Shower cabin repair: how to fix popular shower cabin breakdowns with your own hands

Beautiful plastic booths quickly filled the world market and quietly moved into the apartments of city residents and the houses of rural residents.They were loved for their practicality and functionality.

Over time, some elements of the boxes fail, others wear out. However, skillful owners repair the shower cabin and restore or replace parts on their own. We will introduce you to methods for eliminating common breakdowns and malfunctions in the operation of this type of plumbing equipment.

The content of the article:

Review of common breakdowns
Shower stall repair instructions
When is specialist help needed?
Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Review of common breakdowns

Economical shower cabins 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 boxes: from open ones, reminiscent of a regular shower with protective partitions, to closed, sealed and stuffed with electronics.

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Now factory models have made room, allowing simple but very comfortable showers with partitions. A slightly sloping floor, a shower on a counter and plastic doors are all you need to make them

An open cabin that can also be made independently. You will need sheets of tempered glass, a durable plastic tray, a drain and wall-mounted plumbing fixtures

The advantage of a budget solution is saving money and space. If you replace the bathtub with a small stall, you can free up space for a washing machine

The voluminous cabin takes up more space, but is functional.Popular features include sauna effect, jacuzzi, tropical shower, radio and Internet.

The simplest version of a shower stall

Model with plastic tray

Inexpensive shower cubicle 90*90

Shower hydrobox with a set of additional functions

Simple models built with your own hands also break. without traditional pallet, and complex factory designs, while some of the problems are common. For example, any of the presented cabins may have a cracked protective screen or a faucet that may fail.

List of breakdowns that users of shower boxes most often encounter:

wear of the ladder or water seal installed under the bottom;
deformation of the pallet or the appearance of cracks on its surface;
mechanical damage to doors or protective screens;
damage to door rollers or hinges responsible for opening;
failure of shower equipment - watering can, hose, mixer.

In complex electronically controlled models, electrical parts may break or software failure may occur.

Only specialists can deal with electronics on their own, broken glass, drain device or deformed shower tray It’s better to replace it, but minor damage can be fixed yourself.

For example, even an amateur can repair rollers, restore a pan, clean a plumbing filter, or remove scratches on a plastic screen.

Shower stall repair instructions

Professional repairs are another waste of the household budget, and sometimes urgent restoration of parts is required. Therefore, we will find out how to fix a broken shower stall yourself, without the involvement of qualified craftsmen.Let's consider only those situations in which special skills are not needed.

How to restore the functionality of the mixer?

The structure of the built-in shower faucet differs from the traditional type installed on the sink or above the bathtub.

It consists of a control unit - two handles and working communications - a system of thin tubes. The first ceramic cartridge with holes is responsible for switching hot/cold water, the second regulates the flow of water in the desired direction.

To get to the cartridges, you need to remove the decorative trims and unscrew the fastening nuts. Even monolithic, at first glance, handles always have a collapsible design

You can tell that the cartridge is faulty or a housing element is cracked by the appearance of a leak. Water begins to leak either when the tap is turned on, or constantly. In the first case, wear of the seal is likely, in the second - a crack in the cartridge.

The opposite is also possible - water does not flow well into the shower. This occurs due to blockage: over time, the holes become clogged with lime or corrosive deposits.

To deal with the problem, it is necessary to dismantle the entire mixer block. To work, you will need a set of screwdrivers and narrow-nose pliers. Goal: disassemble the mixer, find the cause of the leak, repair or replace the part, and install the unit in place.

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Having removed the mixer from the wall of the cabin, unscrew the handles to get to the cartridge. You need to act carefully so as not to damage the decorative elements.

During disassembly, we check the degree of wear of replaceable elements - cartridges, seals. Most likely, a crack has appeared somewhere through which water is leaking.

To make sure whether the cause of the leak is really a breakdown, remove the cartridge from the “socket” and inspect the plastic surfaces from all sides

One of the possible reasons is a crack in the plastic liner, the result of long-term use. You can seal it with a special waterproof glue for plumbing plastic.

To seal the crack, you need to remove the cartridge. This can usually be done by simply unscrewing it. If the parts are difficult to detach, take pliers and carefully rotate the plastic insert

The cartridge body consists entirely of plastic, so we check it for cracks as well. If they are found, seal them in the same way as the liner.

At the same time, we carry out preventive work - we remove plaque from metal parts with sandpaper. It is necessary that as a result the seals are pressed tightly against them

After the glue has dried and all other parts have been cleaned, install the cartridge in the “socket”. We check the correctness of the repair by blowing. If air does not pass through, the repair is complete.

Step 1 - disassembling the control unit

Step 2 - checking the integrity of the elements

Step 3 - diagnosing the condition of the cartridge

Step 4 - Finding the Cause of the Leak

Step 5 - removing the liner from the body

Step 6 - Checking the Housing Surface

Step 7 - stripping metal parts

Step 8 - inserting the cartridge into place

Sealing cracks is a temporary solution to the problem. In order for the mixer to continue to perform all available functions, it is necessary to replace shower cabin cartridge on new.

However, preventative cleaning of metal and plastic parts will not hurt. To reduce limescale, we recommend using filters both special for shower cabins and general filters installed on water supply pipes.

Recommendations for pallet restoration

Cast iron and even steel trays are not used in shower cabins. New models are made from acrylic - a durable, “warm”, lightweight material.

But the acrylic bottom has a huge disadvantage - frequent breakdowns due to the heavy weight of the person taking the 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 or abrasions. This is a sealed base with a hole to drain used water into the sewer.

If water begins to flow from under the base of the cabin, the bottom is significantly deformed or cracks become visible - this is a signal for urgent repairs.

A small abrasion 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, utility knife, sandpaper - to remove the acrylic layer;
drill with attachments and engraver - for cleaning the base and cracks;
brushes for applying glue and acrylic fill.

To completely renew the pallet, you first need to remove the old acrylic layer, clean all surfaces, make a fiberglass patch on the outside and acrylic fill on the inside.

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By hand or using available tools, we completely remove the old acrylic to free the base and clean out the cracks on both sides. This is a simple procedure that only requires patience. After this, cracks are easily detected

Using a sander, we first clean the inner surface, removing acrylic residues, then the outer surface - from dirt.Manually, with sandpaper, it will take much longer to do the same thing. Separately process the edges of the cracks so that they do not protrude

We degrease the outer surface of the tray with a solvent (acetone) and prepare epoxy-based glue. Apply glue in a thick layer, then carefully place pieces of fiberglass on the holes and carefully coat the top with glue again. Waiting for it to dry

We first degrease the surface, sand the uneven surfaces or cover them with automotive putty. We clean it so that there are no pores left, then carefully fill it with the prepared liquid solution, starting from the edges

Stage 1 – removal of old acrylic coating

Stage 2 - cleaning the inside and outside

Stage 3 – sealing cracks from the outside

Stage 4 – filling the inside with acrylic

In order for a fiberglass patch to serve for a long time, you need to choose high-quality glue. An example of a reliable composition is two-component EDP adhesive. It does not react to water and maintains its bonding quality for many years.

The advantage of the imported analogue Plexus MA 420 is excellent adhesion even with an unpolished surface. But the alternative costs more than 2 thousand rubles, while the domestic EAF costs 140-160 rubles.

If you restore an acrylic tray according to all the rules, it will look like a new product. The positive thing is that the service life is increased due to the reinforcement of the finish on both sides.

If you have a choice between replacement and repair, you can safely experiment with restoration with your own hands. If it doesn’t work out, you can always buy a replacement, but if everything works out, you’ll acquire an almost new pallet and useful skills.

If it is impossible to restore a worn-out container, it is better to buy and install a new one shower tray. Our recommended article will familiarize you with the rules for its assembly and installation.

Most often, along with replacing the pallet, you have to install a new one. shower siphon. How to install and connect to the sewer outlet is described in our recommended article.

Can the rollers be repaired?

Small, inconspicuous rollers are hidden under decorative trims at the bottom of glass or plastic doors.

They are tightly covered, however, water penetrates even into the bearings through the cracks. As a result, the internal metal elements rollers for shower cabins become covered with rust and clogged with dirt - sediment of tap water of imperfect composition.

There are two ways to remove the roller from the door: push the plastic/glass and pull out the part, or completely dismantle the door. The second method is suitable for preventive cleaning of all elements

You will notice the need for cleaning or replacement when the door begins to open with force, strange sounds appear when moving and partial blocking.

The problem can be solved simply: you will need an anti-rust solution, kerosene, lubricant, a screwdriver and pliers.

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The upper part is a decorative part that simultaneously protects the roller. Carefully remove it, trying not to scratch the paint layer.

Using a screwdriver, unscrew the only screw that holds the roller, then remove the plastic part from the inside and take out the roller from the outside

To get to the internal elements of the bearing, carefully use a needle, a thin screwdriver or a stationery knife to pry up the oil seal 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 the rust has been removed, but the bearing turns with difficulty, additionally treat it with kerosene until the balls begin to move freely

To make the bearing work longer, we apply a thick layer of lubricant - literally filling the entire internal space. Then we put 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 it with your fingers

We install the updated, well-lubricated roller in place in the reverse order: move the glass, insert the product, screw it to the plate attached from the inside

Step 1 - removing the decorative trim

Step 2 - unscrewing the fasteners and dismantling the roller

Step 3 - removing the seal to access the bearing

Step 4 – removing traces of rust

Step 5 - treating the bearing with kerosene

Step 6 - Lubrication and Installation of the Oil Seal

Step 7 – testing the cleaned roller

Step 8 - installing 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 booth door. After cleaning, it should move freely, without squeaking or delays.

The sooner you notice the problem and clean the rollers, the easier the procedure will be. In advanced cases, the balls inside the housing are tightly “welded”, and it becomes extremely difficult to restore their operation. In some situations it is easier to buy new parts, but it is not always possible to choose the right size.

When is specialist help needed?

We do not recommend repairing the cabin electronics.If the equipment no longer executes commands correctly, you need to call a technician. Warranty repairs are carried out free of charge, so be sure to keep your receipts and documents.

For post-warranty service, you can contact a company specializing in plumbing repairs. To replace the glass, pan or completely disassemble/assemble the booth, you can also contact a specialist. If you do not have experience in such work and free time, then you can save more than one day by spending a small amount.

Don't be afraid to contact private companies. Often these are the same craftsmen from service centers who work part-time in their spare time, or experienced specialists who have retired

If you have free time and desire to do it yourself replace glass shower stall, the instructions we provide will provide significant assistance.

Before starting repairs, it is useful to familiarize yourself with the prices of parts. It also happens that replacing a tray or shower block costs a little more than restoration work, so it makes sense not to waste time and just install new structural elements.

A common problem for the operation of a shower box is disturbances in the connection to communication networks. How to connect a shower to water supply and sewerage is written in next article. We advise you to read the useful information.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Videos made by craftsmen and amateurs contain many useful tips and recommendations for repair work.

Video #1. How to restore a pan or prevent a leak:

Video #2. How to avoid buying a new door roller:

Video #3. Assembly instructions - useful for replacing spare parts:

Video #4.Self-replacement of the siphon under the booth:

Do not forget that the shower stall has to work in extreme conditions: high humidity, sudden temperature changes, mechanical pressure, constant change of modes, poorly filtered water.

In order for the hydrobox parts to function properly and repairs to be a rare occurrence, you need to carry out preventive cleaning, ventilate the room more often and monitor the water quality.

Would you like to tell us about how you renovated your own shower stall? Is there useful information on technology that will be useful to site visitors? Please write comments, ask questions, post photos related to the topic of the article in the block below.

Denis

Answer

We have had a shower stall for three years now; we chose a model that was not too expensive, but not the cheapest either. We selected it according to its dimensions: it suits us, it’s not cramped. During all this time, only the mixer failed, so I had to buy a new one. Shortcomings happen only due to small things: from time to time I tighten the wheels of the doors, as they become very loose during operation. There are no problems with the pallet; if you take good care of it, it will last for a long time.

Kirill

I have never had any problems with the pallet, and if I had, I would not have repaired it myself. The work is too complex, a specialist is needed.
The mixer is also behaving normally so far, the only thing that requires attention is the rollers. But I bought a rust remover and treat them regularly to keep them in order. It’s better not to start such things, so that later you don’t have to change them completely.

Sergey

I have a Niagara enclosed shower stall.Over time, the cabin roof became deformed ("waves" appeared in two places). You cannot use a rain shower - water flows out through the upper cracks and pours onto the floor outside. So what should I do?

Irina

I do not advise anyone to get these hemorrhoids. The shower stall is a pain. Not everything fails and leaks. If the bathroom lasts for 40 years, then you can throw it out right away. I regretted getting involved with its renovation; I would have already installed a bathroom with that money. Service at the booths is very expensive and in my experience I will call the repairman 4 times a month already! I’ve already rummaged through all the modes, top and bottom, and I think it’s a “massage” of the wallet if you fix it all. All the cartridges are flying, the doors, the drain, the stand, the joints are depressurizing... If you move a little, you’ll have to fix everything again. And so on in a circle. Suitable for lovers of masochism. In general, the more complex something is, the worse it works. Let's buy things that are practical and hopeful!