Bristan thermo shower valve leaking again.

[Jim Goodenough]

Hi there,
Looking for advice for friend who had leak from seal between valve body and cartridge. She had the cartridge replaced which included new seals, this fixed the leak for a few months, however it's started leaking again. Pics below.
Is it just the body is worn or does anyone know a fix please?
Cheers Jim

 

[Burger]

Hello,

How long ago was it replaced? Any dirt/debris inside? Is the rubber seal in tact?

 

[Aire]

What shower is it and what system is it on? I've had valves in the past that aren't rated for mains pressure.

Can't seem to find bristan thermo, is that the model of it?

 

[Welder]

Jim

Looking at the evidence of leakage around the inner spindle, I'd say it was simply faulty. To me, it's evident that whoever installed the new cart took some care as there is still silicone grease around the body o-rings.

If nothing, system wise, has changed then personally I'd just back it to the supplier. These things happen.

 

[Jim Goodenough]

Hello,

How long ago was it replaced? Any dirt/debris inside? Is the rubber seal in tact?

7 months ago, rubber seal is fine.

What shower is it and what system is it on? I've had valves in the past that aren't rated for mains pressure.
I reckon this is the answer, it's probably only suited to gravity, system is mains pressure albeit low.

Can't seem to find bristan thermo, is that the model of it?

Don't know exact model.

Jim

Looking at the evidence of leakage around the inner spindle, I'd say it was simply faulty. To me, it's evident that whoever installed the new cart took some care as there is still silicone grease around the body o-rings.

If nothing, system wise, has changed then personally I'd just back it to the supplier. These things happen.

Inner spindle is fine, extra silicone grease on front seal is what I tried to fix it with, seals all in good order.

Cheers all for your replies.

 

[Jim Goodenough]

Edit.....
I reckon this is the answer, it's probably only suited to gravity, system is mains pressure albeit low.

 

[Tim S]

Nice stitch drilling !!

 

[Jim Goodenough]

Nice stitch drilling !!

It's horrendous...

 

[Jim Goodenough]

What shower is it and what system is it on? I've had valves in the past that aren't rated for mains pressure.

Can't seem to find bristan thermo, is that the model of it?

It's a Bristan Java. I have installation instructions now, Min 0.1 bar Max 5.0 bar. Pressure isn't the issue, must be worn front seal.

 

[Burger]

It's a Bristan Java. I have installation instructions now, Min 0.1 bar Max 5.0 bar. Pressure isn't the issue, must be worn front seal.

Could it not be leaking through spindle?

 

[Shower Engineer]

You need either a Cart 5 part number 06732compl or a set of seals part number SK00400185.
Make sure plenty of silicone grease is applied to the seals and make sure they are installed the correct way around.
Seals normally leak at lower pressures, usually fine at higher pressures.
Hope that helps.

 

[Jim Goodenough]

Could it not be leaking through spindle?

Thanks, but it's definitely not leaking from the spindle.

You need either a Cart 5 part number 06732compl or a set of seals part number SK00400185.
Make sure plenty of silicone grease is applied to the seals and make sure they are installed the correct way around.
Seals normally leak at lower pressures, usually fine at higher pressures.
Hope that helps.

Thanks Shower Engineer, I reckon your last sentence is the answer.
Can you quantify at what pressure it won't leak approximately - not holding you to anything

 

[Shower Engineer]

All the seals have a V groove in them. This is important for the outer seal as water pressure pushes against the groove and forces the groove against the brass body.
At lower pressures the seal isn't forced out as much.
The seals need to be well lubricated with silicone grease as that stops them drying out and becoming less flexible as they then don't seal as well.
What you often find is that a valve isn't leaking but starts to leak when another tap is operated as this reduces the pressure on the outer seal.
The valve will seal at lower pressures but the outer seal must be in good condition.
Hope this helps.

 

[Jim Goodenough]

All the seals have a V groove in them. This is important for the outer seal as water pressure pushes against the groove and forces the groove against the brass body.
At lower pressures the seal isn't forced out as much.
The seals need to be well lubricated with silicone grease as that stops them drying out and becoming less flexible as they then don't seal as well.
What you often find is that a valve isn't leaking but starts to leak when another tap is operated as this reduces the pressure on the outer seal.
The valve will seal at lower pressures but the outer seal must be in good condition.
Hope this helps.

Yes very grateful for your help

 

[Welder]

All the seals have a V groove in them.

Would really appreciate seeing a picture of that as it would aid installation very much

 

[Shower Engineer]

Take a look here, should have all the info you need.
http://www.free-instruction-manuals.com/pdf/pa_1250356.pdf