Replacement Diverter valve for obsolete tap

jimmcf · Jun 27, 2024

Hi,
I have a Bristan Matrix Bath Shower Mixer Tap, the diverter valve has been temperamental for some time and has finally failed with a split rubber washer. The tap is obsolete and spares are no longer available.
(I have contacted Bristan.)
The bath is built in and access to the tap is not possible without a lot of dismantling.

Does anyone recognise the washer, (dimensions are approximately 25mm dia by 10mm thick at widest point)?
Vado have a matrix tap that looks very similar to the Bristan; is there a chance that the diverter valve is the same?

Thanks
Jim

Basher · Jun 27, 2024

The Bristan Regency diverter has a possibly similar washer. The drawing gives some dimensions. Sorry, don't know if it will fit, but if the o/d is enough, the hole could be sorted with a bit of fettling!
Might work if you can get the nut/washer off the bottom of your diverter.
PS I can't immediately see a source of the washer on it's own, but the below might at least give you a chance of repair.
Alternative is to cut/turn your own version of a washer. There are 25mm x 10mm hole x 10mm thick plain rubber washers available to modify.

Bristan DIV SB009RBRBC G Diverter for Regency Taps - Gold

www.divapor.com

jimmcf · Jun 27, 2024

Thanks for the quick reply, that does look close. I'll take some accurate measurements tomorrow.

jim

gmartine · Jun 27, 2024

As above I'd modify a stock rubber washer by making a mandrel out of 10mm bolt/stud, nuts and washers and stick in your drill to use like a lathe. Shape it with a rasp, file, emery board or whatevers handy.

Basher · Jun 27, 2024

jimmcf said:
Thanks for the quick reply, that does look close. I'll take some accurate measurements tomorrow.

jim

You can see a dent in the form of a ring in the old rubber where it sat against the valve body. I imagine that as long as the replacement washer is a few mm larger in diameter than that, it should work!

jimmcf · Nov 2, 2024

Thanks for the suggestions, I finally got fed up with blanking off the shower, bit the bullet, and bought the diverter valve (in chrome).
I can now confirm that the DIV SB009RBRBC is not compatible with the original DIV 04121C-3M.
The large thread is different and will not fit the body of thr Matrix tap.
The spindles looked similar, and both measured 7.1mm on my vernier callipers, so I dismantled the new valve and no luck -
the new spindle is a few thou larger than the old one (but the knobs have the same thread)!
Finally the nut holding the washer in place is larger on the new valve so I guess the bore of the washer is going to be larger.
I cannot believe how two Bristan parts can be so similar but totally incompatible. (pic below figures in red are for Matrix tap)

Thanks again
Jim

Basher · Nov 2, 2024

jimmcf said:
Thanks for the suggestions, I finally got fed up with blanking off the shower, bit the bullet, and bought the diverter valve (in chrome).
I can now confirm that the DIV SB009RBRBC is not compatible with the original DIV 04121C-3M.
The large thread is different and will not fit the body of thr Matrix tap.
The spindles looked similar, and both measured 7.1mm on my vernier callipers, so I dismantled the new valve and no luck -
the new spindle is a few thou larger than the old one (but the knobs have the same thread)!
Finally the nut holding the washer in place is larger on the new valve so I guess the bore of the washer is going to be larger.
I cannot believe how two Bristan parts can be so similar but totally incompatible. (pic below figures in red are for Matrix tap)

Thanks again
Jim

That's very bad luck. Sorry to hear that.
You might perhaps still be able to use the (world's most expensive) rubber washer you've gained.
If it has a larger bore, wrapping tape (eg ptfe) around your old spindle until the washer slips on might do it!

Replacement Diverter valve for obsolete tap

jimmcf

Attachments

Basher

Bristan DIV SB009RBRBC G Diverter for Regency Taps - Gold

jimmcf

gmartine

Basher

jimmcf

Attachments

Basher

Similar plumbing topics