What to do if cold water leaks from a single-lever mixer

Ways to solve problems with a shower

Sometimes troubles happen with a shower hose and a watering can, more often due to wear of individual elements or poor water quality.

Weak water supply through the shower screen

Usually, water does not pass well through the mesh when there are blockages in its holes. Here, after removing the mesh, it is easy to clean it with an ordinary awl or needle.

One of the main enemies of faucets and shower heads is lime, which is found in large quantities in tap water. You can get rid of it only with a fine filter

After screwing the mesh back, the water supply and the direction of the streams are restored. And the plastic panel with holes, and the rest of the shower and faucet, can be wiped with a solution of vinegar from plaque and stains.

Leaking shower hose and drain

If the leak appeared due to wear of the inner part or winding, it does not make sense to repair the hose, it is easier to buy a new one. Its cost is low, and the service life of new modifications is much longer.

During the replacement process, the mixer handle is moved to the position for supplying water to the spout, then with light movements I unscrew the old hose and fix the new one.

If both the drain and the shower are leaking at the same time, the point is a loose joint between the cork and the body. To correct the situation, the locking screw is first turned out. The next step is to tighten the union nut. This reduces leakage, but switching water from the drain to the shower is somewhat difficult.

To completely eliminate the leak, it is necessary to grind the plug to the mixer body using special lapping paste compositions. They are sold in many stores.

We also recommend reading our article on other common faucet failures in a bathroom with a shower.

What is a mixing diverter?

Answering the question, what is a diverter in a mixer, is extremely simple. This is a simple switch that redirects the flow of water.The mechanism is quite simple, but due to the presence of parts rubbing against each other in the design and their direct contact with water, the product (of especially poor quality) quickly fails. Diverters are different:

Type

There are switches for the shower and kitchen sink spout. Consumers have been familiar with the first type of product for a very long time. It can be push-button (clamp / squeeze position) and lever (up / down position). Mechanisms of the first types are equipped with virtually all mixers with a watering can for a hygienic shower. For example: a new model of sanitary equipment from IDDIS Urban URBSBL2i10. By moving the diverter on the mixer to the upper position, the user turns on the hygienic shower, lowering the faucet down.

The second type of switches appeared relatively recently. They are supplied with mixers for kitchen sinks, which include the use of water filters or dishwashers. The principle of operation is the same for everyone.

functionality

Two-position and three-position spout diverters are used. The first one is classic. The second has an additional option and is often used exclusively on kitchen faucets when it is necessary to provide water supply in 2 directions. The price of 3-position models is higher - from 950 rubles.

parameters

Faucet diverters are available with ½" and ¾" threads. When choosing a spare part, this technical parameter must be taken into account.

Manufacturing materials

Brass switches are considered affordable. Their body and internal components are covered with a protective coating - chrome, nickel (now rarely used), enamel, ceramics, zinc, copper. Each of the diverter coating options has its own advantages and disadvantages.For example: chromium provides high hygienic qualities, enamel is durable, but is afraid of mechanical stress, and nickel can cause allergies. Not so long ago, a ceramic diverter for a mixer was offered to consumers (not the entire mechanism, but only functional plates) and devices made of innovative POM polymer. The price of switches is 30-45% higher than the classic models, but also the service life.

external data

Since the diverter is an integral part of the design of the faucet, its design matches the appearance of the faucet. It is recommended to replace it with a switch of the corresponding data and color scheme. According to consumers, Kaiser (Germany) offers the largest selection of diverters by style. For example: minimalist chrome-plated swivel mechanism with ¾ inch thread. The price of the mechanism is from 680 rubles.

If your diverter for a mixer is out of order, you can buy a model from any manufacturer, the main thing is that it fits the technical parameters of the plumbing equipment.

This is interesting: Blanco faucet - models Mida and Fontas, Sora and Trima chrome, Daras Silgranit and Klea, product reviews

In what cases is it possible to repair the mixer

Not all breakdowns of the mixer can be eliminated with the help of repair. Cartridge replacement or other repair is carried out in case of the following breakdowns:

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

More serious breakdowns are extremely rare, but require the replacement of the entire mixer.

cartridge mixer

We disassemble the mixer

Almost everyone can disassemble and repair a leaking single-grip mixer. This does not require professional tools.

For repairs you will need:

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

Tools needed to repair a faucet

Procedure

• Use a screwdriver (or a knife) to remove the plugs on the lever, indicating the direction of the handle for supplying hot and cold water.
• Loosen the screw and remove the handle.
• Carefully unscrew the ceramic and ring nut from the housing. This is done with a key or manually.
• Remove the cartridge from the case.

Advice. The presence of recesses in the nut obliges it to be dismantled with special care, otherwise the spare parts can be damaged without the possibility of correcting the defect.

The entire procedure for disassembling the mixer takes an average of 10 minutes and is within the power of everyone.

Spin the faucet carefully so as not to damage the faucet surface.

We eliminate the leak

The cause of the flow of single-lever mixers is often failed cartridges. This happens due to abrasive particles of debris getting into 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). Also, cartridges may differ in latches on the bottom plate. Replacement cartridges with silicone seals are recommended as they are more durable when exposed to water.

After installing a new cartridge in the body, the mixer is assembled in the reverse order of disassembly.

We spin the crane - in stages

Faucet/Shower switch leak

Often the problem is due to wear of the internal oil seal. To fix the problem, it (the oil seal) must be replaced. Troubleshooting procedure:

1. The handle must be in the closed position.
2. Remove the flexible shower hose.
3. Using pliers, remove the switch button from the faucet.
4. Using a rod or screwdriver, unscrew the adapter from the spout.
5. Replace worn o-ring.

Removing the shower/faucet switchTip. In order to avoid damage to the chrome-plated surface of the mixer, all work is best done through a dense soft cloth.

How to fix a cartridge faucet

Most often, taps with one lever are installed in the bathroom or in the kitchen. They are also called flag or single-lever. For opening / closing the water in it, a special device is responsible - a cartridge, because they are also called cartridge.

cartridge faucet

Inside the cartridge there are two plates with holes. The lower one is fixed rigidly, and the upper one is movable. A rod is attached to it, and it, in turn, is attached to the handle. By turning the handle, we move the rod, and it shifts the movable plate, which opens / closes the water and changes its pressure.

If there are problems with such a faucet, it can only be repaired by replacing the cartridge. The main problem in them is that they start to flow - water oozes or drips from under the handle. To repair a leaking or dripping cartridge faucet, the cartridge must be replaced. The only way.

Cartridge replacement

First of all, you need to turn off the water, then remove the handle. To do this, first remove the colored plug - it closes the screw. Having unscrewed the screw, the handle is pulled up, separating it from the stem. After How is the handle removed?, unscrew the clamping ring - it holds the cartridge. Now it remains only to take it out.

Then, along with the cartridge, you need to go to a store or market, buy exactly the same. The new one must match in size, the holes in its lower part must have the same shape and location. In general, you need to find an exact copy.

How to disassemble a faucet with a cartridge

Assembly is in reverse order:

• we put the cartridge (strictly vertically, scrolling a little around its axis so that the protrusions in the case fall into the recesses on the cartridge),
• tighten the clamping nut;
• install the handle
• screw in the fixing screw;
• insert a plug.

An initial check can be made after the pressure ring has been installed. You can open the water and check if the faucet is flowing now.

If the flow of water has become too weak

Most modern faucets are equipped with a mesh on the spout that traps solid particles that may be contained in the plumbing. If gradually the stream of water became not so elastic, and the pressure on other taps did not change, the reason is the clogging of this very grid. In this case, you can fix the faucet in a couple of minutes.

We need to clear the grid.

Unscrew the nut with the mesh, which is located at the end of the spout. Rinse it, clean the clogged holes (you can use a needle or an old toothbrush). Install the cleaned mesh in place.

A FAUCET IS FLOWING IN THE KITCHEN - HOW TO REPAIR YOURSELF

To repair a kitchen faucet you will need:

• knife with a sharp end;
• hex and adjustable wrench;
• screwdrivers;
• a new cartridge, a crane box, a 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 “sticky” to each other.However, you can get by with the traditional tapping of a hammer on a screwdriver, but there is a high risk of damage to the mixer.

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

To repair a single-lever faucet, you will need a hex wrench

REPAIR OF A SINGLE-LEVER KITCHEN MIXER

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

• Using a thin screwdriver or a knife, pry and remove the decorative cap on the faucet body.
• In the resulting hole, you will see a screw connecting the lever and the adjusting rod. Unscrew it with a hex wrench.
• Remove the lever from the body and unscrew the decorative cover. This can be done even by hand, if the parts are not stuck to each other.

Removing the decorative cover

• A locking (clamping) nut will be located under it. Carefully unscrew it with an adjustable wrench or by tapping a screwdriver with a hammer.
• If you disassemble the ball mixer, you will see a sealing cuff under the nut. Inspect it for dirt, deformations and breaks. Pull out the ball. Inspect its surface - it should be smooth and clean. It is necessary to remove the seals and supporting springs - their poor condition can cause the tap to leak.
• If you are disassembling a faucet with a cartridge, then remove it and subject it to a thorough inspection.
• Replace the failed part.
• Reassemble the faucet in reverse order.

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 lubricant.

Removing the mixer flywheel

REPAIR OF A TWO-VALVE MIXER

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

• On the valve flywheel, pry off and remove the decorative cap.
• Using a screwdriver, unscrew the screw that secures the flywheel.
• Take off the flywheel. In front of you will be a crane box.
• Unscrew it counterclockwise and inspect it.

Removing the crane box

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

The general scheme of work on the repair of the mixer

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

FEATURES OF THE DEVICE OF THE MAIN TYPES OF KITCHEN MIXERS

Cool things like thermostatic and touchless faucets are good 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, sealing gaskets. Otherwise, they differ significantly.

DEVICE OF TWO-VALVE CRANES

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

Boxes in a two-valve mixer (in section)

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 internal cavity of the mixer, and then into its spout (spout).

worm bushing crane for mixer

In models where only half a turn is enough to supply water, axle boxes with ceramic plates are installed. When the faucet is opened, the holes in them coincide, and water flows into the spout.

Crane boxes with ceramic plates

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

DEVICE AND TYPES OF SINGLE-LEVER MIXERS

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

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

Ball mixer device

The ball itself is located on two "saddles" of rubber. Its displacement relative to them, carried out when the lever moves, and allows you to adjust the pressure, the temperature of the poured water. From above, the ball is fixed with a sealing cuff and a lock nut.

schematic ball model kitchen faucet device

The principle of operation of a mixer with a cartridge that replaces the ball is similar. At the same time, their internal structure is fundamentally different. All the same three functional holes are available, but inside the cartridge there 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

Leak in valve area

Water can leak at the base of the valve for the following reasons:

• Poor sealing (poorly screwed head or, in older models, poor winding);
• Worn rubber gaskets (placed above the thread);
• Worn gland packing. The faucet in this case flows in the open state.

In the first case, it is clear that you just need to tighten the head itself. If the gland packing has deteriorated, then this is a signal that it is time to change the crane box.

If the gaskets are worn out, then we repair the leaking faucet with our own hands according to the following plan:

• We shut off the water. Remove the decorative cover on the valve and unscrew the screw there. Then remove the valve itself.
• We unscrew the crane box with an open-end wrench.
• We replace all the rubber bands and assemble everything in the reverse order.

Sensor (non-contact) faucets

Consider the last of the existing types of mixers. These are contactless or, in other words, sensor mixers.

The operation of such mixers is based on a sensor that detects movement. For example, when something is brought to the tap, the water supply turns on automatically. And you don't have to turn anything. Such mixers are deservedly considered the most durable, and their service life can be up to 5 years or more.They are, indeed, very convenient in everyday use and reduce the amount of water consumed.

Sensor mixer

True, their main drawback is the complexity of repair. It is highly recommended not to do it yourself. The best solution in such a situation would be to look for an experienced professional who understands this. It is unlikely that you will be able to repair the sensors yourself.

If the breakdowns are minor, for example, clogging of the aerator, then you yourself can do just fine. Most often, clogging of the aerator is determined by the reduced water pressure, that is, it flows out in a thin stream. To check if this is the case, remove the aerator and turn on the water. If the water pressure returns to normal, then it is time to replace the rusty aerator with a new one.

As it turned out, if you understand how the working mechanism of the mixer functions, then its repair is not so difficult.

If the lever goes down

Spontaneous lowering of the mixer lever usually tells us about its breakdown. When you click on the flag, water can be supplied in a thin stream or not at all. Many believe that the main reason for this behavior of the lever is cartridge failure, but this is not always the case.

All residents of a city apartment or a country house use plumbing differently. Some open the taps carefully, others, for example, children, sharply pull the flag. In the latter case, damage to the inner part of the lever, which is put on the head of the cartridge, is possible. In case of damage, the walls of the square insert diverge to the sides, which leads to a certain amount of free play of the part; when lifted up, the crane begins to fall.

Note! To determine the breakdown, it is necessary to remove the round decorative insert, unscrew the screw and remove the lever. After that, they look at the inside of the flag: if it is damaged, then install a similar part from the old mixer

In the presence of quality plumbing, lowering the lever may be caused by wear on the cartridge, which will need to be replaced.

Single-lever bathroom faucets: understanding the basics

Important

There is not one, but several types of mixer systems that differ in the principle of operation, as well as in structure. Components for such plumbing equipment need different ones, otherwise they simply will not fit. Therefore, if you are going to repair a single-lever bath faucet, it makes sense to first disassemble the broken unit, remove the damaged or deformed part that has failed, and take it with you to the store to show the seller what you specifically need.

Types of single lever mixers

In fact, single-lever mixers are those types that have not two, but one lever-regulator, with which you can control the pressure, as well as the temperature of the water. However, such devices may differ in design features. There are two types of mixers with one regulator.

• cartridge mixers.
• Ball mixers.

The difference between these two types is that one has a special metal ball inside with a rod fixed to it, as well as with grooves and slots, and the second one has a special cartridge installed inside which ceramic elements are placed, which significantly lengthens its service life.Both types of single-lever bath mixers are equipped with an additional hose and shower head, and, accordingly, also with a switch for redirecting the water jets.

Causes of possible breakdowns and their elimination

For a true professional, and even an amateur with experience, repairing a single-lever bath faucet will not be difficult, but for a beginner, this process can cause some difficulties. Therefore, it makes sense to first consider the list of possible breakdowns and the causes of their causes, after which it is already to figure out how to properly stop the problem.

• The most common reason for the failure of the mixer can be called a factory defect or a completely unsatisfactory quality of its manufacture. Therefore, experts do not recommend initially purchasing equipment of such a plan from unknown brands, where components are used that cannot be replaced on the market.
• The quality of the tap water can directly affect the life of a single-lever faucet. Sand, scale, rust, and other solid particles can clog the cartridge, and lime can settle on the ball or other elements. The hardness of the water can also lead to cracking of the gaskets, which is fraught with leaks that will have to be “treated” solely by replacing them with new ones.
• The use of old-style components and consumables can adversely affect the period of uninterrupted operation of the mixer. Modern silicone and paronite are many times superior in performance to good, but outdated rubber.
• Regularly applying excessive force to the faucet lever will cause it to break.Moreover, there may be several options, from a broken stem, to the usual mechanical jamming.
• The shower often fails due to the fact that the hoses cannot withstand the load and burst, despite the metal braided spring.

These are the main causes of faucet breakdowns that can be repaired with your own hands. To do this, you will have to disassemble them, having previously prepared all the necessary tools and consumables.

How to repair a faucet in a bathroom with a shower?

Faucet failures are caused by a lot of reasons related to poor-quality materials, improper installation and many other factors.

To eliminate the causes of the breakdown, you should call the wizard or you can try to do it yourself.

Causes and procedure for eliminating leaks in a single-lever faucet

To repair a single-lever mixer with your own hands, you need to establish the causes of its breakdown. There can be many of them, consider the main ones:

• mechanical damage caused by the breakage of the body or the formation of cracks on it;
• the formation of a gap on the seats and the ball;
• production on the gasket;
• malfunction of the aerator due to rusting of the material;
• aerator gap.

If the problem arose due to a broken case, you should use a waterproof sealant or cold welding. The necessary parts are wiped with a rag, the damaged areas are carefully smeared. However, such repairs will not be enough for a long time, and soon the whole body will have to be replaced.

With a weak pressure of water, it is necessary to remove the aerator and clean it and the mesh with a brush. The faucet through which the fluid flows may also be contaminated.

If the tap is leaking, but it is impossible to determine the cause of the malfunction from the outside, then you need to completely disassemble the entire mechanism and look for the cause thoroughly, checking each part separately:

1. To begin with, the water supply is shut off, then the plug is removed with a screwdriver.
2. Next, you need to unscrew the screw that holds the decorative cap.
3. Then the cartridge is pulled out - for this, the nut is unscrewed with a key. All parts should be checked for defects. If none are found, move on.
4. Having removed the valve completely, we look at the gasket, springs, ball and rubber seal. Worn-out parts should be replaced with new ones. The rest are wiped with a rag from accumulated precipitation and deposits.

One of the most common problems is debris getting under the ball and valve seats. In this case, you will have to change the entire cartridge as a whole.

Causes and procedure for eliminating leaks in a two-valve mixer

The main reason for the breakdown of such cranes is their quality. Oil seals on the crane box or gasket can also skip. These parts can be replaced.

Step-by-step instructions for disassembling a two-valve mixer:

1. shutting off the water supply
2. blockage removal,
3. unscrewing the fixing screws,
4. removal of the crane box using a wrench.

It is best to remove the plugs with a thin screwdriver so as not to spoil them.

The screws must be unscrewed carefully, as they are most often subjected to oxidation, and it is difficult to unscrew them. You can use WD-40 or a few drops of acetic acid.

The crane box is unscrewed from the body with a wrench counterclockwise. Pulled out with fingers. For repair, it is necessary to inspect the seat in the body so that there are no cracks on it. Then the gland and gaskets are changed on the crane box.The assembled mechanism must be rubbed with a silicone-based lubricant, and then assembled in the reverse order. Next, you need to install the crane box and clamp it with a key. Do not tighten the mechanism too much, so as not to break the threads in the case. If it is torn off, then it will be necessary to change the entire mixer.

Shower Switch Repair

There are several types of shower switches, let's look at some of them.

Zolotnikovy

The leak in such switches comes from under the handle, which opens and closes the water supply.

• rubber rings on the swivel rod have worked or they are not there,
• the gasket on the bushing has worn out,
• the box is twisted.

After correcting or replacing parts, the switch must be reassembled and tested. Do not forget about the lubrication of the switching mechanism.

To disassemble this mechanism, you need to turn off the tap, remove the cap, unscrew the screw and pull out the button with the spring.

• the spring sagged and does not hold,
• worn valve rings.

If the spring has sagged, it should be replaced with a new one or made independently. To do this, it is stretched and heated red-hot, after which it is lowered into cold water. After cooling, it must be heated again for uniform hardening. You can also make a wire spring in the same way.

If the valve rings become brittle, they should be replaced. After replacement, the entire mechanism must be lubricated with petroleum jelly or other lubricant.

The main malfunction is that the cork does not fit well to the body and leaks. It may also be:

• bad rubbing,
• mechanism erosion,
• the presence of solid particles in the body.

In order to fix such a switch, it is necessary to unscrew the screw, remove the handle, unscrew the nut and remove the retaining ring.After a thorough inspection, lubricate the parts with petroleum jelly and reassemble.

Step-by-step replacement of the gasket in a two-valve faucet

Now we will tell you how to replace the gasket in a classic valve valve. You can cope with this task with your own hands, since there is nothing difficult in the operation. The main thing is to do everything according to the instructions:

1. Unscrew the valve body.
2. Pull out the worn rubber gasket.
3. From a piece of rubber or thick leather, cut a similar element with sharp scissors. Use as a sample the defective gasket that was removed.
4. Wind the sealing tape or tow (linen) on the resistant edge.
5. Replace the valve body by turning it clockwise.
6. The installed valve is tightly tightened with a wrench, but do not strip the threads.

Cutting out a gasket from rubber or leather is an emergency measure, but in general a new seal can be bought at any plumbing store. So you save time and fix the faucet for a long time. A homemade part is unlikely to last the same period as the factory version.