How to DIY fix a leaking shower faucet?

[plum25]

Hi, I have a shower faucet which had been leaking for a while, but more so after the recent Cyclone event.

I had trouble accessing my old account so I created this new account.

I have previously received advice on Bunnings workshop where the issue was an old cartridge which needs replacement.

In the process of removing the cartridge, I am having difficulty removing the ring encompassing the cartridge.

Please find the photo attached.

On the photo, there appears to be a white and cloudy material (wax or hot glue gun, not sure) surrounding or sealing the ring.

What should I do to remove the cartridge that is stuck within these rings?

I would appreciate your support.

ring surrounding faucet

white wax or material around the ring 

[EricL]

Hello @plum25 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your shower mixer.

The white cloudy material is actually silicone which is often used to seal the gap between the shower mixer and the shower wall. this prevents water from entering the gap. There are two possible options with the cover ring, you can either try to turn it anticlockwise or pull down as it might be clipped on.

The black ring appears to be some form of holder and is somehow linked to the cover ring. You can also try to turn the black ring perhaps its this one that's holding the ring in place. If it proves to be difficult, I suggest engaging the services of a plumber to disassemble your shower mixer.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Dave-1]

Afternoon @plum25 

I dont recognise the tap base at all 😕 I do agree with @EricL 's suggested steps to try and remove the base.

You could use a pair of Vice grips or multigrips but you will probraly mark the metal doing it that way. Either clamped around the silver base or try and use the vice grips nose in tho turning pressure may not be there.

I would use a stanley blade to cut the silastic first. Run a ring around it type deal.

Do you still have the tap head and is there a chance of a photo to see what you have. Im trying to work out if something has sheared off.

Note of caution. Too much force trying to turn the base and you could crack a tile which would be more of a pain to replace.

Dave

[Nailbag]

Hi @plum25 

The image below is the breakdown of what were are seeing here.

1. The silicone prevents water entering behind the tap fitting into the wall and has no bearing on the ability to remove the chrome cover.

2. The rubber o-ring in this situation does very little other than provide a soft barrier to the mixer handle during operation.

3. The centre square stalk is part of the cartridge which would be gripped to remove the cartridge once the outer chrome ring is removed.

4. This outer chrome ring is very corroded and needs to unscrewed anti-clockwise to be removed to allow the cartridge to pull out. It will need a pair of multi-grips or a plumbers pipe wrench to remove it but at the risk of damage. Most likely cosmetic only.

My advice is to get a plumber in to remove it and source one of the countless cartridge designs through the trade plumbing suppliers if not Bunnings themselves. the plumber will have the wrench required to remove the ring hopefully without damage.

Nailbag

[plum25]

Hi Dave,

In terms of your recommendation using a Stanley blade to cut the silicone first, is this step necessary to fully unscrew the ring?

It looks as the silastic/silicone is glued within the wall, but is this stuck to the ring as well?

Please find the photos attached of the parts that have been removed including the tap head.

I have two showers in my bathroom, one side which I cannot use due to the leaking shower faucet, I am currently using the other shower which works fine. 

Is there a way to prevent water from leaking on the affected shower faucet, in essence turning the tap off on one side, without impacting the other shower?

shower tap head, back shower tap head, front

[EricL]

Hello @plum25 

Let me tag @Dave-1 to make them aware of your question. It's possible that some of the silicone could have latched onto the black plastic and cover ring. By cutting them loose it should set the ring free allowing you to turn it. But let's wait for confirmation from Dave in regards to his idea.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[plum25]

Hi Eric,

Thank you for your support on this matter.

[Dave-1]

Good Moning @plum25 

Thank you for the photos Iwante dthem to see if I could identify the type of tap you may have and then find some breakdown of how it fits together.

Reece Posh Bristol MK2 Shower Mixer Tap Chrome is one that kind of looks like yours.

POSH BRISTOL MK2 SHOWER MIXERS in particular page 3 has what the inside of your tap possibly looks like.

It looks like you have removed (or its snapped off) up to part 5 (lock nut) from the tap.

With the cowl feel underneath with your fingers it for a potential tiny little grub screw. (it may have one)

If no grub screw then I would use the multigrips to first "try and wiggle gently" the cowl, see if there is any play in it. I am hoping its pushed on with that black rubber ring we can see. If there is no play in it then it probarlly wants to be turned. Use the vice grips to clamp down over the cowl and turn anti clockwise. I think @EricL stated the silastic may need a knife run around it to break the tension.

The center barrel (white square thing on your photo) looks like it should come out towards you. If you grab it with a pair of mutigrips Trojan 250mm Multigrip Plier or Irwin Vise-Grip Curved Jaw Locking Plier's 

And ease the center part towards you in hopefully will come out. The vice grips can be adjusted to give a sold grip on things within its jaws.

Dave

[plum25]

Hi Dave,

Thank you for your support. 
I had a look at the diagram and by the looks of my current situation, I think I removed part 1-3.

The plate (part 7?) was loose so I've already removed that piece.

In reference to the diagram, I think I need to remove part 4 to reach part 5.

Do I need to turn my water mains off first to remove part 4 & 5?

Also, what is a "cowl"? I wasn't sure what you were referring to, I did some research but I still don't have a clear image of what this part represents.

Thanks

[Dave-1]

Afternoon @plum25 

YES! lol make sure you turn off the water at the mains! Anytime you are removing taps down to washers you need to turn the water off. Otherwise it will become a classic movie story

Maybe part 4 ad 5 are combined so there is a thread at the base. Thats why I was saying use vice grips or multigrips to clamp over and turn anti clockwise.  I would try up to a point you feel comfortable and then if its a "nope, way to stressy" situation contact a plumber Id watch what the plumber does inthis case as I always figure Im paying for the lesson for myself next time.

A cowl is an outside covering to something. and just went and checked as my spelling isnt always the best

cowl

1. 1.

   a large loose hood, especially one forming part of a monk's habit.
2. 2.

   the hood-shaped covering of a chimney or ventilation shaft.

   Dave