How to mix the mixer in the kitchen. Elimination of leakage at the fixing point of the spout. What does the ball mixer consist of?

Single-lever faucets in recent years literally flooded the market of household plumbing. And this is not strange, since these devices, despite the simple internal organization, have a high level of reliability, and their repair costs a penny. Why are the lever mixers so common and how to repair such a device yourself?

In the modern sanitary ware market there are quite a lot of different mixers, which differ both in external and internal components. Some of them have built in temperature sensors and wiring diagrams, thanks to which you can set the temperature of the water as accurately as possible, while others are very simple. The latter can safely be attributed hinged cranes, which are as easy to install and maintain.

The main advantage of single-lever mixers is the absence of any metal elements inside the main device (cartridge). Instead, they are equipped with parts made of ceramics. They are not corroded and are not afraid of direct exposure to water. The only thing that can lead to their premature destruction is poor quality and unfiltered water. In spite of the fact that primitive filters are already installed in cartridges inside the mixer, in some regions of our country they are simply useless. Therefore, it is desirable to take care in advance of installing at least a local system of additional water filtration.

Another plus of single-lever mixers is their modern and minimalist design. In the field of the person's vision, only the basic elements fall, and the water supply, the main mechanisms are carefully hidden from outside views.

People choose these mixers not only because of the simplicity of the design or external characteristics, but also simple control and economy. You do not need to adjust the optimum temperature each time, just once you put the lever in the desired position.

Before proceeding to the main reasons for the breakdown, it is necessary to consider what the standard representative of single-lever mixers consists of:

• a lever for adjusting and supplying water;
• adjusting rod on which the lever is attached directly;
• a housing inside which is either a hinged valve or a plastic cartridge with a ceramic filling;
• adjustment ring, steam and adjusting cuffs.

The main causes of failure

Since there are several types of single-lever mixers in the market of sanitary devices at the moment, we will consider the most common types of breakdowns, as well as the reasons for their occurrence.

The main causes of failure:

Repair of the mixer: the operating procedure

Before starting to repair the mixer, it is necessary to cut off the water supply. After the water has been blocked, we open the tap and wait for the remains to drain. Since all work will be done in the immediate vicinity of the surface of the sink, it is desirable to cover it with a cloth. It is enough to put an unnecessary rag in the place where the mixer is located.

The following procedure may vary slightly, depending on the model and type of mixer used, but the overall repair pattern looks something like this:

1. First we need to get rid of the special from the decorative plug, which is on the front of the mixer. It is an indicator of cold and hot water. Under the cap is a fixing screw, which must be unscrewed.
2. Removes the lever itself. It is not necessary to exert unnecessary efforts, since mixers are most often made from cheap metal alloys and it is easy to damage the structure. If the lever does not lend itself, then you can pour it with hot water for several minutes.
3. Under the lever is a decorative dome, which also needs to be carefully removed.
4. Next, we need to remove the clamping nut, which is responsible for ensuring that the structure is in place.
5. Depending on the type of mixer, there may be both a distributing ball and other elements of the hinge mixer inside, and a plastic cartridge with ceramic discs inside. In the first case, you need to check the integrity of the ball itself, check the condition of the gaskets, seals and springs that hold the valve in place. If necessary, we replace the elements. If you have a cartridge installed, then carefully remove it and go to the nearest store, where we are looking for a replacement.
6. Leakage can also occur directly under the spout. In this case, it is necessary to replace the old seals.
7. Under the cartridge, as a rule, there are rubber saddles, which eventually become unusable. We wash away the remains of dirt and other debris that got in the process of exploitation.
8. In case of replacement of the cartridge, before installing a new one, it is necessary to thoroughly clean the seat itself of corrosion and rust. During installation, make sure that the latches are precisely in the grooves, otherwise the mixer will not work properly.

If the repair does not have a visible effect or only partially corrected the problem, then you need to find other possible causes of the problem. Let's consider other possible problems:

1. The obstruction of the aerator leads to the fact that the water pressure is very different from that in the bathroom. To fix the problem, it is necessary to remove this element and thoroughly clean it. If the cause of its malfunction is rust, then it is necessary to completely replace this element.
2. A strong tap noise when the water is applied may indicate that it is not suitable for the size of the gasket. This is especially true when you cut it yourself. In this case, we disassemble the mixer and cut the gaskets.
3. The water pressure in the faucet can also be significantly reduced due to the obstructions of the connecting flexible hoses or water pipes. After cleaning the mixer, change the hoses to new ones, as deposits may form on old ones, which will lead to a repeated breakage of the cartridge or hinge.
4. If the mixer is in the bath and during the bathing process, the water directing switch is lowered independently, then it is necessary to replace the gasket that is hidden under the spool. The mixer for this is not necessary to dismantle, just unscrew the nut and remove the hose itself, then change the gasket and return everything to its proper place.
5. The lower gasket is much more difficult to replace, since it is necessary not only to disconnect the hose, but also to remove the adapter together with the spout. Further, the switch, the eccentric and the spool are completely delivered, after which we change the gasket and collect everything in the reverse order.

Self-repair single-lever mixer at home is inherently simple and does not require special skills in the field of sanitary engineering. The only thing you need to constantly remember - such devices do not like ill treatment.

If you think about the simplicity of repair, then you need to consider in advance what type of mixer you will install. It can be a product both on a hinged basis, and on cartridges. The first are less whimsical to the quality of water, and the latter can be repaired in a matter of minutes, since most faults affect the cartridge itself. The average cost of such a cartridge is 100-150 rubles, which can not but rejoice, although to choose the right model, you will have to take with you an old spare part. This is due to the fact that each manufacturer is trying in every way to improve their products and at the moment you can find dozens, if not hundreds of different models. Especially with such a craving for something new, the products differ from the Chinese manufacturer.

Also there are ball mixers. Their device looks like this:

They also have a "torso," but inside they have a ball, which is actually responsible for regulating the water. Under the handle, which is fixed with a screw, is a metal cap that holds inside the entire valve mechanism. Also inside there is a figured washer, which serves as a regulator of the angle of rotation of the lever, and it fits snugly against the ball itself. The bottom is not much different from the previous mixer.

Types of attachment:

1. Hairpins. Just twist the nuts from the studs, and lift the mixer up.

1. Nut. You just need to unscrew this nut.

Many masters advise to remove the sink entirely, which will make it easier to work with the mixer, at the same time it will be possible to renew the sealant. If you still want to overhaul the mixer, it is worth buying a set of hoses in a flexible metal braid, only be sure to check the length. You can also try hard cabling from metal-plastic pipes. On the one hand, you will need to buy special adapters

But on the other hand, this method of liner will last very, very long.

Before starting any work, do not forget to block the cold and hot water, and open the tap to reduce pressure, well, and of course drain all liquids. If you disconnect the pipes, then take a bucket to drain the remaining water. Repair of the single-lever mixer is very neat.

What symptoms will tell you what the problem is in the mixer:

Step-by-step instruction for repair: how it is arranged and how to disassemble

If the same problem, but in a ball mixer, then you need to do this:

1. Remove the handle of the mixer. This is not much different from a cartridge mixer.
2. After his removal, we take out the cam with the puck. It can be cleaned immediately from any rubbish. Excess will not be.
3. Next we take out the ball itself, and carefully examine it. To begin with, consider the upper washer, it should just be cleaned. If the ball itself looks worn, then only replacement will help. If the springs do not tighten the saddles to the valves, then it is necessary to replace both, and then. It's not very difficult. You attach them with a screwdriver and pull them out.
4. Well, in general, that's all. Also, the problem may be in lime scale, or in the wear of mechanical components.
5. A weak pressure? Padding may be pinched on the piping, poor permeability of pipes or hoses. It is also worth mentioning about the aerator, this is such a mesh on the end of the crane. If something is not good with the water flow, then it's worth removing this mesh, and cleaning it, it's done very simply, you can use a needle, or you can use a strong head of water. If anything, it can be changed, the price is small, so you can sometimes afford to replace them. However, if a similar situation occurs often, it makes you think about what makes sense if you put at least mechanical filters. This will greatly prolong the operation of the device and the life of the shell.

On the whole, repairing the mixer in the kitchen with your own hands is not such a difficult task. In principle, in order to sort through the entire sink, it will take you one day. But do not rush. Do everything you need as accurately and carefully. But the easy and clear device of this mixer corresponds to the ease of its repair.

Sound of dripping water irritates any person and increases bills for payment utilities, and its cause is a malfunction of the crane. But it is not necessary to invite experienced plumbers to work, you can perform repairs ball mixer  in the kitchen with their own hands, because some of the breakdowns are very simple and eliminate them quite easily.

When is it necessary to repair the kitchen faucet

The convenience of the ball mixer is that it can be turned on and off with one hand. It has much fewer parts and to repair the broken one. plumbing fixture  much easier. Repair is required in such cases:

- if the water flows from under the flywheel;

- a leakage occurs through the drain nut;

- flows in the gap between the external thread and the valve head.

The procedure for repairing the ball mixer in the kitchen with your own hands

Examine the mixer, it can be a small crack or chip, glaze them with sealant. If the crack is large, then it is better to change the valve to a new one. If there are no visible changes, and the mixer is still flowing, then the problem is exactly in the gasket.

Remove the tap to replace it and carry out the following work:

- Disassemble the mixer. Carefully unscrew the nuts on the body of the crane. In some models, the nut is hidden under another body, so that the product looks more beautiful;

- Slide the casing, and you can get to the fasteners. In the handle of the additional housing there is an opening under the hexagonal key and from it start to disassemble the valve;

- the upper seal of the ball is located just below the nut. Inspect the ball and gasket, especially carefully inspect top  ball, there are holes in the valves. In its body there are three holes with rubber seals. The holes are supported by springs, and they are removed with a screwdriver. If the springs are broken, this can also cause leakage. The broken spring must be replaced.

Before starting the repair of the ball mixer in the kitchen, you must turn off the water supply. Prepare a container where the remaining water in the tap will drain.

If the springs are all right, then the breakdown is exactly in the gasket. Buy a new gasket in the building store. After replacing it, carefully tighten the nuts, a strong tightening of the joint can also serve to wear the gasket. For friction parts, use a slightly non-toxic silicone ointment, and with it the mixer will work twice as long.

Video repair of ball kitchen mixers

If you do not know how to repair the ball mixer in the kitchen video of such plumbing works will help to understand this simple work. Such video lessons helped not one person to easily cope with this problem, because everything is shown very clearly and all actions are accompanied by detailed explanations.

After repairing the ball kitchen faucet you will no longer be upset by the sound of dripping water. But this annoying phenomenon can be prevented even in advance - before the installation of the mixer. The likelihood of a quick breakdown will be much reduced if you install water filters on the water pipes.

If swallowed kitchen faucet, then do not immediately rush into the store for a new one. Often it can be repaired on their own quickly and easily. Let's try to figure out how to repair different types of mixers.

We make ball valves

Most often in the kitchen pose ball valve. It is convenient and simple, it works without fail. Turning one handle is much more pleasant than twisting two valves. In addition, the design of the ball valve also determines its reliability - it is simple and devoid of unnecessary parts, capable of failing at the wrong time.

However, the ball valve breaks sooner or later and begins to flow. And here we are faced with an unpleasant thing - the special design of the ball valve, which determines its reliability at the same time and makes it difficult to repair it yourself. The fact is that the mixer mechanism is non-separable and the most important mechanisms are included in the cartridge, which is not disassembled. If one part fails, you will have to replace the entire cartridge.

Consider now more detailed other breakdown of the ball valve:

• Cracks in the shell;
• Breakdown of gaskets;
• The cartridge is clogged.

Cracks in the body can only be repaired by hand if the crack is small. In this case, you can apply a sealant. It will stop flowing for a while.

If the gaskets are worn, they should be replaced:

• Shut off the water supply;
• Remove the mixer, for which the springs and the nut securing it are loosened;
• Replace the gasket;
• Collect the mixer back.

It is important: when replacing the gasket in any faucets, it is necessary to select a gasket of the appropriate diameter. Correctly selected gasket fits into place with effort.

If the cartridge is clogged, then you can not do anything with it yourself - you will have to replace the entire cartridge. To do this, after mixing the water and drain the water, remove the mixer. Then a decorative cover is removed, the lever is removed and the cartridge is removed. The old cartridge is discarded and a new one is installed in its place. Then the tap is going back.

Sometimes the cause of malfunction and difficult water supply is the aerator clogging. Repair such a malfunction with your own hands at all is not difficult. It is necessary to unscrew the aerator and open the tap - if the water begins to flow with the same force, then the problem is exactly in the aerator. In this case, the aerator is washed, freed from debris and put back on. Sometimes the aerator is already completely destroyed. Then it is changed to a new one.

Important: If the tap is OK, the aerator too, and water is difficult to feed, then there is clogging in the pipes or hoses. Only the cleaning of pipes or their replacement with modern plastic will help here. But with the fixing of the mixer this is not connected at all.

Repair ball-type mixer ball type (video)

Bathroom faucet repair

If the water stops flowing from the shower, but it flows perfectly out of the tap, then the spool seals are worn out more likely. If the top gasket fails, it will not even be necessary to remove the mixer. It is enough to remove the shower hose and change the gasket. If the problem is not eliminated, then it turned out to be in the lower gasket and you have to remove the mixer yourself. Again, it is necessary to first turn off the water, then remove the spout and adapter, take out the eccentric and get to the spool. Then it remains only to replace the gasket and collect the tap in the reverse order.

Important: gaskets for the spool are rarely on sale, so they will have to cut out of their own hands from thick rubber. Rubber should be 3 mm thick.

Bathroom faucet repair (video)

Repair of a two-ventilated mixer

Repair of two-ventilated faucets for the kitchen is associated with the repair of worm mechanisms or axlebox cranes. Worm mechanisms are most often found in inexpensive cranes.

Leak of the worm gear: most likely the whole thing is the wear of the gasket. It only remains to replace the gasket by purchasing it in a store or cutting it out of thick rubber.

Procedure:

• Unscrew the valve body;
• Remove the old gasket;
• Put a new gasket;
• Wound the fum;
• Assemble the mixer.

Repair of the crane axlebox: the crane is very reliable mechanism - these mixers work for years, not bringing their owners. And all because the design is very simple. To leak such cranes begin, if they are shattered during operation. Repair the mixer in this case, it's easy - you just need to tighten the body nut and the leak will be stopped.

Repair of a two-valve mixer in the kitchen (video)

Repairing the cranes in the kitchen and in the bathroom with your own hands is not difficult. And does not even require the experience of plumbing work and a special knowledge of the mechanisms. All work can be done quickly, using the most accessible tool available in any home - a knife and a screwdriver.

Attention, only TODAY!

The kitchen faucet provides us with water dozens of times a day. Not surprisingly, it breaks down more often than in the bathroom. Before calling plumbing or buying new faucet, it is worth trying to repair it yourself.

If you are reading this article, it means that some of these failures happened to your mixer:

• The tap is leaking, water is dripping from under the handle;
• Water drips from the spout, even when the valves are closed;
• When the mixer is opened, a droning sound appears in the pipes;
• The jet of water is too thin;
• Single-lever mixer works "jerks";
• Water flows out from under the union nut on the spout;
• The lever of the crane is not fixed in the required position;
• Leak in the flywheel area (valve constructions).

What you need to repair

Before you start repairing the kitchen faucet yourself, you need to prepare all the tools and necessary components of the crane.

You will need:

• The key for hexahedrons;
• The key for adjustment;
• Knife-cutter;
• Screwdriver and hammer.

Also, repair requires additional materials - dry rags, grease. And if the tap is leaking, you will have to buy spare parts: a new cartridge or its parts (for a single-lever mixer), seal rings, crane-bushbox (for a two-piece design).

We are making a single-lever ball-type mixer

The reasons for which you want to repair the crane, there are four:

• Cracks, chips, caused by mechanical damage to the body;
• Litter in the cartridge between the seats and the ball;
• Wear wear;
• Blockage or rust of the aerator.

What if there was a defect on the case? You can try to repair it by cold welding - sealant (putty). But it, nevertheless, is a temporary measure, and soon it will be necessary to replace the mixer.

If the problem lies in the low water pressure, then, most likely, the reason is a clogged aerator. Then you need to get it, clean the mesh, for example, with a toothbrush, and then install it back.

Let's deal with the faults more seriously.

When the tap is flowing without visible damage, it is most likely a violation of the integrity of the gasket or the failure of the cartridge. In this case, a complete disassembly of the kitchen single lever mixer is required.

How to disassemble the tap? First, shut off the water and empty the remains of the tap. Then study the device of the single-lever kitchen faucet in the photo.

  Now start the repair step by step:

1. The screw is unscrewed on the main body. It is usually hidden behind a decorative cover, which must be removed with a screwdriver, as shown in the photo.

  Advice! You can disassemble and repair the device, even if you do not have an allen key at hand. For this, the fastening nut is gently taped with a hammer on the screwdriver.

1. The lever and cap are removed, and now we need to get the cartridge and inspect the whole device for defects. To do this, the washer-cam is unscrewed by the adjustable wrench.

1. The dismounted crane is inspected for defects: the gasket, the surface of the ball and the springs supporting the rubber seals in the holes are inspected. Sprung springs and a worn-out faucet, if necessary, are replaced. At this stage, you need to clean all the parts from the accumulated water deposits.
2. Most often, the flow from the tap arises from the resulting clog between the ball and valve seats in the cartridge. In this case, you just need to change it. The whole complexity of this task consists in the proper choice of the cartridge, and the repair of the mixer by its own hands is quite simple.

  Advice! Going to the plumbing shop for a new cartridge, take an old one with you, so as not to lose with the size, because the cartridges are not standardized - they are produced in a variety of diameters and materials.

The new cartridge is installed in such a way that its holes are aligned with the holes inside the mixer body. Then screw back the washer (first with your hands, then tightly, but not too tightly with a key).

  Also see our other materials:

1. We check the quality of our work by letting water out. If it does not leak, then proceed to the installation of the cap, and then the lever - we twist the screw in it and fasten the plug.

And how to change the gasket in the mixer? This is also quite easy. It is necessary to remove the old O-rings and change them to new ones, which we previously apply a little plumbing lubricant.

  Advice! For all rubbing parts of the product, use non-toxic grease on a silicone base. This will increase the service life of the structural elements by half.

How to fix this type of mixer? It is necessary to disassemble and replace worn out elements - a crane-axle and / or a gasket.

The sequence of work in this case will be as follows:

1. The water completely closes, after which the flywheel of the valve is put into operation so that the overpressure does not act on the part.
2. Next, you need to disassemble the design - for this, the decorative caps are removed and the screw securing the flywheel is turned out. This requires a screwdriver. Further, the old crane-box is replaced with a new suitable size, and the construction is assembled back.

1. If the gasket is worn out, it is simply removed, and a new one is installed in its place, lubricated with sanitary lubrication.

Often, faucet mixers need to be repaired due to the fact that the oil seal has leaked. Then it must be disassembled according to the same algorithm and replace the worn packing.

And sometimes in order to adjust the valve valve, it is enough just to tighten the stuffing box, as shown in the video:

  Advice! Replacement packing is only needed when the bushing is tightened tightly, and the leak is still present. As packing is used (for old mixers):

• Rubber tube of appropriate dimensions;
• Threads of sacking;
• Twine with impregnation from drying oil.

If you see that the carving has worn off on the details, it means that it's time to update the plumbing.

The ability to repair a kitchen faucet yourself is a great way to save money. However, not always repair can completely restore the efficiency of the crane and it is often easier to simply change the mixer in the kitchen.

Keep in mind that:

• The most durable are the structures of heavy metals (brass);
• The most substandard - Chinese or Turkish products from silumin;
• Convenience of the single-arm device is obvious - it is opened with one free hand. Also it is easier to repair, because the design of a smaller number of parts.