How to fix a drip from shower mixer?

Maria83

Hello!

I need some advise before I call a plumber. We have a classic shower mixer tap in one of the showers. I have attached photo for reference but this is not exact one but it is extremely similar. it has been dripping very slowly for a while now. I make sure the tap is properly closed. still drips. I would try to rotate the handle left or right and that would usually stop the dripping however yesterday it would not stop. Could it be a washer that needs replacing? this tap has been on for under 2 years, it is a new property. I need to add that the large round "disc" at the very back where I am pointing with a red arrow is unstuck and I am able to move it back and forth and I can see at the very back the silicon around the black rubber seal. If I put my hand under that, I can feel the water dripping. Is it something as simple as maybe getting some silicon to put around there? or should I just ring a plumber? Thank you very much

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Maria83. It's brilliant to have you join us and many thanks for your question on a leaking mixer.

From your description, it sounds like the leak is coming from the mixer unit itself rather than just a drip at the shower head. That usually points to a failed seal, or connection to the body of the mixer. The concern here is that if water is escaping at the back of the unit, it can track into the wall cavity rather than just dripping at the outlet, which can cause hidden damage over time.

 

This isn’t something that can be solved with a bit of silicone on the outside – that would only mask the problem, not fix the underlying leak. Because this repair involves shutting off the water supply and opening up the mixer, it’s safest to call in a plumber. If the leak is from the pipework connection rather than a seal in the mixer, a plumber would be needed in any case.

 

Please let me know if you have any questions.

 

Mitchell