How do I fix my dripping Mira 415?

Our 415 was dripping and getting progressively worse over the last 2-3 years. Being a bit tight I initially bought the seal kit, despite having read all of the info telling me to replace the cartridge. eventually I bought one of each of the cartridges, not knowing which one I would need and not wanting to leave a job half done whilst I found out the correct one. Followed the instructions, pretty straightforward even for a novice, new grey cartridge in, all old seals fine & no need to replace. Job done in just over an hour, including faffing with the knob to get the temp stop correct. No dripping at all. Should have done this two years ago!

Gareth
May 2022

After 25 years my Mira 415 was dripping once every few seconds. Being a cheapskate by nature I thought about just renewing the seals, but after reading some posts here decided to get the new cartridge (about £78). Just fitted it and the leak has gone.

Looking at the old cartridge I see nothing wrong with the seals, but the central spindle seems a bit wobbly (from all the turning on and off) which I have an inkling was causing the leak.

The job was a doddle, though I had to apply quite a lot of leverage (2 short screwdrivers) to pop the old "hub" off the spindle - it came off with a disconcerting snapping sound but no harm was done.

geoffh
October 2020

Replace the cartridge. Cost £59 from Amazon. Prior to this tried replacing the O ring 'washers' on the existing cartridge (pack cost £1.50 from B and Q) but ended up leaking even worse. Also bought a service pack for £10 but this wasn't required (waste of money). My recommendation would be to not mess around and simply replace the cartridge if it starts to leak. It's a bit expensive for what is essentially a leaky washer but at least it should sort it and is cheaper than a whole new shower unit.

Roy Bayliss
December 2015

mira 415 dripping although I've have replace all seals

what mira model can i buy to replace it without messing with the pipework

pete
September 2015

needs two new washers as phil w recomended but where to get them for 1.49 i dont know

d bowes
August 2014

Fitted a new cartridge to my mira 415 but still dripplng. What else can it be thanx

terry
February 2014

My Mira is dripping to remove the cartridge the instructions say to turn 180 degress to the left it wont budge. What am I doing wrong

Paul
March 2013

Temporary fix. Mine stops dripping if I flush the toilet then turn the shower full on and off whilst the cistern is filling.

Anna brown
July 2012

Thanks for all the advice. Please can anyone who has replaced a cartridge advise whether they needed to replace the seals also? Current prices are approx £55 for the cartdridge and £14 for the service pack. I don't want to waste money but neither do I want to strip this down, replace the cartridge then find I needed new seals as well. Thanks

Peter in Devon
April 2011

in the instructions from Glen it you state that there will be a stop cock to hot and cold pipes into shower i dont have them but it is fed from a combi boiler sop will turning off the main cold water stop cock be sufficient?

LES
March 2011

I would hesitate before following Glenn's advice to the letter. I managed to fix it (has been dripping for a couple of weeks) by changing the two washers on the sides of the cartridge at the cost of £1.49 versus £40 plus for the part. Certainly worth a try first

Phil W
March 2011

Followed glen's reply. All worked except my stopcock tap did not turn cold off in bathroom, only cold downstairs and supply to combi boiler.

This wasn't apparent until I took the cartridge out. I did turn shower on, until water stopped. But because I turned it all the way round it was only using hot supply, I guess.

I forced new cat ridge in with all other cold taps on, to reduce pressure. All OK.

So best turn water off at mains next time

Jody
July 2010

Mine was dripping constantly when turned off but has stopped with a replacemnt cartridge. However, it still runs hot and cold whilst in use? Any ideas?

Voilinsarah
June 2010

If Any one have a mira 415 which is constantly dripping.
only cure is to replace the cartridge,because it the seal in the cartridge that worn out.

john
February 2010

Hi There
You will need a new cartridge. You can get seal kits but these don't always work. There are lots of web sites who supply cartridges, just type in mira 415. there around 45-50 pound. the black one is part no 902.55 which is between 93-2001 models with the red overide button and the grey without, part no 902.91. These are very easy to fit. First of all turn your water supply off to the shower there should be hot and cold water feeds with stop taps on them. once turned off check they are off by taking off the shower head pipe and turn the shower fully on. no water? great now turn it off again and lets move on. Pop out the centre plastic on the face, behind that you will find a phillips screw, undo that "STOP" for a second at this point i must stress that you mark and take note of the position off all the parts being removed, they have to go back exactly the way they came off otherwise it means resetting everything which can be quite tricky. once the screw is removed you will be able to remove the outer cover which is what you twist to turn the shower on. make sure when you remove this that you take note of its position and lie it on the shower base. Then there is a plastic ring with teeth on, that will pull out easily again make note of the position it came out . this is important. you will also see two phillips screws holding on the outer casing remove these and the casing. you will see a center shaft with a plastic cog on this needs to be prized off with a screw driver (it may be tight but it will come off). you will then see 4 flat head screws remove these then pull the complete unit out. don't panic if water comes out at this stage its just whats left inside. don't forget you have already checked to see if the water is off. behind that is the cartridge which should now pull out easily. to put back just do the reverse of what you have done. when putting the new cartridge in make sure its in the right way up otherwise you will have cold when you what hot and vise versa. The whole job to a complete novice should take about 20 mins, so it is quite straight forward.
all the best, good luck, hope this makes life thet little bit easier

glen
January 2009

Hello Mark and everyone else, I found the first answer extremely useful.

You just have to make sure you open it up and know which cartridge it is the grey older model or the newer black model.

I bought the cartridge (using the code) from a local trader and fitted using instructions inside. I took photos and have a great illustration for anyone that wants them feel free to email me I will be glad to help.

tsangyman@hotmail.com

Mike T
September 2008

I have the 415B with recessed pipe connections. Similarly mine is 20 years old and dripping significantly. Advised the seal / service kit wont resolve the problem. Need a replacement cartridge part No 902-91 for the Mk1 version. The Mk2 have an additional button on the control knob to get max temps. Mine is enclosed in a studded wall, tiled on both sides. Hope I can replace the cartridge through the front access.

LDE
August 2008

Try a washer repair/replacement kit.
I've a similar problem where the constat dripping is akin the Chinese water torture.
Got a kit on order at Plumbcenter to collect Monday £10 something plus vat.
Will let you know how get on!

SIMON W
September 2006

ive got a simular problem, my mira 415 wont turn fully off and has now gone beyond a drip to running constant, however if I turn the dail back a little it does slow to a drip, any ideas what it could be ?

steve
August 2006