How to change the gasket in the faucet in a two-lever mixer

The gasket is a rubber element in a mixer that ensures reliable locking of water. It is an expendable material, and eventually worn out under physical influence. Therefore, you need to know how to change the gasket in the tap, because sooner or later it will have to be done. You can buy it in the appropriate store or make it yourself, cut to the desired size of sheet rubber. The reason for the wear of the seal is a strong tightening of the handle of the crane.

Diagnosis of damage

Before changing the gasket in the mixer, it is necessary to diagnose that the fault is the fault. And also you need to know which gasket to change. The main sign is leakage.

• If the water flows directly from the tap, then you need to change the valve gasket. Most often this type of repair occurs;
• If water flows from under the valve valve, then it is necessary to change that gasket, which is located between the body and the valve head.

Remember that if you have one lever mixer running, then there is no rubber gasket in it. This problem is solved by replacing the cartridge. Change the gasket only in the rotary cranes.

What is useful for replacing

Before changing the gasket in the mixer, you need to make sure that the following items are available:

• Adjustable wrench;
• Screwdriver;
• Cardboard or other soft material;
• New replacement gasket;

If there is no adjustable wrench, then it is possible to dispense with a conventional cap nut of the appropriate size. At the worst, you can use manual clamps( tighten the valve head in a vice and unscrew / tighten with jewelry).

Replacement process

1. Replacement of the gasket in the mixer should be started by shutting off the water supply. If you forget to close the water, you can pour floors and neighbors, as after removing the faucet from the mixer will go water under pressure;
2. Paste cardboard or soft sheet material on the bottom of the tub( sink).This will help save plumbers from blows, if suddenly the tools fall by chance, and also protect small parts from getting into the sink;
3. Remove the crane handle. There are many types of pens, and all are shot differently. Most often, you just need to unscrew one screw with the screwdriver, which is hidden under the decorative cap. There are also handles that are simply dressed and not fixed with bolts;
4. Unscrew the crane head. To do this, use a swivel or spanner.

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When the faucet is separated from the mixer, it is better to transfer the whole workshop to a convenient and well-lit place.

1. The next step is to remove the damaged gasket. You can remove it by using a screwdriver. The new gasket is replaced with a new gasket. It must be neatly put on;

1. If you need to change the gasket in the tap, which is located between the body and the valve head, then the analysis should continue. It is necessary to separate the axle from the coupling and then the padded gasket will be easily accessible and it can be changed;
2. When the gasket has been replaced, the valve should be reassembled and water can be turned on again.

It may be helpful to repair the switch in the mixer.

Recommendations

• Sometimes it is possible not to change the rubber band, but use the old one. To do this, it must be removed, washed and installed back, turning over. This is not the best option, but it will work as a temporary measure, if there is no new gasket at hand;
• When assembling a crane, do not tighten it too much. This can lead to thread failure and then leak will continue until a new tap is installed;
• The coarse filter installed in the water supply will help increase the life of the gasket in the crane;
• After the crane is collected, the water should be gradually and simultaneously monitored for the behavior of the mixer - does it leak?
• If there is plaque on the internal parts of the crane, then it must be removed with the help of warm vinegar. Plaque adversely affects the properties of the metal.

When replacing the valve, we recommend replacing the stop valve with a ceramic one with a small stroke, they are durable and more reliable than ordinary rubber ones.