Bath shower mixer leaking

[diynutter73]

Hi all,

I have the attached shower bath mixer.

It is leaking in shower head and tap when water is off.

I replaced the shower hose washers and used a diff hose and head but still drips so I know it is not the hose.

Any ideas? I thought it is the cartridge?

There is a metal looking cap at the back of tap - I tried with a small screwdriver to open but no luck.

 

[Madrab]

Yes, those caps do pop off and then there's a grub screw inside to loosen the tap head off the tap. If the shower head/tap drips even with the taps off then it'll be the ceramic valve(s) that'll need replaced

 

[diynutter73]

Thanks I couldn't get the cap off - maybe I need a hammer for my screwdriver.

How do I know which valve is leaking?

 

[Madrab]

Thanks I couldn't get the cap off - maybe I need a hammer for my screwdriver.

How do I know which valve is leaking?

One way would be if there is a way of isolating the sperate feeds to the tap.

 

[diynutter73]

I managed to get the tap off.

How do I get the cartridge out?

I took the white cap off, but I assume i need to get the black nut as marked in green off?

I tried every spanner I have but they cant get to this nut as not enough space.

Can I use a car socket wrench? I tried but it seemed really tight.

Suggestions pls?

 

[terryplumb]

You need a box spanner ,or a long socket, fitted to a long handle for leverage.

 

[diynutter73]

I can use this right?

I didnt want to use too much force as plumbing shop was closed for parts

 

[terryplumb]

Yes ,as long as the socket has enough length to fully engage with the hexagonal nut ,and of course is the correct size !!

 

[diynutter73]

Yes it is long enough - thanks!

 

[diynutter73]

Update- could not open with my socket spanner. My spanner has 12 edges and the bolt has 6 edges so couldnt get enough grip to open.

It is draining more now and every time I warm the water it runs out quickly due to the drip. I determined it is the hot water tap leaking.


Q. Can I heat the water and not lose any hot water by turning the lever on and off in the airing cupboard as required?. I have a hot water cylinder in a cupboard. No isolation valves under bath taps

Is it safe to keep doing for a short period till after xmas to get a plumber in?

 

[terryplumb]

What does the lever in cupboard isolate ,is it the cold feed into the hot water cylinder ?
If so ,then yes you can do as you suggest.
The tap must be leaking at a fair old rate if it's draining all your hot water ?

 

[diynutter73]

Yes the hot water only - hence I know it is the hot water tap causing the issue.

I wont lose hot water warmed up if I turn it off for a few hrs/overnight?

Will defo get a isolation done on those taps.