How to repair a keyboard mixer in the kitchen. DIY repair of a single-lever mixer: stages of work

Single-lever mixers attract with their laconic design and easy control of the water flow. Turning on the water, changing its temperature and pressure - all this with one turn of the knob. These devices are reliable, have a solid service life - for some branded ones they give a 5-year warranty. Still repair single lever mixer periodically needed.

Types of single-lever mixers and their device

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

The design can be different, the structure remains the same

Cartridge mixer: structure

Cartridge mixers are named so because their locking and regulating mechanism is hidden in a special cartridge flask. In more expensive models of faucets, the cartridge body is made of ceramics, in the cheaper ones it is made of plastic. What are good about these models is the ease of repair, but with them it is not always easy to achieve the required pressure - you need a tighter control of the handle. But it is very easy to change the temperature of the water - with a slight movement of the hand.

The structure of a single-lever valve with a cartridge is simple. If you go from top to bottom:

Switch with fixing screw.
Locking (compression) nut.
Cartridge. It mixes the streams of water, the same device shuts off the water.
The body of the mixer, which has a seat for the cartridge.
Fasteners, studs and gaskets to ensure tightness.
Spout (gander). May be separate part- in swivel models for the kitchen or as part of the body - for sinks in the bathroom.
If the spout is separate, gaskets are still installed from below and there is still a part of the body.

The cartridge itself contains several (usually 4) specially shaped ceramic or metal discs. A stem is welded to the upper disc. 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.

For the faucet / mixer to work properly, the plates are ground very tightly. For this reason, single-lever cartridge mixers are very demanding on water quality. If foreign fragments enter between the plates, the valve leaks or stops working altogether. To avoid this, some manufacturers put filters on the inlet pipes. But, it's better to deliver and receive clean water, which can be safely applied to household appliances.

Single Lever Ball Mixer

It got its name from the element in which water is mixed - a ball with cavities. The ball is usually metal, hollow inside. The outer part is polished to a high shine. There are three holes in the ball - two for the inlet of cold and hot water, one for the outlet of the already mixed one. A rod is attached to the ball, which goes into the cavity on the handle. This rod with a rigidly attached ball also changes the temperature of the water, its pressure.

It is easier to adjust the parameters with such a device - the parts are well ground in, the handle moves easily. Ball mixers 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-filtering is also required here.

How to disassemble and repair a faucet with a cartridge

Repairs to single lever cartridge faucets often consist of overhauling and cleaning the O-rings. Salts are deposited on them, debris and dirt accumulate, which causes the tap to leak. To eliminate this nuisance, the mixer is disassembled, all parts are wiped from contamination (with warm soapy water), rinsed, dried, and put 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 very many details. The main working part is the cartridge. It is in him, inside, that mixing takes place.

Replacing the cartridge

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

One-hand mixer cartridges

Mixer cartridges have different diameters, inlets and outlets in the lower part are located in different ways. Therefore, if you need to replace it, first you disassemble the mixer, get the treasured part and go with it to the store or to the market. You need to choose exactly the same model without any deviations. At home, you install the cartridge into the case, turn it slightly until you feel that it has "sat down" in place. Next - the assembly, it goes in the reverse order.

Install the compression nut first. Actually, at this stage you can check how the new cartridge works. Turn on the water, adjust the temperature and pressure with a rod. To make it more convenient, you can put a handle on the stem. If everything is ok, continue with the build.

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 actually nothing to break. If problems arise, it is only because of poor-quality water - dirt particles settle on the rubber seats on which the ball rests. Contact deteriorates, water seeps out and the faucet starts to leak.

Some ball valves are also available with a cartridge. Only the inside of the cartridge is not a plate, but a ball. Disassembly of this type is no different from the one described above. The whole difference is hidden inside the flask. There are also other types of taps. In them, the shut-off ball is installed directly in the rubber seat. There are some minor differences here.

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

We unscrew the cap, preferably with our hands, since it is usually made of thin metal, it is easy to bend it.
We unscrew the clamping nut, there is a washer under it, we also remove it.
Access to the ball has opened. We pull the stem, take out the ball.
There are two saddles under the ball, with springs so that the rubber bands are pressed more tightly against the ball.

Everything, dismantled. Next is the repair of a single-lever mixer. In theory, the problem is that deposits have accumulated at the point of contact between the ball and the seat. They must be removed - gently clean, wipe. There may be problems with the springs. They also sometimes accumulate dirt, but more often they simply lose their elasticity.

The third source of problems is the ball itself. Actually, it should be made of stainless steel, therefore, 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. With a ball, you also go to the store, pick up a replacement of a suitable size. Assembling the mixer in the reverse order: the springs from the saddle, the saddle is out of place, there is a ball on them, etc. Collecting the entire structure, carefully center everything - a skew will lead to rapid wear and the valve will flow again.

Repair of a single-lever mixer with a swivel spout

Faucets with a swivel spout are placed on sinks in the kitchen or on the bathroom. Periodically begins to flow from under it. The locking mechanism in this case is not to blame, it is 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 by pulling up the spout. Remove all old gaskets. If they are stuck, you can use a flat screwdriver or even a knife blade. You need to remove them, but they still need to be replaced. On the removed gaskets, select new ones. It is desirable that they be made of silicone, not rubber. Silicone is more elastic, retains its properties longer, and better tolerates contact with water.

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

Tsugunov Anton Valerievich

Reading time: 2 minutes

There are not so many plumbing fixtures in an ordinary apartment. Typically, taps and sinks are installed in bathrooms and kitchens. Sooner or later, such devices need to be repaired or replaced. To perform this procedure, most residents prefer to call representatives of the housing office (this is their diocese). However, repair and replacement can be done on your own. This approach allows you to save money (the plumber will not work for free) and gain confidence in the quality of the work performed. So, how does the mixer repair do it yourself?

Malfunction symptoms

How to change a faucet in the kitchen? To answer this question, you need to firmly know that it is a replacement that is needed, and not minor repairs. Faucet problems are indicated by the following symptoms:

Dampness near the sink, small puddles may form. This is an alarming signal that residents rarely pay attention to, attributing the appearance of moisture to their own inaccuracy. Reason: Leakage of flexible hose connections.
The tap is leaking. Water constantly drips from the mixer nozzle, even when closed. Reason: wear of rubber seals.

Water flows from under the lever or valves. Reason: failure of the axle box or cartridge valve.
Weak pressure, difficulty in regulating the water temperature. Probably, there was a clogging of the supply hoses or poor permeability of the common house pipes.

In any of the situations described above, you can disassemble and repair the mixer yourself. An exception is the repair of modern models, stuffed with electronics and touch controls. Even the plumbers of the housing office will not help here: you will need to call the representatives of the manufacturer's service department.

It is worth noting that three types of mixers are used for the kitchen: single-lever, two-valve with a worm or ceramic valve axle box. Let's consider the repair of each structure separately.

Preparation for work

Before disassembling the mixer in the kitchen, you need to carry out preparatory work. In particular, turn off the water supply: we wrap the locking elements on the common house pipes in the apartment. Given that the shut-off valves are rarely closed, the procedure can cause certain difficulties. The grease applied to the threads will help to turn the tap. Do not use hammers and other percussion tools: you can break the threaded connection and flood the neighbors from below.

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It will be correct to prepare the tools in advance. In particular:

Screwdriver: flat and cross-head.
Pliers.
Hexagon set.
A set of wrenches, including adjustable wrenches.

In addition, FUM tape, rubber for the manufacture of seals, and linen thread may be required.

So how to properly repair a faucet?

Single lever

This is the most common design found in most kitchens. This is a swivel mechanism where the pressure and temperature of the water are adjusted by raising or turning a knob.

A crane of this design is leaking for three reasons:

Deformation or damage to the rubber pad.
Mechanical damage to the case.
Failure of the cartridge.

What to do in these situations? To begin with, we visually inspect the cases for chips or cracks. A detected crack clearly indicates that the mixer needs to be replaced. You can briefly cover the chip with a sealant or "cold welding", but this is a temporary measure. If the outer shell is in order, the valve must be disassembled. This is done as follows:

Remove the decorative cover. This is a small plastic circle that sits under the rotary knob. It can be picked up with a flat screwdriver or a knife blade.
We unscrew the fixing bolt. This will require a hexagon of the appropriate diameter. It is not recommended to use a screwdriver: you can grind off the edges of the retainer.
Remove the swing arm.
We unscrew the control washer.

Having made these manipulations, we get access to the internal filling of the mixer. In particular, you can see the O-ring and the cartridge that is located underneath. If the valve leaks due to wear of the seal, we make a replacement. The new ring should be larger than the retracted connector in diameter, and fit into place with a noticeable effort.

If O-ring wear is not visible on visual inspection, the problem is with the cartridge. This item cannot be repaired and is replaced entirely. To be guaranteed to repair the tap and eliminate the leak, you need to clean all the component parts from the formed plaque. The mixer is assembled in reverse order.

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With two crane worm-type axleboxes

In two valve models, water is mixed by alternate rotation of the "lambs" responsible for supplying cold and hot water. The design is quite cheap, therefore it is in high demand. If the mixer leaks due to a crack in the body, it is necessary to dismantle the valve and install a new one. However, the most common problem is the wear of the rubber gaskets that restrain the flow of water. This problem is typical for a hot water valve. Regular exposure to high temperatures destroys the rubber, which violates the tightness of the joint between the valve axle box and the mixer body. To eliminate the defect, you need to disassemble the crane.

How to remove a worm-type valve?

Here's what to do:

We remove the decorative plug from the "lamb".
Unscrew the fixing screw with a screwdriver.
Remove the valve.
We turn off the crane to the axle box with an open-end wrench.
Remove the worn out gasket.
We install a new seal.
We assemble the crane in reverse order.

Please note that a worn-out element can be replaced with a factory gasket, or you can cut an analogue out of dense rubber yourself. Replacing the valve of the axle box in the mixer is carried out in case of thread wear or mechanical damage to the part.

With ceramic crane axle box

This is an analogue of the previous model, which has a longer service life. The reliability of the design is ensured by replacing the rubber gasket with ceramic plates. However, such valve axle boxes are sensitive to water quality: the presence of sand or fine debris has a detrimental effect on ceramics. In particular, the plates are grinded, which leads to a violation of the tightness of the joints. If you use a faucet with ceramic faucet axle boxes, be sure to install a water filter.

Disassembly of the model with a ceramic crane axle box occurs according to the scheme described above, but the mixer can be repaired differently. If the plates are worn out, they must be replaced. You can buy the necessary items in a plumbing store, taking with you a crane box. The problem may also lie in the wear of the gasket: it presses the plates, blocking the water. If the tap is dripping, you can build up the gasket by gluing on top of a layer of rubber or winding a few turns of electrical tape. Don't forget to make water holes! Replacing the valve of the axle box in the mixer is performed if Maintenance impossible.

HELPFUL INFORMATION: Why does hot water flow from a cold tap?

Replacement

How to change a faucet in the kitchen? All the above models of kitchen faucets change according to the same scheme: remove the fastening bolts connecting the mixer and the sink, disconnect the flexible hoses. Then you can completely remove the sink, check the condition of the hoses and siphon. After that, a new tap is installed: we hang the sink in place, connect the mixer with a flexible hose, install the fasteners.

It is not difficult to repair the mixer, the main thing is to carefully perform all actions, and not to apply excessive force when tightening the threaded connections.

In the kitchen, the mixer is used much more actively than in the bathroom, therefore it breaks down much more often. On rare occasions only decision the problem that has arisen is the purchase of a new device and the invitation of a plumber, the rest can be dealt with on your own. Having decided to repair the mixer in the kitchen with your own hands, you will save on the services of a specialist and gain considerable experience. You just need to arm yourself with theory and tools.

Leakage from under the nut at the water outlet, from under the handle (lever) or faucet valves in working order.
The correct movement of the lever or valves is violated (seize, scroll, do not fix in the desired position, etc.).
At normal water pressure in the system, the jet is not powerful enough.
Water drips from a closed tap.

Please note: the detected problem must be resolved as quickly as possible! This will extend the life of the mixer and protect yourself and your neighbors from flooding, saving cash, time and nerves.

Most of the questions are caused by the problem of the leakage of the crane. And here you need to know the "enemy" not only by sight, but also from within. It is about the device of mixers.

Features of the device of the main types of kitchen faucets

Delicacies such as thermostatic and touchless faucets are great for bathrooms. In the kitchen, more practical models are fighting for a place in the sun - traditional two-valve and single-lever. Common elements for them are: body, spout (spout), aerator, gaskets. Otherwise, they differ significantly.

The device of two-valve taps

Taps familiar to the eye with two valves are quite simple. Under the flywheel, which you turn during the operation of the structure, there is a crane-axle box - its locking element. Below is the device of such a kitchen faucet in pictures.

Axleboxes in a two-valve mixer (sectional view)

In products where several turns of the flywheel are required to supply or shut off water, worm axle boxes are installed. Their work is based on rotational-translational movements. The more you unscrew the valve, the more the axle box gasket will move away from the so-called “saddle”. The consequence of this is the flow of water into the inner cavity of the mixer, and then into its spout (spout).

Worm gear valve for mixer

In models where it is enough to make only half a turn to supply water, axle boxes with ceramic plates are installed. When you open the tap, the holes in them coincide, and water enters the spout.

Crane axle boxes with ceramic plates

The cost of crane boxes is low, they are always available in plumbing stores, and their replacement is extremely simple.

The device and types of single-lever mixers

More modern and practical are the models of valves with one regulating pressure and temperature handle (lever). Mixing of water in them is carried out in a hollow ball with three holes or in a special cartridge.

The mixing element in the ball models has three openings, two of which are inlet - designed to supply hot and cold water to this miniature container, and one outlet - to supply water of a given temperature to the sink.

Ball mixer device

The ball itself is located on two "saddles" made of rubber. Its displacement relative to them, carried out by the movement of the lever, and allows you to adjust the pressure, the temperature of the poured water. At the top, the ball is fixed with a sealing collar and a lock nut.

Schematic device of a spherical model of a kitchen faucet

The principle of operation of a mixer with a cartridge that replaces the ball is similar. Moreover, their internal structure is fundamentally different. In the presence of all the same three functional holes, but inside the cartridge is not a cavity, but special discs made of cermet. Due to their displacement relative to each other and the degree of overlap of the supply holes when the lever is turned, the water supply is adjusted.

Replaceable ceramic cartridges

A faucet is leaking in the kitchen - how to fix it yourself

To repair a kitchen faucet you will need:

knife with a sharp end;
hex and adjustable wrench;
screwdrivers;
a new cartridge, valve box, rubber gasket, etc. - depends on which part you will be changing;
WD40 is a technical aerosol that will come in handy if the parts are "stuck" to each other. However, you can get by with the traditional tapping of a hammer on a screwdriver, but there is a great risk of damage to the mixer.

Regardless of which faucet you have installed, before starting the repair, you must shut off the water supply in the system and drain the remaining water into a sink or a separate container. To do this, just open the tap. Then you can start repairing it, taking into account design features.

To repair a single lever mixer, you need a hex wrench

Single Lever Kitchen Faucet Repair

The main principles of repair are sequence of actions and accuracy.

Using a thin screwdriver or knife, pry and remove the decorative plug on the valve body.
In the resulting hole, you will see a screw that connects the lever and adjusting rod. Unscrew it with a hex wrench.
Remove the lever from the body and unscrew the decorative cover. This can be done even with your hands, if the parts are not stuck to each other.

Removing the decorative cover

A locking (clamping) nut will be located under it. Unscrew it carefully with an adjustable wrench or by tapping a screwdriver with a hammer.
If you are disassembling a ball mixer, you will see a sealing collar under the nut. Inspect it for dirt, deformation, and tears. Take out the ball. Examine its surface - it should be flat and clean. It is necessary to remove the seals and supporting springs - their poor condition can leak the valve.
If you disassemble the faucet with a cartridge, then remove it and subject it to a thorough inspection.
Replace the defective part.
Reassemble the tap in reverse order.

It is important! Do not tighten the nuts too tight, as this can deform the rubber bands and interfere with the normal operation of the mixer.

Installing a new cartridge

To extend the life of the product and ensure the smooth running of its rubbing parts, you can use a special silicone grease.

Removing the mixer flywheel

Repair of a two-valve mixer

What to do if a two-valve faucet is dripping in your kitchen? Almost everything is the same.

Hook and remove the decorative plug on the valve flywheel.
Use a screwdriver to unscrew the screw securing the flywheel.
Take off the flywheel. There will be a crane box in front of you.
Unscrew it counterclockwise and examine it.

Removing the crane axle box

If this is a worm-type axle box and its gasket is damaged, replace it separately - buy it in a store (it costs a penny) or cut it out of rubber of a suitable thickness yourself. The axle box with ceramic discs is completely changed.
Assemble the crane in reverse order.

General scheme of work on repair of the mixer

Everything is as simple as possible and slightly resembles a constructor. But faucet leaks are not the only problem that you may encounter while using it in the kitchen.

Other breakdowns of mixers and prevention of malfunctions

The water quality in many cities is poor, so over time, the aerator in the tap can become dirty. On the inside, hard deposits "build up" on it. When there are too many of them, the pressure and quality of the water deteriorate significantly. The solution to the problem is to replace the aerator. Ideally, it can be easily unscrewed with an adjustable wrench, but for a stuck part, you will need WD40 or tapping with a hammer.

It is important! Perform all work carefully, otherwise the mixer will have to be changed completely.

The tap is leaking, and during the inspection did you find a crack in it? Then it's time to go for a new product. For a short time, silicone sealant can become an assistant.

You can extend the life of the mixer if you install a water filter and use the device carefully, without turning the valves too tight or moving the lever sharply and all the way.

Video: repair of a single-lever mixer with a ceramic cartridge

Now you know what to do if the faucet is dripping in the kitchen. In most cases, the considered repair schemes are also suitable for eliminating breakdowns of faucets in bathrooms. This is a good saving for the family budget. But if you are not confident in your abilities or you simply do not have time, a competent plumber will do all the work in a matter of minutes.

The kitchen faucet is one of the most commonly used plumbing fixtures in an apartment or house, so it comes as no surprise that it often fails.

In this case, a rotary one-hand valve needs preventive repair with the replacement of units, sometimes the malfunction cannot be eliminated and you have to completely change the plumbing fixture.

These home jobs can be done by almost every homeowner without calling a paid plumber. To do this, you need to know how to disassemble a kitchen faucet with one handle and have a simple construction tool available.

Single Lever Kitchen Mixer

Single-lever mixer design

In modern kitchens, the main type of taps are one-hand types, which have practically replaced the inconvenient two-valve designs and are more practical than touch devices.

The device of a single-lever kitchen mixer is not complicated, the main units are the body (it has an ebb, seats for installation in a sink and water supply) and a built-in adjustment unit.

In case of failure, the repair of a single-lever mixer in most situations consists in a simple change of the unified switching unit or its parts.

Types of regulating units

The manufacturer supplies the market with single-lever fluid mixing models with only two types of control units: ball and plate ceramic cartridges.

It can be noted that ceramic cartridges due to their high technical characteristics and operational qualities practically ousted ball models from the market.

A high-quality ceramic block can regulate the water supply for up to 10 years without losing its operational properties; low-cost Chinese crafts can fail the next day and need to be replaced much more often.

Appearance of structural elements of ceramic cartridges

Ceramic cartridges

The ceramic cartridge is a prefabricated connection of parts installed in a plastic cylindrical body, at the top of which a lever is installed, on which a rotary knob is attached. In its lower part there are three holes: water enters two of them, and from the third the mixed liquid is directed to the low tide and flows out.

The main components of the cartridge are two slotted ceramic plates that fit tightly together. When one of them rotates around its axis, the inlet holes through which cold and hot water, overlap to varying degrees - thus, the temperature regime is regulated.

If the movable plate is displaced along its axis, the simultaneous overlap of both inlets occurs - this is how the pressure is regulated.

The main advantage of equipping a kitchen mixer with a cartridge is its ease of replacement and high maintainability - its cylindrical body can be easily disassembled.

How the ceramic block works

Ball

Ball control assemblies consist of one main part - a metal ball with three water holes and a stem for installing a rotary knob. During operation, the ball rotates in a spherical body seat, which has three holes: two for the water inlet and the third for pouring out the mixed fluid.

Adjustment of temperature and pressure is similar to moving the handle in ceramic models; for sealing, spring-loaded rubber rings are inserted into the area of the inlet openings.

The advantage of one-hand ball valves is simplicity of design, long service life and excellent maintainability - the metal ball itself cannot theoretically fail, so repairing the mixing device consists only in installing new gaskets.

Features of the device of ball joints

Buying and operating risks

To avoid risks when buying and operating, it is better to purchase sanitary equipment from manufacturers that have proven themselves in the market - this guarantees that it will serve for a long time without breakdowns and malfunctions.

Usually, the control unit is already installed in the plumbing fixture upon purchase, and given that all their models are unified, the right decision would be to purchase exactly such a device at once. This will allow, in the event of a breakdown of the old unit, to immediately replace it with a new one, and if the situation repeats, to assemble from two faulty devices working with the further use of the repaired one.

When operating a kitchen faucet, in most cases, water is supplied using flexible reinforced hoses, which do not always differ high quality... To avoid flooding of the premises in case of damage to the water supply hoses, you can install an Aquastop valve at the outlet of the pipes.

It should be borne in mind that the principle of the valve is to shut off the water flow at high pressure, that is, it is effective if the water hose falls off the mixing body or pipe. In other situations, in the event of a leak, the apartment can be successfully flooded with the Aquastop protection.

What is needed for repair

For renovation works you will have to disassemble the faucet without removing it from the sink, sometimes it may be necessary to repair the kitchen spout, which in one-hand models can be carried out without disassembly operations.

When dismantling the crane, you have to remove the handle, unscrew the fixing nuts and hoses - this requires the right tools, consumables and accessories.

Tools and supplies for plumbing repairs

Tools

To carry out repair work, you will need the following tool:

An adjustable wrench for unscrewing the nut from the mixer body and dismantling the flexible hoses.
Socket wrench or flat wrench for attaching and removing bolts from the mounting studs.
Phillips screwdriver or Allen key to remove the handle.

Necessary materials

When removing the mixing body from the kitchen sink, removing the underwater hoses, you often have to face difficulties associated with the contamination of the dismantled parts with limescale or their corrosion. Before carrying out work, it is better to treat their surface with household chemicals to remove rust and limescale - this will simplify the dismantling and further installation of the equipment.

The presence of gaskets in the underwater hoses and mixing body eliminates the use of of various kinds additional seals in the form of synthetic and linen tape, rubber rings.

During repair work, it is often necessary to change underwater hoses that have become unusable; for replacement, it is better to purchase types with a stainless braid and a union nut with fittings made of non-ferrous metals (copper, brass).

Interior of a single lever cartridge mixer

Repair of a mixer with a cartridge

Repairing a mixer with a built-in cartridge, depending on its malfunction, requires a different approach. If water does not close well or is constantly flowing in the tap, in most cases the cartridge needs to be replaced. When the body shell or the ebb is damaged, you will have to remove the mixing device and purchase a new valve with subsequent installation.

What may require repair

The main components that most often fail during operation are the adjustment unit and the spout. The regulating unit can be damaged as a result of long-term operation with poor-quality performance or from contaminated water with sand getting into the water supply system. The main reason for its malfunction is the breakdown of the built-in plastic parts and the stem on which the handle is attached.

The ebb most often fails as a result of clogging of the filter nozzles at its outlet - in this case, the water pressure breaks its thin-walled tube and a leak forms.

Repairing the filter in the spout

How to disassemble

When carrying out repair work, it is often necessary to disassemble a single-lever mixer, the process consists of the following steps:

Using a knife or flat screwdriver, remove the plastic plug in the side of the handle, the fixing screw can have a Phillips screwdriver head or a hex key. Unscrew the fastening screw with a suitable tool; before carrying out work, it may need to be pretreated with household chemicals against limescale and rust.
After removing the handle, unscrew the decorative attachment. It is designed for manual removal, but in the process of long work, water gets into the thread and plaque prevents it from twisting. For ease of removal, you can use an adjustable wrench, after placing a soft rag under its jaws to prevent scratches on the chrome-plated surface. When carrying out work on dismantling the hood, avoid excessive forces - this can lead to deformation of the thin-walled cover.
Under the cap there is a clamping nut with a hexagon ring in the upper part - it is simply unscrewed with an adjustable wrench counterclockwise. Removing the cartridge is easy - it is removed from the installation slot with your fingers on the lever.

Disassembly of the ceramic cartridge valve

How to replace the cartridge

Before changing the cartridge in the mixer, the internal parts of the mixer body are cleaned of plaque and dirt using a rag and household chemicals. Replacing the cartridge with a new one is quite simple - during installation, the housing projections are aligned with the grooves in the installation socket.

Mistakes that can be made

It often happens that after a seemingly correct assembly, the cartridge does not work correctly. This is due to the fact that the protruding rubber gasket in the lower part during installation prevents the two fixing projections on its body from getting exactly into the seats. The crane will have to be completely dismantled again, the block must be installed in the correct position and pressed down more by hand when tightening the clamping nut.

During installation, it is important not to pinch the clamping nut - this can lead to a tight movement of the joystick and compression of the housing shell, causing rapid wear of the internal parts and, in extreme cases, their cracking - if the joystick moves tightly, you should immediately release the clamp.

How to disassemble a ball-type kitchen faucet

Ball Mixer Repair

The main repair of a ball mixer in the kitchen with your own hands is the replacement of gaskets; in case of significant damage to the ebb or the body shell, leading to leaks, the plumbing will have to be changed.

Before repairing the ball valve, prepare conventional tools and consumables in the form of rubber cylindrical gaskets and a dome washer. Household chemicals may be needed for the pretreatment of coated and corroded parts.

Possible malfunctions

The main malfunctions of ball types include:

wear on the top dome gasket;
defects of a hollow metal ball;
abrasion of saddle valves;
loosening of springs.

If we repair the mixer with our own hands, then, unlike cartridge types, its preliminary disassembly is required to accurately determine the faulty part.

We disassemble the mixer

Disassembling a single-lever ball-type mixer perform the following operations:

Remove the decorative overlay on the handle, completely unscrew the fixing screw and remove the handle.
Unscrew the upper cap with an adjustable wrench, placing it in the outer slots.
Remove the plastic washer with a domed rubber ring and the ball from the body, take out the saddle gaskets with springs with a screwdriver.

How to disassemble a ball mixer - replacing seals

How to repair

In self-repair, instructions for connecting the crane can help, after studying which it will be much easier to repair it.

But even in its absence, repair is not particularly difficult, mainly the following operations are performed:

Most often, valve seats are changed. To do this, they are inserted into the housing recesses together with the springs.
If the ball is damaged, any ball repair is ineffective - it is replaced with a new one.
The wear of the upper dome washer is very rare and needs to be replaced if abraded.

To speed up the repair time without carrying out a preliminary inspection of the ball valve with its disassembly, it is better to purchase a standard repair kit in advance in the retail network.

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

After reading the article presented by us, you can 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 eliminate breakdowns. Based on our recommendations, you can easily fix a device with one lever.

As with any mechanism, the mixer sometimes breaks down. Failure of a plumbing fixture in the bathroom or in the kitchen is the most common breakdown, which cannot be overlooked - puddles on the floor and annoying sounds of falling drops that do not stop day or night, will not leave anyone indifferent.

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

A single-lever mixer is a sanitary 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, consider the advantages of this plumbing fixture, which it owes its popularity to:

Simplicity and maintainability. This has already been mentioned above - due to its simplicity, a single-lever mixer serves for 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, it is enough to lift the mixer joystick up in one movement to start up the water. 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 down - a single-lever mixer consists of a small number of parts, and if you take good care of it, install a filter on the water, then the product is guaranteed to last more than 10 years. Of course, this only applies to quality mixers.

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

A simple renovation is also worth mentioning. Simply put, any sensible 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 a 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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