Topaz shower leak

Hi guys

As described above, having been away in Spain for 3 weeks, the shower tap has started to leak quite badly when the water pump is turned on even though the tap is in the off position. I assume this is just a washer, if so, how does one change it. Or is there some other possible cause?

I'd be grateful for any explanation of how the shower tap unit comes apart.

Thanks

Elvereater

Would really need to see your shower tap, Elvereater, but it won't be a "washer" but probably a ceramic valve.    If your shower lever has a small blue/red dot indicating hot/cold direction, prise it out and there will probably be an hex (allan) key grub screw which you unscrew.   This will allow you to remove the tap lever and expose the vale which will be held in place by a large brass or plastic nut.   Unscrew this and the valve can be removed.   It will then be a case of sourcing an identical one.   I have recently searched on -line and found that Lunns in Farnborough have a huge stock with illustrations of the various types.

It is then just a case of replace in reverse order.

good luck   Bob

I replaced the van's kitchen sink one in the way described above. The ceramic valve was cracked by ice during the winter despite the system being drained down. I bought an identical valve off ebay for about £8 including postage.
Al.

There was a thread which Bulletguy (I think) suggested a shower head with a built in tap. I bought one so that we did not accidentally turn the shower on when using the loo. Once you have fixed your tap, have a look for Muslim Shattaf shower head on eBay. They also save water when showering.

Paul 300358 wrote:There was a thread which Bulletguy (I think) suggested a shower head with a built in tap. I bought one so that we did not accidentally turn the shower on when using the loo. Once you have fixed your tap, have a look for Muslim Shattaf shower head on eBay. They also save water when showering.

The only frost damage I've had was showerhead with a built in tap in a Duetto. The water was all drained but I never thought to open the tap on the showerhead to let the residual water out. I had to replace the cracked shower head in spring. Now, even without tap, I take the shower head off when water is drained.

Actually Peter, it may have been you that suggested searching eBay for a Muslim Shattaf shower head. But I may be wrong.    

Paul

Hi
If the leak is from the shower head then the cure is to replace the cartridge by opening the tap from the front as described above.  However, your description suggests that it is from the tap, in which case it may need total replacement.  Or at least getting it on the bench to investigate.
To remove the tap you need to get to the back. Open the rear hatch to full height. Remove five screws to release the trim panel on the left (nearside).   The tap fastenings and piping are now accessible.
Keith

KMRTOPAZ wrote:Hi
If the leak is from the shower head then the cure is to replace the cartridge by opening the tap from the front as described above.  However, your description suggests that it is from the tap, in which case it may need total replacement.  Or at least getting it on the bench to investigate.
To remove the tap you need to get to the back. Open the rear hatch to full height. Remove five screws to release the trim panel on the left (nearside).   The tap fastenings and piping are now accessible.
Keith

Thank you Keith
I've been trying to establish how to remove the panelling to access a leak I have behind the shower tap....I'll try this on Saturday. Anymore advise gladly recieved
Anne