Bath-shower switch: types, malfunctions, repairs

Bath and shower faucets are equipped with a "Bath-Shower" switch that switches the flow of water between the spout and the shower. The problem is that this element of construction often fails and water can be mis-distributed in the right directions.

If you understand all the subtleties of the switch "bath-shower", then you can use the instructions to troubleshoot. The article describes the main types of switches, possible malfunctions and how to repair them.

It was quite common during the Soviet Union and now many mixers are produced with a switch of this type. Today, this type is found in thin-walled valve-type mixers. A characteristic feature of the slide-type switch is a handle made of plastic or metal, which is placed between the valves of the valve.

The cork type switch is now obsolete and is rarely used in production. The handle for switching the water is placed in the middle and is longer than the spool type. The main part is a cork with a cutout. When it rotates, the cutout with the inlet and outlet openings is combined, and water enters the tap. It should be noted that some modern faucets, which are made in the classical style, have a handle like a cork switch, but here the core is used only spool.

The cartridge switch is usually found in Russian-made mixers. It's rather difficult to repair this kind of switch, because it's very difficult to find parts or a new cartridge. In case of breakage, it is better to purchase a new mixer.

An exhaust or pushbutton switch is designed for mixing cold and hot water that flows through a centralized water supply system. Several varieties are available in the sanitary ware market:

• automatic switch is used for cartridge mixers of well-known brands. It can be in a separate block or on top of the turntable. The main feature of this switch is that if you close the water, it will remain in the "spill" position or return from the "shower" position. The button is responsible for switching: if you pull it out, the water will pour from the shower head;in case of pressing it, the water supply switches to the "spill" position;
• simple switch is used mainly on inexpensive mixer models. The appearance is the same as the automatic switch. To determine the type of pushbutton switch, it is enough to pull out the button and shut off the water, if it remains in place, then this is a simple type of extractor switch;
• the Soviet switch for the shower can be found only in the old models of Soviet mixers, which for today are not relevant.

If in two positions of "shower" and "spout" synchronously water flows, then the reason is that the spool seals are worn out and do not perform their functions anymore.

Replace with new ones:

• shut off the water supply;
• disconnect the hose;
• detach the gander;
• adapter unscrew;
• remove the valve handle;
• remove the spool;
• old rubber rings to remove;
• new rings should be dampened with ordinary water;
• set the rings in their place;
• to assemble the faucet valve.

If a water leak occurs during the use of the pushbutton, the reason may also be the unsuitability of the rubber rings.

To replace the rubber rings, it is necessary: ​​

• shut off the water supply;
• unscrew the spout;
• , detach the adapter using the Allen key;
• remove the cap;
• get the screw
• eject button;
• remove the valve;
• remove old rings from the
• valve to install new rings;
• to assemble the switch.

If the bathtub is equipped with a pushbutton switch and its button does not return to its original position when the water is turned off or when the mixer is switched, the breakdown is most likely due to a weak or broken spring.

The process of installing or replacing the spring:

• shut off the water;
• unscrew spout and hose;
• , disconnect the adapter from the switch using a car key;
• remove the product cap;
• remove the screw
• unscrew the button;
• pull out the stem together with the spring;
• replace the broken spring;
• to assemble the switch.

If turbulent noises are heard when opening the tap, the reason is the wear of the rubber gasket. It is necessary to unscrew the head and cut off the rubbed edge from the gasket.

If the water flows continuously from the tap, the reason may be that the brass valve has become unusable or foreign small particles have hammered the gap between the valve and the gasket. It is necessary to replace the valve or clean the contamination inside the mixer.

If there is no water when opening the faucet, the reason may be the drying of the rubber gasket. First you can try a simple way - to open the tap and hit it with a wooden object. Otherwise, it is necessary to block the access of water, remove the valve head and slightly podvikornut or turn the gasket itself.

If it is not possible to open the valve through its scrolling, the reason is that the stem thread has become unusable. It is necessary to replace the stem or wind the wire if the thread is not completely erased.

Repair the slide switch. When using the slide switch, water can flow from under the handle if it is located between the shower and spout positions. Main causes of leakage:

• rubber rings that are placed on the crank pivot rod are worn out or not at all;The
• rubber gasket, which is located on the switch bush and serves as a seal, is worn or missing;
• special screw crank or mixer knob is poorly fixed.

If the water flows where there is a special screw or a box with a housing, then most likely it is necessary to put a new gasket for the box, and to make an additional winding for the special screw. It is possible to proceed with the exit of the rotary stem from a special screw or axle box, then completely remove the axle or special screw with a wrench or gas wrench to replace the sealing rings on the rotary stem.

If the water flows in one of the switch modes, then the reason may be that the seal pads on the spool are simply worn out or the spool can not move because of the water stone. Therefore, the spool must be pulled out to clear from the formation of stone and replace the rubber gaskets.

Repair of the button-type switch. To start repairing this type of switch, you first need to close the valve heads securely, then remove the cap from the switch, remove the screw, remove the button and extract the spring.

There are several possible causes for the problem:

• The spring has become less elastic or broken. To verify this, you need to shut off the water. If the button does not return from the "shower" position in the "spout", then the reason is exactly in the spring. This part should be changed to a new spring. If this is not possible, then it is necessary to lay the gaskets under the screw so that the spring again properly performs its functions. Another option is possible. To return the spring elasticity is necessary: ​​it is good to stretch it, heat it at high temperature and immediately lower it into a metal jar with cold water for hardening and close it with a lid. Some masters themselves make a new spring, using a wire from a special spring steel spring. When the spring is ready, it is heated and cooled to create a stable elasticity of the product.
• Valve rings become unusable , then the water synchronously goes to the "shower" and "spill" position. It is necessary to turn off the spout, insert a rod with six faces into the adapter. Then gently remove it, while holding the square. Then the valve is pushed out with the stem. If the rings become brittle or eroded, they must be replaced with new ones.

Repair plug plug. Often, if the plug does not fit well on the housing, water may leak. The main reasons are: poor lapping, erosion, the presence of small defects or solid particles.

To solve the problem, disassemble the switch:

• turn the screw;
• remove the handle;
• unscrew the union nut;
• remove the lock washer;
• pull out the cork.

Now, before proceeding to inspection, you need to wipe the plug and the casing inside with kerosene. If the cork is damaged, then abrasive paste is used for its lapping. If the cork is normal, then you can simply lubricate it with paraffin or petroleum jelly.