Sometimes situations arise that the mixer fails. In most cases, it can be repaired independently without the help of professionals. Based on the laws of thermodynamics, perpetual motion machines of any kind do not exist, so sooner or later this breakdown will happen, and therefore it is very useful to have information on correcting the situation.
Mixer classification
Repairing them is slightly different depending on what type they belong to. This is due to the fact that different parts in different classification units are responsible for a particular breakdown.
Basically, there are 3 types of mixers:
- Valve. He is the oldest of the types in question. The design includes a gander and valves in the amount of two pieces. If you have installed a similar mixer and it is of an old design, then the leaks are most likely due to the deformation of the rubber gaskets. In new versions, crane boxes are used that have ceramic discs with holes in the center. The rotation of the valve leads to the coincidence of the holes, which contributes to the leakage of water.
- Single lever They are characterized by the fact that they contain a cartridge for mixing water. It is fixed with a nut on the bottom of the case, and a rod is mounted on top of it, on which a lever is fixed, with which the temperature and pressure of the water are regulated.
- Sensory. The water supply is controlled by a photocell. In this case, the replacement of sensors during the repair of the mixer should be performed by professionals, since special skills are required.
Classification of switches "bath-shower"
In the bathroom, faucets are installed with a special switch that helps redirect the flow of water from the tap to the shower and vice versa. This part also periodically fails.
There are 4 of their main varieties:
- Cork - the oldest type of switch, is currently practically not used, use a similar one, with a spool core.
- Cartridge - based on the use of the same name parts, which can be ceramic and ball. The first one lasts longer, but is disposable, the service life of the second is less, but it needs to be repaired.
- Zolotnikovy - an analogue of the Soviet cork switch, is installed either between the water valves of different temperatures, or in the middle of the gander holder and mixer cartridge.
- Exhaust (push-button) - simple and automatic views are distinguished among them. In the latter case, the switch does not return to its original position: after the water is shut off, it returns to it itself. Of all the species, this one requires the greatest effort to switch water.
Main cause of failure
The mixer may fail due to wear of the components included in its composition. The cheaper this equipment was, the less quality materials were used in it and the more often it would be necessary to repair the mixer with your own hands. In any case, it should be carried out after shutting off the water supply and completely lowering it from the tap.
Single lever mixer leak
It is usually caused by a broken cartridge, which leads to leakage from under the lever. In addition, the following characteristic features indicate the failure of this part:
- the handle rotates with difficulty;
- water supply may be partially shut off;
- water temperature may vary regardless of the actions of the wash;
- the course of the flow of different temperature water from different taps can change.
Repairing a single lever mixer consists of replacing a ceramic cartridge.
For this:
- it is necessary to remove the plug;
- a hexagon or Phillips screwdriver unscrew the lock;
- the handle is pulled up, which contributes to its separation from the body, after which the cover is unscrewed;
- then unscrew the nut with which the cartridge is fixed in the housing;
- they take it out, put a new cartridge in its place, and repeat all the steps in the reverse order, while paying attention to the protrusions on the case of this element coinciding with the internal grooves, otherwise the leak from the tap will not be eliminated.
Valve leak
In faucets of this type, the sealing washer most often wears out, although the crane can also become unusable.
Repair of the bath faucet consists in the replacement of these parts, which is carried out in the following sequence:
- the plug is removed from the faulty valve;
- unscrews the screw fixing this part on the mixer;
- the axle box is disconnected using an adjustable wrench;
- then change it or the rubber seal.
Cracks in the housing
Repair of a washbasin faucet or shower faucet may be required due to cracks. To the greatest extent, such a defect can manifest itself on brass products, steel ones differ, as a rule, by increased strength.
It is possible to carry out repair work to eliminate the crack using sealant, however, they are considered ineffective, since the problem is solved quite easily, but only for a short time period. The destruction of the body will continue in the future, which in any case will require replacement of the mixer as a whole.
Mixer switch repair
Before carrying out this action, water must be shut off in the room. In the event of a leak from under the switch, we can say that the seal located between it and the mixer has become unusable. This is evidenced by the simultaneous flow of water into the watering can and mixer. Repair consists in replacing the seal, as follows:
- the rod is clamped with pliers, the button is removed;
- after that the valve is removed with it;
- they take out the damaged oil seal and insert a new one, after which they repeat the previous steps in the opposite direction.
Sometimes a button may fail in the case under consideration. It may not work due to a spring break. The parsing algorithm is the same, a broken part is extracted, a new one is put in its place. You can find out that it was she who broke, by not returning the button to its original position.
Older mixers use cork switches. After a certain period of time, the button begins to move away from the body, resulting in a leak. In order to eliminate it, the following steps are taken:
- unscrew the screw;
- remove the handle;
- unscrew the nut;
- remove the lock washer;
- take out the cork;
- it and the body inside are wiped with kerosene;
- using Vaseline, abrasive paste or paraffin, rub the cork to the body.
Spool switches similar to them are characterized by wear on the gasket. In this case, the sequence of actions is as follows:
- turn off the hose;
- remove the spout;
- turn off the valve adapter;
- take out the spool;
- change the rubber rings.
Soul damage
Shower faucet repairs can be made for various reasons. The gasket may wear out at the point where the hose is attached to the mixer, causing a leak. To fix, unscrew the hose nut, remove the old gasket and put a new one in its place.
A leak may appear between the hose and the watering can. Unscrew the nut, which secures the latter on the first in order to replace the insulating gasket.
With prolonged use of the shower, its openings can become clogged with various hard deposits. Therefore, the mesh must be disassembled and washed. On some models, a screw is located under the plastic cap in the center of the watering can. For some, parsing occurs by turning the grid counterclockwise.
Low pressure
This can be caused not only by the fact that Vodokanal lowered the pressure, but also by the clogged mixer filter. At the end of the spout is an aerator that holds solid particles and strengthens the pressure. To clean the filter, it is removed with pliers, disassembled, washed under water. The reason was precisely in the aerator if, after unscrewing it, a strong pressure of water appears. If this element is rusted, it must be replaced.
In addition, in houses with old metal pipes, rust drops off the inner surface and overlaps the cross section, as a result of which the pressure decreases in a particular mixer. You can clean the pipes using a special snake cable, which is used to clean it after disconnecting it from both sides. But it is better to replace these pipes with plastic ones.
Gasket replacement
Often the cause of the malfunction is worn gaskets. To replace them, it is necessary to drain the tap water, unscrew the inlets, substitute the bucket and lower the remaining water into it, unscrew the retainer and carefully inspect the gaskets for cracks, deformations and wear. If any of this is present, then it needs to be changed. It should be borne in mind that the gasket must enter the groove with effort, so it is better to purchase a new element, having the old one in your pocket.
Other malfunctions
In the event of a breakdown of the brass valve or clogging of the space between it and the gasket, a continuous flow of water forms. Repair of the mixer in the bathroom is carried out by disassembling it, cleaning and replacing the valve, if necessary.
The rubber gasket may dry out, as evidenced by the non-entry of water even if you hit the open tap with a hard object.
The rod thread may break. This is evidenced by a rolling valve. In this case, you can try threading the thread or changing the stem.
Damage to the rubber gasket can cause turbulent noise. They are eliminated when cutting edges with scuffs.
Mixer tap repair does not require special skills. To unscrew the various elements, sometimes you need to make special efforts, so this work is best done by a man.
Finally
DIY repair of the faucet in the bathroom is not particularly difficult. It can be performed in different ways, depending on what problem causes the need for it. Elimination of most of them does not require special knowledge and possession of special tools. Before proceeding with the repair, it is necessary to understand the reasons that prompt to resort to such actions. Sometimes it is impossible to cope with breakdowns, then a major overhaul is required, consisting in changing the mixer completely.