It just so happened that our men, and sometimes women, are used to dealing with minor home repairs on their own. We glue the wallpaper ourselves, repair the floors, install the plumbing fixtures and even lay the tiles. And such a trifle as do-it-yourself mixer repair is within the power of almost everyone. If 10 years ago, in all the houses and apartments of our vast homeland, there were mixers of the same design, then their today's variety can confuse even an experienced home craftsman. Let's figure out what kind of mixers are presented on the shelves of our stores today and what to do if it suddenly leaks where it shouldn't.
Ball valve is the most popular option
The most common design of the mixer today can be safely called a ball valve. It is a mechanism with one rotary handle. When the handle moves up and down, the water pressure is regulated, to the right and left - its temperature. The popularity of such a device is explained not only by its simplicity and ease of use, but also by its increased reliability.
Single lever mixer device
In order to answer the question "how to repair a ball mixer", you need to understand how the system works. This is how the ball valve looks in section.
Sectional diagram of a single-lever mixer, where: 1.Decorative plug with the designation of hot and cold water; 2.Screw; 3.Stock of adjustment; 4.Hollow water mixing ball; 5.The saddle is rubber; 6.Adjustment ring; 7.Steam cuff; 8.Adjusting cuff; 9. Outlet of cold and hot water; 10. Mixed edition; 11. Spherical sleeve; 12.Aerator
The main difficulty in repairing such a mixer is that most of its parts are part of a non-separable cartridge. This means that you will not be able to replace them individually - you will have to change the cartridge completely.
In our next article, you will learn how to change the cartridge in the mixer yourself:.
Causes of malfunctions and remedies
There can be several reasons for trouble:
Crack on the case
Before you repair the mixer, you need to carefully examine the body of the product, if you find a crack or chip, you can try to eliminate it with a sealant. However, this measure is temporary and the cracked mixer will still have to be changed.
Wear of gaskets
If the body is intact, you will have to remove the mixer. To do this, you need to take a number of preliminary measures:
- We close the valves on the hot and cold water pipes;
- We open the tap and drain the water;
- We unscrew the inlets from the mixer and carefully drain the water into a previously prepared container;
Now you can start dismantling. Here, simply unscrew the locking nut. In most kitchen faucets, it is located under the sink. Inspect the gasket carefully. If it is out of shape or cracked, it needs to be replaced. A new gasket costs mere pennies, and you can buy it at any hardware store.
Note! It is important to select the correct gasket diameter. It should fit into the groove with some effort.
Clogged cartridge
If the replacement of the gasket did not help, then the matter is in the cartridge. Quite often, a mixer of this design “leaks” due to small debris getting into its mechanism. In this case, do-it-yourself repair of a single-lever mixer consists in a complete replacement of the cartridge.
This is done according to the following algorithm:
- We overlap and drain the water;
- We dismantle the mixer;
- We pry on the decorative plug with a knife or screwdriver and remove it;
- Unscrew the screw;
- Remove the lever;
- We take out the cartridge and install a new one in its place;
- We make the assembly.
That's all. Your faucet will now work like new for sure.
Blockage in the aerator
When the water in the bathroom flows in a thin stream, and in the kitchen it beats with a powerful stream, there is no need to talk about the fault of the water utility. So what if the water pressure has dropped? The most common and easily corrected cause of this problem is a clogged aerator.
It is very easy to check if this is your case. Unscrew the aerator and open the tap. If the water pressure has returned to normal, the culprit is found. It is better to replace a very rusty aerator, but just rinse the clogged one, direct a stream of water to its outer surface. Now we put the part in place and you're done.
Blockage in the water pipe or hose
If simple manipulations with the aerator did not work, most likely the pipe or hose is clogged. Quite often, in houses with old metal pipes, rust that has fallen off from their inner surface blocks the cross section, which leads to a drop in pressure in the mixer. Cleaning the pipes will help to cope with the problem, but it is better to replace them with plastic ones. The inner surface of modern polymer pipes is very smooth and does not corrode, which means it does not "overgrow".
If there is no opportunity to replace the pipeline yet, arm yourself with a thin “snake” cable, disconnect the pipe from both sides and start cleaning.
Problems with the shower-bath switch
Now we turn to the answer to the question of how to repair the mixer in the bathroom if the water supply to the shower stops by itself. The switch lever spontaneously lowers, and water flows only through the tap.
The cause of such a malfunction may be the wear of the spool gaskets. If only the top gasket is damaged, the mixer does not need to be removed. Since it is impossible to determine this "by eye", first it is worth replacing it, and only then draw conclusions:
- Unscrew the union nut of the hose and remove it;
- Pry the gasket with a thin hook or awl;
- Wet the new gasket with water and install it in place;
- Putting the mixer together.
If the breakdown cannot be eliminated in this way, you will have to change the lower gasket:
- We shut off the water;
- Remove the flexible hose by unscrewing the union nut;
- Remove the spout and adapter;
- Remove the switch and remove the eccentric;
- We take out the spool;
With a thin screwdriver or hook, remove the lower gasket (the upper one has already been replaced);
If the upper spool gasket has already been replaced, it does not need to be done again.
- We put on a new gasket, moisten it with water and install the spool back;
- Putting the mixer together.
Note! Spool gaskets are generally not sold separately from the mixer. If the spare rings supplied with the mixer are not preserved, you can make them yourself from hard rubber with a thickness of 3-4 mm.
Two-valve mixer version
Despite the emergence of many new technologies, the traditional two-valve models have not finally given way to their positions.
The design of a two-valve mixer is quite simple, everyone can figure it out
If this equipment is installed in your home, it will not be superfluous to know how to repair a mixer of this design.
Modern two-valve mixers can be fundamentally different in design. As a rule, the cheapest models are equipped with a worm gear, and the more expensive ones are equipped with a crane-axle box with ceramic discs. The latter are more reliable, which means that we will pay more attention to the former in this article.
Worm gear crane repair
So what to do if a worm gear mixer drips. The most common cause of this trouble is a failed gasket that blocks the inlet. We need to replace it. You can buy a new rubber ring at the store or make your own from thick rubber. Now we disassemble the mixer and make a replacement.
You need to act according to the following algorithm:
- Turning counterclockwise, unscrew the valve body;
- Remove the gasket and install a new one;
- We wind the fum under the stubborn edge;
Putting the mixer together.
This is what ceramic (left) and rubber (right) spacers look like.
The mixer should now work normally. However, it happens that repairing a kitchen faucet with your own hands turns out to be effective for only a few days. And then the leak appears again. The reason for this rapid wear can be the roughness of the seat - the place where the gasket stops. You need to polish it. Sometimes this process is also called "roller cutter", after the name of a special cutter, which must be inserted into the place of the worm gear and rotated with a drill. When the surface of the “seat” is smooth, you can install a new gasket and no longer worry about its life.
Elimination of leaks in the crane box
The crane-axle box can also be installed in a conventional mixer in place of a worm gear; technologically, there are no obstacles for this. For the first few years after installation, you do not even need to look in the direction of the tap - it will not leak.
The design of the ceramic valve is as follows: two discs pressed against each other have through holes. When the tap is open, the holes are aligned; when closed, they are not. Simple, as everything is ingenious.
If, after a while, such a faucet still leaks, it is enough to tighten the counter-nut on the body and the problem will be solved.
You will learn about other valve malfunctions and their elimination in our next article:.
Modern bathrooms cannot do without something as simple as a mixer, which is an essential element of plumbing. Recently, the single-lever bath mixer has become very popular, which has become widespread due to the convenient system for controlling the pressure of the water and its temperature. This type of faucet is so strongly entrenched in the market that it has become on a par with valve and today is already defined as a classic.
Single-lever ball models have saturated the plumbing market today and most of them are supplied by European manufacturers. Such a faucet is popularly called a one-armed bathroom faucet, because of its controls. However, such models, like all others, also have their drawbacks in use, and this did not allow them to displace the already familiar valve designs. The two-valve bathroom faucet is still popular and in this article we will analyze brief characteristics of these types of taps. Today, the buyer is offered three types of faucets that are best suited for the bathroom:
- two-valve mixers;
- single-lever mixers (ball);
- versatile, it is a swivel bath mixer with 180-degree spout rotation.
Important! The universal bath mixer can have both valve and lever control. Such models, as a rule, have the ability to connect a hose with a shower head and are equipped with a “shower-head” mode switch.
Bathroom faucets
The valve mixer for the bath can have different designs and due to this, it can easily fit into the interior of any bathroom, which cannot be said about modern models. For example, a ball faucet for a bathroom is very difficult to fit into a classic interior or a Venetian style, since most of the models are made in modern or high-tech style.
The main functional part in such products is the so-called crane-box, which is installed in the mixer body one by one for hot and cold water. A typical bathroom faucet can have valves of three types of materials:
- brass;
- plastic;
- ceramic.
Plastic is used in cheap Chinese-made models and their service life is very short. Despite the fact that plastic is not susceptible to corrosion, old-style bathroom faucets with plastic valves do not tolerate hot water well and quickly fail. Brass valves are considered the most common, but they have rubber gaskets in their design, which just as quickly deteriorate from temperature and salt in the water. Classic bathroom faucets with rubber pads are mid-range and require regular maintenance.
An innovation in these mixers is the use of ceramic valves. Soviet bathroom faucets received a new round of development using these taps, since ceramics do not corrode, do not lose their properties when exposed to temperatures and does not require regular maintenance.
Advice! Many European-made universal bathroom faucets are equipped with ceramic elements. Such models, in comparison with metal counterparts, weigh a little more and this is the main indicator of reliability. Many fakes under the guise of ceramics use ordinary plastic, which weighs much lighter. Consider this feature when purchasing.
The device of a single-lever bathroom mixer at the time of its appearance was considered revolutionary, since all manipulations with pressure and temperature were carried out with one lever, which is very convenient and fast. Ball mixers for the bathroom, in addition to ease of operation, can significantly save water consumption up to 20-30% compared to valve counterparts.
The device of a ball mixer for a bathroom is as simple as possible and there is practically nothing to break there. A special non-separable cartridge can be installed inside the body of the product, which, in the event of a breakdown, can be simply replaced using a simple tool. Another device for a single-lever bath mixer can have a perfectly polished ball with holes inside, which, when rotated with a handle, opens the water supply holes, and its inner cavity simultaneously serves as a mixing chamber.
Important! Single-lever ball-type bathroom faucets have one big disadvantage, they are sensitive to water quality. For the normal operation of such a tap, coarse water filters must be installed on the water lines, which will retain small solid particles. These particles, if caught in the ball device, damage the surface of the ball and can cause it to jam. A single-lever mixer is installed on the side of the bath or in a special hole on the sink. There are also models for wall mounting.
The device of the ball mixer is convenient in the process of use, therefore this type of plumbing is very popular. A leaking ball valve is rare, so using it helps save water.
The ball valve can be repaired by yourself without resorting to the services of specialists.
Often, those who use ball valves ask themselves a question related to their device and method of disassembly. This is necessary in order to produce independently, without resorting to the services of experienced craftsmen. The structure is quite simple, and its repair is not associated with any difficulties.
Ball Mixer Mechanism
The ball mixer not so long ago began to be produced by manufacturers supplying products to the market, and replaced the stuffing box. Its predecessor required constant replacement of rubber seals. A special knob for adjustment is fixed under the cover of the ball mixer, which is carried out with a screw. Although the ball valve is more rigid, it does not protect the valve from the influence of hard water.
To eliminate all faults, they are carried out in the kitchen or in the bathroom, where the operation of the mixer should be intensive. The valve should be disassembled if, upon inspection, a certain degree of water leakage is found. In this case, water can pour out in a thin stream or flow out under pressure. When disassembling a ball valve, you should know the device of this mechanism, which has a fairly wide configuration, despite its small size.
The ball valve device includes a non-separable ceramic cartridge, which makes it reliable and durable. In the design, the elements are tightly fitted to each other, so there are no seals. The mechanism of the ball valve may periodically fail, since its device with tight-fitting parts does not affect the operation of the mixer.
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Equipment
When buying a ball valve, it is imperative to determine for what purpose it is intended. On the one hand, it can be installed in a water supply system that provides both cold and hot water supply. On the other hand, it can be used as a structural element of the gas pipeline system.
Consideration should be given to the type of part that can be welded or a flanged (full bore) option. The flanged valve is reinforced with threads, and this does not allow the device to function in an aggressive environment. When buying a ball valve, it is checked with special care for defects, since leaks and the need for repairs are possible. The kit includes the following components:
- control knob;
- frame;
- a ball of brass or steel;
- seal rod;
- Teflon sealing seats;
- brass stem;
- nuts;
- sealing washer.
There are two types of commercially available systems:
- Whole-welded.
- With a collapsible body.
A crane with a collapsible body is a priority, therefore it has some advantages. The device is a more reliable accessory, since its design does not include numerous gaskets that lead to leaks during wear of parts.
The process of using products of this type is convenient, since their use requires raising the lever or lowering it. The design of the device is characterized by a high degree of tightness, achieved when the ball is fully adhered to the valve.
Single-lever ball valves are characterized by the principle of operation associated with the presence of adjustment knobs that are reinforced under the linings. Therefore, a special screw is provided.
No special tools are required for disassembly. The design of the ball mixer, which is more perfect, sometimes does not do without defects during operation, therefore, in the future, it may be necessary to disassemble the valve.
Deformation of the locking device is more common. In the process of carrying out repairs, the levers in the crane are changed, and the swivel head is also replaced.
If there is a water leak, then you should understand the design of the ball valve in order to repair it. Ball valves are easy to use, which is why they have gained wide popularity in the market.
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Device
The ball valve is characterized by the presence of a regulating head, for the manufacture of which stainless steel is used. The ball of the faucet is hollow in the middle, it has holes and a pin, polished to a shine, and it is located in the body of the mixer. Hot and cold water is supplied through special brass pipes, as well as through flexible wiring. A handle is attached to the pin, which drives the ball into rotation.
The cartridge of the special hole must be tight, this is achieved with gaskets.
In order to prevent burns, the valve cartridges have a ring that limits the angle of rotation of the handle in the direction where hot water is supplied. They are sanded using ultrasound and rubbed tightly together. This type of sanding treatment prevents water seepage.
If you disassemble the cartridge by placing its washers on top of each other, they will attract like magnets. This method is crucial for checking the quality of the cartridge. The presence of additional mixers in a single-lever ball valve device is not provided. The device does not have parts that can be erased during the operation of the crane, since there are no gaskets, and all elements correspond exactly to each other.
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Tools at work
Often, when a deformation of the locking device is detected due to the influence of hard water on it, the lever and the head of the crane, which is rotary, are changed. In this case, you must follow the step-by-step instructions. Disassembly should be carried out using tools such as:
- flat screwdriver;
- hex wrench;
- hammer;
- pliers.
The central water supply is turned off if the single-lever mechanism is being disassembled. Before removing its handle, make sure that the valves are closed. Use a hex key to loosen the screw holding the handle. Then it is removed and a screwdriver is pressed on the groove of the threaded ring, tapping on it with a hammer. The ring is then gently turned counterclockwise.
It must be remembered that if the entire ball mixer turns over, this can lead to malfunctions of the water supply hose under the tap mechanism. Therefore, remove the chrome dome with pliers so as not to damage the four-toothed ring located under the dome.
It is necessary to correct the position of the wheel with movements that are directed up or down. Rust is then usually looked at to assess the degree of compaction. Since the seal is located inside the mixer ball, the ball must be removed from it. Possible critical rotation of the valve is prevented in the mechanism by the presence of a ball stop. It is a hole with a characteristic oblong shape.
Inspect the entire ball, paying particular attention to the bottom. It is important that the surface is clean and smooth. If metal wear is found near the holes, then this part is replaced. Having found the sealing elements inside the spring ball, they are replaced, since during operation they may lose their own characteristics. Using a screwdriver, remove all seals. Then they are replaced with new parts.
Very popular in modern bathrooms. They are durable, easy to repair, stylish and inexpensive. How to disassemble and repair a single-lever mixer in the event of a leak is shown in detail in the videos presented.
Single lever mixer device
Single-lever mixers are a relatively young development in the field of sanitary ware, which has won the trust and popularity of consumers. Such cranes are also called "one-armed" or "one-gripping". They are very simple in operation: the temperature and water pressure are controlled with one hand. Understanding the features of the mixer device will help you easily cope with its disassembly and repair. Single lever mixer elements:
- control lever (handle);
- jet regulator (spout);
- frame;
Single lever mixer device
- retainer (mount);
- ceramic cartridge or ball mechanism;
- silicone or rubber gaskets;
- circular nut;
- flexible hoses for water supply.
Internally, single-lever mixers can be:
In what cases is it possible to repair the mixer
Not all mixer breakdowns can be repaired. Replacement of the cartridge or other repair is carried out in the event of the following breakdowns:
- the cartridge is leaking;
- when turned on at full power, the ball mixer gives out a weak water pressure;
- when turned on, water is simultaneously supplied to the spout and shower;
- breakage of the push-button switch.
More serious breakdowns are extremely rare, but require replacement of the entire mixer.
Cartridge mixer
We disassemble the mixer
Almost everyone can disassemble and repair a leaking single-grip mixer. You don't need professional tools for this.
Attention! Before disassembling a single-lever mixer, it is necessary to shut off the access of water to it.
For repair you will need:
- screwdriver or knife;
- a hex key of a suitable size;
- pliers.
Tools needed to repair a crane
Procedure
- Use a screwdriver (or knife) to remove the plugs on the lever indicating the direction of the handle for dispensing hot and cold water.
- Unscrew the screw and remove the handle.
- Carefully unscrew the ceramic and ring nut from the body. This is done using a key or manually.
- Remove the cartridge from the housing.
Advice. The presence of grooves in the nut obliges it to be dismantled with special care, otherwise the parts can be damaged without the possibility of correcting the defect.
The whole procedure for disassembling the mixer takes on average 10 minutes and everyone can do it.
Unscrew the mixer carefully so as not to damage the surface of the faucet.
Eliminate the leak
The reason for the leakage of single-lever mixers is often failed cartridges. This happens due to the ingress of abrasive particles of debris into the inter-disc space. In this case, the cartridge must be replaced.
When choosing a replaceable element, it is worth considering that the holes in the cartridge can be of different diameters (3 or 4 cm). Also, the cartridges may differ in the retainers on the bottom plate. Replacement cartridges with silicone gaskets are recommended as they are more durable when exposed to water.
Advice. Disassemble the mixer and remove the cartridge from it before going to the store. The presence of an old cartridge will help you "not miss the mark" with the purchase of a replacement.
After installing a new cartridge in the body, the mixer is assembled in the reverse order of disassembly.
We untwist the crane - in stages
Leaking Faucet / Shower Switch
Often the problem is related to the wear of the inner stuffing box. To eliminate the problem, it (the oil seal) must be replaced. Troubleshooting procedure:
- The handle must be in the closed position.
- Remove the flexible shower hose.
- Use pliers to remove the switch button from the tap.
- Use a rod or screwdriver to unscrew the adapter from the spout.
- Replace worn packing ring.
Removing the shower / faucet switch
Advice. In order to avoid damage to the chrome-plated surface of the mixer, all work is best done through a thick soft cloth.
Troubleshooting single-lever ball mixer
Ball mixers are durable, but if a breakdown occurs, they cannot be repaired and must be replaced. You can only eliminate a weak flow of dispensed water and leaks associated with the wear of the sealing gum with your own hands. It is difficult to call a “nuisance” with a weak jet a breakdown - the mixer still functions. The reason is the clogging of the aerator.
The procedure for removing the blockage
- Remove the aerator from the mixer spout.
- Rinse it thoroughly under running water in the opposite direction of the water supply.
- Install the aerator by securing it with the clamping nut.
Procedure for replacing sealing gum
Scheme: device of a single-lever ball mixer
- Remove the handle.
- Remove the plastic two-piece thyroid. The black part is the seal that needs to be cleaned or replaced.
- If the leak persists, remove the ball mechanism.
- Replace the bottom seal.
- Replace the ball and secure the seals with a plastic nut.
- Install the handle and check that the mixer is working properly.
Advice. When replacing rubber seals, additionally use silicone grease, so the tightness will be higher.
Troubleshooting the Bath / Shower Switch
The single-lever bath mixer has a switch that regulates the flow of water to the bath and shower. Possible problems:
- water is simultaneously supplied to the bath and shower. The reason is the inadequacy of the slide gaskets.
- non-return to the start position of the switch button. The reason is the wear of the rod spring of the switch.
Replacing the spool gasket rings is fraught with some difficulties, and the main problem is that replacement gaskets are not available for sale. A spare set is usually supplied with the mixer. If the spare wheel is lost, you can independently cut out the gaskets from dense (3-4 mm thick) rubber. Homemade gaskets can temporarily solve the problem, but they will not last long.
Repair of a mixer with a shower head
The design of the switch includes two gaskets - at the top and bottom of the spool. If the cause of the leak is only in the upper gasket, repairs can be performed without disassembling the switch. It is enough to remove the decorative cap and carefully pull out the worn out sealing rubber. Also install the new gasket carefully. If the problem persists, the slide switch will need to be disassembled and the bottom rubber band replaced.
The procedure for replacing the spool sealing rubbers:
- Check that the mixer lever is in the closed position.
- Disconnect the flexible hose of the shower net.
- Remove the decorative cap, unscrew the screw and remove the switch button.
- Carefully remove the spool from the mixer body.
- Notice the rubber bands by additionally lubricating them with hermetic paste.
- Assemble and install the switch in reverse order.
Replacing rubber bands
Advice. Moisten the new seals with water to ensure that the spool snaps into place easily.
Replacing the switch spring
Failure to return the button to the start position can be corrected by replacing the extended spring in the switch. Procedure:
- Remove the adapter as described above.
- Remove the spring wound stem.
- Remove the old spring.
- Using pliers, thread a new spring onto the stem. The spring should be made of galvanized steel and slightly smaller in diameter than the previous one.
- Assemble and install the switch.
Switch spring
Preventive actions
Repairing a faucet may not always solve the problem of a malfunction. In many cases, and always at the wrong time, the tap must be replaced. In order to extend the life of the mixer without repair as long as possible, experts recommend taking preventive measures and taking a responsible approach to the choice of the product.
A mixer leak that is not repaired in time can cause serious trouble. It is not difficult to disassemble and repair the mixer with your own hands. The main thing is to understand the device of the crane and have the necessary tools and spare parts on hand.
DIY repair of a single-lever mixer: video
Single-lever mixer: photo
As the most functional taps in bathrooms and kitchens, single lever faucets have earned their well-deserved reputation for being simple and stylish. Despite the durability of valves of this type, structural elements wear out over time and the mixer breaks down. In this case, disassembly of the device and replacement of defective parts is required. Thanks to the simple design and the availability of spare parts to restore the functionality of modern valves, put off calling a plumber and start doing your own repair. The only thing that is needed for this is to understand the design of all types of single-lever mixers and the features of their repair and maintenance.
The pressure and temperature regime of the water at the outlet of the mixer is regulated by the position of its lever. In this case, the head smoothly changes when the handle is moved in the vertical direction, and the temperature - when the position of the joystick is changed in the horizontal plane. The ease of adjustment is due to the original design of the crane, which consists of the following parts:
Differences in faucets with a lever lie both in the external design and in the design of the replaceable cartridge.
Views
Despite the huge variety of models of single-lever mixers, they can be divided into two types, depending on the device of the crane box (replaceable element):
- faucets with ceramic cartridge;
- ball valve taps.
Valves of both types have both advantages and disadvantages.
Ball valve
The ball mixer has high reliability and long service life
The name of this cartridge comes from the shape of its main element. The regulating device is made in the form of a hollow ball with three holes for water flow. It is integrated into the body by means of a cartridge sleeve. The required seal is created by spring-loaded fluoroplastic inserts, additional pressure to which occurs due to fluid pressure. The material of the seals ensures easy sliding of the sphere inside the sleeve. The required water pressure is provided by partial or complete overlap of the holes in the sphere and the body, and temperature control is provided by the options for their combination. Due to the mixing of water inside the ball, the cartridge is prone to scale formation. It is she who is one of the reasons that can disable him. Other disadvantages of ball valves include:
- low maintainability;
- relatively high cost;
- rapid wear of rubber seals.
Despite this, taps with spherical elements perfectly withstand water shocks and pressure drops, and in addition, they have a lower sensitivity to inclusions that are present in tap water.
Mixer with ceramic cartridge
Diagram of a mixer with a ceramic cartridge
Modern replaceable cartridges with blocks of ceramic plates are rightfully recognized by many users. The durability of such a solution and the relatively low cost made it possible to reduce their price, as well as the cost of repairs in the event of a breakdown.
The reliability of this type of construction is ensured by two or three ceramic discs treated with ultrasound. The precision of mechanical grinding of this class made it possible to achieve the required smoothness of the parts, which contributes to the perfect abutment of their working parts.
Smooth and quiet movement of the ceramic cartridge discs is ensured throughout its entire service life.
The discs are located one above the other and have holes for the passage of water. The upper plate attaches to the control rod, and the lower one is rigidly installed in the cartridge body. When the handle is turned, the discs are displaced relative to each other, due to which their holes partially or completely coincide. Due to this, the liquid is mixed. The amount of head is changed by moving the top plate.
In cartridges with three ceramic discs, the moving element is the middle element. Such devices are specially designed for water supply systems with low working pressure. Their feature is mixing water not between the plates, but in the valve body, which can significantly reduce the hydraulic resistance inside the device.
Ceramic cartridges with three discs are ideal for low pressure plumbing as they do not reduce the water pressure when mixing.
The disadvantage of cartridges with ceramic elements is their sensitivity to mechanical impurities. The abrasive action of small particles of sand or scale contributes to the rapid failure of the equipment. At the same time, one cannot fail to note the advantage of such crane-axle boxes: they have a lower price, and their replacement is not difficult even for people without experience in locksmith work.
Installation of filters for mechanical water purification significantly increases the service life of ball and cartridge type mixers.
Required tools
Disassembling a single-lever mixer for a bathroom or kitchen is easy. The only difficulty that can be encountered is the formation of scale on the lower part of the lever and its adhesion to the cartridge stem. For the rest, you will need to work:
- screwdriwer set;
- set of hex keys;
- adjustable and wrenches;
- long-jaw pliers or round-nose pliers;
If you do not know which cartridge is installed in the mixer, then before buying a replacement part, disassemble the tap and remove the defective mechanism. Going with him to the market or to a construction hypermarket, you will be sure that you have purchased a cartridge of a similar design.
Disassembly of the mixer with a ceramic cartridge
To remove the cartridge, it is enough to disassemble the upper part of the mixer
As in other cases of repair or installation of plumbing equipment, it is necessary to shut off the water supply at the entrance to the apartment. After that, be sure to check how tightly the taps on the riser are closed by opening the flow valves in the kitchen or bathroom. In addition, prepare a basin and rag to remove any spilled water.
Faucets built into the sink have vulnerabilities in the form of a rubber gasket or cartridge, if damaged or worn out, the device begins to leak. To troubleshoot the problem, use our disassembly instructions:
- Dismantle the tap. To do this, using an adjustable wrench, unscrew the nuts of the flexible connection, then lift the mixer above the sink and unscrew the hoses from the seats.
Please note: Some cranes are equipped with a decorative cover, which is removed at the very first stage. Care must be taken in this case, since protective elements are often made from brittle alloys.
- Using a knife or thin flat screwdriver, pry and remove the plug.
- Using the hex wrench, loosen the retaining screw.
- Remove the lever. In this case, sticking to the body may be a problem. You can eliminate the consequences of long-term operation of the mixer by sprinkling boiling water on the interface or treating it with machine oil.
- Remove the protective cover, then unscrew the clamping nut. The latter is of two types: under an open-end wrench or with indentations on the edges. You may need to use long-jawed pliers in the process.
- Pull the cartridge out of the housing.
Important: be sure to remember or sketch the position of the cartridge in the mixer body in order to assemble the device correctly when installing a new part.
Video instruction for disassembling the cartridge mixer
Further disassembly of the ceramic cartridge is pointless, since it is not repairable and is a consumable item. When choosing a replacement part, give preference to silicone sealing elements. They are more durable and less susceptible to the harmful effects of moisture.
We disassemble the ball type mixer
Prepare for work in the same way as in the above case. Getting started, it should be understood that ball cartridge mixers are less maintainable than their ceramic counterparts, so you need to be prepared for a complete valve replacement. If the problems lie in a weak water pressure at the outlet from the outlet or a slight leakage of the tap, then self-disassembly and repair of the mixer can eliminate the problem.
A weak stream of water may indicate that the aerator mesh is clogged with dirt or scale. To clean it, unscrew the nut from the tap spout, remove and rinse the part under a strong stream. Then reassemble the spout in the reverse order.
If the valve leaks, you will need to replace the rubber seals with new elements. Perform the work in this order:
- Remove the red / blue plug and remove the lever securing screw.
- Remove the lever. When applying force, do not forget that the handles, bodies and stems of budget valves are of extremely low strength.
- Pressing a screwdriver on the recesses of the plug, turn the screw connection clockwise.
- Dismantle the faucet dome using pliers. Then remove the plastic protective element. A valve leak is most often associated with a worn seal, which is located on the plastic part.
- Pull the ball out of the sleeve. If the spherical element is damaged or deformed, it must be replaced.
- A flat, thin screwdriver will help remove the spring loaded seals. When replacing the latter, it is imperative to install new springs, since over time they lose their rigidity.
- After replacing the sealing elements, fit the ball and then fit the rest of the mixer parts.
- Having connected the water, check the serviceability of the device at different pressure and temperature.
