the gap between the valve body - at the top and bottom - relative to the cutout size. If necessary, you could even pare down a piece of wood to fit snugly between the top-LL-side of the valve gap, and ditto at the bottom-RH gap - that should help prevent any turning movement.

If you are in a hard water area, then soak the cartridge in scale remover. Some replacement cartridges are quite well priced, tho'.

Always worth, imo, smearing the threads and rubber O rings in silicone grease before refitting - every home should have a tube

*But a poorly-fitting spanner (too loose) could 'round' the hexes if really forced.

RonRamsgate

They can be a pain to remove, some heat in the valve may help. Run the shower on the hottest setting, whilst the valve is hot then try removal.
Other trick was to gently turn the cartridge in the wrong direction and then in the correct direction. 

Good luck,