Beautiful plastic booths quickly filled the world market and quietly moved to the apartments of citizens and houses of rural residents. They were loved for their practicality and functionality.
Over time, some elements of the boxes fail, while others wear out. However, skillful owners repair the shower and restore or replace parts on their own. We will introduce you to methods of eliminating common breakdowns and malfunctions of this type of plumbing equipment.
Overview of common failures
Economical showers with a minimum of functions or expensive hydromassage boxes are designed for daily hygiene - taking a shower.
Some of them can be used as a bath. These are complex devices consisting of many parts. There are a lot of modifications of the boxes: from open ones resembling an ordinary shower with protective partitions to closed, hermetic and stuffed with electronics.
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Now the factory models are making room, letting in simple, but very comfortable showers with partitions. Floor with a slight slope, a shower on the counter and plastic doors - all that is needed for their manufacture
An open cabin, which can also be done independently. It will require tempered glass sheets, a durable plastic tray, floor drains and plumbing fixtures
The advantage of a budget solution is to save money and space. If you replace the bathtub with a small cabin, you can free up space for the washing machine
The volumetric cabin takes up more space, but it is functional. Among the popular features - bath effect, jacuzzi, tropical rain, radio and the Internet
The simplest version of the shower
Model with a plastic pallet
Inexpensive shower 90 * 90
Shower box with a range of additional functions
Both simple models built with their own hands without a traditional pallet and complex factory designs break, and part of the problems are common. For example, in any of the presented cabs, the protective screen may crack or the mixer may fail.
The list of breakdowns that users of shower boxes most often encounter:
- wear of a ladder or a water seal installed under the bottom;
- deformation of the pallet or the appearance of cracks on its surface;
- mechanical damage to doors or shields;
- breakage of door rollers or hinges responsible for opening;
- failure of shower equipment - watering can, hose, mixer.
For complex, electronically controlled models, electrical parts may break or software failures may occur.
Only specialists are able to deal with electronics on their own, it is better to replace broken glass, a drain device or a deformed shower tray; however, minor breakdowns can be fixed on their own.
For example, to repair the rollers, restore the pallet, clean the plumbing filter or clean the scratches on the plastic screen, even an amateur can afford it.
Shower Cabin Repair Instructions
Professional repairs are another waste of the household budget, and sometimes urgent restoration of parts is sometimes required. Therefore, we will find out how to fix a broken shower stall yourself, without involving qualified craftsmen. Consider only those situations in which special skills are not needed.
How to restore the performance of the mixer?
The structure of the built-in shower mixer is different from the traditional type, installed on the sink or above the bathroom.
It consists of a control unit - two handles and working communications - a thin tube system. The first ceramic cartridge with holes is responsible for switching hot / cold water, the second controls the flow of water in the right direction.
To get to the cartridges, it is necessary to remove the decorative linings and unscrew the fixing nuts. Even monolithic, at first glance, handles always have a collapsible design
It is possible to understand that the cartridge is defective or the housing element has cracked due to a leak. Water starts to leak either when the tap is turned on or continuously. In the first case, the seal is likely to wear, in the second - a crack on the cartridge.
The reverse is also possible - water does not enter the shower well. This is due to clogging: over time, the holes become clogged with calcareous or corrosive deposits.
To cope with the problem, it is necessary to dismantle the entire mixer unit. To work, you need a set of screwdrivers, pliers with narrow paws. Purpose: disassemble the mixer, find the cause of the leak, repair or replace the part, install the unit in place.
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Having removed the mixer from the cab wall, we unscrew the handles to get to the cartridge. You need to act carefully so as not to damage the decorative elements
In the process of disassembly, we check the degree of wear of replaceable elements - cartridges, seals. Most likely, somewhere there was a crack through which water appears
To make sure that the cause of the leak is really a breakdown, we remove the cartridge from the “slot” and inspect the plastic surfaces from all sides
One of the possible reasons is a crack on the plastic insert, the result of long use. You can stick it with a special waterproof glue for plumbing plastic
To seal the crack, you need to remove the cartridge. This is usually achieved by simple unscrewing. If parts are difficult to detach, take pliers and carefully rotate the plastic liner
The cartridge case consists entirely of plastic, so we check it for cracks. If they are found, glue in the same way as the liner
At the same time, we carry out maintenance work - we remove sand deposits from metal parts with an emery cloth. As a result, the gaskets must be pressed tightly against them.
After the glue has dried, and all other parts are cleaned, install the cartridge in the "slot". Check the repair by blowing. If air does not pass - repair is completed
Step 1 - disassembling the control unit
Step 2 - checking the integrity of the elements
Step 3 - diagnosing cartridge status
Step 4 - detect the cause of the leak
Step 5 - removing the liner from the housing
Step 6 - checking the surface of the housing
Step 7 - Stripping Metal Parts
Step 8 - reinserting the cartridge
Crack sizing is a temporary fix for the problem. In order for the mixer to continue to perform all available functions, it is necessary to replace the shower cartridge cartridge with a new one.
However, preventive cleaning of metal and plastic parts does not hurt. To reduce limescale, we recommend using filters that are special for shower cabins, as well as general filters installed on water supply pipes.
Recommendations for pallet restoration
Cast-iron and even steel pallets are not used in shower cabins. New models are made from acrylic - a durable, “warm”, lightweight material.
But the acrylic bottom has a huge minus - frequent breakdowns due to the large weight of the person taking a shower, or due to mechanical damage. In both cases, cracks form through which water flows out.
The new pallet has a smooth shiny surface, without cracks, chips and scuffs. This is a sealed base with a hole for draining used water into the sewer
If water began to flow from under the base of the cabin, the bottom was significantly deformed or cracks became visible - this is a signal for urgent repair.
A small fray can be restored without removing the pallet from its place, but for a thorough repair it is necessary to disassemble the booth and dismantle the base.
Tool for work:
- spatula, chisel, stationery knife, sandpaper - to remove the acrylic layer;
- drill with nozzles and engraver - for cleaning the base and cracks;
- brushes for applying glue and acrylic fill.
To completely renew the pallet, first you need to remove the old acrylic layer, clean all surfaces, make a patch of fiberglass on the outside and acrylic fill on the inside.
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Manually or with the help of improvised tools, we completely remove the old acrylic to free the base and clean the cracks on both sides. This is a simple procedure requiring only patience. After this, cracks are easily detected.
Using a grinder, we first clean the inner surface, removing the remaining acrylic, then the outer one from dirt. Manually, with sandpaper, the same will have to do much longer. Separately process the edges of the cracks - so as not to protrude
Degrease the outer surface of the pallet with a solvent (acetone), prepare an epoxy-based adhesive. Apply glue in a thick layer, then gently place pieces of fiberglass on the holes and carefully coat the top with glue again. Waiting for drying
Pre-degrease the surface, grind irregularities or gloss over with automotive putty. We clean so that even pores are not left, then gently fill it with a ready-made liquid solution, starting from the edges
Stage 1 - Removing Old Acrylic Coating
Stage 2 - stripping the inside and outside
Stage 3 - sealing cracks from the outside
Stage 4 - fill with acrylic inside
In order for the fiberglass patch to serve for a long time, you need to choose a quality glue. An example of a reliable composition is the two-component glue EDF. It does not react to water and maintains the quality of bonding for many years.
The advantage of the imported analogue of Plexus MA 420 is its excellent adhesion even with an unpolished surface. But there is an alternative of more than 2 thousand rubles, while the domestic EAF is 140-160 rubles.
If you restore the acrylic pallet in accordance with all the rules, it will look like a new product. On the plus side, it’s a longer service life by enhancing finishes on both sides.
If the choice is to replace and repair, you can safely experiment with the restoration yourself. It doesn’t work out - you can always buy a replacement, but if everything succeeds, you will get an almost new pallet and useful skills.
If it is impossible to restore the worn-out capacity, it is better to buy and put a new shower tray. The rules of its assembly and installation will be introduced by our recommended article.
Most often, along with the replacement of the pallet, you have to put a new siphon for the shower. About how to install and connect to the sewer outlet, it is written in our recommended article.
Can the rollers be repaired?
Small inconspicuous rollers are hidden under decorative overlays at the bottom of glass or plastic doors.
They are tightly covered, nevertheless, water penetrates through the cracks even inside the bearings. As a result, the internal metal elements of the rollers for shower enclosures become rusty and clogged with dirt - a precipitate of tap water that is not ideal in composition.
There are two ways to remove the roller from the door: squeeze the plastic / glass and pull out the part or completely dismantle the door. The second method is suitable for prophylactic cleaning of all elements.
You will notice the need to clean or replace when the door starts to open with an effort, strange sounds will appear during movement and partial blockage.
The problem is solved simply: you need a solution against rust, kerosene, grease, a screwdriver and pliers.
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The upper part is a decorative part that simultaneously protects the roller. Carefully remove it, being careful not to scratch the paint layer.
We use a screwdriver to unscrew the only screw on which the roller rests, then remove the plastic part from the inside and get the roller from the outside
To get to the internal elements of the bearing, gently poke the gland with a needle, a thin screwdriver or an office knife and remove it
To remove traces of corrosion, we use a rust converter - a special solution that simultaneously removes deposits and protects them from their subsequent appearance
If it was possible to remove the rust, but the bearing scrolls with difficulty, we additionally process with kerosene until the balls begin to move freely
To keep the bearing running longer, apply a thick layer of grease - literally fill the entire interior. Then insert the oil seal in place
Despite the external serviceability, the roller may not work well, so after assembly, be sure to check its functionality - scroll with your fingers
The updated, well-oiled roller is installed in place in the reverse order: we move the glass, insert the product, fasten it to the plate attached from the inside
Step 1 - Removing the Trim
Step 2 - unscrewing the fasteners and removing the roller
Step 3 - Removing the Gland for Access to the Bearing
Step 4 - Removing Rust
Step 5 - processing the bearing with kerosene
Step 6 - Lubrication and Gland Installation
Step 7 - Testing the Cleaned Roller
Step 8 - mounting the roller on the door
The final touch is the installation of a decorative trim. We check the quality of work by opening and closing the cabin door. After cleaning, it should move freely, without creaking and delays.
The sooner you notice a problem and clean the rollers, the easier the procedure will go. In advanced cases, the balls inside the body are tightly “welded”, it becomes extremely difficult to restore their work. In some situations, it’s easier to buy new parts, but you can’t always find the right size.
When is specialist help needed?
We do not recommend repairing the cab electronics. If the equipment stops executing commands correctly, you need to call the wizard. Warranty repairs are free, so be sure to keep your checks and a package of documents.
For after-sales service, you can contact a company specializing in the repair of plumbing. You can also contact the master to replace the windows, the pallet, or completely disassemble / assemble the booth. If you do not have experience of such work and free time, then you can save more than one day by spending a small amount.
Do not be afraid to contact private traders. Often these are the same masters from service centers who work part-time at leisure, or experienced retired specialists
If you have free time and the desire to replace the glass of the shower cubicle yourself, tangible help will be provided by the instruction presented by us.
Before starting repairs, it is useful to familiarize yourself with the prices of the parts. It also happens that replacing a tray or shower unit costs a little more than restoration work, so it makes sense not to waste time and simply install new structural elements.
A common problem for operating a shower box is disturbance in connecting to communication networks. How to connect a shower to the water supply and sewerage is described in the next article. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with useful information.
Videos shot by masters and amateurs contain many useful tips and tricks for repair work.
Video # 1. How to restore the pan or prevent leakage:
Video # 2. How to avoid buying a new door roller:
Video # 3.Assembly instruction - useful for replacing spare parts:
Video # 4. Self replacement siphon under the booth:
Do not forget that the shower cubicle has to work in extreme conditions: high humidity, sudden changes in temperature, mechanical pressure, constant change of modes, poorly filtered water.
In order for the details of the hydroboxing to work properly, and repair was a rare occurrence, it is necessary to carry out preventive cleaning, often ventilate the room and monitor the quality of the water.
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