A simple activity like showering can become a difficult and dangerous task for people with carpal tunnel syndrome. Tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hand are caused by pressure on a person’s median nerve on the wrist – a small space in the wrist that includes tendons that run from the hand down to the forearm called the carpal tunnel – and it controls feeling and movement of the thumb and the first three fingers.
For obvious reasons; swelling, tingling, loss of strength and pain in the hands and wrists caused by carpal tunnel syndrome makes it very difficult indeed to take a shower using traditional shower taps. This is because traditional showers have two separate knobs for both the hot and cold water, and these require twisting and turning of the knobs to control water flow, which is not only difficult for those with carpal tunnel syndrome, but can be painful as well.
Not only do people suffering from carpal tunnel have difficulty taking a shower with traditional shower taps, but the inability to turn off the water quickly places them at risk of scalding when water temperature fluctuates or changes quickly and unexpectedly. Thankfully, there is a better, safer, and easier bathing option available for those with carpal tunnel syndrome – Mixermate thermostatic showers.
Compared to traditional shower taps, Mixermate thermostatic showers are easy to use and makes showering safer too. For those new to thermostatic showers, it will be quickly understood why these are becoming increasingly popular as the shower taps of choice.
Mixermate thermostatic showers are popular because they have advantages over the traditional shower. With only one lever to easily turn on and off water, it is ideal not only for those wrestling with carpal tunnel syndrome, but also for elderly and small children too. When compare to the twisting rotary controls of a traditional shower, there is really no comparison of the ease of use.
Thermostatic showers not only make turning off the water easy by using one lever, but these also have the ability to automatically control water temperature to prevent scalding, and, doctors highly recommend these for people with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Considering the benefits of Mixermate thermostatic mixers; one lever easily controls water flow and an automatic temperature regulator to prevent scalding, making it safer to shower for those with carpal tunnel syndrome, elderly, and small children to take a shower, it is no wonder why it is the preferred bathing option over standard showers.
Shower mixer taps are very useful, that is why more and more people are using them because they conveniently connect both the cold water supply and the hot water supply, and then combine the flow of water into an easy to control single spout. However, as reliable as these are, like any plumbing fixture that is used frequently, even well-made shower mixer taps need to be repaired, eventually.
The most common problem with well used mixer taps is that they will begin to leak water. Not to worry, as this is not uncommon and the leak can be repaired with some tools and a little know-how.
Do you have a leaking shower mixer tap? If you do, don’t worry, the problem can be fixed. Shower mixer taps are controlled by a single valve cartridge inside the handle, and by turning it you can adjust the flow of water. With much use over time, the cartridge’s rubber seal will eventually wear out, and that is usually why shower mixer taps leak water.
To fix the leak, you must replace the cartridge’s rubber seal with an exact duplicate. This is done by taking apart the mixer tap, and then replacing the rubber seal, and then put the tap back together. You will need a few items to accomplish this, and some simple step-by-step instructions:
Step 1 – Acquire the parts you need.
Step 2 – Turn off the water to the house, and then turn on the shower tap to drain the water from the line.
Step 3 – Use the screwdriver to remove the mixer tap handle and the plastic cap covering the cartridge’s rubber seal. Then use the needle nose pliers to remove the worn rubber seal.
Step 4 – Insert the new rubber seal snugly, and then put back the plastic cap and reassemble the mixer tap handle.
Step 5 – Turn the water back on and make sure the leak has stopped.
It is fairly easy to repair a leaking shower mixer tap, however, if you feel more comfortable having someone help you with it, then any licensed plumber can do it for you.