How to install a matt black shower mixer?

harleyman20

Hi

I need some help to install a new Shower mixer.

My current mixer is chrome and we want a mat black one to match the current upgraded shower unit. Thinking this was easy we went and purchased a 35mm cartridge mixer that we liked but low and behold it had a different sized thread on the cartridge body so it didn't screw into the shower pipe in wall. why aren't these standardised? it seems all the different brands have different sizes with no info on the spec sheets….

So question is to you bunnings seeing you don't have an Estilo mixer in black on the website can you match me an 35mm cartridge Estilo sized (the thread that screws into the wall pipe) shower mixer in black? or do I have to go into store and actively take apart and measure every brand?

Thanks

Mark

EricL

Hello @harleyman20

Thank you for sharing your question about your shower mixer. Generally speaking, the ceramic cartridges are fairly uniform and come in generic fixed sizes. However, there are still differences present and some ceramic cartridges come in a custom size.

Unfortunately, there is no consensus between the manufacturers, and the shower mixer bodies all come in different sizes and design. So even if you do get lucky and find something in the same thread size it would either be too long or too short or would not allow a proper O ring gap.

I understand your frustration and having a standardized size across the range would be ideal. In this particular instance, I can only suggest returning the set you purchased and perhaps consider painting the wall unit black. I recommend having a look at this discussion - Spray painted tapware by @lifestylebymari. it's a good example of how you can modify your tapware without having to change the entire set.

Other than painting, I can only suggest replacing the entire shower mixer so that it matches your upgraded shower unit.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric