The bathroom faucet, designed for a bathtub or shower, is an important plumbing device that allows you to control the temperature and flow of water. Therefore, the failure of the shower switch, changing the operating modes of the mixer, entails a lot of trouble. This movable element is the most vulnerable component of the device, for the repair of which you always have to turn to specialists for help.
However, the shower switch device does not have a complex structure consisting of expensive fragments. If desired, any failed element can be ordered via the Internet for DIY replacement. The only obstacle is the lack of knowledge of plumbing terminology. Indeed, in order to make a purchase, you must specify the name of one or another component.
Spool
This type of shower switch for faucets is in the form of a flange, when turned, the water flow is switched to a shower or gander. The main element of this switch is the slide valve, which is often part of the repair kit for the mixer. On the spool there must be a rubber gasket, with which they achieve a tight connection. Sealing gaskets can have various versions, most often they have a conical shape, although it can be flat or ring-shaped.
Cork
These switches are considered old-style devices, which today are practically not used by modern manufacturers. The rotary handle of such a switch is located between the flaps of cold and hot water and has a more massive appearance, in contrast to the spool counter. The main element of this mechanism is a cork with a special slot. During the rotation of the handle, the cut-out of the cork is alternately aligned with one or another channel, switching the flow of water. Sometimes slide switches are modeled after the classic style. In a similar situation, the massive bath / shower switch handle can also be used on them.
Cartridge
This is an invention of Russian manufacturers, which until recently was used exclusively on domestic models. The main problem of the shower faucet switch is the lack of components for repair. The cartridges themselves are made in the form of various modifications that exclude interchangeability. Each cartridge model is distinguished by an individual principle of operation, as well as a method of attachment. In this case, it is much easier to get a new faucet than to repair an old one.
Push-button
Such shower switches for a bathtub faucet are otherwise called exhaust fans. They are mainly produced by Russian companies. The design of these mechanisms allows you to redirect the flow of water from the shower to the gander. This device is designed for a long service life. There are three main varieties of these switches.
Automatic
The shower switches of this group are mainly used in the models of expensive cartridge mixers. They are equally designed for both solid and rotary mixers of a massive appearance. Also, these switches can be presented as an independent unit, which is attached separately to the mixer. Automatic switches got this name due to the special principle of operation. When you switch to the shower function, this device holds its position while there is a stream of water. As soon as the water supply is shut off, the switch returns to its original position.
Simple
These shower switches are designed to perform the same functions as automatic ones. They even have great external similarity with the latter. However, they can only be found on budget samples. But the design of these switches has fundamental differences. All actions to switch the water flow from shower to spout are carried out manually.
Soviet model
The idea of creating push-button switches appeared a very long time ago. Therefore, they were actively manufactured for mixer models of the last century. Today, the concept of manufacturing sanitary products has received a new round of development. Models of Soviet-style push-button mechanisms are no longer produced, which is why it is difficult to find components for them.
Possible breakdowns
The use of faucets equipped with a switch for the shower is commonplace today. Such a mechanism can be found in almost every bathroom. This is a very convenient design that allows you to automatically redirect the flow of water without making unnecessary movements. In addition, it has its own mechanism, which has its own operational life and is capable of deteriorating from time to time.
The mechanism of this device has an independent structure and is subject to replacement (less often - to repair). But among other things, it should be borne in mind that untimely repairs of the shower switch can lead to the replacement of the entire mixer. There are several reasons for the breakdown of the switch:
- lowering the switch button;
- simultaneous flow of water to the spout and to the shower;
- output pressure weakening;
- leakage of the mechanism that distributes the flow of water.
The problem of breakdown of the switch mechanism can be quickly enough established, provided that there is an idea of its structure. For this reason, it is better to disassemble such a device for the first time together with a person with experience. In the case of a do-it-yourself repair, it is worth remembering that it is necessary to clamp the component devices without using force, just to the stop. Otherwise, the fragile design may not withstand.
Repair Features
Switch repair has fundamental differences for all, without exception, varieties and models of this device. To understand what this difference is, and to know how to disassemble the shower switch, it is worth understanding the intricacies of the repair of existing types.
Cartridge replacement
In the case when the bath equipment consists of a single-lever mixer of a simple design, most often the cause of the breakdown is the cartridge located in the device body. After all, it is he who performs all the functions of distributing the flow of water. Only this closed item cannot be restored. In such a case, the current repair of the shower switch in the mixer will consist of replacing the broken element with a new one.
The problem of o-rings
The push-button model of the shower switch is of particular interest to consumers due to its design features. But these devices have a common weak point, leading to a typical breakdown. The sealing rings of such a mechanism are made of rubber. They lose elasticity and leak. There are two methods to correct the situation in this situation. Firstly, you can replace the old rings with new ones. Secondly, soften old rings in an aggressive environment. But experience shows that softened rings are just a temporary measure. After a period, the problem recurs again.
Spring breakage
Without a spring, the normal operation of the automatic switch is not possible. But this item is not subject to repair. How is the shower switch repair performed? If the cause of the device failure is the spring, then it should be replaced with a new one.
Spool switch weaknesses
The main problem with this type of switch is water leakage in the handle area. Three reasons should be considered here. Firstly, it is the wear of rubber rings, which are integrated in the place of the rotary rod into the crank system. Secondly, development on the rubber sealing ring mounted on the axle box of the switch itself. Thirdly, it can be a loosening of the fixing screw on the crank, as well as on the axle box of the mixer.
Push button switch
There are two causes of damage leading to breakdowns of such a device. First of all, this is a failure that occurred in the structure of the return spring of the mechanism. In order to verify this option, it is necessary to shut off the water supply tap. A spring in normal condition should return the button to its original position. In the second case, the cause of the breakdown may be the development of the valve rings. If this happens, you will have to remove the adapter, and then make a replacement.
Cork switch
Because of what can it become worthless? The main failure of these mechanisms is the incomplete adherence of the cork to the working surface. To repair the shower switch, it is necessary to completely disassemble the structure and remove the plug. If it hardens, then the cork can be softened in gasoline or kerosene. And in the case when it has damage, it can be treated with abrasive paste.
Conclusion
So, we examined what varieties there are switches for the shower and whether they have breakdowns. As you can see, these mechanisms also have their malfunctions. But with minimal experience, you can fix all the problems yourself. The main thing is to determine the exact cause.