Hi,

I recently installed a thermostatic shower mixer. I have discovered a leak that seems to be coming through a tiny crack in the mixer itself. The crack is located near a joint. I think the mixer is made from stainless steel.

Is there a simple way to fix this kind of leak or do I need to take some type of drastic action?

Thanks.

Hey Robert,
You can't solder or patch stainless steel. The unit's under warranty. Return it as defective and get a new one. Good luck, tom

Hey Robert,
You can't solder or patch stainless steel. The unit's under warranty. Return it as defective and get a new one. Good luck, tom


Thanks Tom, pursuing this avenue too.

Rob

This usually happens during rough-in. Your plumber tighten up the fitting too much, cracking the body in the process. Also, it could be manufacturer's defect. Do what Tom said. Inspect the valve before you put it in - and then, before you cover up the wall.

Well, you can solder stainless steel, but you either call it silver soldering or brazing.

Hi Mark, not sure of the brand. Bought it on eBay. Here's the product link;

SQUARE 2 WAY THERMOSTATIC SHOWER VALVE & SQUARE RAIL on eBay, also Complete Shower Units, Shower Plumbing, Bathroom, Home Garden (end time 13-Jul-08 17:00:00 BST) (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SQUARE-2-WAY-THERMOSTATIC-SHOWER-VALVE-SQUARE-RAIL_W0QQitemZ350078226778QQihZ022QQcategoryZ32875 QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l1262 )

Well, you can solder stainless steel, but you either call it silver soldering or brazing.
The point I was trying to make is that is that he shouldn't have to. It's a new installation under warranty.

A SS valve body would, come to think of it, make it really really expensive.

I was looking at the EBay pixs. The body is made of some alloy that looks like brass but is not brass all the way. The valves are actually screwed together and connected with short nipples.
If this is new valve, and it leaks from the body, than I would try to return it. If it leaks from the nipple attached to the valve, try to remove it , apply new pipe-dope and reinstall.
I would not try to fix it myself. If you do, than they won't take it back.