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How to replace unknown shower mixer cartridge?

Our shower mixer tap is leaking water out of the front, so the cartridge needs replacing. However, the plumber couldn't identify the brand of the shower mixer, or the cartridge which is pretty old and has seen better days, and said he didn't take it out as he was worried he was going to cause more problems if he couldn't get it back in until he found the part. He was concerned he'd have to cap it off until he has time to come and remove tiles and fit a new standard mixer etc. He took some photos and went to Reece hoping they'd recognise it, but they also didn't know what brand it was and were unable to recommend a replacement without seeing the cartridge.

After some google image searches I think it might be a Greens tap/cartridge possibly from the late 90s or 00s but I can't be sure. Does anyone recognise the mixer tap or the side view of the cartridge? I realise it's a long shot, but if we can't identify it then we need to remove tiles and replace the entire fixing which is going to cost a fair bit of cash. The bathroom is dated but we didn't want to re-do it just yet.

Thanks in advance.Mixer tap - the plate is slightly oval in shape. No branding or logos anywhereThis is behind the plate (with the handle back on - the plumber put it back while looking for the right cartridge).Closest I could find in terms of visual identification of the mixer tap etc was Greens. This is from their website which shows a list of cartridges for older models... Not sure if I'm hot or cold.

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EricL

Hello @SR1

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 only way to identify the cartridge is to remove it from the shower body and see if there are any serial numbers or identifying marks you can use to identify the model of the cartridge. You can also take pictures of the cartridge and send an email to Greens and see if their technical department can identify it. If this shower mixer was installed in the 2000's I'm not sure if Greens will be holding spare parts for it that long.

If the shower mixer needs to be changed, I propose accessing it from the other side of the room instead of the tiled shower area. In this manner the waterproofing and tiles will not be compromised. The repairs will just involve patching up plasterboard. This is on the condition that there are no other appliances or impediments on the other side of that wall.

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

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Nailbag

Hi @SR1

the only possible way to identify the replacement cartridge is to remove it as there are too many variables to consider. And it has to come out anyway, even if you did have the direct replacement. I would contact another plumber, because if the mixer is damaged during the removal process because of the age etc, then they can isolate the shower on the spot. Which as @EricL mentioned will require tiles to be removed unfortunately.

Nailbag

Dave-1

Evening @SR1

I havnt come across a mixer tap like that and did not know there was a cartridge involved. If the other side can be accessed as @EricL has suggested to replace the unit that sounds like a better move then breaking the waterproofing. I know plasterwork can be a pain but way less of a pain then waterproofing.

Dave

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