Leaking Shower Mixer Valve/Tap Washer? All aspects of plumbing questions and answers, help, tips and information

[arf shelby]

do shower mixer valve have a washer in them just like a tap ?
my shower head is dripping water and i'm guessing the washer has gone in the main mixer unit (picture attached) because it stops leaking if i turn the lever off very tight.
can i take parts off the mixer to replace the washer (like i would with a tap) or does the whole thing need to come off ?

thanks

[stoneyboy]

Hi arf Shelby,
Your first issue will be to identify the valve and get spares for it. Replacing the insides is notoriously difficult so I suggest you buy a new valve and fit it.
Regards, S.

[arf shelby]

thanks. So you mean by a full new mixer unit of the same size (ie. the same profiled two inlets from wall, and outlet up to the shower head).

[stoneyboy]

Hi arf Shelby,
Yes try to get the same arrangement it will simplify installation.
Regards S.

[arf shelby]

great thanks. is the profile a standard size ? i mean are the inlet pipes distance a standard width apart ?

[stoneyboy]

Hi arf Shelby,
There is some flexibility within the body of this type of shower - check dimensions before you buy.
If the pipe centres are 150mm it may be worth changing to a bar type mixer but you would loose the overhead fixed shower head.
Regards S

[arf shelby]

I've looked into this further. My pipe centres are 135mm & water inlets are 3/4". I can't find a valve anywhere. Am i looking for something that is obsolete ? All valves seem to be 1/2" inlets. I know you can get some adapters but the vale would then sit proud of the wall. Don't want to have to start smashing wall in to swap inlet pipes.

[stoneyboy]

Hi arf Shelby,
The Rada V10 contract has adjustable centres which would fit but you will have to find reducers for the ends of your supply pipes.
Regards S