Hello, I am grateful to have found this site. I had someone change my Mixet Shower Faucet. It is one with the Big Ball for the temperature adjustment, not the little Flat one. I think this means it is a pre-1968 although the house was built in 1980. Well, after he was done and we discovered the temperature wouldn't regulate (I don't think there was any hot water at all no matter what the position.) He told me that it was the cartridge, and explained to me where it was at. I have a fiberglass shower/tub deal. He told me we would have to take my kitchen cabinets off the rear wall to get at it. Do I have a pre-1968 valve? I'm trying to make sense of this. I saw a video where a man was replacing a Mixet cartridge (I believe he said it was the newer Post-1968 one).... it had the Flat temperature regulator style and he was able to pull the cartridge right out. Easy as pie. Is that possible with the type I have -- the one with the Big Ball temperature regulator? (I may not be using the right words, but I hope you can understand If I have no choice but to take the kitchen cabinets off the back of the wall, can we get at it by just taking off the upper cabinets? Do I have any other options? Considering I have this preformed fiberglass tub, would this possibility I have thought of even work - to install another make of cartridge and change out the whole shower valve assembly? I would do it if it would mean I would never have to go through the whole cabinet removal process again..when the cartridge gives out again another 42 years from now? when I am 107? ...and (ugh!) if we did that, would I have to remove the lower cabinets, (to have him weld and so forth?) Just askin'...

The ONLY reason to take the cabinets off would be to change the entire valve and the plumber was NOT able to do it from the tub side, (which many plumbers can do). I do not know what you mean by "ball type" since I only know of two Mixets. A long one and a short one, but they look similar and are not interchangeable.

Generally speaking a new cartridge will solve your problem.

Before removing cabinets - he should try a new cartridge. Mixet cartridges can be a little funky to work with - if I remember correctly you want the bottom part of the cartridge tight against the rest of the cartridge.

Link to different Mixet parts our sponsor sells...

[www.plumbingsupply.com]

If in fact the whole valve does have to be changed it can be done from inside the shower, normally through existing hole. If he needs a bigger hole you can use a remodel plate like our sponsor sells.....

[www.plumbingsupply.com]

If your plumber can't change out valve with remodel plate get a new plumber. He really should be able to do it without remodel plate. Takes awhile but do able.

If you can send picture of your existing set up that would help.

Hi Curly, thank you for your prompt and helpful response.. On the link you sent, the parts for my set up are the picture -- #20 -- MDXTR-5 Comprised of 12,13,14.. that big knob, is what I was calling the Big ball.. I didn't know how else to describe it.. I have a different plumber looking at it... yep.. hope it's not the valve.. (if I've got that much right!) Sorry couldn't send a picture. If you have anything further to add, it will be much appreciated! Thank you.

Thank you for adding to my understanding.. I posted a reply to Curly where he posted a link in his response that goes to the diagram of the various Mixet assemblies and trim kits Mine is the #20 in the diagram.. The knob is large and looks like a big ball, that's all I could think of to describe it. If you have any further advice, it will be appreciated.