Mixer for shower enclosure: repair, cartridges, for 3 and 4 positions, modes

The mixer plays an incredibly important role in the functioning of the shower enclosure. Because today we will tell you in detail about its varieties, features of choice, repair and much more.

Mixers used in shower cabins differ in two criteria:

• Installation method;
• Construction.

By the installation method, in turn, the devices are divided into two types:

1. Wall-mounted. You can distinguish it from the bathroom faucet by the missing spout. All other parameters are identical. Control is semi-turn, touch or joystick. Today, wall-mounted faucets are completed with the most budgetary options for shower cabins. They are easy to install, often for installation, no special preparation and help from the masters is required.
2. Recessed. It is installed behind the panel, as a result of which we see only the control panel on the front. If this is a stationary booth, then the mixer is mounted directly on the wall.

Compared to the wall, the built-in has obvious advantages:

• Unnecessary construction elements are hidden, they are not visible and do not disturb the aesthetics;
• They protrude less from the walls, thus the level of comfort from taking a shower increases;
• The reliability level of the mixer is much higher.

It is noteworthy that such a complex design does not provide for complex repairs. Install, disassemble, replace the device completely you can yourself.

In terms of design, there are already three types of faucets for shower cabins.

The most simple and affordable from a financial point of view option, which has three methods of control - cranebox, joystick and valves. And the last today is a big rarity. It is more preferable to choose a joystick type, since it is easy to adjust the temperature, head, plus it can be equipped with a thermostat.

Only relevant for those who do not have hot water all year round, but only during the heating season. The bottom line is that a small flow-through heater is built into the mixer, thanks to which hot water is supplied through the watering can. The type of control they always touch or joystick.

Some believe that electric mixers are very powerful and because of them will have to significantly increase the cost of paying for electricity. However, this is more confusing, since an electric-type mixer will require no more than 500 watts.

These are digital or sensor mixers. A new generation device that has a wide range of advantages over other types. But the most important plus is the simplicity of management. Before you there is only a touch panel through which you control all kinds of modes of the mixer. The more expensive it is, the more functions it has. In addition to controlling the flow itself and the water temperature, the panel can have phone, ventilation, backlight, radio, TV and so on functions.

Also do not forget about the modes that are offered for mixers. They can be from 2 to 6. At the same time, the most popular are 3 and 4-hramer devices:

• 3 positions - hand watering can, upper shower and hydro-massage of the lower back;
• 4 positions - hand shower, shower, waist hydro-travel and foot hydro-massage;
• 5 and 6 provisions are additional spills that are used very rarely in practice.

There are more than enough options today:

1. Mounting type. This will affect the cost and your convenience of using the shower. The question is largely individual.
2. Type of mixer. You also need to choose based on personal preferences and wishes, plus on financial opportunities.
3. Number of modes. One simple enough shower from a conventional watering can, others want a tropical shower overhead, massage for the whole body. Think about what modes you want to see in your shower and what you really will use.
4. Quality. Perhaps, this criterion should be put on the first place. Nevertheless, the modern market is literally filled with all kinds of shower cabins from the simplest designs to the most cutting-edge solutions. Therefore, the question of quality somewhat fades into the background, because they are all not initially as fragile and tender as they were at the dawn of their appearance.
5. Additional features. Now manufacturers are ready to offer a lot of additional properties, which they equip the mixers. Some showers turned into baths, steam rooms, entertainment complexes with radio, DVD players and much more.

The quality of the mixer in cheap shower cabins leaves much to be desired. If attempts at repair are unsuccessful, the only way out of this situation is a full replacement of the entire mixer. This task is not simple, therefore it is better to trust its specialists immediately.

Sometimes repair only gives a temporary result, so think about buying a new mixer, determine its parameters so as not to make a mistake with the choice. You already know what criteria should be paid attention to, and also what kinds of cranes for showers exist.

But let's talk about popular faults and how to eliminate them.

As practice shows, most often the reason lies in a faulty cartridge. It is necessary to replace it, for more details read the article about repairing the cartridge in a shower mixer.

It is likely that the aerator, that is, the nozzle, which is installed on the tap, is clogged. Operate as follows:

• Remove this nozzle( aerator);
• Rinse or blow it. As a rule, a simple rinse under a stream of water suffices;
• Install the aerator in its rightful place.

This indicates that the seal rings of the spool are out of order. Therefore, they need to be replaced:

• Override the water in the apartment or house;
• Unscrew the nut from the gander and remove the spout;
• Now you need to pull out the adapter, and also the lever responsible for switching the water;
• Old seals are removed from there, new ones are installed in their place. Find them is not a problem, but make sure they are exactly the same;
• Be sure to grease the gaskets and the spool so that it can easily be replaced;
• Assemble the structure in reverse order.

modes does not work. Also, the seals are also likely to wear out. It is not difficult to replace them:

• The button for switching modes is first extracted;
• The switching mechanism with a wrench is then unscrewed;
• The stem is removed, the seals are checked;
• If necessary, the rubber elements are changed, the mixer is assembled in the reverse order.

Also a common problem that can be eliminated by replacing the spring:

• Remove the hose and shower spout;
• Carefully remove the adapter;
• Remove the decorative plug, unscrew the fixing screw;
• Next, you pull out the switch button shower-gander;
• The stem is withdrawn along with the failed spring;
• A piece of wire is wound around to replace the spring. Be sure to check how effective it is;
• If all goes well, assemble the faucet in the reverse order.

The reason lies in the gaskets, or "prank" o-rings. They need to be changed, for what:

• Remove the nut from the spout. If it does not give way, pour boiling water;
• Remove the spout;
• Then carefully remove the bushing and nut. This requires a hexagon;
• Remove the nut from the nut;
• Change the O-rings to new ones;
• Assemble the faucet back.

In the process of repair, remember that you only need to use a specialized tool to get the correct tension level of the fasteners. Do not apply too much force, as the mixer can be completely ruined. Then your only option will be a complete replacement of the crane. And this, as you know, is not a cheap pleasure.

Due to preventive measures, you can significantly extend the life of your mixer.

Recommendations here are quite simple, observe them strongly recommended:

1. Avoid mechanical damage. Be careful with the mixer, then he will answer you with a long and effective work.
2. Do not use cleaning agents that are contraindicated for the materials from which the mixer is made. Do not use aggressive substances, as they can do harm.
3. Water treatment. Ideally, the hydromassage system needs to be provided with a water purification system, so that sand, lime and other components that could harm the mixer work do not get there. The installed coarse and fine filters are periodically rinsed to maintain them in the desired functional state. Alas, our tap water leaves much to be desired.
4. Caring for the cab. Periodically wash the cabin, clean the jets of the whirlpool, clean the watering can when possible. If chrome elements are used, then try to wipe them dry after taking water procedures.