Leaking Topliss shower mixer

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wratterus

953 posts

Ultimate Geek

#269985 18-Apr-2020 14:31

Have got an old Topliss mixer in our shower, it's been leaking a little bit as long as we've been in the house, but just recently has got a lot worse - pics below of the mixer, and a few short videos here showing the leak.

As you can see in the second video, there is a lot of play in that main 'shaft', and when it's pulled out as far as it can go, the leak is not nearly as bad.

Normally I'd just rip into it and see what's going on, but right at the moment I'm not so keen to do that in case I stuff it entirely, as replacement bits probably won't be as quick to get hold of as they normally would be.

Anyone familiar with these and has any suggestions? Thanks.

RunningMan

5963 posts

Uber Geek

#2464777 18-Apr-2020 14:40

Maybe go straight to the source - they might answer an email with some info for you.

http://www.topliss.co.nz/contact-us/

PoHq

448 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2464897 18-Apr-2020 15:48

I had a leaking one of these a year or so ago. Bad news you’ll find it hard to get into these without the right tools and skills. I got as far as you and stopped and the plumber we eventually called said your average DIYer does not want to attempt to get into this mixer. I actually put it all back together before the plumber arrived and the leak was worse. More bad news cost was about $350 from memory. Good news, they still make these units in Nelson I believe so readily available. If you call a plumber send him a pic of the mixer so they can pre order. Guy told me whole new mixer set is required for these. Individual kit parts not available.

Hope that helps

wratterus

953 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2464899 18-Apr-2020 16:00

Thanks, disappointing but good to know. I'll definitely leave it alone for now.

jandal160165

165 posts

Master Geek

#2465006 18-Apr-2020 18:14

Give them a ring. I got a refurbed one for my place from Topliss direct.

http://www.topliss.co.nz/products/servicing-information/

The servicing info on this page would indicate there is no plumbing miracles inside.

mattwnz

16347 posts

Uber Geek

#2465018 18-Apr-2020 18:31

We had one of these, and my dad fixed it. You need to take the chrome plate off, as that covers the mixer unit. I think there is a kit you can buy that fixes it.

mattwnz

16347 posts

Uber Geek

#2465020 18-Apr-2020 18:33

PoHq: Guy told me whole new mixer set is required for these. Individual kit parts not available.

I think there is a kit you can buy. Or at least you could buy it at one stage. Looks like they do have service and washer kits at http://www.topliss.co.nz/products/servicing-information/

My dad fixed our one that was leaking with a kit and he is not a plumber. But maybe it isn't the sort of thing people do these days.

wooda2

21 posts

Geek

#2465077 18-Apr-2020 21:01

They are a pain to do. Try tightening up the back nut a bit, closest to mixer body (not the one that holds the wallplate on). Dont force it.

Its often easier to take mixer out to service. A new one is around 200 so thats maybe easier. Or the refurb ones from topliss.

As well as gland nut theres lots of goodies you can service on these.

http://topliss.co.nz/pdf/TOPLISS_BROS_Gland_bush_replacement.pdf

GGJohnstone

72 posts

Master Geek

#2465191 19-Apr-2020 08:54

It is a shame major hardware stores are closed. Price there seen less than post and packaging.
The leak is either worn o rings or debris. My mixer had stop cocks so it could be done "key hole". The estimate price is easy for you to work within if you are allowed to turn off all water to remove the valve. 3 pipes and some screws. This will reduce the dropsy problems. Best plan is key hole if the stop cocks can be turned and space under the work filled with towels. A friendly plunder might sell you the valve kit and offer support if it goes wronk. Saving travel and administration costs looking like 75% of estimate.

GGJohnstone

72 posts

Master Geek

#2465196 19-Apr-2020 09:05

It still is working as shower. If your house manager is not kept awake at nights by the dripping water this is not $350 urgent work. Exercise the valve by turning quickly. This might help reseat o rings especially over debris.

wratterus

953 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2465339 19-Apr-2020 11:31

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. Does look very doable, just need to get hold of the bits. Topliss actually have great info on their site showing exploded diagrams etc etc, honestly I'd not really thought to check there haha. A lot of other manufacturers could take a leaf out of their book in that regard.

The leak is primarily when the shower is on, so it's not a really pressing thing as it might be if it was leaking like that when it was off. This mixer I suspect was installed in the early 70s and probably hasn't been touched since. The water here is pretty feral too, so could easily be some debris in there, but I suspect the seal is knackered. Looks like the TB4,5 or 6 ELP mixer (probably 4), and will probably be #22 'Gland Packing Bush' that I need I think.

Cheers everyone.