Shower taps

[Davemurray]

My shower taps are getting more difficult to close and I was looking to replace O rings, but I cannot determine how the plastic knobs come off.  I have tried both usual ways a) if the top of the plastic knob separates to expose the inside or b) if the entire plastic knob comes off to no avail.  I have tried as hard as I dare and don't want to break anything.   I cannot tell for sure if this is the original equipment, but it sure looks like it could be.   Can anyone tell me if the system is meant to replace an O ring or that the entire unit has to be tossed and replaced with new?

[PeteW]

You can get a new valve assembly, hose and wand from any number of on-line RV equipment dealers. Splurge on the wand, you won't regret it. Not expensive at all compared to marine prices.

[Jim S]

Replacing the shower faucet is one of the more difficult tasks on the boat.  The faucet is accessed by removing the sliding panels of the cabinet in the head and removing the cabinet lining boards...check the chainplate while you are in there.  Now you have to wriggle yourself into the cabinet to see the backing of the faucet.  The faucet retaining nuts are tough to get to and remaking all the water fittings is tough too.

My o-rings are really "seats" available at hardware stores, Phantom uses 1/2" or 00 size.  The seats are accessed by popping the center cover off of the knob with a sharp blade.  Remove the knob by unscrewing the screw, then unscrew the stem of the faucet.  The seat will be easily seen and replaced.  Seats are really easy once you get the faucet knob off.

Hope this helps.

Jim

[P69]

Jim's right, it's tedious to get to.  The job gets worse if you don't have any slack in the hoses and need to cut the ends because they are too dried out to fit on the new nipples.

Mine's on the way out also, but the screws are stripped and I can't remove the knobs.

Don't know who or where I got this info, but someone (here or on the 424 group) replaced their shower faucet with this:

http://www.rvplus.com/phoenix-products-shower-valve-for-hand-held-4in-412v-i.html

Regarding the wand, get one with the on/off switch so you can mix the hot and cold once, then just switch the wand on/off when you shower.

It's on my list, but so are a lot of things.

Good luck

[SV ANEMONE]

About two years ago I had a water leak at the fittings for the shower head located behind the medicine cabinet (ouch and minor cuts with bruising because of the tight space design) the new pressure fittings kept leaking on the old water lines. So instead I bought new brass fittings and clamps along with replacing new water lines - so far no leaks. O yes there was not much slack in the old line at the shower fitting so going behind the medicine cabinet no fun and at times working with one hand. I purchased all parts at Ace Hardware, hope this helps.   Rudy

[PeteW]

Getting the nuts tight in the faucet assembly requires making a spanner tool. A round piece of wood from a hole saw, drill 1/4" holes and run 2 long bolts in there. The bolts will engage the flange on the faucet nuts. I put it in my ditty bag incase I ever need it again. The new faucet I got was 4"centers. seemed to be a little wider that what was in there so I had to hog the wholes out. I used 2 pieces of PVC on the inside to space the faucet away from the shower wall and dress it up a bit. Total cost was under $100. Wife loves its.

Sooner or later you will need to get behind the cabinet in the head. Chain plates, wiring, holding tank etc. I can get mine out with the use of an electric screw driver in 15 minutes. Hot water line blew off one time so it was imperative to get back in there.

Pete

[Skookster]

The phoenix unit mentioned is a dead easy fix.  I did it last year. But I didn't access it from behind the medicine cabinet!  On our '80 365, it was relatively easy access from the forward end of the upper starboard sea berth.  Remove the panel up there and you can reach right in to get to the back of the valve.
Cheers,
-Tim