Southsea, Portsmouth Office 023 9200 7719
07498 368833
Menu

AquaFix plumbing services

Shower plumbing and pump repairs

We investigate shower mixers that change temperature, run weakly or leak. We also assess shower pumps and water escaping around the tray or enclosure.

Ask about this repair See repair examples
Two chrome shower controls on a trim plate fitted to a tiled wall
Example of a concealed mixer. The controls and trim plate are visible, with the mixer body and pipework behind the wall.

Which part of the shower is affected?

Tell us if the problem starts when you switch on, only while the shower runs or after you turn it off. A photo of the controls and the first wet spot helps us identify what is fitted.

Example of a removed thermostatic shower cartridge with mesh bands and black seals

The temperature swings while you shower

The thermostatic cartridge regulates how much hot and cold water the mixer blends. On an older mixer we start by checking it. We also consider the inlet check valves and whether another outlet affects the hot or cold supply.

Tell us if it happens during a toilet refill or when someone uses a tap. If the shower suddenly runs very hot, leave it out of use until it is checked.

See an example of a thermostatic cartridge
Example of a flat black sealing washer beside a threaded shower hose nut

The handset is weak or the hose nut leaks

A weak handset can be caused by limescale or debris in the head or hose. If both are clear, we check the flow reaching the mixer. Water at either hose nut may come from its flat washer.

Tell us if there is another shower outlet and if it runs normally. If there is a leak, note whether it starts at the nut or through the hose itself.

See where the hose washer fits
Example of a brass shower flow-control cartridge with its black seal visible

The handset keeps dripping after switch-off

The shower head and hose may empty briefly after use. If the drip carries on, we check how the shower shuts off, including its flow-control valve or cartridge.

Water appearing at the edge of a concealed mixer’s trim plate is another clue. We trace its source and check the cartridge or shut-off valve seals. Suitable parts are matched to the make and model.

See an example of a flow-control cartridge
Illustrative shower screen corner with water droplets outside the enclosure

Water escapes around the tray or screen

A tray that fills up points us towards the waste. When the tray drains normally and water appears outside, we check the screen, door and perimeter separately.

Tell us if the leak only appears under load or has reached the ceiling below. We check for movement, worn seals and accessible waste connections before proposing a repair.

Read about leaks at the tray and screen

What you might notice

The handset keeps dripping after switch-off
Water can drain briefly from the head or hose after use. If dripping continues, we check the mixer’s shut-off valve or cartridge for the model fitted.
A shower leaks only while in use
Water might be passing a seal, the screen, a waste connection or supply fitting. Where the water appears helps guide the checks.
A pump is noisy or behaves differently
Tell us if the change was sudden and whether it affects one shower or more than one outlet.
The mixer swings between hot and cold
On an older thermostatic mixer, we start with the thermostat and cartridge. We also consider the hot and cold supplies, especially if using another outlet changes the temperature. A faulty inlet check valve or an imbalance between the supplies can contribute. If the temperature spikes unexpectedly, leave the shower out of use until it is checked.
Only the handset runs weakly
We start with the handset and hose, where limescale, debris or a kink can restrict flow. If both are clear, we check the water supply at the mixer. Tell us if a second shower outlet or other taps are also affected.
Water escapes at a hose connection
A leak at the nut where the hose meets the handset or mixer can come from the sealing washer. Tell us if the first water appears there or through the hose itself.
Water appears under the trim plate
A drop at the edge of the plate on a concealed mixer can come from a seal at the thermostatic cartridge or shut-off valve. We check the source and identify the model before ordering parts.
The shower pump starts when no outlet is being used
On some pumps a small flow or a loss of pressure can trigger a start. Tell us which outlets the pump serves and whether any are dripping. The pump type matters when deciding what to check.

Mixer, pump or enclosure?

A seal or cartridge for a concealed mixer
Some valves can be serviced through the trim opening. Many use model-specific seals or cartridges that need ordering. If the valve cannot be identified or a compatible part is unavailable, we discuss replacing the mixer.
Access for a full mixer replacement
A tiled plasterboard wall may allow us to cut along grout joints. With masonry, several tiles around the mixer may need to come off to reach the body and pipes. We also look for access from behind, such as through a cupboard. Once access is agreed, we can adjust the pipework to suit the new mixer.
Making good around the mixer
We discuss who will restore the finish before opening the wall. Spare matching tiles can help. If there are none, we can discuss another tile or a suitable trim panel.
A pump rattles, cuts in and out, or fails to start
We ask whether one shower or several outlets are affected and when the noise occurs. We assess the plumbing supply and pump connections. Electrical faults need a suitably competent electrician.
Tray, screen and waste leaks
Water escaping where the shower spray hits the screen can point to a different problem from a leak that appears only as the tray drains. We check the likely route before discussing resealing or opening up.

What we can do

We can investigate leaks, replace suitable shower mixers, work on shower pump plumbing, and agree resealing or screen work where appropriate. Any electrical work requires suitably competent electrical provision and must be agreed separately.

Parts we may check or replace

These are examples. We check what is fitted before choosing a replacement.

Bristan Cobalt concealed thermostatic mixer

This model gives access to the cartridge from the front. A thermostatic cartridge regulates temperature and a separate control shuts off the flow. We identify the valve and check the maker’s parts list before ordering.

Manufacturer details

Salamander CT Force 20 TU twin shower pump

An example for a suitable gravity-fed hot and cold system. We check the supply arrangement, head, flow and existing pipework before specifying a pump. Electrical work is agreed separately.

Manufacturer details

Shower pump inlet filters

Debris at the inlet can reduce flow enough for some pumps to start slowly or fail to start. We check the model and supply before assessing the filters and hoses. Tell us if the pump behaves the same when you use another outlet it serves.

Manufacturer details

Before you get in touch

Send a photo of the controls or pump label and say when the fault appears. For a concealed mixer, tell us if the wall can be reached from an adjoining room or cupboard and if you have spare tiles.

Planning your visit

What happens next

  1. Describe the job

    Send your postcode, what is happening and a photo if it helps. Tell us if water is still escaping.

  2. Agree the visit

    We confirm availability and explain the basis of any attendance or investigation charge before booking.

  3. Agree and check the work

    We explain what we find, agree any further work and check the affected plumbing afterwards.

Common questions

Will resealing fix a shower leak?

Resealing can help when the seal is the source. We first consider whether water is escaping at a fitting, waste or screen joint.

Will tiles have to come off to replace a concealed mixer?

We check the trim opening and any access from behind. If the valve body and pipes need more room, we agree the area to open and how the wall will be made good before work starts.

Can you give me an estimate?

We discuss the work and the basis of any attendance or investigation charge before booking. Where the fault or access is uncertain, we may need to assess it first. We discuss any change to the agreed scope before additional work.

Related plumbing services

Bath and basin tap repairs

Dripping bath taps, stiff basin mixers and bath-to-shower diverter faults.

Bath wastes & overflows

Leaking wastes, faulty plugs, traps and overflow connections.

Blocked sinks & drains

Slow or backing-up sinks, toilets, traps and internal waste pipes.

Tell us what needs attention

Have your postcode and a short description ready. If water is still escaping, call us.

Call AquaFixWhatsApp