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How to remove handle from shower mixer?

Good evening, Bunnings community,

I have a leaking shower mixer and have been advised that I need to replace the cartridge. Lots of helpful advice and tutorials out there, with the first step being to remove the handle by undoing the grub screw. However, I can't find my grub screw...

The shower mixer I have I was unable to find with a Google search; it may be a discontinued line. I went into Bunnings to find a similar model to see how it works. The one I found unscrews the pin lever. I tried this on mine, but it is not moving (without using excessive force in case this is not the way to go).

I am aware that there maybe other parts that unscrew, but without knowing what is meant to be unscrewed, I am reluctant to try and use force.

I wanted to ask please, if someone knows by any chance how to remove the handle on my shower mixer/access the cartridge?

Alternatively, I wondered if someone recognises the brand and model, such that I could contact the manufacturer to ask the same question?

Kind regards

Antje

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JacobZ

Hi @Antje,

Thank you for reaching out for assistance with your mixer tap.

Having a look at the photos, I can't see any visible screws or screws covers, so the only logical place for the grub screw to be is beneath that handle. This is an extremely common method of concealing a grub screw in this style of tap.

You tend to find that tap handles and taps become very difficult to unscrew when they have been in operation for a while because of the minerals in our water. Over time, these minerals build up in the threads of plumbing parts, and they can cause things to bind up quite a bit. I'd say there's a good chance this is why you are struggling to remove the tap handle.

My suggestion is to grab some CLR and spray a good amount of it into the seam at the base of the tap handle, then allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes. This should soak in and help to soften the mineral buildup in the threads of the tap handle.

After this, use some multigrip pliers to rotate the handle in an anticlockwise direction. Make sure you grip the tap handle as low down to the base as possible so that the force is exerted on the thread, not along the full length of the handle. You should wrap the handle with a rag to protect the finish as damage from the teeth of your pliers is likely without it.

Give this a try and let me know how you go.

Happy to assist further if required.

Jacob

phonesrbest

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/t5/Bathroom-and-Laundry/How-to-remove-Pin-Lever-Shower-mixer-handle/td-p/318933#M21887

Same one I believe

JacobZ

Hi @phonesrbest,

There are some very slight differences between the Caroma handle and this one, but I'd say it is close enough that the diagram could be used as an example in this situation.

Thank you for that. Please allow me to tag @Antje so they are notified of your comment.

Jacob

Antje

Good evening, @JacobZ and @phonesrbest,

Many thanks for your assistance; I really appreciate it. I haven't had any luck yet. I got some CLR and have been applying it several times, hoping that I might not need to get multigrip pliers, if the CLR removes enough of the built up to allow me to remove the lever by hand. Well, I was wrong 😬 The next step is to go and get some pliers. I will keep you posted 😊

Phonesrbest, I believe this may be the model I found in store that is similar to mine, although not the same.

Please could I double-check with you though, Jacob; when you say anticlockwise direction, for a handle that is pointing downwards, and I am standing in front of it, do I twist it towards my left or my right? I having been trying to turn left.

Kind regards

Antje

EricL

Hello @Antje

Yes, you are turning the handle correctly to loosen it, which is to turn left.

Eric

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