How to repair a bathroom faucet with shower. Repairing a single-lever kitchen faucet with your own hands: step-by-step instructions Repairing a lever faucet in the bathroom

Today, a large number of plumbing fixtures are on sale. Faucets for bathrooms and kitchens attract particular attention due to their elegant design and original designs.

A little history

The history of water taps and faucets is as rich as the history of bicycles. Back in Ancient Greece, the inventor Heron made a device that, outwardly, could hardly be called a mixer, but in its functions it differs little from all subsequent samples and models of taps. As with bicycles, faucets and faucets continued to be invented. In the history of the Roman Empire there are references to mixing taps. It says that the taps of the engineers of Rome in some ways repeated the principles of the taps of the ancient Greeks, but they already contained the principles of design of household appliances, they were distinguished by their convenience and artistic taste.

But in the Middle Ages they forgot about taps and hygiene. Due to the lack of sanitary conditions, many diseases and epidemics appeared, their actions led to millions of victims in Europe. Water, cleanliness, sanitation and personal hygiene were supposed to save humanity. Then the need arose for the manufacture of cranes. True, these devices were available exclusively to rich people.

At the end of the 18th century, a mechanic from England, Joseph Bramah, invented a device that became closer to mixers. It consisted of three taps: hot, cold and mixed. They functioned until the beginning of the twentieth century, when the Englishman William Thomson developed Brahm's ideas into a two-valve mixer. More recently, these important plumbing fixtures were controlled by axle-box taps. They haven't gone away and often appear in luxurious retro styles, cast bronze or gold plated.

Modern bathrooms, as centers of personal hygiene, are turning into luxurious, comfortable spaces, tastefully decorated, decorated with expensive designs, and equipped with the most modern plumbing fixtures and equipment. The craving for luxury and the vanity of wealthy people leads to the appearance of bathroom fixtures that vary in cost and artistic value. Good design is possible for people of different financial levels, including even budget ones. All this applies to one of the most important elements of the bathroom - the water supply mixer. Constructors, designers, engineers and production workers have created more than a dozen samples of a high artistic level, which at the same time ensure the reliable performance of their main functions.

Peculiarities

To reduce the time spent on motor skills when carrying out household operations related to water, sanitary technology developers came up with the now very popular single-lever faucet, which has a cartridge (insert) as the main part that carries the main workload of mixing and supplying water. The main technical characteristic of any type of liner is a reliable smooth transition of water supply and temperature. These devices can operate without jamming or leaking for many years.

As their comfort level increases, sanitary appliances for kitchens and baths are increasingly approaching artistic products. There are a dozen different options for installation and water supply methods. Here you can find a water supply built into the walls, a floor stand built into the sides of the bathtub, and an entire water supply system of the required condition.

The shapes of the elements can be different, from simple heavy bronze faucets in a retro style, elaborate figures in the Baroque style, to the most modern forms. The coating can be chrome, silver plating and gold plating are used. In general, there is something for all tastes and financial capabilities.

pros

These samples are attractive due to their simple repair, ease of installation, efficiency and functionality, and ease of control of the water temperature at the outlet of the mixer tap. This is important because when setting the temperature in conventional taps, the consumption of hot water and cold water is also increased.

Convenience of controlling the supply of mixed water is needed by many users of bathtubs and showers. This is especially true for people with any illnesses and the elderly. One-hand control of water temperature and flow improves safety when showering or bathing. Another advantage is the ability to hide the main components on which the operation of the mixer tap depends under modern forms of mixers.

Minuses

The trouble-free and long-term operation of faucets is affected by the quality of water, especially for disc cartridges, both ceramic and plastic. Some measures may be needed to purify the water from foreign impurities.

The possibility of repair is sharply limited; it comes down to replacing only a small number of parts or the entire cartridge as a whole. Rubber gaskets often fail. It is not always easy to set the desired water temperature, but this applies more to cheap models that have a small angle of rotation of the lever.

Construction device

A single lever faucet with a disc cartridge is not that complicated.

The diagram is shown in the figure. So, what does it consist of:

force transmission lever for plate movement;
screw for fixing the main lever;
nut for pressing the liner in the installation location;
spherical nut;
cartridge. The position of its plates directs the flow of water for mixing and supplies water of the required condition to the outlet;
mixer body with liner seat;
spout (gander). Its location can be either a continuation of the mixer tap or a separate part.

How does he work?

The cartridge has movable plates connected to the rod and fixed ones located at the bottom of the unit. The plates have specially shaped holes that open or close inlets for cold or hot water, and an opening for supplying mixed water at the required temperature to the spout. The plates are ground tightly almost to a molecular state. When the lever moves in a vertical plane, the cartridge shank moves the movable disk in such a way that the water supply to the spout opens. Rotating the lever to the right or left opens the supply of hot or cold water.

Due to the close contact of the movable and fixed disks, the requirements for the condition of the water are increased. The ingress of even small particles of foreign fragments disrupts the stable operation of the disks and leads to premature failure of the cartridge, and therefore the mixer. Therefore, the issue of water filtration must be resolved in advance.

Filtration systems for water used for human needs, sometimes due to financial costs, can be an obstacle to the installation of luxury mixer taps.

Kinds

Based on the type of main unit that forms the mixing and water flow modes, the following types of bath fixtures are distinguished:

single lever ball mixer;
metal-ceramic disk with one handle;
disk plastic.

The main element of a lever ball mixer is a hollow ball, which has two holes for the passage of water flows and one for the exit of the required water to the spout. Mixing of water occurs inside a hollow ball, which is adjacent to seats made of special rubber with the addition of fluorine, and both streams of water are supplied from the holes of these seats. The position of the ball is determined by turning or vertical movement of the lever, in which the holes are aligned and the water entering the ball is mixed to the required temperature and supplied to the outlet of the mixer in a volume specified by the vertical position of the lever.

The diagrams and operating principles of disc valves are the same for metal-ceramic and plastic plates. The plates are controlled by a rod on which a lever is placed. The wall-mounted mixer, as well as all other options, have a universal cartridge as the main element for the comfortable release of water at the required temperature. It is impossible to repair the cartridge or make any adjustments; everything ends only with replacement.

Bathtub faucets are often designed with a shower head diverter. Faucets of this type can be installed in bathrooms with shower heads and in shower stalls. The designs of such mixers are a little more complicated, but do not affect the operation of both ball and disk liners.

The designs of faucets with cartridges have much in common. But the development of production, improvement of technology, and the use of increasingly reliable materials lead to the emergence of more advanced products. For example, the developers of the Kludi company have created a microcartridge, with which it is already possible to create miniature models of mixers. On this basis, thermostatic devices with reduced dimensions and universal layout were developed.

Developments by the Italian company Newform have led to the emergence of faucets with cartridges capable of withstanding water hammer with a pressure of 35 atmospheres. The well-known company Supergrif and some others achieve a super-smooth disc surface using ultrasonic polishing technology. Other specialists from Ideal Standard have invented a special liner that works with water at extremely low pressure. This device has another micro-chamber with a buffer function. The surface strength of the plates of Grohe Holding cartridges is significantly increased by carbon-crystalline coating of Carbodur.

Subtleties of repair

The single-lever (one-arm) ball cartridge faucet has been in use for almost 40 years. The simplicity and reliability of such cranes do not create big problems in their operation. They most often appear due to the low quality of water in the city network, when particles of dirt gradually settle on the rubber saddles of the mixer socket, on which the hollow ball rests.

The first signs of poor operation of the mixer appeared: noise, creaks, the lever turns tightly, then it can be easily disassembled.

To repair such a faucet with your own hands, you need to have a minimum set of tools on hand, namely:

screwdrivers of different shapes;
adjustable wrench;
pipe wrench;
pliers;
hex key for fixing screw;
clean rags;
WD-40 liquid.

To remove the ball cartridge, you should perform the following steps:

remove the plug (blue and red);
Use a hex key to slightly unscrew the clamping screw;
remove the main lever from the rod;
unscrew the cap manually so as not to crush it;
Unscrew the clamping nut, remove the washer under it;
remove the ball by the stem.

Under the ball there are two saddles with springs for a tight fit of the rubber bands to the ball. After disassembly, carefully remove all deposits, clean and wipe. It is necessary to check the condition of the springs and, if necessary, replace them.

You can move on to processing the ball. If it is made of stainless steel, then it must be cleaned until it shines. If the balls are made of cheap metal or plastic, then it is better to replace them with new ones. Plastic balls under the influence of low-quality water can peel off, losing their geometry and smooth surface, and in cheap metal liners, the body of the hollow ball wears out to a wall thickness at which its deformation already occurs from the usual actions of supplying water through a mixer tap. It is necessary to reassemble the entire assembly in reverse order.

A single-lever device with a rotating “gander” is in great demand. The rotating “gander” very often changes its position from the bathtub to the washbasin. Over time, the union nut becomes loose and a leak may occur. It is enough to tighten the nut a little, although you may need to change the gasket, which sometimes loses its elasticity due to lubricant consumption.

Ceramic cartridge plates certainly last much longer, but nothing lasts forever and they will experience chipping, wear on adjacent surfaces, and even fracture, which can lead to unstable operation and even complete failure. Cartridges cannot be repaired, so you need to know how to replace them.

Malfunctions of the liner are manifested by the following actions:

The flows of hot and cold water do not mix, water flows from the “gander” of only one temperature;
water is not supplied at any position of the lever;
the outlet water temperature fluctuates independently;
very weak water supply;
the tap is open, water is supplied, but it is no longer possible to turn it off;
Water constantly leaks from under the lever;
the lever turns only with the application of force.

The performance and condition of the mixer are greatly influenced by insoluble particles of rust, lime, sand and other impurities in the water. Installing various cleaning filters extends the life of the reliable operation of the liner, and therefore the mixer as a whole.

Liners can not only wear out, but sometimes even break for reasons such as:

materials that did not meet standards were used in production;
careless actions with the lever (impacts, strong pressure in the final positions);
frequent water hammer in the system;
poor water quality;
poor-quality filters or their absence.

As you can see, you can’t count on the eternal operation of mixing and water supply devices and especially the liner, so over time you will have to replace the cartridge with a new one. Any job can be completed successfully if the master has a good tool and knows how to use it.

When replacing a cartridge, you will need a small set of tools. A purchased new liner may not fit in terms of fit and size, so the best option would be to present the removed liner to the store and buy another one as a spare.

When purchasing, you should choose heavy brass faucets. They are more durable and will last quite a long time. But silumin mixers are characterized by a short service life.
To protect the faucet from damage that can be repaired, you should install water purification filters.
After replacing the liner and checking the operation, it is sometimes discovered that the leakage problem still remains unresolved. In such cases, it is necessary to carefully disassemble the mixer. It is necessary to remove the liner and carefully check all its surfaces. There may remain hidden foreign particles that were not detected during the first tests, and then ended up between the disks or on the ball. It is also possible that the insert fits inaccurately into the working socket and that it is not pressed sufficiently with the nut. This clamping nut can also damage the liner if you apply great force while pressing it.

When working with the mixer, you must try to control the tap lever, avoiding impact. All movements must be smooth. You should try not to press the lever too hard in its end positions.
When connecting the mixer to the water supply network, it is necessary to ensure that the “hot” and “cold” indicators on the plastic plug correspond to the connected pipelines. Of course, it is better to change the position of the plug than to attach the tubes.
All plumbing fixtures are designed for a certain service life, which depends on the conditions of their use. It can be extended by improving the quality of tap water using filters, as well as through regular preventive maintenance, which consists of timely disassembling, cleaning and replacing seals. The entire trouble-free operation of plumbing units often depends on the condition of the seals. You need to use standard factory elements, the materials of which comply with the requirements of Russian GOSTs and EU standards.

Mixing taps from domestic manufacturers are slightly inferior in parameters to foreign brands, but there are still some advantages. They are much cheaper than foreign mixers, and it is much easier to find spare parts for them. It is very important that Russian faucets are adapted to the water supplied by our networks and are not clogged with impurities that are unsuitable for expensive brands.

Of course, expensive mixer taps are made of higher quality materials, but sometimes behind their rich and pompous appearance a fake can appear. Therefore, they say that more expensive does not mean more reliable. The purchase of new taps must be taken very seriously and responsibly. It is worth listening to the advice and reviews of those who already have experience in repairing and replacing them.

The tap is leaking! This is probably the most common expression in the topic of plumbing repairs. In this article we will look at how to repair a single-lever or, as it is also called, 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 faucet is the cartridge, and if water is leaking from under the lever of your faucet, then it’s time to change this element. This does not present any difficulty; it is enough to know the operating procedure.

Let's get started!

Faucet repair 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 opened hole provides access to the mounting screw that secures the cartridge and lever

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

Then 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 are 35 mm and 40 mm)

There are two conical protrusions on the cartridge that act as guides; they should coincide with where they fit into the mixer body.

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

Lever ones have a similar structure, so leaks from under the lever are repaired in the same way, by replacing the cartridge.

Video explanation | Single lever mixer repair

If a faucet is leaking, you don’t have to call a plumber and pay for his work. In our article we will figure out how to disassemble a single-lever mixer and carry out repairs yourself. To carry out the work, you need to familiarize yourself with the structure of this sanitary fixture and prepare the necessary tools.

If it leaks from under the lever

Experts attribute the appearance of water from under the faucet lever to a broken cartridge. In this regard, we will need to disassemble the device and replace the cartridge.

Analysis of the mixer

At the initial stage of work, you need to remove the small rounded decorative cover. Usually on this plate there are two different colored dots (red and blue) indicating how to turn the faucet lever to add hot or cold water. If the direction of liquid supply does not match, 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 position. This lock can be unscrewed using a regular or Phillips screwdriver. There are times when you will need a hex wrench to remove the faucet.

After removing the decorative cover

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

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, you can see the landing grooves on the bottom, which are used to install the device in its working position.

Grooves for cartridge installation

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

Reassembly

Assembling the mixer begins with installing a new cartridge. After this, tighten the circular nut and install the decorative cup. Next, install the lever or flag and secure its position with a screw. If the fastener was rusty or had damaged threads, then the lever must be pressed tightly onto the cartridge holder.

Cartridge for single lever faucet

If it leaks after replacing the cartridge

The main reason for this fairly common phenomenon is considered to be corrosion of the metal 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 goes down on its own

Spontaneous lowering of the mixer lever usually tells us that it is broken. When you press the flag, water may flow in a thin stream or not at all. Many people believe that the main reason for this lever behavior is a cartridge failure, but this is not always the case.

All residents of a city apartment or 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 fits onto the head of the cartridge, may occur. If damaged, the walls of the square insert diverge to the sides, which leads to a certain amount of free movement of the part; when lifted up, the crane begins to fall.

If it's leaking from under your shirt

In some cases, water may leak from under the faucet jacket. The main reason for this phenomenon is considered to be damage to the sealing gaskets, and liquid can leak both in the upper and lower parts in the area where the circular nut is located.

Water from under a gander's shirt

In this regard, when installing a single-lever mixer, you need to firmly tighten the circular nut. This part often gets unscrewed or loosened while the product is being transported, resulting in a small gap. Such a gap is quite enough for water leakage.

If the nut is tightened well, then the cause of the leak will be a faulty gasket. . To eliminate the problem, unscrew the nut and remove the nylon washer (serves to create a working gap between adjacent rotating parts of the housing). Next, remove the faucet 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 faucet; in the worst case, you will have to replace the mixer completely.

The second reason for water leakage from the jacket is considered to be wear of the sealing gaskets.. Such parts are made in the form of a horseshoe, with their working part facing the water chamber. It is quite difficult to buy a new gasket for a faucet, but it is possible to repair a faucet.

Disassembling the mixer to eliminate leakage from under the jacket

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. Next, put on the gaskets, install nylon washers, and assemble the remaining parts of the mixer.

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

How to disassemble a single-lever mixer and make repairs yourself

How to disassemble a single-lever mixer and repair it yourself. What to do if water flows from under the lever or from under the shirt and if the lever lowers itself.

We repair a single-lever mixer ourselves

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.

What does a single lever mixer with cartridge consist of?

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 is better to install filters on the water supply and get clean water that 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.

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

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.

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 plug located on the handle. Just pry it out with a screwdriver.
The mounting screw is hidden behind it. We unscrew it with a hex key 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 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 rod. 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.

How to disassemble a single lever ball mixer

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

Repair of single lever mixer for bathroom, kitchen

Self-repair of a single-lever faucet in a bathroom or kitchen is possible. You just need to know how to take them apart. Description with photos and videos in the article.

Faucet is leaking | Single lever mixer repair

Repair of a single-lever (flag) mixer

The tap is leaking! This is probably the most common expression in the topic of plumbing repairs. In this article we will look at how to repair a single-lever or, as it is also called, flag mixer.

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

Faucet repair 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 opened hole provides access to the mounting screw that secures the cartridge and lever

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

Then 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 are 35 mm and 40 mm)

There are two conical protrusions on the cartridge that act as guides; they should coincide with where they fit into the mixer body.

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

Lever faucets for bathtubs and kitchens have a similar structure, so leaks from under the lever can be repaired in the same way by replacing the cartridge.

The mixer has been repaired, that's all, successful repair!

How to disassemble and repair a single lever mixer

Design of single-lever mixers

Single-lever faucets are a relatively young development in the field of plumbing that have gained trust and popularity among consumers. Such cranes are also called “one-arm” or “single-grip”. They are very simple to use: temperature and water pressure can be controlled with one hand. Understanding the features of the mixer will help you easily cope with its disassembly and repair. Single lever mixer elements:

control lever (handle);
jet regulator (spout);
frame;

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

According to the internal structure, single-lever mixers can be:

Ball. The design of ball lever mixers implies the presence in the design of a hollow steel ball with three holes - a mixing chamber. Two holes receive hot and cold water, which mixes inside. Third, it dispenses warm water. The ball is moved by a handle. By moving, the ball allows you to regulate the water temperature and jet pressure.

In what cases is it possible to repair a mixer?

Not all faucet breakdowns can be repaired. Cartridge replacement or other repairs are carried out in the event of the following breakdowns:

the cartridge is leaking;
when turned on at full power, the ball mixer produces a weak water pressure;
when turned on, water is simultaneously supplied to the spout and shower;
Push-button switch failure.

More serious breakdowns occur extremely rarely, but require replacement of the entire mixer.

Disassembling the mixer

Almost anyone can disassemble and repair a leaking single-jaw mixer. You don't need professional tools for this.

Attention! Before disassembling the single-lever mixer, it is necessary to block the access of water to it.

For repair you will need:

screwdriver or knife;
hex wrench of suitable size;
pliers.

Procedure

Use a screwdriver (or knife) to remove the plugs on the lever that indicate the direction of the handle for supplying hot and cold water.
Unscrew the screw and remove the handle.
Carefully unscrew the ceramic and circular nut from the housing. This is done using a key or manually.
Remove the cartridge from the housing.

The entire procedure for disassembling the mixer takes an average of 10 minutes and anyone can do it.

Fixing the leak

Leaks in single-lever faucets are often caused by failed cartridges. This happens due to abrasive particles of debris entering the interdisk space. In this case, the cartridge must be replaced.

When choosing a replacement element, it is worth considering that the holes in the cartridge can be of different diameters (3 or 4 cm). Cartridges may also differ in the latches on the bottom plate. Cartridges with silicone gaskets are recommended for replacement, as they are more durable when exposed to water.

Advice. Disassemble the faucet and remove the cartridge from it before going to the store. Having an old cartridge will help you avoid missing out on purchasing a replacement.

After installing the new cartridge into the housing, the mixer is assembled in the reverse order of disassembly.

Faucet/Shower switch leaking

Often the problem is associated with wear of the internal oil seal. To fix the problem, it (the oil seal) must be replaced. Troubleshooting steps:

The handle must be in the closed position.
Remove the flexible shower hose.
Use pliers to remove the switch button from the faucet.
Using a pin or screwdriver, unscrew the adapter from the spout.
Replace the worn o-ring.

Troubleshooting a single-lever ball mixer

Ball mixers are durable, but if a breakdown occurs, they cannot be repaired and require replacement. You can eliminate with your own hands only a weak flow of water being released and leaks associated with wear of the sealing rubber bands. It’s difficult to call a “trouble” with a weak stream a breakdown - the mixer still functions. The reason is a clogged aerator.

Procedure for clearing the blockage

Remove the aerator from the faucet spout.
Rinse it thoroughly under running water in the opposite direction to the water supply.
Install the aerator, securing it with the clamping nut.

Procedure for replacing rubber seals

Remove the handle.
Remove the plastic shield two-piece. The black part is a seal that needs to be cleaned or replaced.
If the leak is not eliminated, remove the ball mechanism.
Replace the bottom seal.
Place the ball in place and secure the seals with a plastic nut.
Install the handle and check the functionality of the mixer.

Advice. When replacing rubber seals, additionally use silicone grease, this will improve the tightness.

Troubleshooting the Bath/Shower Switch

A single-lever bathtub faucet has a switch that controls the flow of water to the bathtub and shower. Possible problems:

water is supplied simultaneously to the bath and shower. The reason is the unsuitability of the spool gaskets.
failure to return to the starting position of the switch button. The reason is 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 set usually comes with the faucet. If the spare tire is lost, you can independently cut 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 - on top and bottom of the spool. If the cause of the leak lies only in the upper gasket, repairs can be made without disassembling the switch. It is enough to remove the decorative cap and carefully pull out the worn out rubber seal. Also carefully install the new gasket. If the problem persists, you will have to disassemble the spool switch and replace the lower rubber band.

The procedure for replacing the spool rubber seals:

Check that the mixer lever is in the closed position.
Disconnect the flexible hose of the shower screen.
Remove the decorative cap, unscrew the screw fastening and remove the switch button.
Carefully remove the spool from the mixer body.
Notice the rubber seals by additionally lubricating them with sealing paste.
Reassemble and install the switch in reverse order.

Replacing the switch spring

Failure of the button to return to the starting position can be corrected by replacing the stretched spring in the switch. Procedure:

Remove the adapter as described above.
Remove the rod with the wound spring.
Remove the old spring.
Using pliers, screw the new spring onto the rod. The spring should be made of galvanized steel, and slightly smaller in diameter than the previous one.
Assemble and install the switch.

Preventive actions

Faucet repair cannot always solve malfunction problems. In many cases, and always at the wrong time, the tap must be replaced. To extend the life of the mixer as long as possible without repair, experts recommend taking preventive measures and taking a responsible approach to choosing the product.

When purchasing, choose heavy-duty brass faucets. They are more durable and will last much longer. But sulimine mixers will not last long.
To protect your faucet from most repairable breakdowns, install water filters.

Faucet leaks that are not corrected promptly can cause serious problems. It is not difficult to disassemble and repair the mixer yourself. The main thing is to understand the structure 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 a bathroom

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

Types of single-lever mixers and their design

The design may be different, the structure remains the same

Cartridge mixer: structure

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.

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

How to disassemble and repair a faucet with a cartridge

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

Cartridges for “one-arm” faucets

We disassemble and repair a single-lever ball mixer

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 single-lever, or as it is also called a joystick, mixer confidently takes the place of obsolete valve devices. It is simple, easy to use and quite reliable. You can repair it yourself, without turning to a plumber for help.

After reading the article we presented, you will be able to repair a single-lever mixer with your own hands. We have listed all types of breakdowns typical for this type of plumbing fixtures. We describe in detail how to fix breakdowns. Taking into account our recommendations, you can easily repair a device with one lever.

Like any mechanism, the mixer sometimes breaks down. The failure of a plumbing fixture in the bathroom or kitchen is the most common breakdown, which is impossible not to notice - puddles on the floor and the irritating sounds of falling drops that do not stop day or night will not leave anyone indifferent.

The above troubles can be eliminated quite simply and quickly on your own. Of course, for this you need to at least theoretically become familiar with the internal structure of the mixer, know the reason for its failure and how to eliminate it.

A single-lever mixer is a plumbing fixture that is distinguished by its simplicity of design, excellent functionality, durability and, most importantly, ease of operation.

All these issues will be discussed in detail below.

However, first let’s look at the advantages of this plumbing fixture, to which it owes its popularity:

Simplicity and maintainability. This has already been mentioned above - due to its simplicity, a single-lever mixer lasts a long time, and this period can be extended by timely repairing the product.
Ease of use. There is no need to turn the valves; just lift the mixer joystick up in one motion to let the water flow. To adjust the temperature, the lever is turned left and right, and the pressure is adjusted by vertical movement of the lever.
Durability. The simpler the design, the less often it breaks - a single-lever mixer consists of a small number of parts, and if you treat it with care and install a filter on the water, the product is guaranteed to last more than 10 years. Of course, this only applies to high-quality faucets.

On sale you can often find products made from fragile, short-lived, but very cheap silumin. In the best case, such a mixer will work for two years.

It is worth mentioning simple repairs. Simply put, any smart housewife can do a simple repair of a single-lever mixer with her own hands. Basically, it all comes down to a banal replacement of the disk cartridge or ball, depending on the design of the device. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves and consider the internal structure of the mixer.

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