Summary

Bristan Sonique Thermostatic Cartridge (Complete Assembly). Includes the wax thermostat.

Please note that the item you receive has a slightly updated appearance with changes to the spline section.

Diagnosing Shower Problems with the Bristan Sonique Thermostatic Cartridge

Whether it is temperature problems, leaks or a stiff handle, there is no shower valve cartridge-related issue the Bristan Sonique thermostatic cartridge can’t solve.

The Bristan Sonique thermostatic cartridge sits under the temperature control handle of the shower valve. It gives the shower user the means to adjust water temperature according to his preference.

Hot and cold water enters the crevices at the sides of this Bristan thermostatic cartridge barrel. A wax thermostatic element is the heart of the cartridge. (A glimpse of the bottom of the element can be seen in the second photo in the gallery.) The wax element pumps up and down to mix inbound water to the preferred temperature as pressure continues to push water out of the shower head.

Certain factors can adversely affect the thermostatic cartridge for Bristan Sonique. Amongst the most prominent ones is the hardening of minerals due to hard water. Minerals, including dirt, will keep on building up until the shower valve exhibits problematic symptoms such as difficulty adjusting temperature, leaks and a stiff to turn handle.

Problem:

The Bristan Sonique shower valve runs only lukewarm water.

Possible Causes:

• The wax thermostatic element in the Bristan Sonique thermostatic cartridge is not working.
• The abrasiveness of the hardened hard water minerals may have damaged the wax element.

Solution:

+ A new thermostatic cartridge can resolve this issue.

Problem:

Shower valve has poor water flow rate.

Possible Causes:

• There is a blockage in the Bristan Sonique shower valve or the thermostatic cartridge.

Solution:

+ Remove the shower valve handle and the thermostatic cartridge then turn the water supplies on to flush out any debris from the shower valve.

+ If the valve is clear of any blockages, there may be mineral build-up inside the thermostatic cartridge itself. Acid from a vinegar cleaning solution can harm the O-rings, the cartridge or the valve. The best long-term and cost-effective solution for this would be to change the shower valve part.

Problem:

Stiff to turn temperature control handle.

Possible Causes:

• Limescale and dirt build-up.

Solution:

+ Hard water minerals can accumulate and harden wherever water passes. Sometimes this can happen around the splines and handle which renders it stiff to turn.

Problem:

The shower valve is dripping even when it is not in use.

Possible Causes:

• The water pressure might be too strong.
• Deteriorated O-rings or thermostatic cartridge.

Solution:

+ Water pressure can shift by itself over time. Check and correct the pressure. Strong water pressure can cause the shower to leak. The working pressure for the shower valve is up to 5 bar. The maximum static pressure is 10 bar.

+ When the Bristan Sonique thermostatic cartridge and its rubber parts (O-rings) have deteriorated the only solution is to have the cartridge replaced.

Problem:

Fluctuating shower water temperature.

Possible Causes:

• Other household appliances are pulling water away from the shower valve.
• The thermostatic cartridge of the Bristan Sonique may be on its last legs.

Solution:

+ Household appliances like the dishwasher or washing machine can pull hot water away from the shower valve. At the same time, cold water is being redirected away from the shower when the sink is in use or the toilet is flushed.

+ Perpetual water temperature fluctuation might be telling that there is something wrong with the thermostatic cartridge.

Contact us should you need assistance in finding the correct part you need. If it’s about spares Di Vapor knows best! We will gladly exert all effort to help you. *Messages received during the weekend will be responded to on Monday.

Replacing the Bristan Sonique Thermostatic Cartridge

Before starting the shower repair with the Bristan Sonique thermostatic cartridge please make sure the water supplies and pressure are shut off or isolated. The drain can also be plugged to prevent small parts from falling in it.

1. Remove the screw cover cap (located at the top of the handle). Use an Allen key to loosen the screw. Remove the handle and the parts under it.

2. Use an adjustable spanner to unscrew the threaded Bristan Sonique shower valve thermostatic cartridge. Turn it anti-clockwise to unscrew. The faulty cartridge can be discarded or kept as a future reference.

3. Layer a thin coating of plumber’s grease on all the O-rings of the replacement Bristan Sonique thermostatic cartridge. Insert the part in the shower valve and secure the threads by turning the spanner clockwise.

Please see the last section below for the heat-resistant, silicone-based plumber’s grease we have on offer.

4. Reassemble the valve handle.

Di Vapor supplies many Bristan shower spares plus hundreds of replacement parts for different showers, baths, and basin mixer taps.

All spares purchased on a weekday (before 3:00 PM UK time) will be despatched on the same working day.