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Fix dripping Aqualisa shower tap

  • Writer: Robert Costart
    Robert Costart
  • May 29
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jun 4



📝 Overview


  • Stopping a persistent drip from an Aqualisa thermostatic or manual shower valve by replacing the cartridge and its service-seal kit (hot-side O-ring and face gasket).

  • Skill level: 4 / 5 (steady hand, small parts, hidden screws)

  • Typical duration: 1 ½ – 2 h hands-on




⚠️ Safety First


  1. Isolate the supplies – close the shower’s service valves or the house stop-cock and run the shower until the flow stops. 

  2. Kill the power to any associated pump or digital processor at the fused spur; some Aqualisa sets feed a booster pump. 

  3. Water in the valve can reach 65 °C+ – allow it to cool and wear heat-resistant gloves when withdrawing the cartridge.

  4. Small screws and O-rings are easily dropped: cover the waste with a plug or cloth to avoid losing parts. 

  5. Use eye protection; limescale flakes and trapped water can spray when the body is opened.




🧰 Tools & Materials

Item

Purpose

No. 2 Posidriv & T25 Torx screwdrivers

Remove trim and cartridge screws 

Pliers (long-nose)

Grip cartridge spindle for withdrawal

Crochet hook/dental pick

Lift out old hot-side O-ring 

Torch

Illuminate the recessed body

Silicone grease

Lubricate new O-rings and spindle

Replacement Aqualisa cartridge (grey, pink, green etc. per system)

Cures the drip – comes with new gasket & base O-ring

Bucket & towels

Catch residual water

Cleaning cloth & white vinegar

Wipe seat & descale head while valve is open


📋 Step-by-Step


1. Confirm the drip really is the valve


  • Action: Remove the shower head and hose, leave overnight. If water still drips directly from the outlet pipe, the valve is passing, not just retaining water in the head.

    • Why: Saves needless cartridge work where only head drain-down is needed. 



2. Isolate water and power


  • Action: Shut both hot and cold isolators; switch off any pump/processor spur. Open the shower, wait until flow stops.

    • Why: Depressurises the body for clean dismantling. 

    • Pro-tip: Mark valve levers with tape so they return exactly to their original positions.



3. Strip the trims


  • Action: Prize off the temperature/flow lever caps; undo the hidden grub or face screws; slide the control knobs and cover shroud clear.

    • Why: Exposes the cartridge-fixing screws without scratching chrome.



4. Remove the cartridge


  • Action: Undo the four (sometimes two) Torx or Posidriv screws; grip the spindle with pliers and pull the cartridge straight out.

    • Why: Cartridges seal on an O-ring and can be snug – keep it square to avoid scoring the brass body. 

    • Pro-tip: Wiggle very gently rather than twist; twisting can shear locating lugs.



5. Replace service seals


  • Action: Hook out the base/hot O-ring from the rear waterway, clean the seat and press the new O-ring into the groove. Fit the new face-gasket supplied.

    • Why: A tired O-ring is the usual culprit behind a persistent drip. 



6. Fit the new cartridge


  • Action: Smear silicone grease on locating O-rings, align the spindle at 12 o’clock and press home firmly. Re-insert screws and tighten evenly hand-tight.

    • Why: Even torque prevents distortion and future temperature drift.



7. Reassemble trims


  • Action: Refit shroud, lever and caps in reverse order, ensuring the temperature override button (if fitted) clicks positively.

    • Why: Maintains factory-set safety stop.



8. Restore supplies and flush


  • Action: Open isolators slowly; hold the shower head in a bucket and run at full cold then full hot for 60 s each.

    • Why: Flushes debris from the new filter gasket before it can score the ceramic discs. 

    • Pro-tip: Check temperature range; if maximum temperature is too low or high, adjust the limit stop now before re-capping.



9. Descale the head while you wait


  • Action: Soak head in 50 : 50 warm water & vinegar for 15 min, rinse.

    • Why: Clear spray plate obstructions that can slow drain-down and mimic valve drips. 




🔍 Completion Checks


  • No drip from outlet after 5 min tap-off.

  • Control levers turn smoothly with normal resistance.

  • Hot water reaches previous maximum temperature without hunting.

  • All trims sit flush and secure; no screws left over!




👷‍♂️ When to call a pro instead


If the valve body is corroded, screws have seized, or the shower is a digital Aqualisa model that requires electronic calibration, a qualified plumber (and, for digital units, a Part P electrician) can replace the cartridge or processor without damaging concealed pipework or invalidating the warranty.

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