Can the mixer be repaired? Your own plumber, or how to disassemble a single-lever mixer. Disassembly of the mixer with a ceramic cartridge

The tap is flowing! This is probably the most common expression in the topic of plumbing repair. In this article, we will analyze how you can fix a single-lever mixer or, as it is also called, a flag mixer.

They have become widespread due to their ease of use, and most likely, you use them both in the bathroom and in the kitchen.

The main control element of such a mixer is a cartridge, and if water is leaking from under the lever of your tap, then it's time to change this element. This is not difficult, just know the operating procedure.

Let's get started!

Repair of the mixer in photo examples

First of all, you need to remove the decorative cap - a plug, which, using colored marks, indicates the position of the lever for supplying cold and hot water

The hole that opens provides access to the mounting screw that secures the cartridge and lever

Using a screwdriver (usually negative, but not always), unscrew the screw and remove the lever

Then we unscrew and remove the decorative cover, which is attached to the external thread of the circular nut

Using a wrench, unscrew and remove the circular nut

We take out the damaged cartridge and replace it with a new one of the same size (common diameters 35 mm and 40 mm)

The cartridge has two tapered protrusions that act as guides, they must coincide with the place where they fit into the mixer body.

We repeat the assembly of the mixer in the reverse order. If the body is not damaged by corrosion (sometimes) and has no mechanical damage, then the cause of the leak has been eliminated!

Lever and have a similar structure, so the leak from under the lever is repaired in the same way, by replacing the cartridge.

Video explanation | Repair of a single lever mixer

It is always useful to know how to repair a bathroom faucet with a shower, do it yourself without resorting to the services of specialists. After all, sooner or later any tap in the bathroom stops working properly. The main causes of problems are: wear of cartridges, gaskets, oil seals and fasteners. With simple instructions, everyone can figure out how to repair a bathtub / shower faucet on their own.

Types and mixers and their designs

In order to repair a bathroom faucet with a shower, it is not at all necessary to call a plumber. Any crane can be easily disassembled into parts. If a person understands his device, then repairing a bath mixer with a shower will be quick and effective.

To find out how to fix a mixer, you need to figure out which parts of a particular design are responsible for malfunctions.

There are three main categories of bathroom faucets with shower:

Bathroom faucets differ from others in the presence of a bath-shower switch, which are also divided into several types.

Types of bath-shower switches

The part, the failure of which is characteristic precisely for the repair of the mixer in the bathroom, is the switch for the shower. He is responsible for switching the water supply to the mixer spout or watering can. There are 4 main varieties:

The main causes of breakdown

Do-it-yourself mixer repair will not take much time if you correctly establish the cause of the malfunction. Any device ever fails. The mixer is no exception.

It can break down due to component wear. The lower the quality materials, the shorter the service life of the components and the more often you have to repair the faucet in the bathroom. How to repair a bathroom faucet with your own hands?

1. Leakage from under the lever

Usually caused by a cartridge breakage in a single lever mixer. The fact that the cartridge is out of order will also be indicated by the following signs:

• the handle is difficult to rotate;
• the water supply is not completely shut off;
• the water temperature changes arbitrarily;
• cold water flows from the hot tap and vice versa.

To replace the ceramic cartridge:

• remove the blue-red painted plug;
• use a Phillips screwdriver or hex wrench to unscrew the fixing screw;
• pulling the handle up, disconnect it from the body, and then unscrew the lid;
• with an adjustable wrench, unscrew the nut securing the cartridge in the body;
• replace the damaged cartridge.

After replacing the defective element, you need to align the protrusions on the cartridge case with the grooves inside. If you overlook this, the tap will leak.

2. Leaking valve

In two-valve mixers, the sealing washer often wears out. Sometimes the crane-axle box also becomes unusable. Such breakdowns lead to leakage. To replace the crane box or rubber ring:

• remove the plug from the faulty valve;
• unscrew the screw securing the valve to the mixer;
• with an adjustable wrench, disconnect the crane-axle box;
• replace the crane box or ring.

3. Leaking shower switch

Before repairing the bathroom faucet switch, be sure to shut off the water in the room. Leakage from under the switch indicates that the oil seal between the mixer being repaired and the switch has become inoperative. To replace it:

• remove the button by clamping the stem with pliers;
• remove the valve with the stem;
• pull out the damaged oil seal.

4. Broken shower switch button

If after water procedures the button cannot be returned to its original position, then its spring has broken. In this case, the switch is disassembled according to the algorithm described above, the faulty spring is taken out and a new one is put in its place.

Sometimes the shower switch does not work, and water flows into the shower head and mixer at the same time. This is due to a crack in the oil seal, which is located on the stem. To eliminate such a malfunction, you need:

• remove the switch;
• get the stock;
• replace damaged oil seal.

Many apartments still use old plug switches. Over time, the button moves away from the body, resulting in a leak. To eliminate it you need:

• disconnect the screw;
• remove the handle;
• unscrew the nut;
• remove the lock washer;
• get the cork;
• wipe the plug and the inside of the case with kerosene;
• use abrasive paste, paraffin or petroleum jelly to rub the plug to the body.

The gasket in spool switches can wear out. To replace it, you should:

• disconnect the hose;
• remove the spout;
• unscrew the adapter;
• unscrew the valve;
• get the spool;
• replace rubber rings.

The repaired button will last for several more years.

5. Leaking hose

Over time, the gasket at the point where the hose is attached to the mixer will wear out. A leak is formed. Such a breakdown is easiest to fix: you just need to unscrew the shower hose nut, remove the damaged washer and insert a new one in its place.

6. Leakage between watering can and hose

To eliminate this malfunction in a mixer that has broken, it is also not necessary to use tools. You just need to unscrew the nut securing the watering can to the hose and replace the insulating gasket.

7. Blockage in the watering can

When troubleshooting bathroom faucets, repairs are not limited to replacing gaskets and cartridges. With prolonged use, the shower head holes are clogged with sand, limestone and other hard deposits.

For the shower to work properly again, the mesh must be disassembled and rinsed. On some models, the screw is located under the plastic cap in the center of the watering can. Sometimes, in order to disassemble the mesh, it is necessary to turn it counterclockwise.

8. Weak head in the mixer

An aerator is screwed onto the end of the spout. It retains solids and increases water pressure. If the water flows in a thin stream, the reason lies in the clogged filter. To clean it, unscrew it with pliers, carefully disassemble it into its component parts and rinse them under running water.

Other malfunctions

Specialists are faced with other types of breakdowns:

Do-it-yourself bathroom faucet repair does not require special skills. This craft can be mastered not only by men, but also by women. Regardless of the type of faucet in the bathroom, repairing and replacing parts is not difficult.

Video instruction

The kitchen faucet is one of the most commonly used plumbing fixtures in an apartment or house, so it comes as no surprise that it often fails.

In this case, a rotary one-hand valve needs preventive repair with the replacement of units, sometimes the malfunction cannot be eliminated and you have to change the plumbing fixture completely.

These home jobs can be done by almost every homeowner without calling a paid plumber. To do this, you need to know how to disassemble a faucet in the kitchen with one handle and have a simple construction tool available.

Single Lever Kitchen Mixer

Single-lever mixer design

In modern kitchens, the main type of taps are one-hand types, which have practically replaced the inconvenient two-valve designs and are more practical than sensor devices.

The device of a single-lever kitchen mixer is not complicated, the main components are the body (it has an ebb, seats for installation in the sink and water supply) and the built-in adjustment unit.

In case of failure, the repair of a single-lever mixer in most situations consists in a simple change of the unified switching unit or its parts.

Types of regulating units

The manufacturer supplies the market with single-lever fluid mixing models with only two types of control units: ball and plate ceramic cartridges.

It can be noted that ceramic cartridges, due to their high technical characteristics and performance, have practically ousted ball models from the market.

A high-quality ceramic block can regulate the water supply for up to 10 years without losing its operational properties, budget Chinese crafts can fail the next day and need to be replaced much more often.

Appearance of structural elements of ceramic cartridges

Ceramic cartridges

The ceramic cartridge is a prefabricated connection of parts installed in a plastic cylindrical body, at the top of which a lever is installed, on which a rotary handle is attached. In its lower part there are three holes: water enters two of them, and from the third the mixed liquid is directed to the low tide and flows out.

The main assemblies of the cartridge are two slotted ceramic plates that fit tightly together. When one of them rotates around its axis, the inlet holes through which cold and hot water flows overlap to a different degree - thus, the temperature regime is regulated.

If the movable plate is displaced along its axis, there is a simultaneous overlap of both inlets - this is how the pressure is regulated.

The main advantage of equipping a kitchen mixer with a cartridge is its ease of replacement and high maintainability - its cylindrical body can be easily disassembled.

How the ceramic block works

Ball

Ball control assemblies consist of one main part - a metal ball with three water holes and a stem for installing a rotary knob. During operation, the ball rotates in a spherical body seat, which has three holes: two for water inlet and the third for pouring out the mixed fluid.

Adjustment of temperature and pressure is similar to moving the handle in ceramic models; for sealing, spring-loaded rubber rings are inserted into the inlet area.

The advantage of one-hand ball valves is simplicity of design, long service life and excellent maintainability - the metal ball itself cannot theoretically fail, therefore, repairing the mixing device consists only in installing new gaskets.

Features of the device of ball joints

Buying and operating risks

To avoid risks when buying and operating, it is better to purchase sanitary equipment from manufacturers that have proven themselves in the market - this guarantees that it will last a long time without breakdowns and malfunctions.

Usually, the control unit is already installed in the plumbing fixture upon purchase, and given that all their models are unified, the right decision would be to purchase exactly such a device at once. This will allow, in the event of a breakdown of the old unit, to immediately replace it with a new one, and if the situation repeats, to collect from two faulty devices working with the further use of the repaired one.

When operating a kitchen faucet, in most cases, water is supplied using flexible reinforced hoses, which are not always of high quality. To avoid flooding in the event of damage to the water supply hoses, you can install an Aquastop valve at the pipe outlet.

It should be borne in mind that the principle of the valve is to shut off the water flow at high pressure, that is, it is effective if the water hose falls off the mixing body or pipe. In other situations, in the event of a leak, the apartment can be successfully flooded with the Aquastop protection.

What is needed for repair

To carry out repair work, you will have to disassemble the faucet without removing it from the sink, sometimes it may be necessary to repair the kitchen spout, which in one-hand models can be carried out without disassembly operations.

When dismantling the crane, you have to remove the handle, unscrew the fixing nuts and hoses - this requires the right tools, consumables and accessories.

Tools and supplies for plumbing repairs

Tools

To carry out repair work, you will need the following tool:

• An adjustable wrench for unscrewing the nut from the mixer body and dismantling the flexible hoses.
• Socket wrench or flat wrench for attaching and removing bolts from the mounting studs.
• Phillips screwdriver or Allen key to remove the handle.

Necessary materials

When removing the mixing body from the kitchen sink, removing the underwater hoses, one often has to face difficulties associated with the contamination of the dismantled parts with limescale or their corrosion. Before carrying out work, it is better to treat their surface with household chemicals to remove rust and limescale - this will simplify the dismantling and further installation of the equipment.

The presence of gaskets in the underwater hoses and the mixing body eliminates the use of various types of additional seals in the form of synthetic and linen bands, rubber rings.

During repair work, it is often necessary to change underwater hoses that have become unusable; for replacement, it is better to purchase types with a stainless braid and a union nut with fittings made of non-ferrous metals (copper, brass).

Internal structure of a single lever cartridge mixer

Repair of a mixer with a cartridge

Repairing a mixer with a built-in cartridge, depending on its malfunction, requires a different approach. If water does not close well or is constantly flowing in the tap, in most cases the cartridge needs to be replaced. When the casing or ebb is damaged, you will have to remove the mixing device and purchase a new valve with subsequent installation.

What may require repair

The main components that most often fail during operation are the adjustment unit and the spout. The regulating unit can be damaged as a result of prolonged operation with poor-quality performance or from contaminated water with sand getting into the water supply system. The main reason for its malfunction is the breakdown of the built-in plastic parts and the stem on which the handle is attached.

The ebb most often fails as a result of clogging of the filter nozzles at its outlet - in this case, the water pressure breaks its thin-walled tube and a leak forms.

Repairing the filter in the spout

How to disassemble

When carrying out repair work, it is often necessary to disassemble a single-lever mixer, the process consists of the following steps:

• Using a knife or flat screwdriver, remove the plastic plug in the side of the handle; the fixing screw can have a Phillips screwdriver head or a hex key. Unscrew the fastening screw with a suitable tool; before carrying out work, it may need to be pretreated with household chemicals against limescale and rust.
• After removing the handle, unscrew the decorative attachment. It is designed for manual removal, but in the course of long work, water gets into the thread and plaque prevents it from twisting. To facilitate removal, you can use an adjustable wrench, after placing a soft cloth under its jaws to prevent scratches on the chrome-plated surface. When carrying out work on dismantling the hood, avoid excessive forces - this can lead to deformation of the thin-walled cover.
• Under the cap there is a clamping nut with a hexagon ring in the upper part - it is simply unscrewed with an adjustable wrench counterclockwise. Removing the cartridge is easy - it is removed from the installation slot with your fingers on the lever.

Disassembly of the ceramic cartridge valve

How to replace the cartridge

Before replacing the cartridge in the mixer, the internal parts of the mixer body are cleaned of plaque and dirt using a rag and household chemicals. Replacing the cartridge with a new one is quite simple - during installation, the housing projections are aligned with the grooves in the installation socket.

Mistakes that can be made

It often happens that after a seemingly correct assembly, the cartridge does not work correctly. This is due to the fact that the protruding rubber gasket in the lower part during installation prevents the two fixing protrusions on its body from accurately getting into the seats. The crane will have to be completely dismantled again, the unit must be installed in the correct position and pressed down more strongly by hand when tightening the clamping nut.

During installation, it is important not to pinch the clamping nut - this can lead to a tight movement of the joystick and compression of the body shell, causing rapid wear of the internal parts and, in extreme cases, their cracking - if the joystick moves tightly, you should immediately release the clamp.

How to disassemble a ball-type kitchen faucet

Ball mixer repair

The main repair of the ball mixer in the kitchen with your own hands is the replacement of gaskets; in case of significant damage to the ebb or the body shell, leading to leaks, the plumbing will have to be changed.

Before repairing the ball valve, prepare conventional tools and consumables in the form of rubber cylindrical gaskets and a dome washer. Household chemicals may be needed for the preliminary treatment of parts covered with plaque and corrosion.

Possible malfunctions

The main malfunctions of ball types include:

• wear on the top dome gasket;
• defects of a hollow metal ball;
• abrasion of saddle valves;
• loosening of springs.

If we repair the mixer with our own hands, then, unlike cartridge types, to accurately determine the faulty part, its preliminary disassembly is required.

We disassemble the mixer

Disassembling a single-lever ball type mixer perform the following operations:

• Remove the decorative overlay on the handle, completely unscrew the fixing screw and remove the handle.
• The upper cap is unscrewed with an adjustable wrench, placing it in the outer slots.
• Remove the plastic washer with a domed rubber ring and the ball from the body, take out the saddle gaskets with springs with a screwdriver.

How to disassemble a ball mixer - replacing seals

How to repair

In self-repair, instructions for connecting the crane can help, after studying which it will be much easier to repair it.

But even in its absence, the repair is not particularly difficult, basically the following operations are performed:

• Most often, valve seats are changed. To do this, they are inserted into the housing recesses together with the springs.
• If the ball is damaged, any ball repair is ineffective - it is replaced with a new one.
• The wear of the upper dome washer is very rare, and it needs to be replaced if abraded.

To speed up the repair time without carrying out a preliminary inspection of the ball valve with its disassembly, it is better to purchase a standard repair kit in advance in the retail network.

If the faucet is leaking, it is not necessary to call a plumber and pay for his work. In our article, we will figure out how to disassemble a single-lever mixer and do it yourself repairs. To carry out the work, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the device of this sanitary device and prepare the necessary tool.

If it flows from under the lever

Experts associate the appearance of water from under the lever of the mixer with a breakdown of the cartridge. In this regard, we will need to disassemble the device and replace the cartridge.

Disassembling the mixer

At the initial stage of work, you need to remove a small rounded decorative cover. Typically, this plate has two colored dots (red and blue) indicating that the tap lever is turned to add hot or cold water. If the direction of fluid supply does not coincide, the lid is turned over to the opposite side.

Single lever mixer device

When the decorative cover is removed, a screw will be exposed inside the hole that holds the lever in working position. This lock can be removed with a standard or Phillips screwdriver. There are times when a hexagon is required to remove the tap.

After removing the decorative cover

After removing the lever in one way or another, remove the decorative cover. It so happens that this part also cannot be removed in the usual way. The insert can be loosened by hand; to improve the effect, put a soft dry cloth at the place of application of force. If the cap could not be removed by hand, then to pull it out, you can use:

To protect the surface, the working part of the tool must be in contact with the part through the fabric. After several rotations in different directions, you can quickly remove the decorative cup.

Tightening or replacing the cartridge

After removing the protective cover, we see the cartridge in front of us. Now you need to unscrew the ring nut and you can remove the mechanism for supplying and mixing water. After pulling out this part, on the bottom you can see the mounting grooves, which are used to install the device in the working position.

Cartridge slots

If after removing the cartridge, wear and tear from metal corrosion was noticed, then the mixer can be replaced with a new one. In some cases, water leakage from under the lever is eliminated by tightening the nut.

Reassembly

Mixer assembly begins with the installation of a new cartridge. After that, we tighten the circular nut, install the decorative cup. Next, install a lever or a flag and fix its position with a screw. If the fasteners were rusty or had damaged threads, then the lever must be firmly fitted onto the cartridge holder.

Single lever mixer cartridge

If it leaks after replacing the cartridge

The main reason for this fairly common phenomenon is considered to be metal corrosion in the seat. We have already said that you can try to cover such areas with silicone, but if this does not help, then you will need to change the entire mixer.

If the lever lowers itself

Spontaneous lowering of the mixer lever usually tells us about its breakdown. When you click on the flag, water can be supplied in a thin stream or not at all. Many believe that the main cause of this lever behavior is cartridge failure, but this is not always the case.

All residents of a city apartment or a country house use plumbing differently. Some open the taps carefully, others, for example, children, jerk the flag sharply. In the latter case, damage to the inner part of the lever, which is put on the head of the cartridge, may be damaged. In case of damage, the walls of the square insert diverge to the sides, which leads to a certain amount of free movement of the part; when it is lifted up, the crane begins to fall.

If it flows from under the shirt

In some cases, water may leak from under the mixer jacket. The main reason for this phenomenon is considered to be damage to the gaskets, and the liquid can leak both in the upper and lower parts in the area of \u200b\u200bthe circular nut.

Water from under the gander's shirt

In this regard, during the installation of the single lever mixer, the circular nut must be tightened well. This part is often unscrewed or loosened during transport of the product, resulting in a small gap. This gap is quite enough for water leakage.

If the nut is tightened well, then a faulty gasket will be the cause of the leak. . To eliminate the problem, unscrew the nut, remove the nylon washer (serves to form a working gap between adjacent rotating body parts). Next, we remove the mixer spout along with the jacket and carefully check the installation locations of the gaskets.

There should be no traces of corrosion, sinks, etc. The only solution to the problem in this case is to replace the gander from the old tap, in the worst case, you will have to replace the mixer completely.

The second reason for water leakage from the jacket is the wear of the gaskets.... Such parts are made in the form of a horseshoe, and their working, most of them are facing the water chamber. It is quite difficult to buy a new gasket for a tap, but it is possible to repair a mixer.

Disassembling the mixer to eliminate leakage from under the shirt

To do this, several layers of fum-tape are laid in the seats, which will increase the diameter of the seals and improve their tightness. Then put on gaskets, install nylon washers, collect the rest of the mixer.

Before installing the valve in a permanent place, check its tightness. If the repair work is done correctly, water does not flow, then the mixer can be fixed to the sink.

How to disassemble a single-lever mixer and do it yourself repairs

How to disassemble a single-lever mixer and repair it yourself. What to do if water is leaking from under the lever or from under the shirt and if the lever goes down by itself.

We repair a single lever mixer ourselves

Single-lever mixers attract with their laconic design and easy control of the water flow. Turning on the water, changing its temperature and pressure - all this with one turn of the knob. These devices are reliable, have a solid service life - some branded ones give a 5-year warranty. However, repairs to the single-lever mixer are periodically necessary.

Types of single-lever mixers and their device

Despite the external similarity, there are two types of rotary or single-lever mixers - with a cartridge (cartridge) and ball - with a ball inside. You can repair any of them, but for this you must first disassemble them. And so that you can not only disassemble, but also assemble, it is advisable to get acquainted with the internal structure of each.

The design can be different, the structure remains the same

Cartridge mixer: structure

Cartridge mixers are so named because their locking and regulating mechanism is hidden in a special cartridge flask. In more expensive models of faucets, the cartridge body is made of ceramic, in cheaper models it is made of plastic. What are good about these models is the ease of repair, but with them it is not always easy to achieve the required pressure - you need a tighter control of the handle. But changing the water temperature is very easy - with a slight movement of the hand.

The structure of a single-lever valve with a cartridge is simple. If you go from top to bottom:

• Switch with retaining screw.
• Retaining (compression) nut.
• Cartridge. It mixes the streams of water, the same device shuts off the water.
• The body of the mixer, which has a seat for the cartridge.
• Fasteners, studs and gaskets to ensure tightness.
• Spout (gander). It can be a separate part - in swivel models for the kitchen or part of the body - for sinks in the bathroom.
• If the spout is separate, gaskets are still installed from below and there is still a part of the body.

What does a single-lever mixer cartridge consist of?

The cartridge itself contains several (usually 4) specially shaped ceramic or metal discs. A stem is welded to the upper disc. By changing the position of the rod, we change the position of the plates relative to each other, changing the amount of water passing through the holes in the plates.

In order for the faucet / mixer to work properly, the plates are ground very tightly. For this reason, single-lever cartridge mixers are very demanding on water quality. The ingress of foreign fragments between the plates leads to the fact that the valve leaks or stops working altogether. To avoid this, some manufacturers install filters on the inlet pipes. But, it is better to put filters on the water supply and get clean water, which can be safely supplied to household appliances.

Single Lever Ball Mixer

It got its name from the element in which water is mixed - a ball with cavities. The ball is usually metal, hollow inside. The outer part is polished to a high shine. There are three holes in the ball - two for the inlet of cold and hot water, one for the outlet of the already mixed one. A rod is attached to the ball, which goes into the cavity on the handle. This rod with a rigidly attached ball also changes the temperature of the water, its pressure.

The structure of a single-lever mixer with a ball mechanism for mixing water

It is easier to adjust the parameters with such a device - the parts are well ground in, the handle moves easily. Mixers with a ball mechanism are less critical to the presence of mechanical impurities, but they do not respond very well to the presence of hardness salts and excess iron. So for normal operation, preliminary filtration is also required.

How to disassemble and repair a faucet with a cartridge

Repairs to single lever cartridge faucets often involve overhauling and cleaning the O-rings. Salts are deposited on them, debris and dirt accumulate, which causes the tap to leak. To eliminate this nuisance, the mixer is disassembled, all parts are wiped from dirt (soapy warm water), rinsed, dried, put in place.

Sequence of installation of parts in a cartridge single-lever mixer

Let's figure out how to disassemble a faucet with a cartridge. First, turn off the water, and then the procedure is as follows:

• Remove the decorative cover on the handle. Just pick it up with a screwdriver.
• A mounting screw is hidden behind it. We unscrew it with a hex wrench and take it out.

First, unscrew the fixing screw

That's all. The single lever mixer with cartridge was disassembled. As you can see, there are not very many details. The main working part is a cartridge. In it, inside, mixing takes place.

Replacing the cartridge

The cartridge itself has a gasket - a rubber seat at the bottom, which ensures a snug fit to the body. Over time, rubber loses its elasticity, water begins to ooze. If this is the problem, you can first try to clean this ring of salts and deposits that have formed on it. Put the cleaned part in place, check the work. If the leak does not stop, the cartridge will have to be replaced.

Cartridges for "one-hand" mixers

Mixer cartridges have different diameters, inlets and outlets in the lower part are located in different ways. Therefore, if you need to replace it, first you disassemble the mixer, get the cherished part and go with it to the store or to the market. You need to choose exactly the same model without any deviations. At home, you install the cartridge into the case, turn it slightly, until you feel that it has "sat down" in place. Next - the assembly, it goes in the reverse order.

Install the compression nut first. Actually, at this stage you can check how the new cartridge works. Turn on the water, adjust the temperature and pressure with the rod. To make it more convenient, you can put a handle on the stem. If everything is ok, continue building.

We disassemble and repair a single-lever ball mixer

The single-lever ball mixer was invented a little over 40 years ago. Its design is simple and reliable - there is actually nothing to break. If problems arise, it is only because of poor-quality water - dirt particles settle on the rubber seats on which the ball rests. Contact deteriorates, water seeps out and the faucet starts to leak.

How to disassemble a single lever ball mixer

Some ball valves are also available with a cartridge. Only the inside of the cartridge is not a plate, but a ball. Disassembly of this type is no different from the one described above. The whole difference is hidden inside the flask. There are also other types of taps. In them, the shut-off ball is installed directly in the rubber seat. There are some minor differences here.

The crane lever is removed in the same way - first remove the plug, then unscrew the screw with a hexagon. Pull the lever up, remove it. After the action is very simple and

Repair of a single-lever mixer for a bathroom, kitchen

Self-repair of a single-lever mixer in a bathroom or kitchen is possible. You just need to know how to disassemble them. Description with photo and video in the article.

Flowing tap | Repair of a single lever mixer

Repair of a single-lever (flag) mixer

The tap is flowing! This is probably the most common expression in the topic of plumbing repair. In this article, we will analyze how you can fix a single-lever mixer or, as it is also called, a flag mixer.

Single-lever faucets have become widespread due to their ease of use, and most likely, you use them both in the bathroom and in the kitchen.

The main control element of such a mixer is a cartridge, and if water is leaking from under the lever of your tap, then it's time to change this element. This is not difficult, just know the operating procedure.

Repair of the mixer in photo examples

First of all, you need to remove the decorative cap - a plug, which, using colored marks, indicates the position of the lever for supplying cold and hot water

The hole that opens provides access to the mounting screw that secures the cartridge and lever

Using a screwdriver (usually negative, but not always), unscrew the screw and remove the lever

Then we unscrew and remove the decorative cover, which is attached to the external thread of the circular nut

Using a wrench, unscrew and remove the circular nut

We take out the damaged cartridge and replace it with a new one of the same size (common diameters 35 mm and 40 mm)

The cartridge has two tapered protrusions that act as guides, they must coincide with the place where they fit into the mixer body.

We repeat the assembly of the mixer in the reverse order. If the body is not damaged by corrosion (sometimes) and has no mechanical damage, then the cause of the leak has been eliminated!

Lever faucets for bath and kitchen have a similar structure, so leaks from under the lever are repaired in the same way by replacing the cartridge.

The mixer has been repaired, that's all, good luck!

How to disassemble and repair a single lever mixer

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 "single-grip". 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);
• body;

• clamp (mount);
• ceramic cartridge or ball mechanism;
• silicone or rubber gaskets;
• circular nut;
• flexible hoses for water supply.

Internally, single-lever mixers can be:

1. Ball. The device of ball lever mixers implies the presence of a hollow steel ball with three holes in the structure - a mixing chamber. The two holes accept hot and cold water, which is mixed inside. Third, it gives out already warm water. The ball is set in motion by a handle. Moving, the ball allows you to adjust the temperature of the water and the pressure of the jet.

In what cases is it possible to repair the mixer

Not all mixer failures 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.

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 water access to it.

For repair you will need:

• screwdriver or knife;
• a hex key of a suitable size;
• pliers.

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 circular nut from the body. This is done using a key or manually.
• Remove the cartridge from the housing.

The whole procedure for disassembling the mixer takes on average 10 minutes and everyone can do it.

Eliminate the leak

The cause of leakage in 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.

Council. 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" buying a replacement.

After installing a new cartridge in the body, the mixer is assembled in the reverse order of disassembly.

Leaking tap / shower switch

Often the problem is related to wear on the inner seal. To eliminate the problem, it (the oil seal) must be replaced. Troubleshooting procedure:

1. The handle must be in the closed position.
2. Remove the flexible shower hose.
3. Use pliers to remove the switch button from the tap.
4. Use a rod or screwdriver to unscrew the adapter from the spout.
5. Replace worn packing ring.

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.

Clogging procedure

1. Remove the aerator from the mixer spout.
2. Rinse it thoroughly under running water in the opposite direction of the water supply.
3. Install the aerator by securing it with the clamping nut.

Procedure for replacing sealing gum

1. Remove the handle.
2. Remove the plastic two-piece thyroid. The black part is the seal that needs to be cleaned or replaced.
3. If the leak persists, remove the ball mechanism.
4. Replace the bottom seal.
5. Replace the ball and secure the seals with a plastic nut.
6. Install the handle and check that the mixer is working properly.

Council. 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 controls 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 switch rod spring.

Replacing the spool gasket rings involves some difficulties, and the main problem is that replacement gaskets are not available for sale. A spare kit usually comes with a mixer. If the spare tire 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.

The switch design 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 a 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 rubber bands:

1. Check that the mixer lever is in the closed position.
2. Disconnect the flexible hose of the shower net.
3. Remove the decorative cap, unscrew the screw fastening and remove the switch button.
4. Carefully remove the spool from the mixer body.
5. Notice the rubber bands by adding some sealed paste.
6. Reassemble and install the switch in reverse order.

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:

1. Remove the adapter as described above.
2. Remove the spring wound stem.
3. Remove the old spring.
4. 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.
5. Assemble and install the switch.

Preventive actions

Repairing a faucet may not always solve the problem. 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.

1. When purchasing, choose heavy brass faucets. They are more durable and will last an order of magnitude longer. But sulimin mixers will not last long.
2. Install water filters to protect your faucet from most repairable breakdowns.

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.

How to disassemble and repair a single-lever ball mixer: video - How to disassemble a single-lever faucet in the bathroom

How to disassemble and repair a single-lever mixer in the event of a leak is shown in detail in the presented videos.

Single lever taps are rapidly replacing traditional valve devices in apartments and houses. But no matter how convenient such modern plumbing is, it periodically fails for a variety of reasons.

In order not to spend money on buying a new tap every time, it makes sense to deal with the causes of breakdowns and master the independent repair of a single-lever mixer.

Ball, single-lever, joystick, articulated - all these are the names of the mixer, which is controlled by only one lever. Using such a faucet is simple and convenient: the vertical movement of the lever adjusts the amount of water flow, and by turning it horizontally, a suitable temperature is set.

This diagram allows you to understand the principle of operation of a single-lever mixer: changing the size of the hole for hot, cold and mixed water allows you to regulate its temperature and pressure with just a couple of strokes

The internals of single-lever mixers are usually of two types: ball mechanism or ceramic cartridge. The center of the ball mechanism design is the circular mixing chamber. It looks like a hollow metal ball with three holes.

Cold water flows into one of the holes, and hot water flows into the other. Inside the chamber, the streams are mixed and then enter the third opening, which is connected to the mixer outlet. The control lever moves the ball in such a way as to adjust the gaps in these holes, i.e. change the amount of hot and cold water entering the mixing chamber and the size of the outgoing flow.

The ceramic cartridge consists of two or three plates. In the lower part, as in the ball mixer, there are three holes with exactly the same functions: hot water, cold water, mixed flow. But mixing hot and cold water is performed at the top of the device.

Mixers of both types work in about the same way, but they react differently to operating conditions. For example, a ceramic cartridge almost never accumulates limestone deposits. The fact is that the plates in such a device are ground to each other very tightly, the size of the gap is comparable to the parameters of the molecule.

This diagram shows in detail the device of a single-lever ball valve. Information about the individual elements of the device helps to understand the order of its disassembly and assembly

But ceramics are not friendly with sand and other mechanical impurities. A small grain of sand trapped in the mixer cavity can lead to chipping on the ceramic elements, and the entire cartridge will have to be replaced. Sand is practically not terrible for a metal ball, but there are almost no obstacles for plaque.

The weak point of single-lever mixers is rubber gaskets. In any case, these elements will have to be replaced at least every two years. Some buyers complain about the accuracy of the temperature setting. This is a common feature of low-cost, low-angle models. Such devices break down much more often.

How to disassemble a single lever valve?

Very often, problems with such mixers arise due to the breakdown of their internal mechanism. The algorithm of actions in this case is quite simple: the crane must be disassembled, the damaged mechanism removed, replaced with a new, serviceable element, and the device must be assembled in the reverse order.

This diagram shows in detail how to disassemble a single lever mixer with a ceramic cartridge. To carry out the work, you only need a screwdriver and an adjustable wrench

This is not a very difficult procedure, but all operations should be performed very carefully and accurately. First, of course, you need to shut off the cold and hot water pipes leading to the mixer. To disassemble the ball valve, you must:

• Remove the decorative cover using a screwdriver.
• Unscrew and remove the retaining screw.
• Unscrew and remove the decorative nut, which acts as a cover for the mixer body.
• Unscrew the nut holding the mixer mechanism in the correct position.
• Remove the cartridge or ball mechanism from the valve body.

Use a regular screwdriver to remove the bezel. Be careful not to damage the element. You can use a hexagon to loosen the fixing screw of the mixer handle. In some models, the handle fits quite tightly. You can pry it off with the end of a screwdriver.

The cover of the faucet with a lever sometimes fits very tightly, you can use a screwdriver to remove it. Work should be done carefully so as not to scratch the case

The cover of the mixer body is not difficult to remove by hand without the help of special tools. But it is more convenient to unscrew the fixing nut inside the mixer with an adjustable wrench. After that, it will not be difficult to remove the internal crane mechanism.

It should be remembered that the sizes of these elements vary over a fairly wide range. The height of the stem can vary significantly, as can the diameter of the cartridge. There are also various options for the landing part of the mechanism. Therefore, experienced craftsmen rarely purchase a new cartridge in advance.

The nut that fixes the position of the ceramic cartridge inside the mixer should be carefully unscrewed using a regular or adjustable wrench

It will be much more effective to suspend repair work at this stage, take the damaged "filling" of a single-lever tap and go with it to a plumbing store in order to buy an item of the same size and device.

Due to the design features of the mechanism, it cannot be adjusted or adapted in some way, you need an exact match of all parameters.

Not all ceramic cartridges are the same size and configuration. To choose the right device correctly, you need to take the damaged cartridge to a plumbing store

After purchasing a new cartridge, all work is performed in the reverse order: install the cartridge, put on the adjusting rod on top, fix it with a screw and close it with a decorative plug. The plug usually indicates the direction of rotation for cold and hot water, this point must be taken into account during installation.

If the ceramic cartridge of a single lever mixer is clogged or damaged, it simply needs to be replaced with a new element, flushing usually does not help

When installing the ball mechanism, inexperienced plumbers sometimes confuse the location of the holes and put the mechanism incorrectly. As a result, such a mechanism will not work correctly after installation. Therefore, after disassembling the valve, you should carefully examine the ball and remember its correct position in order to act correctly in the future.

Upon completion of the repair of the single-lever mixer tap, the cold and hot water is reconnected and the quality of the repaired device is checked. If problems are still observed, the cartridge may be installed incorrectly or there is some additional damage to the mixer. The process of repairing devices of this type is discussed in detail in the following video:

Overview of common breakdowns

Replacing a cartridge or ball valve is only one way to repair a single lever valve. There are other breakdowns of devices of this type, which will require different means and methods to eliminate them. The most common problems associated with joystick mixers are:

• cracked device case;
• clogged aerator;
• problems with the supply pipes or flexible hose;
• incorrect position or wear of rubber gaskets;
• water leakage through the shower head;
• trouble with the flow switch on the shower hose.

It is usually relatively easy to diagnose the problem, since each situation has characteristic symptoms. Sometimes you have to fix several breakdowns at the same time. This usually occurs when using low-quality plumbing or non-compliance with the operating conditions of the mixer, which leads to increased loads.

Crack in the device body

If water flows out from under the faucet, it is highly likely that its body is cracked or leaky somewhere. Such a situation can arise suddenly, for example, if a heavy object is accidentally dropped onto the mixer. Sometimes gaps appear gradually, under the influence of exposure to water for a long time.

In any case, it is almost impossible to completely eliminate such a breakdown. The most reliable way to repair is to completely replace the body of the device, but usually the old mixer is simply dismantled and a new model is installed. A sealant is used as a temporary measure.

Usually, the crack is simply sealed over with a suitable compound, for example, “cold welding”. Before starting work, you should study the instructions for use of the sealant, and carefully follow the manufacturer's recommendations. But a mixer repaired by such methods will look very unpresentable. Over time, the sealant will crumble, you will have to repeat the repair over and over again. Therefore, after filling the crack, you should immediately plan the purchase and installation of a new mixer.

Replacing a worn gasket

If the faucet is leaking from the bottom and the body is not cracked, the gaskets between the tap and the flexible water hoses may have worn out. This problem is relatively easy to fix. To begin with, you should shut off the flow of hot and cold water to the mixer.

If the rubber gaskets under the mixer ball are worn out or installed incorrectly, the faucet may make a lot of noise and even leak.

In this case, some water will still remain in the mixer itself. You need to open the tap and drain this water. Now it is necessary to disconnect the hoses through which the water enters the mixer. There is also residual water here, so you should put a bucket below, and a rag will not hurt to collect accidentally spilled water.

When the flexible connections are disconnected, you need to unscrew the fixing nut, which is located under the sink and holds the mixer in the correct position. There is a gasket under the nut. If it looks worn, cracked, or deformed, it is most likely the cause of the leak.

These gaskets are sold at any plumbing store, or you can cut a suitable piece from a piece of rubber. Before installing the gasket, it is recommended to clean the installation site from accumulated dirt. Then you need to assemble the system in the reverse order: tighten the fixing nut, connect flexible connections, restore the water supply. After that, you need to open the tap to check the operation of the device.

Aerator problems

A small nozzle, put on the mixer spout, cuts the water flow into separate streams and artificially increases its volume. The holes in this nozzle are small, if the tap water contains contaminants, they can easily become clogged. Sometimes problems arise due to the fact that the aerator is simply rusted.

The aerator - the nozzle on the faucet spout - can become clogged, reducing the flow of water. Helps to solve the problem of flushing the aerator or replacing it

A characteristic sign of this problem is a decrease in water pressure at one point, for example, in the kitchen. At the same time, water comes from other taps in the same quantity. If the aerator was removed, and after that the flow of water from the mixer increased markedly, then the cause of the breakdown can be considered accurately established.

The solution to this problem is very simple. Usually the aerator can be easily unscrewed from the spout. After that, it must be washed or the dirt removed in another way. You can even install a new aerator if possible. After that, the previous water pressure will be restored. Some people refuse to use an aerator, but in this case, using the mixer will not be so comfortable.

If the pipes are clogged

Is the aerator in order, and the flow pressure has noticeably weakened? It is almost certain that the pipes or flexible supply lines that supply hot and cold water to the mixer are clogged. This problem is especially common in older plumbing systems with metal pipes. In the process of corrosion, metal particles accumulate inside, reducing or completely blocking the lumen.

If the flexible hoses that supply cold and hot water to the mixer are clogged, they must be removed and cleaned or replaced with new ones.

First, you should turn off the water, and then proceed to eliminate the breakdown. Flexible hoses are very simple. They need to be removed, washed, cleaned and reinstalled. If the contamination is too serious, you can simply install new hoses. With pipes, things are a little more complicated. To clean them, use a "snake" cable.

In this case, the part of the pipe in which dirt has accumulated should be disconnected from the water supply system, and after cleaning it should be reinstalled. Sometimes such a section of the water supply system is replaced and new structures are installed. If the pipes are old and often get dirty, it makes sense to think about upgrading the plumbing system and installing plastic pipes, which are much less prone to corrosion than metal structures.

Bathroom faucet

A more complex mixer is usually installed on the side of the bathroom than in the kitchen, since here, in addition to the usual spout, a shower head is used. Added to the problems described above are breakdowns associated with the mechanism for switching the flow of water from the spout to the shower head and vice versa.

Single-lever mixer designed for installation on the side of the bathtub, supplemented with a mechanism for switching the flow to the shower head. If the gaskets of this mechanism are worn out, they must be replaced.

It happens that the water gradually leaks through the shower head. This indicates wear on the upper gasket of the device. It is relatively easy to fix the problem. It is necessary to remove the retaining nut and the shower hose that it holds. This will provide access to the top gasket.

This element is taken out and replaced with a new one, which can be bought or even cut out of a rubber sheet, which is about three to four millimeters thick. Of course, the place where the new gasket is installed must be cleaned of accumulated dirt. After repairing the faucet in the bathroom, the shower hose is reinstalled and the faucet is checked.

But if problems arise with the gasket, which is located at the bottom of the mixer, it will be a little more difficult to fix the breakage. Outwardly, such a problem is expressed in the fact that the control lever of the shower head is not held in the correct position and lowers, preventing the water from switching.

First you need to turn off the hot and cold water supply to the bathroom faucet, then unscrew the nut and remove the shower head. Then the adapter and the mixer outlet are sequentially dismantled. To get to the gasket located underneath, you will have to remove all the “stuffing” of the mixer. After that, the gasket is replaced and the device is assembled in the reverse order.

It so happens that the gaskets are not worn out, but they do not fit or are installed incorrectly. This is not uncommon when the gaskets are cut by hand. If the mixer starts to make a lot of noise when opening the water, it makes sense to check the condition of the gaskets. Usually it is enough to cut them off or just slightly change their position. If the gaskets are not at fault, additional noise can usually be eliminated by installing filters.

How to prevent malfunctions?

The condition of the mixer and its service life depends on several factors:

• tap water quality;
• correct installation of the water supply system;
• quality of a particular mixer model.

Inexpensive faucets may look attractive, but they don't last long. The body and the internal mechanism, made of low-quality materials, break down quickly and often. The quality of the water and the design of the plumbing system are interdependent factors. As soon as flaws in the installation of pipes become obvious, they must be immediately eliminated.

Coarse filters can significantly increase the service life of a single lever mixer. This useful device should not be neglected. Water hardness must be taken into account at the stage of purchasing the device. On the packaging and / or in the passport of the mixer, it is indicated for what water hardness the product is designed. You should correlate this data with information about the quality of water in your own home.

The aerator is another useful factor that can have a positive effect on the condition of the mixer. The device cuts the water flow into separate jets, which visually increases the flow volume. This allows you to reduce the amount of water entering through the mixer, which leads to savings in water and device life.