Mixer shower change

[seansmith]

Hi,

My shower in my bathroom, is a round mixer type, and is concealed, I cannot see the pipes, only the mixer dial and lever. I guess these are common types of showers.

I want to replace it as it is dripping and stiff and turn on and off and in general quite old.

The query I have is, how do I get to the pipes and the back of the mixer? The shower is tiled. Am I right in thinking the mixer is screwed to a wall behind the tiles somewhere? Should there access to it somewhere?

Thank you for your help.

 

[seco services]

remove the facia plate around the mixer.

 

[seansmith]

Yes there is a white round plastic plate around the mixer dial. This doesn't look like it can be pulled off though over the dial.

 

[stem]

It all depends where the pipes are installed. I recently had to do something similar. The pipes were buried in the wall on the landing and came through to the shower on the other side of the wall, so the plaster in the landing was disturbed leaving the bathroom wall in tact.

First, I would suggest that you try to find a replacement mixer that fits the pipework as it is. If not, then you will have to find out whether the pipes run up or down and if it's a solid wall, which side they are buried. It's unusual for access to be left especially if it would eb on view as it doesn't look nice.

 

[seansmith]

thank you for your help. How will I find out how the current pipework is?

 

[seco services]

Yes there is a white round plastic plate around the mixer dial. This doesn't look like it can be pulled off though over the dial.

you remove the dial first.
have you a pic what mixer it is ?

 

[seansmith]

It just says aqualisa on it. No model or number. I don't know how to remove the dial. There seems to be no screw or anything?

 

[stem]

Use a DIY metal / pipe detector, have a look in the loft, or lift a couple of floor boards.

Here's what I did if it helps. Click here for a link to the thread with before & after photos

 

[seco services]

give us a pic

 

[letsgogreen]

thank you for your help. How will I find out how the current pipework is?

Have you tried drilling a series of holes? that should help pinpoint the pipes!

Please note: this is a JOKE!!!!!!