Do you want to change your shower mixer for aesthetic reasons? Do you have a recent problem, such as a water leak, and you don't know how to change your shower mixer? In this article, we will show you step by step how to dismantle, change, and then reassemble your shower mixer. Know that even if you are not handy, you will find all the necessary information to succeed without much difficulty.
Necessary tools
Just before changing or replacing your mixer, let's briefly review the tools you will need. In most cases, you will probably already have these tools at home, but if not, do not hesitate to buy them at a large store, as you will likely need them for future work at home.
- A pair of gloves
- Pliers
- Sealing tape
- Adjustable wrench / open-end wrench / Torx wrench
Tips from le-mitigeur.com
Personally, I like to work in a clean place. I always clean the equipment, in this case the mixer, as well as all the tools I will need. Just before starting to dismantle my mixer, I always take one or two photos to know exactly how it was assembled. As I dismantle, I place all the loose parts in the same place, for example in a small bag, so as not to lose anything.
How to dismantle your mixer? Step by step
Step 1: turn off the water supply
Even though changing a mixer normally poses no problem, you are still doing a bit of plumbing. The biggest risk in this kind of operation is having a water-related issue (such as flooding). From the moment you work on plumbing, I strongly advise you to turn off the water supply either to the room where you are working or to your whole flat or house, depending on how your water supply system is designed.
Step 2: remove the old mixer
To remove the old mixer, we will proceed step by step.
- First, you will need to remove the hose, that is, the pipe of your shower. To do this, simply unscrew the hose, taking care to keep the seal that ensures the tightness of your hose.
- Second step, at the base of your mixer, which is what fixes it to your wall or panel, you should unscrew the nuts using the tools I mentioned earlier, for example an open-end wrench. The necessary tools may vary depending on the type of mixer previously installed. Take the time to check the exact tool you will need to perform this task.
Remove the mixer from its base, then place it with the rest of the parts you have just removed.
Last step, you will need to remove the spacers, that is, the two fastenings on the right and left that hold your mixer on your shower panel. To do this, you will generally just need to unscrew them either by hand or with a wrench.
Good to know: If you dismantle an old mixer, it is possible that the fittings need to be replaced. If so, buying new fittings will only cost you a few euros; you will simply need to re-thread them, that is, to add threading that ensures the tightness of your fitting. Once the threading is added, you just need to screw your fittings back onto the pipe.
How to reassemble your new mixer?
This is the final stretch, a little more courage, you are almost there! Reassembling a mixer is a fairly easy task.
Step 1: check your new equipment
The first thing to do before reassembly is to check that you have all the parts. Take the time to see if you have your two spacers and your fittings, as well as the mixer.
Step 2: assembly
Before fixing your mixer, you will have two actions to carry out.
- Put your seals back on your fittings.
- Put your washers back by screwing them directly onto your fittings.
Step 3: placing the mixer
Last step! It is time to fix your new mixer. To do this, make sure to position it correctly on either side of your fittings, then start screwing it in gently, either by hand or directly with a wrench. Make sure your mixer is screwed in the same way on the right and left sides.
Do not screw it in fully right away! Take the time with a first tightening to check that everything is okay without turning the water back on, of course, but by checking that it is well positioned relative to your fittings.
Then, if everything is good, it is time to tighten it completely, with pliers or a wrench, then connect your hose, not forgetting beforehand to reposition the seal before tightening.
You had previously turned off your water supply; it is now time to reconnect everything and test your new installation. During your test, check that there are no leaks at your fittings and that your mixer works properly.
