Grohe Concealed Shower Mixer Installation: How to Do It Yourself

Grohe is a leading brand of faucets and showers that are known for their quality, design, and innovation. Grohe concealed shower mixers are shower valves that are hidden behind the wall, leaving only the knobs and the shower head visible. This creates a sleek and minimalist look for your bathroom, as well as saving space and making cleaning easier.

Grohe concealed shower mixers also offer various features and functions, such as thermostatic control, diverter control, and SmartControl. However, installing a grohe concealed shower mixer can be a challenging task, especially if you are not familiar with plumbing and tiling.

In this blog post, we will show you some tips and steps on how to install a grohe concealed shower mixer yourself.

What You Will Need

Before you start installing your grohe concealed shower mixer, you will need to gather some tools and materials. Here is a list of what you will need:

• A grohe Rapido T universal concealed thermostat mixer. This is the base unit that goes behind the wall and connects to the water supply lines and the shower mixer.
• A drill with a tile bit and a masonry bit.
• A hammer and a chisel.
• A spirit level and a tape measure.
• A pencil and a marker.
• A pipe cutter and a pipe wrench.
• Some plumber’s tape and sealant.
• Some screws and wall plugs.
• Some tiles and tile adhesive.

How to Install a Grohe Concealed Shower Mixer

Depending on your grohe concealed shower mixer model and your bathroom layout, there may be some variations in the installation process. However, here are some general steps to follow:

Step 1: Mark the Position of the Shower Mixer

The first step is to mark the position of the shower mixer on the wall. You will need to consider the height, the center, and the depth of the shower mixer. Here are some tips to follow:

• The height of the shower mixer should be suitable for all users of the bathroom. A common height is between 110 cm and 120 cm from the floor.
• The center of the shower mixer should be aligned with the center of the shower head or the bathtub faucet, depending on your preference.
• The depth of the shower mixer should be between 70 mm and 95 mm from the finished wall surface. You will need to account for the thickness of the tiles and the tile adhesive when measuring the depth.

To mark the position of the shower mixer, use a spirit level, a tape measure, a pencil, and a marker. Draw a horizontal line at the desired height of the shower mixer. Draw a vertical line at the center of the shower head or the bathtub faucet.

Mark where these two lines intersect with a marker. This will be where you will drill a hole for the shower mixer.

Step 2: Drill a Hole for the Shower Mixer

The next step is to drill a hole for the shower mixer. You will need to use a drill with a tile bit and a masonry bit. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Use a tile bit to drill through the tile at the marked position. Be careful not to crack or chip the tile. You may need to use some masking tape or a piece of cardboard to prevent the drill from slipping.

Step 2: Switch to a masonry bit and drill through the wall behind the tile. You will need to drill a hole that is large enough to fit the shower mixer and the pipes. A common diameter is 60 mm.

Step 3: Use a hammer and a chisel to enlarge and smooth the hole if necessary. Make sure the hole is deep enough to accommodate the shower mixer and the pipes.

Step 3: Install the Rapido T Base Unit

The next step is to install the Rapido T base unit behind the wall. This is the unit that connects to the water supply lines and the shower mixer. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Insert the Rapido T base unit into the hole and align it with the marked position. Use a spirit level to make sure it is level and plumb.

Step 2: Mark the positions of the four mounting holes on the wall with a pencil. Remove the Rapido T base unit from the hole and set it aside.

Step 3: Drill four holes at the marked positions with a masonry bit. Insert wall plugs into the holes and tap them in with a hammer.

Step 4: Reinsert the Rapido T base unit into the hole and secure it with screws. Do not overtighten the screws as this may damage the unit or the wall.

Step 4: Connect the Water Supply Lines

The next step is to connect the water supply lines to the Rapido T base unit. You will need to use a pipe cutter, a pipe wrench, some plumber’s tape, and some sealant. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Cut the water supply lines to fit the distance between the Rapido T base unit and the main water pipes. Use a pipe cutter to make clean and straight cuts.

Step 2: Wrap some plumber’s tape around the threads of the water supply lines and screw them into the Rapido T base unit. Use a pipe wrench to tighten them securely. Make sure you connect them correctly: cold water line to blue port, hot water line to red port.

Step 3: Apply some sealant around the joints of the water supply lines and the Rapido T base unit. This will prevent any leaks or corrosion.

Step 4: Turn on the main water supply valve and check for any leaks or malfunctions. If you find any, turn off the water supply and fix the problem.

Step 5: Install the Shower Mixer

The final step is to install the shower mixer on the wall. This is the unit that controls the water flow and temperature and connects to the shower head. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Remove the protective cap from the Rapido T base unit and insert the thermostatic cartridge into it. Screw it in place with a socket spanner, but not too tightly in case you need to adjust it later.

Step 2: Place the shower plate over the Rapido T base unit and align it with the holes. Screw it in place with a screwdriver, but not too tightly in case you need to adjust it later.

Step 3: Attach the knobs and the diverter to the shower plate and secure them with screws. Make sure they are aligned and tightened properly.

Step 4: Connect the shower head to the shower arm and screw it onto the shower plate. You may need to use some plumber’s tape or sealant to prevent any leaks.

Step 5: Turn on the shower mixer and test its functions. Check for any leaks or malfunctions. If you find any, turn off the shower mixer and fix the problem.

FAQs

Q: How do I choose a grohe concealed shower mixer?

A: You can choose a grohe concealed shower mixer based on your design preference, installation requirements, and budget. You can browse different models and collections on the grohe website or visit a grohe showroom or dealer near you. You can also consult a professional plumber or designer for advice.

Q: How do I adjust the water temperature of my grohe concealed shower mixer?

A: You can adjust the water temperature of your grohe concealed shower mixer by turning the thermostatic knob or button. The knob or button has a safety stop at 38°C to prevent scalding. You can override this by pressing a button or pulling a ring on the knob or button.

Q: How do I switch between different water outlets of my grohe concealed shower mixer?

A: You can switch between different water outlets of your grohe concealed shower mixer by turning or pushing the diverter knob or button. The diverter knob or button allows you to choose between a head shower, a hand shower, a body spray, or a bath spout, depending on your model.

Q: How do I clean and maintain my grohe concealed shower mixer?

A: You can clean and maintain your grohe concealed shower mixer by following these steps:

• • Rinse your shower head and knobs with clean water after each use to remove any soap residue or dirt.
  • Wipe your shower plate and knobs with a soft cloth or a sponge to dry them and prevent water spots.
  • Use a mild detergent or vinegar to clean your shower head and knobs once a month or as needed. Do not use any abrasive or acidic cleaners that may damage the finish or the nozzles.
  • Use a toothpick or a needle to remove any limescale or debris from the nozzles. You can also soak your shower head in a solution of vinegar and water for 10 minutes to dissolve any mineral deposits.

Q: How do I contact grohe customer service for assistance?

A: You can contact grohe customer service by calling 1-800-GROHE (1-800-47643) or by visiting their website at https://www.grohe.com/.

Conclusion

Grohe concealed shower mixer installation can be a rewarding project that can improve your showering experience and enhance your bathroom style. However, it can also be a challenging task that requires some skills and tools.

By following our tips and steps, you can install a grohe concealed shower mixer yourself with confidence and ease. If you need any help or advice, you can always contact grohe customer service or consult a professional plumber for assistance.