Even a high quality shower combination set can at some point reach the end of its life. With a little skill, it’s not that hard to replace a shower combination set. In addition, the water temperature can be easily adjusted with a thermostat tube valve (also known as a thermostatic mixing valve) which remains more constant than with a single-lever mixer. In the replacement, therefore, modernization is also immediate.
Replace a shower combination set: the steps
Here we explain step by step how to change the duscharmatur and what you need to consider. To protect the shower tray from falling tools, we put a cardboard box and a blanket under it. The last thing you want is for a falling spinner or wrench to crack a tile. But if that happens, see our guide for how to repair a broken tile.
1. First of all, turn off the water at the main. Then run the taps to remove any water sitting in the pipes. After you are sure they are empty, the old bracket is disassembled using a matching screwdriver or Allen key (depending on the fitting).
2. Loosen the old fitting with a matching spinner or shifter, depending on the fitting. It may be that the edge around the fitting has been sealed with a waterproof sealant, and you may need to peel this away before the fitting comes loose.
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3. You can then unscrew the fitting rosettes by hand.
4. The connections are free, can now be thoroughly cleaned and decalcified. It’s important not to skip this step, even if you think the new fitting will cover any discolouration.
5. Wrap the sealing thread on the thread. Place the new fitting and tighten it piece by piece, alternating between the right and left, so that nothing is bent.
6. Drill the new holes of the retaining rod on crepe or masking tape, which will stop the drill bit slipping away from the desired position and scratching the tile. Drill through the tile without impact, using a tile drill bit.
Then you just need to make sure everything is fitting tightly, and turn the water back on to enjoy your new shower combination set!
Gerhardt Richter is a writer and a trainer at trade technical colleges, specializing in carpentry, plumbing, mechanics and construction.
