How to disassemble a single-lever mixer with your own hands. How to repair a kitchen faucet? Single lever mixer running

To equip bathrooms and supply cold and hot water, today there is a large selection of different mixers and taps on the market. Manufacturers offer these products in different versions, which allows you to choose a device for any room interior, taking into account individual preferences and their cost. However, in light of its aesthetic and functional features, the single-lever bathroom faucet is more popular.

Device Features

The demand for installation of single-lever faucets in apartments and houses is due to the simplicity and ease of use of such a faucet, as well as its laconic appearance. Controlling the temperature and water pressure, turning it on and off - all these actions with the mixer can be easily performed with one hand by turning the handle to a certain position.

Due to the specific nature of their design, such products are distinguished by their reliability, which allows the faucets to be used productively in bathrooms or kitchens for quite a long time.

Conventional water taps and wall-mounted mixers are gradually fading into the background, giving way to single-lever products. A joystick mixer includes a housing with a plate, inside which the supplied cold and hot water are mixed. The operating principle of the plate is similar to the functions of a lever, which indicates the simplicity of the design of such devices for supplying water. Most often, metal, ceramics or plastic are used to make faucets.

The design of single-lever faucets is a fairly new invention, but its positive features have already been appreciated by consumers, due to which it can be argued that such a product is better than a standard two-valve faucet with an axle box, especially in the bathroom. The product is quite often called a single-grip crane.

To have a clear idea of ​​the specific configuration of such a mixer, it is worth noting the main components of the product:

• lever;
• spout;
• housing and retainer;
• cartridge or ball mechanism;
• gaskets, fastening nut and hoses.

The main feature of a single-handle faucet with a cartridge is the absence of metal parts inside the device. It consists of ceramic elements that are resistant to corrosion processes and tolerate direct contact with water.

However, premature damage to such spare parts can be caused by unsatisfactory quality of tap water, which negatively affects the condition of the parts. To reduce the likelihood of breakdowns associated with low-quality liquid, manufacturers of plumbing fixtures install filters inside the mixer, but they do not always cope with the task, since in some regions of Russia the condition of the water is quite deplorable.

Knowing this feature of the product, you can prepare in advance for such situations by installing additional water purification systems, which will allow you to avoid situations related to the need for premature repair of a single-lever mixer.

Advantages and disadvantages

The products described have a number of positive qualities:

• Single lever faucets used for bathtubs, washbasins or sinks are very convenient to use. To supply water at the required temperature, there is no need to unscrew several valves, which means it is easy to use. By moving the lever, you can control not only the temperature due to the fact that cold and hot water is mixed directly inside the tap, but also the pressure.
• Due to the fact that the type of sanitary tap in question is designed quite simply, the product has a long service life. This advantage is due to the absence in the design of parts that rub against each other during operation, which leads to their wear.
• Simple and quick installation of the mixer has a positive effect on consumer demand, since purchased products can be easily installed with your own hands without the involvement of specialists.

• In addition to functionality, single-lever universal faucets stand out from double-valve faucets with a more attractive and laconic appearance. On sale you can find products for hidden installation in a “retro” style.
• Expensive models are distinguished by a wide angle of water temperature adjustment. Products acquire this property through the use of high-quality raw materials, as well as due to the specific design.
• Due to simple adjustments, such taps make it possible to save the overall level of water consumption, which reduces utility costs.

Like any other product, the plumbing fixtures in question have some disadvantages:

• As for this type of single-lever mixer, such as a ball valve, these products have a weak side - the rubber gaskets wear out quite quickly. Therefore, to avoid more serious damage, it is worth replacing the seals every 24 months.
• Such faucets are very sensitive to various foreign inclusions, which are often contained in tap water. This applies to sand and other abrasive substances.

To reduce the risk of breakdown, you should take care of installing purification filters for the water entering your home, which may involve additional costs.

• Cheap cartridge mixer products are difficult to regulate the temperature, this is due to the fact that the taps are provided with a minimum angle of control of the temperature of the supplied liquid.
• Single-lever mixers have little repairability, which makes it impossible to repair them yourself, as a result of which all repair work will be reduced to replacing some structural element. Most often these are gaskets or a cartridge. Timely preventive maintenance measures will help extend the service life of the device.

Kinds

The classification of single-lever mixers is based on the internal structure of the device. On this basis, two main types of valves can be distinguished - ball and cartridge:

• Ball the mixer has a special element located inside the device. It is a metal ball with three holes. Each hole in it is responsible for supplying a certain water; in the last hole, this part mixes them, leading them to the tap itself. Typically, the container inside the ball is called a mixing ball chamber. This part is adjustable using a rod and has rubber seals. The water supply level is adjusted as the ball moves. This type of mixer has a long service life due to the features of its design.

• Cartridge The single-lever faucet contains a disk instead of a ball; two ceramic plates act as its base. The lower part of the cartridge has three holes for water supply. The liquids are mixed at the top. The principle of operation of such a device is to adjust the positions of the plates with holes for cold and hot water so that the holes are in contact with the mixing chamber located at the top of the disk. Silicone processing compound is used to ensure smooth joystick movement.

It is these faucets that are prone to frequent breakdowns due to impurities contained in the water.

How to troubleshoot?

Not every malfunction in a single-lever water supply device can be repaired. As for replacing the cartridge, it is necessary in the following situations:

• if it leaks;
• when the tap is opened to maximum, the water pressure remains very weak;
• when the operating device supplies water to both the shower and spout.

To perform repairs, you must have the following set of tools:

• screwdriver and wrench;
• pliers and knife.

The main thing is that before disassembling the device, you need to turn off the water supply to it.

Scheme of repair work:

• First of all, you need to remove the plugs on the lever. To remove the lever, the screw is unscrewed.
• Then the nuts are removed from the body using a wrench, after which you can remove the cartridge.

If the problem is a leak, the cartridge must be replaced with a new part. When purchasing spare parts, it is worth considering that replacement elements may have different hole diameters and clamps located in the bottom plate. It is best to take the part that has become unusable with you when going to the store. This will help you make the right choice. After purchasing a new cartridge, assembly of the mixer is carried out according to a similar scheme, but in reverse order.

If the device is faulty due to wear of the oil seal, it must be replaced. The work procedure in this case includes the following steps:

• Having fixed the lever in the closed position, you need to remove the shower hose;
• Using pliers for work, the switch button is removed from the housing;
• Then the adapter is removed from the spout and the oil seal is replaced.

As for ball mixers, it will not be possible to repair them; device malfunctions associated with the sealing material can be considered an exception to the rule. Weak water pressure will indicate the presence of debris in the aerator. Most often, the faucet makes noise and creaks during operation. To resolve the problem, you must perform the following steps:

• remove the aerator and rinse it under running water;
• then install the part back, securing it with a clamping nut.

Work on replacing old rubber bands is carried out as follows:

• First of all, you need to remove the lever;
• a two-component element is removed from the body, where the black part is a seal that needs to be put in order or replaced;
• if the above steps did not help solve the leak issue, you need to replace the lower rubber band;
• after this, the ball is inserted back and secured with a nut;
• The last step will be to install the mixer handle.

To ensure more productive operation of the single-lever mixer after replacing the rubber bands, it is worth additionally using silicone lubricant.

A single-lever bathroom faucet has a switch that controls the flow of water either through the faucet or through the shower head. This device may experience various malfunctions over time. The most common problems:

• There are often cases when water enters the bathtub from two sources at once. This is a sign of problems with the valve seals.
• Over time, the water supply switch button works hard, as a result of which it does not return to its normal position. The cause of this malfunction is a broken rod spring.

As for spool valve gaskets, the main catch will be that they are not sold separately. These components are usually included in the mixer kit. If one is not available, then the way out of the situation is to make your own elastic band. A homemade product will help eliminate faucet malfunction for a while.

The switch itself has two seals, which are located in the upper and lower parts of the spool. If the upper rubber band has become unusable, the switch cannot be disassembled, since to replace the part it will be enough to remove the cap and install a new element. The lower rubber installation option requires disassembling the switch.

The principle of replacing products is as follows:

• place the lever in the closed position and disconnect the shower hose;
• remove the cover and unscrew the screw;
• after which you can remove the button and spool and replace the seals;
• The assembly of the device is carried out according to the same scheme, starting from the end.

Single-lever faucets attract with their laconic design and ease of control of water flow. Turning on the water, changing its temperature and pressure - all this with one turn of the handle. These devices are reliable and have a long service life—some branded ones come with a 5-year warranty. However, repair of a single-lever faucet is periodically necessary.

Types of single-lever mixers and their design

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

The design may be different, the structure remains the same

Cartridge mixer: structure

Cartridge mixers are so named because their shut-off and control mechanism is hidden in a special cartridge flask. In more expensive faucet models, the cartridge body is made of ceramic, in cheaper ones - from plastic. The good thing about these models is that they are easy to repair, but it is not always easy to achieve the required pressure with them - you need 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 faucet with a cartridge is simple. If you go from top to bottom:

• Switch with fixing screw.
• Locking (clamping) nut.
• Cartridge. The water flows are mixed in it, and the same device shuts off the water.
• The mixer body, which has a “seat” for the cartridge.
• Fasteners, studs and gaskets to ensure tightness.
• Spout (gander). It can be a separate part - in rotary models for the kitchen or part of the body - for sinks in the bathroom.
• If the spout is separate, gaskets are also installed below and there is also part of the body.

The cartridge itself contains several (usually 4) ceramic or metal disks of a special shape. A rod is welded to the upper disk. 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 normally, the plates are ground very tightly. For this reason, cartridge single-lever faucets are very demanding on water quality. Foreign fragments getting between the plates causes the faucet to leak or stop working altogether. To avoid this, some manufacturers install filters on the incoming pipes. But, it’s better to 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 the water is mixed - a ball with cavities. The ball is usually metal, hollow inside. Its outer part is polished to a shine. The ball has three holes - two for the entry of cold and hot water, one for the exit of already mixed water. A rod is attached to the ball, which fits into a cavity in the handle. This rod with a rigidly attached ball changes the temperature of the water and its pressure.

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

How to disassemble and repair a faucet with a cartridge

Repairing a single-lever cartridge faucet often involves reassembling and cleaning the O-rings. Salts are deposited on them, debris and dirt accumulate, which is why the faucet begins to leak. To eliminate this nuisance, the mixer is disassembled, all parts are wiped of dirt (with soapy warm water), rinsed, dried, and put back in place.

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

That's all. The single lever mixer with cartridge was disassembled. As you can see, there are not many details. The main working part is the cartridge. It is in it, inside, that mixing occurs.

Replacing the cartridge

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

Cartridges for “one-arm” faucets

Cartridges for mixers have different diameters, and the inlets and outlets in the lower part are located differently. Therefore, if you need to replace it, first you disassemble the mixer, get the treasured part and go to the store or market with it. You must choose exactly the same model without any deviations. At home, install the cartridge into the housing, turn it slightly until you feel that it “sits” in place. Next is assembly, it goes in reverse order.

First install the clamp nut. Actually, at this stage you can check how the new cartridge works. Turn on the water, adjust the temperature and pressure with the stem. To make it more convenient, you can put a handle on the rod. If everything is fine, continue assembly.

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 nothing to break. If problems arise, it is only due to poor quality water - dirt particles settle on the rubber saddles on which the ball rests. The contact deteriorates, water leaks out and the faucet begins to leak.

Some ball valves are also available with a cartridge. Only inside the cartridge there are not plates, but a ball. Disassembly of this type is no different from that described above. All the difference is hidden inside the flask. There are also other types of taps. In them, the locking ball is installed directly into the rubber seat. There are some minor differences here.

The faucet lever is removed in the same way - first remove the plug, then unscrew the screw with a hexagon. Pull the lever up and remove it. Afterwards the steps are very simple and similar to those described above:

• We unscrew the cap, preferably by hand, since it is usually made of thin metal and is easy to bend.
• We unscrew the clamping nut, there is a washer under it, remove it too.
• Access to the ball has opened. Pull the rod and take out the ball.
• Under the ball there are two saddles, with springs so that the elastic bands are pressed more tightly to the ball.

That's it, sorted it out. Next comes the repair of the single-lever mixer. In theory, the problem is that deposits have accumulated at the contact point between the ball and the seat. They need to be removed - carefully clean and wipe. There may be problems with the springs. Dirt sometimes accumulates on them too, but more often they simply lose their elasticity.

The third source of problems is the ball itself. In general, it should be made of stainless steel; accordingly, it only needs to be cleaned of deposits. In reality, this is not always the case - cheap faucets have appeared even with plastic balls or made of cheap metal. In this case, peeling of the surface or other similar troubles may occur. Such a locking element will no longer work normally. It needs to be replaced. You also go to the store with the ball and select a replacement of the appropriate size. Assembling the mixer in the reverse order: springs from the seat, the seat is out of place, there is a ball on it, etc. When assembling the entire structure, carefully center everything - misalignment will lead to rapid wear and the tap will leak again.

Repair of a single lever faucet with swivel spout

Faucets with a swivel spout are installed on sinks in the kitchen or bathroom. Periodically it starts leaking from under it. In this case, the locking mechanism is not to blame; it’s just that the gaskets have lost their elasticity or the lubricant has dried out.

In this case, disassemble the mixer as described above, then remove it by pulling the spout up. Remove all old gaskets. If they are stuck, you can use a flathead screwdriver or even a knife blade. You have to remove them, but they are still replaceable. Use the removed gaskets to select new ones. It is advisable that they be made of silicone, not rubber. Silicone is more elastic, retains its properties longer, and tolerates contact with water better.

Lubricate the new gaskets with plumbing silicone grease and install them in place. Reinstall the spout. It must be pressed down well so that it rests against the union nut on the mixer body. Next is the assembly of the rest of the mechanism.

A bathroom in our time is a complex complex of a wide variety of devices, plumbing connections and components. As for faucets, there can be two or three of them - it all depends on how many and what are installed in the bathroom. Any equipment tends to break down sometimes, and mixers are no exception, so you need to know what to do in these cases. Having detailed information and an algorithm of actions, you can easily fix minor faults with your own hands.

Types: design features

Every modern bathroom must have a faucet. Replacing a bath with an invigorating shower significantly saves water consumption. Sometimes the mixer fails, then repair or purchase of new components is required.

The faucet is one of the main devices in the bathroom; it is found in the bathtub, in the shower stall, and in the sink, if it is installed separately. Using this unit, you can regulate both the water pressure and its temperature.

The mixer comes in the following types:

• valve;
• single lever.

The first includes two valves, which, by rotating, allow you to achieve the desired water flow and temperature. The structure of such a unit is simple; if necessary, it can be easily disassembled and repaired. When working, it is important to follow the recommended sequence of operations; this is the best guarantee that there will be no unnecessary parts left after assembly.

Adjusting the water using the second type is that the lever rises upward and turns to the side. Inside this design there is a large ball, which has special slots and is in contact with the lever.

Through such slits, water at different temperatures enters and mixes. The water pressure is regulated by changing the angle of rotation of the lever.

The model with a ceramic cartridge has two plates that contact one another. The plates move relative to each other when the lever changes location. This allows cold and hot water to mix.

The axle box crane is reliably protected by seals, which can be:

• ceramic;
• rubber.

Valve head assemblies can be changed. The axle box crane, in turn, may consist of:

• from tees;
• from the pipes.

A tee connects several pipes; the second type is connected using special wiring.

The lever mixer is very popular, its main advantages:

1. ease of operation;
2. reliability;
3. looks aesthetically attractive;
4. ease of installation.

The design of such structures is simple; Unfortunately, it does not seem possible to repair them - the body is designed in such a way that it cannot be disassembled.

Switch Types

Switches from tap to shower can be of the following types:

1. cork;
2. push-button devices;
3. cartridge type.
4. spool valves

The most common and simplest are cartridge-type switches. Their main failure is wear of the rubber ring between the housing and the shift lever. The gasket rubber is exposed to an environment where there is both high humidity and mechanical stress. The destruction of the gasket is only a matter of time. Fixing the malfunction is not difficult; to do this, you should disassemble the device and replace the gasket.

What needs to be done to repair the faucet:

• shut off the water supply;
• disconnect the lever from the mixer;
• unscrew the screw from the switch;
• remove the switch;
• install a new ring;
• wrap FUM tape onto the thread in several layers;
• Put the lever in place, tighten the screw.

A common problem with spool switches is that the nut breaks; it secures the switch in the shower itself. Similar incidents occur when the materials from which the mixer is made are made of cheap silumin material.

• brass;
• bronze.

This type of problem can be resolved as follows:

• the mixer is disassembled;
• the hose unscrews from the shower;
• The bottom nut is unscrewed.

If the nut fails due to thread wear, it should be replaced with an analogue made of a higher quality material. After sanding, the device is assembled, lubricated with grease and put in place.

Breakdowns and their causes

Often breakdowns occur at switching points for other reasons:

• button failure;
• the passage of water simultaneously into the tap and shower hose;
• failure of the mechanism that controls the flow of water;
• abrasion of the gaskets in the push-button switch itself.

The leakage can be eliminated by changing the rubber rings. The push-button switch breaks due to the failure of the metal spring, which must be replaced.

If there is a decrease in water pressure in two-valve taps, then it is quite possible that a clogged aerator is to blame; it should be cleaned. It is also possible that the spool valves, which are responsible for the flow of water entering the tap and shower, may fail.

Such units from reputable manufacturers are designed for a long service life, so it is recommended to buy plumbing fixtures on trading platforms that have a good reputation. Each unit of goods must always be accompanied by genuine quality certificates and guarantees.

Trouble-shooting

In order to repair breakdowns, you should use the services of specialists with practical experience. In this case, it is good to have certain ideas about how mixers are designed and what types they come in.

Any mixer consists of several units:

• frame;
• rubber gaskets;
• crane axle box;
• decorative elements;
• valves;
• spool;
• adapter;
• crank.

The most common malfunctions occur in the form of leakage, they are:

• under the gander;
• under the mixer lever;
• under the mixer valve with two valves;
• at the connection points between the hose and the shower.
• Water may leak under the fastening nut due to wear of the gasket.

In this case, the repair can be carried out with your own hands; the qualifications of a plumber are not required.

Often, malfunctions can be easily eliminated by replacing a worn ring with a new partonite ring. When screwing on the gander, be sure to lay FUM tape so that the gaps are better sealed. A leak in a lever faucet occurs when the cartridge itself breaks. This type of problem can be resolved by replacing the cartridge. It can be of different sizes, it depends on the manufacturer. When purchasing a new cartridge, it is advisable to take the failed one with you; their compliance should be 100%.

The leakage from under the lever is eliminated in this way:

• first remove the plug, which is marked with a red and blue marker on the handle;
• the mounting bolt is unscrewed;
• the lever is removed;
• the cartridge is changed;
• the mixer is reassembled.

Leakage in a two-valve design occurs in most cases due to failure of the non-ceramic axle valve; in this case, it is recommended to replace the axle box. It is also common for this type of device to wear out rubber or silicone gaskets. To determine the breakdown, the assembly is disassembled (if it is ceramic).

• the plug is removed from the valve;
• the bolt is unscrewed;
• the plug is removed;
• the valve is unscrewed;
• the axle box crane is dismantled;
• the causes of the malfunction are found.

Repair should be done as follows:

• unscrew the fastening nuts;
• change gaskets;
• the thread is strengthened with FUM tape;
• all elements are reassembled in the same order.
• Problems most often arise with classic two-valve bathtub faucets. They can have a movable spout and be round or flat. Malfunctions occur in most cases due to wear of the gaskets located under the fastening nut. The reason is always the same: too hard water.

Causes of malfunctions of touchless faucets

There is only one reason for this, because this type of mixer is considered the most reliable: there are no components subject to mechanical stress.

Manufacturers provide warranties for these devices for at least five years.

Repairing touchless faucets is never an easy task. Breakdowns in them most often occur due to the failure of the sensors responsible for the flow of water. It is difficult to fix this kind of problem on your own; it would be wiser to delegate this work to a specialist.

There is a high probability that the cause of faucet failure may be too hard water, which contains an excessive amount of iron salts.

The most common breakdowns:

• The water jet is very thin. The simplest fault that can be easily fixed. Most often, this is observed when the aerator fails; this is a special device at the end of the spout. The aerator is usually made of metal or plastic;
• Switching between water supply modes is difficult. In this case, the switching mechanism is repaired.

• Both ceramic and rubber gaskets are suitable for the cores; they can be changed as needed. Silumin is an alloy of two elements: silicon and aluminum. Cheap faucet models are made from this material, which are extremely short-lived due to their fragility. Sometimes you can find spectacular-looking faucets for a low price. Most likely they are made of silumin; it is not recommended to buy them, because it can spontaneously burst or fall apart.

• When purchasing, you should pay attention to the external chrome plating; low-quality products often have poor quality.
• Brass faucets are quality products. It contains copper and zinc. The more copper in the alloy, the more likely it is that the product will last a long time. It is recommended to buy just such devices.

• To properly install the eccentrics, you should rewind them with a flight seal. You will need at least 8 turns of electrical tape (much depends on the thickness and density).
• When tightening the nuts, it is not recommended to overtighten them, so as not to damage the gaskets.
• To check for leaks, it is recommended to turn on the water after tightening the eccentrics. If there are no leaks, then you can continue working.
• Faucets with a turning gander can be mounted at different heights from 15 to 45 cm from the side of the bathtub. The installation must be carried out in such a way that the length of the shower hose is sufficient.
• A flexible hand shower is essential and only the user can select the optimal length.

Tools required:

• electric drill;
• hammer;
• pliers;
• adjustable wrench;
• wire cutters

Phases of work for installing a mixer:

• screwing eccentrics;
• installation of the main building;
• spout installation;
• shower installation;
• testing.

From the above it is clear that installation of the mixer is not difficult. If you strictly follow the proposed instructions, then all the work can be completed in half a day. If you have neither the minimum skills to work with plumbing nor the desire to understand its installation and repair, you can always entrust these tasks to professionals.

To learn how to repair a bathroom faucet with shower, watch the following video:

With one handle, it has a simple device - the main components are a body where the ebb is located, places for inserting into the sink and connecting communications, as well as a block for adjusting the water supply.

In almost all cases, repairing this mixer involves replacing the base or its elements. Let's take a closer look at what they are.

Types of control units

Most often in plumbing stores there are two types of taps - with ceramic cartridges and ball ones. They have advantages and disadvantages, which we will discuss in the comparison table.

Table 1. Popular types of cranes

View, illustration	Description
	The main part of such a device is a metal ball, in which there are openings for water and a special rod for the handle. So, during operation, this ball rotates from side to side to supply hot, cold or warm water. To seal, special rubber rings are installed near the inlet holes, thanks to which you can adjust the temperature (by turning the knob). The main advantage of such cranes is considered to be long-term operation and resistance to wear of internal parts, because the ball itself rarely breaks down, usually only the gaskets need to be replaced.
	It is worth noting that such models will eventually completely replace simple ball devices, because such an element can function for more than ten years without any problems. However, this only applies to high-quality products from reliable manufacturers. Cheap Chinese analogues often fail within a few days after purchase. The cartridge is a system of several elements installed inside a plastic base. On top of the body there is a lever where the handle is attached. There are also holes at the bottom for water of different temperatures. The main elements of this cartridge are ceramic parts that are located end to end. When you turn the handle, these plates also rotate, which allows you to regulate the temperature. Another advantage of such a device is the ability to quickly disassemble it and replace parts.

Difficulties in purchasing and using a faucet

In order to minimize the danger when purchasing and further using a crane, you must choose only products from a reliable manufacturer. A well-known brand with a reputation in the market guarantees that the device will serve you for many years without breakdowns.

Most often, control units are already available in plumbing - since they have a standard appearance, it is necessary to purchase a similar device, which will make it possible to immediately replace the unit or use some of its parts. In the future, if there is a breakdown, it will be possible to assemble one serviceable one from two blocks.

Most often, water enters the device through flexible hoses, which wear out quickly. Therefore, to avoid flooding of the kitchen or bathroom, an AquaStop valve is installed at the outlet of the water pipes.

It should be borne in mind that such a valve is only effective if the hose is torn off the pipe under water pressure. In other situations, it will not help avoid flooding.

Prices for popular faucet models

Faucets

What is required to repair a faucet?

To carry out repair work, you will need to disassemble the faucet without completely removing it from the sink. You will have to remove the handle yourself, unscrew the fasteners and connections - for this you will need a full set of specialized tools.

During the work you will need the following equipment:

• a set of keys - for unscrewing fasteners from the base of the mixer and reinforced hoses and dismantling bolts in devices with a hairpin fastening;
• Phillips screwdriver - needed to remove the handle.

When dismantling the mixer and hoses, you often have to deal with the fact that the parts are corroded or covered with a dense layer of lime, so it is recommended to pre-treat them with alkaline agents or WD-40 lubricant. This will simplify the process of dismantling and subsequent installation of these parts.

If there are gaskets in the flexible hoses and the mixer body, then additional seals in the form of tape or rubber rings are no longer used. If you have to change flexible hoses, it is better to choose stainless steel products with an American-type nut and a connecting part made of non-ferrous metal.

Cartridge faucet repair

Repairing a device of this type may require various steps. If the tap does not turn off completely and water is constantly dripping from it, then most likely you will need to replace the cartridge. If there is external damage to the body or sill, you will need to buy a new faucet and then install it.

Most often, the main components of the device - the adjustment block and the spout - fail. The adjustment unit becomes unusable when the device is used for a long time or the quality of the device is poor. In addition, a breakdown can occur if contaminated water with sand particles gets into the water supply system - then the internal plastic parts and the rod on which the lever rests are damaged.

The ebb tide stops working when the filtration nozzle (aerator) is clogged. Under the pressure of water, the walls of the mesh are damaged, which is why the faucet begins to leak.

Cartridge faucet repair: step-by-step instructions

Step one: First, you need to unscrew the outer cover of the mixer (it is a type of disk with marks for water supply at different temperatures). The flag itself is screwed onto a small screw. The screw can be found at the bottom and may have a different appearance.

If you have to remove an old faucet, then most likely there is rust inside, which will make it difficult to unscrew it, so removing the handle will only be possible by mechanical force. However, such repairs do not guarantee the continued functionality of the mixer.

Step two: the next step is to dismantle another decorative attachment. It looks like a lid and is fixed in the upper part of the base. It is secured with a ring nut, which can be unscrewed without any problems. If corrosion interferes with this process, the threads will also need to be removed by force. It does not perform any important functions, but serves only as a decorative element.

Step three: Now you need to inspect the appearance of the cartridge - this will allow you to understand how suitable it is for further use. If there is multiple damage or cracks on its surface, then all that remains is to replace the cartridge.

Sometimes in old faucets, the internal mechanism itself, where the cartridge is installed (where there are three holes for water supply), is subject to corrosion. Then you will need to replace the entire mixer, because repairs are impractical.

Step four: When replacing the unit, you must once again clean the internal parts of the housing from deposits using detergent. Next, you will need to secure the new cartridge, aligning it with the protrusions.

Video - Faucet repair with cartridge replacement

Errors that occur during the installation process

There are often cases when, after replacement, the cartridge does not function properly. The cause of the problem is that the rubber piece at the bottom prevents the locking tabs from getting in. In such a situation, you need to disassemble the tap again, and then tighten the clamping nut more tightly.

You should not twist the nut too much - this will lead to heavy movement of the handle and rapid breakdown of the internal elements. Therefore, it is necessary to achieve optimal clamping of the nut.

Repair of mixer with ball control units

If you have a mixer of this type, the main repair consists of replacing the rubber bands. In other cases, you will have to change the entire device. Before starting work, you will need to prepare materials in the form of special rings. Cleaning agents may also be required if there is a layer of dirt on the surface.

Main malfunctions of ball mixers:

• wear of the rubber ring located on top;
• damage to the surface of the ball with openings;
• wiping valves;
• spring wear.

If the mixer is repaired, you will need to first disassemble it to assess the extent of the damage.

Disassembling a ball mixer: step-by-step instructions

Step one: you need to unscrew the outer cover on the handle

Step two: Now, using a tool, you need to disconnect the top cap and remove the plastic fastening element with a rubber gasket in the form of a dome.

Repair features

Repairing such a device is not difficult. The following steps are required:

1. There is a need to change the connection point between the valve and the block head. It is placed in the opening of the base with a spring.
2. If there is visible damage to the ball itself, it cannot be repaired. The owner will have to purchase a new ball to replace it.
3. If the dome-shaped rubber band wears out, you will have to replace it with a new one. However, this rarely happens, because the washers are wear-resistant.

After dismantling all the parts, you need to go to a specialized store, where you will be able to purchase damaged elements. Then you have to assemble the mixer using the instructions. To avoid rubbing, it is recommended to lubricate the parts with machine oil.

Video - Repair of a ball mixer

Features of cleaning the aerator

A sign of a clogged aerator (fine mesh in the “spout” of the faucet) is poor water supply. This mesh is necessary to spray the flow of water into small streams in order to filter from polluting particles.

Cleaning the aerator: step-by-step instructions

Step one: First you need to prepare special products for cleaning the mesh - these can be various mixtures based on alkaline and other active components. If you do not have such means at hand, then you can use acetic acid or lemon juice.

Step two: In order to remove the aerator, it is necessary to remove the thread. This should be done carefully using a key. However, you should not try to strip the threads by mechanical force, as this will lead to irreversible damage. It is recommended to lubricate it with an oil solution, which will make the process easier.

Step three: Now you need to add lye or lemon juice to a glass or plastic container with hot water (the solution should be concentrated), and then place the dismantled aerator there.

Note! Alcohol, ammonia, and liquid soap can be used as auxiliary agents. In addition, for a visible effect, the container should be shaken several times after soaking the aerator.

Blockage in pipes

In some cases, after cleaning the filter nozzle, low pressure is still observed. The cause of this problem is often a blockage in pipes or flexible lines that blocks the flow of water.

Most often, such a nuisance is typical for outdated water supply systems where metal pipes are installed. Clogging occurs because rust particles accumulate in the pipes over the years and form a blockage.

If such a problem is detected, the first step is to shut off the tap water supply. In the case of flexible hoses, you will have to thoroughly clean them using a cable. However, this is only relevant when the blockage is minor.

The same should be done with water pipes in case of blockage. If contaminants are collected regularly, it is better to replace them. It is recommended to install modern plastic pipes, because they do not corrode.

Prices for special cleaning products

Special cleaning products

If the faucet is in the bathroom

The design of the faucet located in the bathroom usually has a complex shape compared to that used for the kitchen. In addition to the spout, there is also a shower head, so, in addition to the problems that we described above, difficulties arise with switching the flow of water from the tap to the water shower.

There are often cases when water begins to drip from the shower head. This happens due to wear of the rubber sealing ring, which is located in the upper part, so it will need to be replaced.

To replace the seal, disassemble the watering can by unscrewing the nut and supply hose. This way you can see the same gasket. Before installing a new rubber band, this place must be cleaned, after which the washer and liner should be re-fixed.

It is much more difficult to deal with the problem if the bottom gasket wears out. This happens when the lever is constantly in the wrong position. Here you will have to disassemble all the small parts of the structure, so you may need the help of a professional.

How to prevent breakdown?

In order to avoid various breakdowns of the mixer, you must adhere to the following rules during operation:

• It is not recommended to put pressure on the tap or hit it when a leak occurs - this will only aggravate the problem;
• it is necessary to replace failed internal elements as soon as possible;
• Installing filter devices for water supply will help to avoid the accumulation of limescale.

Note! When purchasing a new faucet, you need to pay attention to its accessories. Conscientious manufacturers must include detailed assembly instructions, as well as a warranty card.

It is important to take into account that if you replace certain parts, you should not save money - you need to purchase only high-quality copies.

Advantages and disadvantages of single handle faucets

Every device has some positive and negative sides. In order to make the right choice, it is necessary to consider them in detail.

Advantages of single lever mixers:

1. Simplicity of design. The cartridge is fixed to the monolithic base with only one nut. This means that the device can be quickly disassembled.
2. Breakage resistance. There are no small elements inside the structure, so it will last for many years without breakdowns.
3. Simple controls. With the advent of such models, the need to turn the valves disappeared. Simply lift the handle and move it to the desired position.
4. No repair difficulties. Most often, the repair consists of replacing the cartridge - even a technician without special experience can cope with such a problem.
5. Democratic price. The price of single-lever faucets is lower compared to touch models. However, this depends on the manufacturer, because there are also expensive European-made models on the market.

You may encounter disadvantages if you purchase cheap models, in which the washer connecting the body and the cartridge often wears out. Over time, this leads to corrosion, making it impossible to unscrew this washer.

Let's sum it up

You can repair single-lever faucets at home with a minimal set of tools, so only in rare cases do you have to turn to specialists for help. If you have minimal home repair skills, you can safely try to repair a broken faucet - it won’t take much time.

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It is not necessary to involve specialists. You can do the entire amount of work yourself. We suggest you learn how to disassemble a single-lever mixer and then repair it.

Read in the article

What does a mixer consist of - device and types

Before you begin renovation work, you should understand the structure of the kitchen or bath faucet. This type of faucet has one adjustment knob, secured under the cover plate with one screw. It can be spherical or with a cartridge.

The main element of modern single-lever models is the cartridge. Inside it, cold and hot water are mixed. It is housed in a case, inside of which there are three ceramic disks with holes. A special production technology allows for a tight fit of the discs, so they do not allow water to pass through.

During system operation, the two disks remain stationary. The movable disk is connected to the shift lever. When the position of the lever handle changes, the hole shifts to ensure the supply of a certain amount of cold and hot pipe, which mixes inside the housing.

Let's look at what a ball mixer consists of. The name is dictated by design features. The device includes a hollow ball made of stainless steel and placed in the faucet body. When you turn the handle, the ball is set in motion by a special pin, due to which water begins to flow from the tap. The presence of special gaskets ensures sufficient tightness of the system.

Required Tools

Before you figure out how to fix a faucet, you should prepare the necessary tools:

• small screwdriver;
• pliers;
• hex wrench;
• lubricants;
• Adjustable wrench.

You should also have a small piece of fabric available to protect the chrome elements during the removal process. To protect your hands, you should prepare gloves.

How to disassemble a single lever kitchen or bathroom faucet

In order not to damage the system elements during disassembly, we suggest learning how to disassemble a single-lever kitchen faucet. The sequence of actions will depend on the design features of the crane. Let's consider each type separately.

With cartridge

You can disassemble a single-lever faucet with a cartridge in the following sequence:

Illustration	Description of work
	Remove the decorative sleeve.
	We unscrew the lock using a small screwdriver, the tip of which has the shape of an octagon.
	Remove the cover of the single lever mixer. The unscrewed latch will be located inside.
	Set the lid and retainer aside. We remove the remaining elements.
	We unscrew the decorative trim by hand. Unscrew the nut securing the cartridge using an adjustable wrench.
	We take out the cartridge.

single lever mixer with cartridge

How to disassemble a ball mixer

Despite the widespread use of cartridge models, ball devices continue to be in demand. Let's look at how to disassemble a ball mixer with your own hands at home:

Illustration	Description of work
	Remove the decorative sleeve.
	Unscrew the lock.
	Remove the handle of the single-lever mixer.
	Unscrew the nut using an adjustable wrench. To avoid damaging the decorative coating, it is worth placing a small piece of fabric under the key.
	We take out the ball.
	We remove the remaining elements.

single lever ball basin mixer

How to fix a ball single lever faucet

The order of actions performed directly depends on the malfunction that has occurred. We suggest you figure out how to fix the mixer, depending on what problem arose during the repair work.

Clearing the blockage

The presence of such a problem is indicated by weak water pressure. To clear the blockage, you should:

• disassemble the single-lever mixer by removing the nut from the spout;
• remove and thoroughly rinse the mesh, removing all accumulated abrasive substances;
• install all structural elements back.

Replacing rubber seals

If the elements are not tightly sealed, the single-lever faucet begins to leak. In such a situation, it’s time to replace the rubber seals with new ones. You can do this as follows:

Illustration	Description of work
	Let's disassemble the tap. Remove the old seal.
	We install a new seal. We assemble the tap and make sure there are no leaks.

Troubleshooting the Switch

If difficulties arise when switching the operating mode of a single-lever faucet, you can correct the problem as follows:

Illustration	Description of work
	Let's disassemble the mixer.
	We remove the O-rings and install new ones in their place.
	We apply a special lubricant that will eliminate problems with switching the tap.
	We assemble the single-lever mixer and check the smooth movement of the switch.

When choosing a lubricant, you should pay attention to universal formulations offered by many manufacturers and with positive reviews:

Review of Silicot silicone lubricant:

More details on Otzovik: http://otzovik.com/review_5669799.html

silicone grease Silicot

Review of Unipak plumbing paste:

Read more Review: http://otzovik.com/reviews/pasta_dlya_santehniki_unipak/

Unipak silicone grease

Replacing spool rubber seals

Having prepared the sealing rubber bands, let's get to work:

• move the tap lever to the closed position;
• disassemble the structure by disconnecting the flexible hose;
• Having removed the decorative cap, unscrew the screw fastening. Remove the switch button;
• carefully remove the spool;
• We change the seals. Lubricate them with sealing paste;
• Assemble the switch in reverse order.

Advice! To avoid any difficulties with installing the spool, you should first moisten the rubber seals with water.

Replacing the switch spring

If you have difficulty returning the switch to its original position, the spring may need to be replaced. As a repair part, it is worth choosing a spring of a smaller diameter with a protective coating. Repair is carried out as follows:

• disassemble the tap;
• remove the rod with the wound spring and remove it;
• using pliers, screw a new spring onto the rod;
• We assemble and install the switch.

Do-it-yourself repair of a single-lever mixer with a cartridge for the kitchen or bathroom

Models with cartridges have a slightly different design than ball models. If you decide to repair a single-lever kitchen faucet with your own hands, it is worth getting acquainted with the sequence of actions, depending on the reason that necessitated the work.

Repairing leaks

You can get rid of a leak as follows:

Illustration	Description of work
	Turn off the water and disassemble the single-lever mixer.
	Tighten the fastening nut by slightly tightening it using an adjustable wrench.
	Using a cloth, remove the accumulated water.
	We open the water and check the quality of the work done by turning the adjusting rod. This will prevent it from breaking due to over-tightening the nut. After installing the handle, the force applied to the rod will increase significantly. If it is fixed, it will break. We assemble the structure.

Troubleshooting a Shower Diverter

There are two main problems that can arise with a bathroom faucet switch:

• synchronous supply of water to the shower and tap, the cause of which is damage to the spool gaskets;
• failure of the switch button to return to its initial position due to wear of the switch rod spring.

A comment

Mechanic for operation of water supply and wastewater systems LLC "GK "Spetsstroy"

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“If you cannot purchase a repair kit, and the spare one is lost, replacement gaskets can be made yourself from dense rubber up to 4 mm thick. However, their service life is usually much shorter than the original ones.”

When replacing spool gaskets, remember that there are only two of them: top and bottom. If the cause of the leak is wear at the top, repairs can be performed without disassembling the switch: the decorative cap is removed and the worn seal is replaced. If the leak remains, both gaskets will need to be replaced.

Cartridges for single lever mixers

Replacing seals does not always eliminate problems that have arisen. In such a situation, it may be necessary to replace the cartridge for the single-lever faucet. You can carry out repair work yourself. The main thing is to purchase a suitable repair part.

Faucet cartridge

cartridge for iddis

How to replace the cartridge in a faucet in the kitchen or bathroom

Let's take a closer look at how to replace the cartridge in a kitchen faucet so you can do it yourself. The work is performed in the following sequence:

Illustration	Description of work
	We disassemble the single-lever mixer and remove the cartridge.
	We carefully inspect the element. If there are cracks through which water has leaked, you should replace the old one with a new one.
	We install the repair part in place. It should fit into the guides. You can check the correct positioning of the element as follows: if it does not rotate, it means it has taken the desired position. We are going to mix in the reverse order.

Attention! The new cartridge must be exactly the same as the old one. It is better to buy a new one with an old one in hand.

To ensure that the new cartridge lasts as long as possible, you should pay attention to products with good reviews.

Review of the ceramic cartridge Iddis D40 BL SDN No. 3:

More details on Otzovik: https://otzovik.com/reviews/kartridzh_keramicheskiy_iddis_d40_bl_sd_3_dlya_smesitelya/

Mixer cartridge repair

Before buying a new cartridge, you should make sure that the old one cannot be repaired. How to repair a mixer cartridge is carried out, we will consider below:

Illustration	Description of work
	We prepare the cartridge and the necessary tools.
	Before starting work, we make marks on the body of the product to simplify the assembly process in the future.
	Using a thin screwdriver, press out the fasteners.
	Remove the bottom and take out the remaining elements.
	We are looking for the cause of the malfunction. In this case, the top green cover is damaged.
	Using alcohol or another composition, we degrease the surface whose geometry is planned to be restored. Additionally, you should degrease the ceramic plate, which is located under the lid.
	We apply an adhesive composition suitable for use at elevated temperatures on the upper part of the ceramic plate and the lower cover. The remaining surfaces should remain unused. On the lid, the glue must be on the ribs.
	We connect two parts, giving each the desired spatial position.
	We assemble the cartridge, focusing on the previously applied marks.

Preventive actions

Repair work is not always able to restore the functionality of a single-lever mixer. You have to buy a new one. In order for this to happen as late as possible, it is worth initially purchasing a high-quality model and performing relatively simple preventive maintenance in a timely manner. Desirable:

• buy a brass faucet. Such products have high strength characteristics and can last much longer than silumin products;
• initially install a high-quality water filter;
• Read the instructions included with each single-lever mixer before installation and before repairs. Thematic videos on how to disassemble a ball valve in the kitchen will help you avoid common mistakes;
• Treat joints with sealant. For threaded connections it is worth using FUM tape;
• periodically carry out medical examinations with mandatory replacement of seals.

Video on how to disassemble a single lever mixer

A fairly detailed master class does not always help you figure out how to disassemble a single-lever mixer. Videos posted by many users become a good alternative in such a situation. We have selected several thematic videos on how to remove a faucet in a kitchen or bathroom so that it can be repaired. A video on how to disassemble a single-lever faucet in a bathroom will allow you to understand in detail the sequence of work.

Watch and expand your knowledge in this area.

We are sure that now you know how to disassemble a single-lever faucet in the bathroom or kitchen, and you will definitely be able to do it yourself. Share in the comments whether you were able to use the knowledge gained, or whether you decided to invite specialists.