WHAT IS A THERMOSTATIC SHOWER?
A thermostatic shower is a type of mixer shower featuring a thermostatic valve that maintains a constant water temperature. These types of showers are fed through a property's hot and cold water supply, with an internal valve to mix them. Designed to allow a constant and precise temperature that suits you.
WHAT IS A CONCEALED SHOWER VALVE?
A concealed shower valve is discrete and hidden, making it the ideal choice for minimalist interiors. The built-in valve is concealed behind the wall in a shower enclosure, the only thing that will be on display is the control plate and levers that allow you to control the thermostatic shower.
HOW DO I MAINTAIN A CONCEALED THERMOSTATIC SHOWER VALVE?
If your shower isn’t performing to its standards, it may be because your shower valve requires simple maintenance. Limescale and particles can build up inside the shower valve, hindering water flow and resulting in an inadequate flow. Read our guide below to discover how to maintain your concealed shower valve in order to prevent this.
Before you begin, isolate all water supplies to your thermostatic shower. Seek professional advice from a qualified plumber if you are unsure how to do this. Always refer to the instructions that you received with your Lusso order.
- If your valve has a lever, unscrew this to access fixings.
- Take a narrow Allen key and unscrew the nut inside to remove the control knob.
- If the valve has a backplate, gently pull this away from the wall.
- Unscrew the valve surrounds from their housing, leaving the pipework exposed.
- Using an adjustable spanner, unscrew and remove the thermostatic cartridge and the remaining valves.
- Use a small stiff brush to clean the inside of each valve housing.
- Wipe the inside with a damp cloth to remove any residue.
- Clean the thermostatic cartridge that you have previously removed, in a solution of water and vinegar.
- Immerse the cartridge in the solution and soak for around 10 minutes.
- Clean with a brush and run under fresh water to remove any debris.
- Replace the valve parts in the reverse order to how you removed them, and fit the housing, making sure all of the "O" rings are intact. Tighten using your adjustable spanner.
- Replace the thermostatic cartridge with the pipe facing outwards. Then tighten.
- Fit housings and ensure the "O" ring around the cartridge is undamaged and in the correct position.
- Replace control knobs using Allen key to secure and replace any levers by screwing back into place.
- Turn the water supply to the shower back on and test for leaks.
- Analyse the output of your shower. If the performance still hasn’t improved, there may be an issue elsewhere in your system. We recommend a professional plumber look at this.
