My son has just moved into a renovated cottage in the Sheffield area. He is having a problem with the shower which appears to be a "Force 10 Thermostatic".
The problem is that the temperature control is not working. It is a single control for both on/off and temperature, but the water temperature varies from warm to hot randomly no matter if the control is screwed out or in, and is usually too hot for a comfortable shower.
I have dismantled the valve head and tested the thermostat capsule in a bowl of hot water and it appears to work OK. I re-assembled the valve but still the temperature control does not work.
I have read previous posts about hot/cold supply being the wrong way round. On this shower the hot is on the left and the cold on the right which I think is correct.
Can anybody help me with these questions?
1 I have searched the web but cannot find any references to this make of shower - "Force 10". There are no other identifying marks on the shower. Do anybody know the name of the manufacturer? 2 The boiler is a combi - is it possible that this valve is not suitable for a combi boiler, and if so would the symptoms be as above i.e. no control over temperature which is usually hot? 3 When I dismantled the shower valve there are various seals/O rings on moving components which appear to cover/uncover the hot/cold inlets depending on control lever/thermostat setting. These are not moving very freely. Would it help to lubricate them in some way? If so, with what? 4 Could these seals/O rings have deteriorated and stiffened over time? Would it help to replace them? (But see question 1 above, how would I get spares if I don't know the manufacturer!) 5 The mixer valve is a surface mount "period style" (brass finish with porcelain control handle) and has hot/cold inlets spaced at 130mm centres. I am anticipating I may have to replace the valve completely but all those I have seen have 150mm centres. Does anybody know a manufacturer/model with 130mm centres?Thanks for your help Pete