The weak point in the design of a single lever mixer is the cartridge, an element due to which hot and cold water from the tap is mixed. Leaking tap or noise during water supply indicates a malfunction, and to get rid of such a problem, it is enough to replace the element. It is not necessary to call the plumber for reconstruction. This is a simple job, the main thing is to figure out how to replace the cartridge in the mixer.
Features of mixer repair
Single lever cranes withstand years of operation without failing, but due to the state of water containing microscopic particles of sand and other deposits, the integrity of the products is broken, and they begin to flow. Replacing the cartridge in the mixer will help solve the problem, and the cost of the part is low, which will help to save on the purchase of new plumbing.
What is the difference between cartridges
They are distinguished by such parameters:
- diameter
- landing part;
- the length of the rod.
To pick up a new part, dismantle the crane and take out the old cartridge for the mixer. So you can easily choose a model and buy a new high-quality product.
How to replace a cartridge
The procedure for installing a new product consists of several stages, including:
- Shut off the water. Before starting work, close the water supply racks with cold and hot water supply. Do not forget to open the faucet and release the rest of the water stagnant in the pipes.
- Dismantling the decorative plug. This design is located on the front lever of the crane. It is to be removed. To carry out the procedure gently, pry off the plug with a screwdriver, then - unscrew the locking screw of the handle, armed with a hexagon.
- Removing the lever housing that hides the defective part. It happens that the lever is not removed, which means that he stuck to it. The problem is easily solved by watering the part with hot water. As a result of the expansion, it can easily be removed, and if this does not help, then spray the surface with WD-40. Without removing the lever, the cartridge cannot be removed.
- Removing the nut holding the cartridge to the housing.
- Dismantling the old cartridge and replacing it with a new one, which should take its position without additional effort. Check that the hole of the replaced part is correctly aligned with the mixer.
- Strengthening the design. Replace the nut and remember to tighten it.
- Installing the handle of the cartridge for the mixer, which is mounted on the rod.
- Final assembly of the structure. At this stage, tighten the locking screw and insert the decorative plastic plug into place.
Correctly made cartridge replacement will extend the life of the product for another 4-5 years.
Knowing how to replace the cartridge in the mixer, and using the simple instructions for performing actions, any owner will be able to cope with the task. The procedure will not cause much labor. It is quite possible for the home master to dismantle with the further installation of the new old mixer and replace the cartridge inside it.
Species variety of cartridges for single lever mixers
Before buying a cartridge, you should familiarize yourself with the design features of these products. There are two types of cartridges:
Features of ball cartridges
Before replacing the cartridge in the mixer (in the shower or in the bathroom - it doesn’t matter, familiarize yourself with the features of the presented types of products and select the best option.
The cartridge for a ball mixer is characterized by the possibility of adjusting the water, therefore setting the temperature comfortable for adopting water procedures. Due to their shape, the products are less sensitive to hard water and microparticles.
The principle of operation of the product is that water enters the mixer, passing through the spring-loaded Teflon seats and a pair of supply channels, where mixing takes place directly.
One of the main drawbacks of this kind of design is the sensitivity of the ball to corrosion. Over time, the cartridge wears out Teflon seals and gaskets due to the increased level of chlorine in the water.
This type of mechanism is rarely seen on store shelves, since their release is accompanied by the need to obtain special permission.
Distinctive features of ceramic cartridges
An alternative to ball mixers is the cartridge option. The design consists of two plates made of aluminum oxide. It is important that water does not leak between them, even a drop of liquid. Details show distinctive quality and are subject to operation for a period of at least 10 years.
A ceramic cartridge for the shower faucet, which is located in the diverter, distributes water to the hand shower head. If it is a faucet in the bathroom, then it is changed by analogy to a kitchen spout.
The malfunction associated with replacing the mixer cartridge in the kitchen entails the purchase of a divertor.
Distinctive characteristics of cartridges from different manufacturers
The products of various manufacturers of sanitary fittings do not differ significantly. Some develop parts using their own technology, trying to make them more advanced:
- Experts recommend cartridges for Grohe mixers, the outer surface of the plates of which are coated with a special carbon-crystalline coating, which makes the products more durable.
- The Finnish Oras faucet standard is reliable and practical, and in the event of a product breakdown, it will not be difficult to find a replacement, because the brand of cartridges is widespread in plumbing store chains.
- One of the available on the market are mixers spare parts for them by Vidima. A five-year warranty period indicates the company's reputation. Many customers trust Vidima and have already tested in practice that the mixers of this company have to be changed infrequently.
- Hansgrohe - ceramic cartridges for mixers. Equipped with a safety function, which has a positive effect on saving water and electricity. If necessary, replacements will cope with the dismantling of the structure easily without assistance.
- Boltic is a brand of the aforementioned Hansgrohe company. The patented formula for the production of mixers made it possible to achieve an innovative result: a special way of attaching the handle and lever of the crane allows the mixer to operate for more than ten years without failures and loosening of the structure.
What to look for when buying a new product
Before buying parts, you should pay attention to quality. It is clear that such an element of plumbing will not last forever, and replacing the cartridge in a single-lever mixer will still be required, but nevertheless note that such products and all consumables for them should be bought at a specialized store or ordered from a distributor.
If the “one-armed” system breaks down, if the selection of the part is expedient, purchase an analogue of a new cartridge or try to find the original and replace it. It is possible and even better to buy a new part, because such products do not have a high cost, but buying one cartridge instead of a mixer will still be cheaper. Which of the proposed options to choose, decide for yourself. The first is preferable, the second is even cheaper.
Before replacing the cartridge in the faucet in the bathroom or in the kitchen, consider purchasing filters for water treatment. This will help extend the life of the products up to 5 years.
Try to buy products of well-known companies that have a positive reputation and reviews on the Web. It is not necessary to choose an expensive model. Products from the middle price range are also not bad and will pass as an alternative in case of a limited repair budget.
Untreated water adversely affects the condition of the mixer and its functioning, and therefore quickly deteriorate.
Before replacing the cartridge in the mixer, you need to buy it, so keep in mind that each company has its own “filling” for the mixer models on the market, and it would be better if the outer shell matches the internal content. This is an extremely important point.
Why you should pay attention to the choice of products
We have already found out that it is quite simple to replace the cartridge in the mixer yourself. But keep in mind that product prices vary widely. This is due to the presence of several standard sizes of parts that operate according to the same scheme, but differ in the volume of water that they can pass through. Sometimes on the market there are Chinese fakes of low cost that do not differ in quality - it is not recommended to buy such products, so as not to harm yourself.
If you know how to replace the cartridge in the mixer, plumbing failure will no longer be a problem. Putting the studied data into practice, you will quickly cope with the expected scope of work and prevent more serious problems that arise as a result of the leakage of the crane.