Many of us are somewhat skeptical about our ability to restore the efficiency of any technical means. And this is quite understandable, since without knowing all the nuances of its constructive execution and the principle of functioning, it is not meaningful to start troubleshooting, if only because it will not be possible to put an accurate diagnosis( in the absence of an obvious mechanical breakdown).
But in most cases this kind of plumbing, like a bathroom faucet with a shower, can be repaired and most, just information about its device. How to determine the cause of the failure and what needs to be done to eliminate it - this issue is devoted to this material.
The assortment of mixers on the market is quite diverse. But if you look closely, almost all these products are modifications of several basic types. Specialists distinguish three types of instruments. One of them is sensory. Its distinctive feature is the presence of sensors and noncontact control. Both installation( adjustment) and repair of this type of products is a complicated issue, therefore, for the elimination, the services of a professional with appropriate training will be needed. But the working capacity of the other two types of mixers is quite possible to restore and with their own hands.
Valve faucets
The most common( and familiar in use) type of sanitary ware. Under this scheme, its device is easy to understand:
The main working body is a crane-axle. Its cost is in the range of 48 - 65 rubles( depending on the mixer model).
The weakest places of the mixer are gaskets. They become unusable not only because of excessive use of the product, but also because of the poor quality of the water. As a result, leakage of liquid. The arrangement of the gaskets is on the crane-buks( 1 pc.) And under all the fasteners that fix the removable components of the device: spout, hose from the shower head and so on. In fact, almost always the repair of such a mixer is reduced to the replacement of one of these products.
Single lever mixers
These models are more convenient to use. But this is not their only advantage. They significantly reduce the water flow, since much less time is spent to obtain the desired temperature.
The design of the single lever mixer is even simpler, as there are few details:
As a rule, all faults of such devices are caused by certain crane defects. It can be with a ball cartridge or with a ceramic cartridge( on how to choose a cartridge, read here).
The order of disassembly and replacement of elements is easy to understand from the figures.
Symptoms of cartridge failure
- Spontaneous change in temperature of water flowing from the spout( shower head).
- No mixing( hot + cold).
- The crane is tight or does not completely cover the water.
- Leak in the position of the lever.
It turns out that an independent repair of the mixer is not such a complicated process. The author hopes that the drawings and diagrams given in the article will help the reader to solve most of the problems that arise with plumbing.
What to take into account when repairing the mixer:
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When changing the cartridge, you need to make a one-to-one replacement, since these products come in several varieties( sizes).Therefore, to buy just in case, any, it is impractical. In order not to be mistaken, it is necessary to dismantle the failed cartridge and, together with it( as with the sample), already go to the store. - Use as a winding material is not desirable. On sale there are special cords and tape FUM.They are more durable.
- All gaskets made of rubber are uniquely replaced when the mixer is disassembled. Ftoroplastovye products, if there are no noticeable defects( for example, due to excessive tightening of the nut), can be reused.
- In any work, and quite unexpectedly, there may be a break. There is no need to hope for memory. When disassembling the device, all parts should be stacked in a certain order, since assembly is always done in the reverse order.
- Reducing the pressure is not a sign of a malfunction of the plumbing. First of all, check the pressure by opening another tap( for example, in the kitchen).The difference, if it exists, will immediately be noticeable. The main reason is the clogging of the aerator. This is a mesh fine-mesh filter that is installed in the nozzle spout. It is enough to unscrew the fixing nut, pull out the mesh plates, clean and rinse them - and the efficiency of the mixer will be restored in full.
- Cartridge ball repair is subject to( with partial disassembly), ceramic - no.
Shower switch
It is arranged according to the principle of a conventional ball valve.
It is easy to disassemble: the screw is loosened, after it - the threaded nut, and it is possible to pull out the ball mechanism from the body. A typical malfunction is a defect in the plastic seal.
