Shower mixer knob won’t reattach

banchang · Jul 19, 2024

I bought this shower mixer unit from Victoria Plumb some years ago, & one of the handles has come off & I cannot manage to re-fit it to the mixer unit arm (see photos).

It was in place for a long time but somehow came off recently but no matter how much pressure I apply to try to push it back on, it won’t stick. I don’t want to push it any harder as I fear I’ll damage the (Mermaid) panels behind it. I am
presuming (perhaps incorrectly?) that it was originally just pushed in & clicked into place & held securely.

(Victoria Plumbing now in administration & their support couldn’t help)

Any thoughts on why it won’t reattach & suggested remedies much appreciated.

Basher · Jul 20, 2024

Has the white serrated part on the spindle split or deformed?
If the slotted screw in the end has been done up tightly for a long period, the nylon (or whatever it is) material may have expanded a little in diameter.
If it were me I would remove it by undoing the bolt, maybe attach it to a long smaller diameter bolt, and experiment with the fit of it into the knob.
If there's a split it could effectively be a larger diameter so not go together. You could try loosening the screw a little, which might allow the act of pushing the knob on to close the split and get the parts together. You may have to push quite hard though!

Vip1969 · Jul 20, 2024

Failing above, try lubricating both inner and outer parts with solicone grease before pushing.

banchang · Jul 20, 2024

Basher said:
Has the white serrated part on the spindle split or deformed?
If the slotted screw in the end has been done up tightly for a long period, the nylon (or whatever it is) material may have expanded a little in diameter.
If it were me I would remove it by undoing the bolt, maybe attach it to a long smaller diameter bolt, and experiment with the fit of it into the knob.
If there's a split it could effectively be a larger diameter so not go together. You could try loosening the screw a little, which might allow the act of pushing the knob on to close the split and get the parts together. You may have to push quite hard though!

Many thanks for detailed reply - I’m not a plumber - will loosening the flathead screw in picture cause any leaks etc ? Once loosened would it have to be tightened again ?

Gasmk1 · Jul 21, 2024

Won’t cause any leaks but will need to be retightened just not over tightened

Basher · Jul 22, 2024

banchang said:
Many thanks for detailed reply - I’m not a plumber - will loosening the flathead screw in picture cause any leaks etc ? Once loosened would it have to be tightened again ?

You should be able to take the screw out completely, put it somewhere safe (don't drop it down the shower drain!) and then take the white toothed part off to examine it. You might get a clue to what's happening by trying to fit it into the control knob. Needle nosed pliers or tweezers are useful for such mucking about 🤪
And as above, you will have to replace it and tighten it enough to hold the white part firm, but don't overdo it!

banchang · Jul 22, 2024

Many thanks for reply - will give that a try !

banchang · Jul 23, 2024

When I put my diamond head screwdriver into that screw in front of white serrated covering & turn it, it just turns shower on & off ?

Basher · Jul 23, 2024

banchang said:
When I put my diamond head screwdriver into that screw in front of white serrated covering & turn it, it just turns shower on & off ?

Is there a stop that prevents the spindle going round continuously?
If not try to hold the spindle very firmly with a pair of pliers while you undo the screw!
Or if no room for pliers on the brass spindle, you'll have to hold the white serrated part, but be careful not to crack it!

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Shower mixer knob won’t reattach

banchang

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