Any mixer, even the highest quality, can fail for various reasons. Malfunctions and breakdowns can occur in any equipment, and a mixer that is used constantly is most susceptible to breakdowns. Usually, repairs can be done independently, without the help of specialists. The article will talk about mixers, their varieties, as well as common problems and methods for eliminating them.
Sensor, lever or valves - how can you turn on the water in the mixer?
Depending on the principle of operation, all modern mixers are divided into three main categories: touch, lever and valve. The most popular are valve devices, which can be found in almost any bathroom. The design consists of two valves or taps, responsible for the pressure of hot and cold water. The basis of such mixers are rotary cores, called faucet axle boxes.
Lever mixers are gradually conquering the market due to the convenience and ease of use of the device. Indeed, in this case there is only one lever, the tasks of which include the choice of hot or cold water, as well as the flow pressure. The operation of such mixers is based on the action of a cartridge. The core in the crane must be adjusted perfectly in order to be able to rotate not only in a horizontal position, but also in a vertical position.
Touch faucets are the most expensive because they use very expensive mechanisms and sensors. A distinctive feature is the ability to turn on water without contact directly with the mixer.
As practice shows, residents in private houses and apartments most often encounter the following problems:
- Water is leaking from the tap
- Weak stream of water
- Water leaks from shower and gander at the same time
- The button mechanism does not work
- Problems in the system for switching mode from gander to shower.
However, the faucet is not the only mechanism in the shower stall that becomes unusable. The water switch between the shower and the gander also breaks quite often. This is due to the fact that the switch uses the same circuit that is used in the valve mixer, that is, the valve axlebox, which tends to fail. The passage of water into the gander or shower hose is carried out using an eccentric, which drives a spool equipped with two gaskets.
If your shower has a push-button switch, it uses an O-ring that will need to be replaced if it leaks. Due to the fact that the switch design is completely similar in essence to a valve tap, its repair is carried out in approximately the same order.
Bathroom faucet problems - troubleshooting common problems
The most common problem is a thin stream of water flowing from under the nut down the spout. This phenomenon is usually observed when the water is turned on. At the same time, the pressure of the liquid flowing from the tap remains at its usual level. Similar problems can occur where the hose connects to the shower or faucet body.
The cause in any of the above cases is the O-ring. Repairing a mixer ring with your own hands cannot be classified as a difficult task. You only need to unscrew the nut in the place where the leak is observed, and then replace the O-ring with a new one. This element is made from latex or rubber. It is recommended to use latex rings, which, although they are expensive, have a high lifespan - 5 years.
The next problem that occurs regardless of the type of faucet is water leakage at the base. Thus, the area where the water pipes are connected to the housing very often leaks, especially when the water pressure is turned on. To repair the mixer, we will need to change the gasket again.
This is the simplest option, but the problem may be different. For example, the cause of leakage may be eccentrics that were initially set incorrectly. At first, no leaks were visible due to the density of the ring, but over time it loses its performance characteristics, which leads to the appearance of water. Be sure to check the eccentrics to ensure they are set correctly. Sometimes you have to manually turn these elements to return them to the central position.
A broken nut, a broken thread, or large solid objects getting under the gasket are preconditions that can cause a water leak. In the first case, identifying the problem is quite simple, but solving the issue of such a breakdown is not always easy. The difficulty lies in the fact that each joining area below the nut is distinguished by a small belt, which makes it difficult to dismantle the nut and install a functional fastener in its place.
Because of such a trivial problem, sometimes it is necessary to replace the entire mixer. If the nut comes out of place due to a broken thread, then there is only one option - purchasing a new mixer, since it is not possible to restore the thread yourself. You'll be lucky if the leak was caused by solid particles under the gasket. You need to proceed as follows - thoroughly rinse the canal, which should completely solve the problem.
It is necessary to tighten the nuts correctly without using too much force. Then the nuts will last a long time, and you won’t have to change the mixer because of problems with them.
Another simple and harmless plumbing flaw is low water pressure. This problem does not present any difficulties. We will need to clean the aerator, which caused a decrease in the volume of incoming liquid. The aerator is a special nozzle located at the end of the spout. Its task is to saturate the water with oxygen, and thanks to this detail it is possible to avoid splashing liquid throughout the bathroom.
The aerator is cleaned within a few seconds. First, you need to remove this element, after which we proceed directly to cleaning - we remove salt deposits, small debris and dirt, as well as rust. Now all we have to do is install the mechanism in its place. We only note that to combat plaque, it is recommended to use special chemical solutions that completely remove all traces of salt and rust on the aerator.
Valve mixer - repairing faucet axle boxes
The main part of the valve mixer is the valve axle. Compared to other types of devices, this mechanism is the easiest to repair. This is another reason for the high popularity of valve devices compared to lever and contactless ones. The level of liquid pressure here is regulated using a rod equipped with a worm gear, which moves inside the head housing. If the gap between the channel walls and the stem is too large, the result will be a leaking valve. Determining the gap is quite simple: if the valve moves very freely, then the problem lies there.
For repairs, we will need Fum tape or tow, thoroughly soaked in grease. By winding any of the specified materials over the screw part, you can eliminate the leak. To enhance the effect, the channels under the worm turns can be lubricated with special sealants. Naturally, the simplest and most reliable option is to replace the axle box, which is a completely logical solution, because the cost of this element is not very high.
In valve taps, the gasket very often fails, which deteriorates over time under the influence of water. Anyone can replace the gasket; this operation does not cause any major problems. It is only necessary to cut a new seal from the appropriate rubberized material. Next, you will need to unscrew the screw on the rod that secures the used gasket.
Here you need to act very carefully. The screw very often becomes rusty, so it may take some effort to unscrew it. After removing the screw, all that remains is to dismantle the rubber, using a screwdriver to pry off this element. We install the new gasket, carefully pushing it into place, apply the screw and tighten it tightly. The main thing is not to break the thread, so you don’t need to press too hard.
Lever plumbing – can it be repaired at home?
Lever faucets, also called joystick faucets, can in some cases also be repaired yourself. Unfortunately, this does not apply to the cartridge, which is the fundamental mechanism in faucets of this type. If the cartridge fails, you can only replace it with a new one. However, most other problems associated with water leakage can be solved without calling specialists to your home. First of all, you need to find the screw that gives access to the cap. It is around this device that the liquid pressure control lever moves.
We carefully remove the cap, which reveals the cartridge and the brass hexagon. By removing the hexagon, we can remove the valve assembly, which is the problem with the leakage of excess water in joystick mixers. We carefully inspect this device for broken threads, and also use a narrow brush to remove debris and solid particles that may remain in the threaded grooves. We also check the seal - over time, its tightness deteriorates somewhat, which contributes to the accumulation of debris underneath it.
After completing all these procedures, all we have to do is install the bolt assembly and the brass hexagon in their original places. The mixer is assembled in the exact reverse order of dismantling. As a rule, cleaning the seals and components will completely correct the water leakage problem. If the problems persist, you will need to replace the valve assembly by purchasing a new device from a plumbing store.
Touchless faucets - why do they break?
Touch faucets can boast a high cost, which significantly reduces consumer interest. But if you pay the required amount, you can count on a high-quality and reliable mechanism, the wear resistance of which is very high. This is not surprising, because there are no devices here that residents could physically influence. As a result, the probability of failure of one or another element is very small, which leads us to a very long warranty period - well-known manufacturers provide customers with five years of free service.
But if the equipment still fails, and the warranty period has already expired, then serious problems may arise. After all, finding a plumber capable of repairing such a device is quite difficult, not to mention repairing the faucet yourself. The main problem is sensor failure. It is these sensors that are constantly in operation, monitoring the approach of hands to turn on the water. You can’t do this without the help of a master. Moreover, it is better to seek the help of employees of specialized centers so as not to damage expensive equipment by the inept actions of a plumber who does not have sufficient experience in working with sensors.
The only thing you can do yourself is clean the aerator. After all, its repair is carried out in exactly the same way as in any other mixer.
Thus, you can fix most problems yourself, saving money on calling plumbers. By carefully checking the mixer, cleaning its main elements from debris and dirt, tightening the nuts and screws, and replacing the seals, you can achieve the desired result.
A bathroom is a room where a large amount of plumbing fixtures and household appliances are concentrated. For comfort, a modern person needs not only a sink with a washing machine. All these devices are quite reliable, but as we know, nothing can work flawlessly forever, so sooner or later some leaks occur.
In an emergency, it is important not to get confused and quickly figure out what to do if the faucet in the bathroom is leaking. According to experienced plumbers, every homeowner should know the algorithm for simple steps, as well as have the necessary tools that will help repair a current mixer or tap.
Reasons for leaks
So, you noticed that the faucet is leaking in the bathroom, the shower or faucet is leaking, or maybe water is leaking through another place. A leak is a dangerous situation that must be quickly detected and repaired on your own or with the assistance of professional technicians. The most common causes of various types of leaks are:
Important! When a bathroom faucet leaks, it is important to determine the nature of the leak. If a lot of water leaks, then the situation is emergency, then you need to urgently turn off the water, and also call professional plumbers. You can repair a slightly leaking one with your own hands.
Consequences of leaks
Often people simply turn a blind eye to the dripping faucet in the bathroom for years without taking any action. In fact, “chronic” leaks usually lead to much bigger problems. Therefore, a leaking shower mixer or faucet can lead to an emergency and extensive leakage. The most negative consequences of plumbing leaks in the bathroom are:
Remember that in the event of a leak, you must first accurately determine the location and cause of the breakdown, and then quickly turn off the hot and cold water supply to reduce water losses. Then you can without haste purchase all the necessary parts and replace them yourself. If you determine that the faucet in the bathroom is dripping, but you don’t know how to fix it yourself, it’s better to call a professional.
Actions in case of leakage
Any plumbing fixture has its own service life or safety margin, so sooner or later it fails, and bathroom faucets are no exception. In this situation, it is important not to panic, but to clearly understand what needs to be done to quickly resolve the emergency. The service life of faucets is indicated by the manufacturer, but it also depends on the intensity of use, correct installation and the quality of tap water. When answering the question of how to fix a bathroom faucet, we recommend proceeding according to the following plan:
Please note that if, before repairing the faucet in the bathroom, you disassembled it and discovered several problems at once, for example, cracks in the body and a clogged cartridge, then it would be more advisable to replace the device completely, since most likely it has simply expired.
Preventive measures
If you determine that the faucet in the bathroom is leaking, but you don’t understand how to fix it yourself, and the leak is emergency, simply turn off the hot and cold water, and then call an experienced technician. In the future, to extend the service life of plumbing fixtures and prevent leakage, it is better to use preventive measures to protect them. To ensure your faucet and faucet lasts as long as possible, follow these tips:
Important! According to statistics, leaks from faucets most often occur precisely because of improper installation of equipment, in particular due to mismatched diameters of pipes and seals. Therefore, before you do the installation yourself, think about whether you can cope with this task efficiently.
Video instruction
Thanks to the wonderful film “Afonya,” replacing a gasket in a faucet has become an almost anecdotal situation. Despite all the achievements of civilization, if a faucet leaks in the kitchen or bathroom, it is sometimes simply unrealistic to wait for qualified help from a plumber from the management company. But if the faucet is leaking in the house: how to fix the plumbing equipment yourself? This is not the most difficult task. You need to find out the cause of the problem and fix it using a simple set of tools.
Preparation and necessary tools
The first rule of any plumbing repair is to turn off the water supply. Valves can usually be found in the toilet; the levers simply need to be turned 90 degrees. If the equipment has not been used for a long time, the valves may become blocked. It doesn't take any heroic effort to turn them. This way, you can simply rip off the tap and then instead of one problem you will have to solve two. Valves should be developed carefully, gradually increasing the effort and adding lubricant drop by drop.
Only after the water supply is securely shut off can repair work begin. First you need to prepare the necessary tools so that they are at hand:
- adjustable wrench;
- flat screwdriver;
- crosshead screwdriver
- wrench, etc.
Usually this simple set is quite enough. Auxiliary elements will not interfere, for example, pieces of rubber or leather for making new gaskets, fluoroplastic sealing tape, which replaces liners, rags, sponges, detergent to remove dirt accumulated inside the mixer, etc.
Advice. To prevent an accidentally dropped tool from damaging the sink or bathtub, it doesn’t hurt to put something soft underneath: a rag, a piece of foam rubber or other material suitable as a shock absorber.
The reasons why a faucet is leaking can be very different. For a traditional two-valve faucet, the most pressing problem is the wear of the gasket or liner, which needs to be replaced. If a ball (or hinge) valve, which is designed fundamentally differently, leaks, completely different actions will be needed.
Repair of two-valve tap
Replacing the gasket
The answer to the question: why does the faucet leak, no matter how tightly it is screwed on, most likely sounds like this: the problem is a worn-out gasket. Replacing it is not difficult, to do this you need:
- Unscrew the valve body (simply rotate it counterclockwise).
- Remove damaged or worn gasket.
- Make a new gasket from a piece of thick leather or rubber. Of course, they take the old gasket as a sample.
- Install a new gasket.
- Wrap the seal around the stop edge.
- Reinstall the valve body by turning it clockwise.
- Using a wrench, tighten the installed valve tightly.
In order not to bother with making a gasket, you can buy a new one at a plumbing store. However, if for some reason this is not possible, a homemade part is quite suitable for urgent repair of the crane.
The diagram shows in detail how to properly replace the ceramic gasket in a traditional two-handle faucet. You will need a Phillips screwdriver and a wrench
Replacing the sealing insert of the oil seal
Wear of the oil seal insert can also cause a leak. In this case, a leak is observed when the tap is open: water enters between the gland nut and the valve stem. To correct the situation, you need to:
- Using a screwdriver, unscrew the oil seal nut.
- Make a sealing liner from recycled plastic sealing tape.
- Remove the worn liner.
- Wind the new insert tightly onto the valve stem.
- Tighten the nut.
If everything is done correctly, the valve will turn smoothly and the leak will stop.
Replacing the O-ring of a shower hose
When a leak occurs where the faucet and shower hose connect, the problem is usually caused by a worn O-ring. To replace it, you must:
- Using an adjustable wrench, unscrew the shower hose. This must be done carefully, otherwise you can easily damage the hose threads.
- Remove the worn seal.
- Install a new O-ring.
- Reinstall the shower hose.
If possible, it is best to use an O-ring made of silicone. Rubber parts are less resistant to wear and therefore are not as durable.
Most often, to eliminate a faucet leak, you have to replace the rubber gasket or part of the locking mechanism - the faucet. These parts can be purchased at a plumbing store.
When, when switching the water supply to the shower hose, a small amount of water continues to flow out of the tap, you should change the shut-off elements located in the mixer handles, they are called faucets. They can be ceramic or equipped with a rubber gasket; the appropriate model must be selected at a plumbing store.
Ball valve repair
New-fashioned ball valves are somewhat more complex than traditional valve models. So, what should you do if the ball valve is leaking? Most often, the problem is that dirt has gotten inside the housing and interferes with the operation of the mixer.
When repairing a ball valve, you must carefully remove the valve. To do this, first remove the decorative plug, under which there is a fixing screw.
In short, the faucet needs to be disassembled, cleaned and reassembled. They do it like this:
- Use a screwdriver to unscrew the screw that secures the lever.
- Carefully remove the lever from the tap.
- Use a screwdriver to unscrew the threaded screw.
- Remove the mixer dome and plastic seal.
- Inspect the seal gasket and remove accumulated deposits.
- If the seal is worn out, you need to purchase and install a new part.
- Remove and inspect the ball. If it is damaged, it will also have to be replaced with a new one.
- Using a thin screwdriver, carefully pry off the seals that secure the ball. If they are even slightly worn, they will also need to be replaced.
- After replacement, lubricate the seals with the composition recommended by the manufacturer.
- Carefully reassemble the mixer in reverse order.
All procedures when cleaning a ball mixer must be carried out carefully, since its parts are easily damaged. If all steps are completed correctly, the leaks will stop. In the same way, problems with temperature control in mixers of this type are eliminated.
Sometimes you just need to change the faucet cartridge. This procedure is described in detail in the video:
What if a completely new faucet leaks?
If the question arises of how to fix a leak in a faucet that has just been installed, then the problem, as a rule, is a manufacturing defect. In this case, there is only one procedure: you need to dismantle the installed mixer, go to the store where it was purchased, and get the damaged equipment replaced.
Only a professional plumber can eliminate manufacturing defects at home using improvised means, and even then not always. In all other cases, with sufficient patience and perseverance, the independent elimination of a leaking faucet is completed quite successfully.
Faucet breakdowns are caused by a lot of reasons related to low-quality materials, improper installation and many other factors.
To eliminate the causes of the breakdown, you should call a specialist or you can try to do it yourself.
Causes and procedure for eliminating leaks in a single-lever faucet
To repair a single-lever mixer with your own hands, you need to determine the reasons for its breakdown. There can be many of them, let’s look at the main ones:
- mechanical damage caused by breakage of the housing or the formation of cracks in it;
- formation of a gap on the seats and ball;
- development on the gasket;
- aerator malfunction due to rusty material;
- gap on the aerator.
If the problem arose due to a broken case, you should use waterproof sealant or cold welding. The necessary parts are wiped with a rag, the damaged areas are carefully coated. However, such repairs will not last long, and soon the body will have to be replaced completely.
If the water pressure is weak, you need to remove the aerator and clean it and the mesh with a brush. The socket through which the liquid flows may also be dirty.
If the faucet is leaking, but the cause of the malfunction cannot be determined from the outside, then you need to completely disassemble the entire mechanism and look for the cause thoroughly, checking each part separately:
- First, shut off the water supply, then use a screwdriver to remove the plug.
- Next you need to unscrew the screw that holds the decorative cap.
- Then the cartridge is pulled out - to do this, unscrew the nut with a wrench. All parts should be inspected for defects. If none are found, move on.
- Having removed the faucet completely, we look at the gasket, springs, ball and rubber seal. Worn out parts should be replaced with new ones. The remaining ones are wiped with a rag to remove accumulated sediments and deposits.
One of the most common problems is debris getting trapped under the valve ball and seat. In this case, you will have to change the entire cartridge.
Causes and procedure for eliminating leaks in a two-valve mixer
The main reason for the breakdown of such cranes is their quality. The seals on the valve axle or the gasket may also be leaking. These parts can be replaced.
Step-by-step instructions for disassembling a two-valve mixer:
- shutting off the water supply,
- removing traffic jams,
- unscrewing the mounting screws,
- removing the valve axle using a wrench.
It is best to remove the plugs with a thin screwdriver so as not to damage them.
The screws must be unscrewed carefully, as they are most often subject to oxidation and are difficult to unscrew. Can be used WD-40 or a few drops of acetic acid.
The valve axle is unscrewed from the body with a wrench counterclockwise. Pulls out with fingers. For repairs, it is necessary to inspect the seat in the body so that there are no cracks on it. Then the oil seal and gaskets are changed on the faucet axle. The assembled mechanism must be rubbed with silicone-based lubricant, and then assembled in the reverse order. Next you need to install the crane axle box and clamp it with a key. Do not overtighten the mechanism so as not to strip the threads in the housing. If it is torn off, then the entire mixer will need to be replaced.
Shower switch repair
There are several types of shower switches, let's look at some of them.
Spool
The leak in such switches comes from under the handle that opens and closes the water supply.
Causes of malfunction:
- Are the rubber rings on the rotary rod working or not,
- the gasket on the axle box is worn out,
- The axle box is twisted.
After correcting or replacing parts, the switch must be assembled and tested. Don't forget about lubrication of the switching mechanism. 
Button
To disassemble this mechanism, you need to turn off the tap, remove the cap, unscrew the screw and pull out the button with the spring.
Reasons for failure:
- the spring has sagged and does not hold,
- Valve rings are worn.
If the spring has sagged, you should replace it with a new one or make it yourself. To do this, it is stretched and heated red-hot, after which it is dipped in cold water. After cooling, you need to heat it again for uniform hardening. You can also make a wire spring using the same method.
If the valve rings become brittle, they should be replaced. After replacement, the entire mechanism must be lubricated with Vaseline or another lubricant. 
Suberic
The main problem is that the plug does not fit well to the body and leaks. It could also be:
- poor rubbing,
- mechanism erosion,
- presence of solid particles in the housing.
In order to fix such a switch, you need to unscrew the screw, remove the handle, unscrew the nut and remove the locking ring. After a thorough inspection, the parts should be lubricated with Vaseline and assembled into place.
This article is about repairing bathroom faucets. In it, we, together with the reader, will have to analyze the typical malfunctions of their components and the technology for eliminating the problem in each specific case. Let's get started.
“Everything flows,” said Heraclitus. “Oh, don’t tell me,” agreed the plumber Afanasy.
List of nodes
What can break in the mixer?
- Crane box (screw or ceramic). It stops turning off the water. Another malfunction is observed less frequently: the tap opens, but no water flows;
There is only one reason for the failure of ceramic faucets, and it is not associated with wear or manufacturing design defects. The ceramic plates that shut off the water chip off when you try to close the faucet, which is jammed by debris caught between them. The problem is completely eliminated by installing a pair of coarse water filters at the entrance to the apartment.
- Single lever faucet cartridge;
- Switch for shower. It can be push-button, lever or ball-type;
- Gaskets under the spout often leak, as well as between the mixer body and the eccentrics;
- Absence or weak water pressure may mean the filter on the gander is clogged;
- The cause of a shower hose leak is a rupture of its rubber core inside the armor;
- Poor pressure of hot and cold water when supplied to the shower is a consequence of clogged nozzles of the shower head.
Cranbooks
Screw
Here are their typical faults:
- Gasket wear;
- Noise when opening;
- Leak along the stem;
- Rotating rod.
Pad
In the first case, replacing the gasket is enough to fix the problem:
- Close the valve on the inlet;
- Open the box;
- Remove the wing (the screw securing it is hidden under the plastic insert in the center);
- We unscrew the valve with an open-end or adjustable wrench;
- Unscrew the screw securing the gasket or remove the gasket from the “fungus” in the center of the valve;
- We install a new gasket;
- We install the faucet in the reverse order, wrapping its threads with a thin bunch of plumbing flax or FUM tape.
Noise
The noise is caused by crushed and frayed edges of the gasket, due to which the axle box valve begins to beat in the turbulent flow of water. A series of hydraulic shocks generated by the valve blocking the seat becomes the cause of the noise. To restore silence, just cut a chamfer around the circumference of the gasket with a knife or scissors.
Leak along the stem
If the axlebox flows along the rod, the culprit is a worn out oil seal (a sign of a gland box is the oil seal nut under the wing) or worn out rubber sealing rings.
To fill the gland packing, it is enough to unscrew the gland with the valve box closed and place several turns of the graphite gland thread under it. After sealing the packing with a screwdriver, tighten the seal with moderate force. Problem solved.
How to change o-rings?
- Turn off the water and unscrew the faucet from the mixer;
- Turn the stem out completely. In this case, the hexagonal rod with the valve will fall out of the axlebox body;
- Use a screwdriver to pry and remove the rod-fixing bracket under the wing;
- Push the rod in the direction from lamb. Rings are available for replacement. Reassembling the axle box is performed in the reverse order.
Broken thread
It is the thread torn off on the rod or on the axle box body that causes the valve to turn. In this case, the crane box changes entirely. As a temporary measure (say, at night when plumbing stores are closed), the leak can be fixed by installing a thicker gasket.
Ceramic
Repairing a ceramic axlebox is not exactly impossible, but rather problematic, since it is almost impossible to find ceramic plates on sale separately from the body. When the plates are chipped, the axlebox changes entirely.
In addition to chipping of the ceramic plates, the cause of a leak in the ceramic faucet may be that the ring gasket between it and the mixer body is not pressed tightly enough. In this case, it is enough to give the retaining ring and tighten the axle box.
Cartridge
The single-lever faucet cartridge is used to regulate the temperature and water pressure. Its device is very similar to a ceramic faucet: the water opens and closes with the mutual displacement of two ground ceramic plates.
Here are typical cartridge failures:
- Chips of plates. The reason is an attempt to shut off the water when sand or scale gets into the mixer;
And in this case, the occurrence of a problem can be prevented by installing coarse filters at the entrance to the apartment or house.
- Broken plastic plate holders. The reason is the abrupt closing of the water by hitting the handle with the palm of the hand;
- Broken rod connecting the cartridge to the mixer handle. The reason is the same - rough mechanical impact.
Seven troubles - one answer: in all cases the cartridge needs to be replaced.
How to disassemble the mixer to access it?
- Locate and remove the plastic plug on the handle;
- Remove the screw underneath it;
It can have a head for both a flat-head screwdriver and a hex head.
- Remove the handle;
- Unscrew the decorative nut under the handle;
To avoid leaving scratches on the chrome surface, unscrew it yourself, without using a pipe wrench. If your hands slip, wear medical gloves or wrap the nut with rubber (bike inner tube, medical rubber bandage, etc.).
- Unscrew the hex nut under the decorative one (using a wrench);
- Pull out the cartridge.
Reassembling the mixer with a new cartridge is performed in the reverse order.
The faucet cartridge can have a diameter of 35 or 40 mm. To avoid making a mistake with the size, take the faulty part with you to the store as a sample.
Switch
Button
There are the following types of this device:
Automatic type– used in the design of the latest cartridge-type products. This device is located in the area of the independent block or on the outer part of the swivel spout. The peculiarity of the element is that its position remains unchanged when the water is blocked. The button implements a control option: when it is removed, water will begin to flow out of the watering can.
Simple type– used on cheap models of mixers. However, in appearance there are no differences from the automatic type switch. The difference between these devices is manifested in their operating features. To see this, you need to remove the button and turn off the water supply. In the case of its remainder in an immovable state, the device should be considered simple.
A push-button shower switch for a faucet can upset its owner in the following ways:
- Stopping turning off the water in extreme positions;
- Spontaneously switching from shower to gander with low water pressure.
The cause of the first malfunction in modern mixers is wear or destruction of the rubber valve. In this case, it needs to be replaced. Fortunately, in most new plumbing fixtures, the bath-shower switch for the faucet is made as a separate unit that is screwed directly into its body.
The cause of the second problem is that the return spring is too strong. You need to cut off one or two turns with side cutters.
Lever
How to repair a faucet if the lever switch stops working (it can be easily recognized by the handle moving 90-120 degrees)?
To access the switch you need:
- Remove the plastic plug on the handle;
- Remove the handle;
- Unscrew the nut underneath;
- Pull the rod with the eccentric towards you;
- Remove the gooseneck and nut under the shower hose;
- Remove the barrel with gaskets.
The most common malfunction that prevents the switch from operating is the destruction of one or both gaskets on the barrel. They are replaced with new ones.
If not available, the gasket can be cut from the inner tube for the truck. It is cut in a circle with ordinary scissors; The hole for the mounting screw is cut out with a punch made from a thin steel tube with a sharpened edge.
If the handle moves freely, but the water does not switch, the cause may be a broken eccentric lug that drives the gasket barrel. In this case, the switch changes entirely. The repair kit consists of an eccentric and a barrel.
What does it look like to repair a shower switch in a faucet if the handle periodically gets stuck in intermediate positions?
Alas, no way. The reason is the wear of the guides on the mixer body. The device is completely changed.
Ball
Alas, I cannot tell the dear reader absolutely nothing about its repair. The fact is that in my memory not a single switch of this type has broken yet. This, by the way, leads to a rather obvious instruction: if you are just going to buy a faucet for the bathroom, you should prefer a model with a ball switch. It is easily recognized by the handle, which turns a full turn.
Only faucets with faucets - ceramic and (less often) screw ones - are equipped with ball switches. Interestingly, the price of these extremely reliable appliances is on average lower than that of frequently broken faucets with push-button and lever switches.
The photo shows a mixer with a ball switch.
Gasket under the gooseneck
If the faucet spout is leaking, the most likely cause is wear of the ring gasket that seals its connection to the body.
To replace it you need:
- Unscrew the nut on the spout with an adjustable or pipe wrench with rubber placed under its jaws (so as not to damage the chrome coating);
- Remove the gooseneck from the housing.
Gander spacers are rarely sold separately. They can be found as part of gasket kits for repairs.
Gasket under eccentrics
What does it look like to repair a bathroom faucet if it leaks at the connection with the cams?
- Turn off the water;
- Unscrew both nuts that secure the mixer body to the feet;
- Remove the gaskets from the union nuts and install new ones in their place;
- Installation of the mixer is carried out by alternately tightening the nuts by 1-2 turns to avoid distortions.
New gaskets should be made of moderately soft rubber or silicone. Hard paronite (“cardboard”) gaskets are evil in their purest form. Trying to tighten them often leads to stripping the threads on the nuts.
Aerator filter clogged
If both cold and hot water flow from the gander in a thin stream, but flow into the shower head with normal pressure, the culprit is the filter on the gander aerator. It needs to be cleaned of scale and sand. If there are several stainless steel meshes in the filter, throw away all but two.
Shower hose leaking
What should I do if my bathtub shower faucet is leaking in the shower hose?
Inside the stainless steel armor of the hose is a thin rubber core. Over time, it becomes calcified and loses its elasticity, which soon leads to rupture of the thin rubber.
To replace the core:
- Unscrew both hose nuts;
- Using a knife, pull out the bushing from one of them;
- Remove the core from the sleeve;
- Pull it out of the armor from the other end of the hose;
- Remove the core from the second sleeve;
- Reassemble the hose in reverse order with the new core.
Solid plastic hoses avoid this problem and last for decades. Their only drawback is hardness at low water temperatures.
Poor pressure in shower head
The reason is that the nozzles of the watering can become overgrown with lime.
There are two possible solutions to this problem:
- Remove the watering can and place it in a solution of acidic or alkaline detergent for a couple of hours;
- Clean the nozzles with a needle. This method is ideal for watering cans with rubber nozzles.
Conclusion
Of course, in a short article I could not talk about all possible malfunctions and ways to eliminate them. However, I hope that the solutions I have described will allow the reader to enjoy impeccable plumbing performance for many years to come. As always, you will find more information in the video in this article. I look forward to your comments. Good luck, comrades!
