Few people want to face the problems of the operation of sanitary ware in its own shower. Nevertheless, sometimes it can not be avoided. The only option is to solve the problem immediately, and not postpone it for later. Otherwise, the consequences can be most unpredictable, up to the flooding of neighbors from below.
In cartridge mixers for a shower cabin, one of the most important roles is played by a cartridge. It is he who is responsible for such parameters as mixing of cold and hot water streams, pressure and, of course, temperature. If the cartridge fails, the entire system suffers.
Now most residents of apartments and houses prefer modern faucets for the shower, which differ in the presence of ceramic elements in place of the old valve systems. The design has become more reliable, more convenient and more durable. However, it is not possible to get rid of possible breakages even the most expensive crane.
device As practice shows, brass mixers( body) , are most often installed in shower cabins inside which are located two cartridges, holders, flywheel and divertor. The latter is responsible for changing the flow regimes of water.
Acquire the necessary cartridge in our time is absolutely no problem - there are all sizes, shapes, design features and so on. Their body is mainly made of special plastic, and the bottom is made of ceramic. Rubber inserts are located on the holes. These seals allow a reliable and airtight connection between the cartridge and the mixer.
As we have already mentioned, the shower cartridge serves to change the water supply modes. These devices differ among themselves on several parameters:
- Size of the rod;
- Diameter;
- Number of modes;
- Surface of the divertor;
- Type of seat for the stock.
When you need to change the cartridge
Immediately answer the most important question - can I repair the cartridge. As a rule, the cartridge is not subject to recovery and the only solution is its complete replacement. So the repair is to remove the old cartridge and install a new one in its place.
There are several situations that clearly indicate the need for replacement:
- From under the lever, water flows with the shower on;
- Only one water is supplied - cold or hot;
- It is not possible to adjust the mode;
- The temperature of the water spontaneously and dramatically changes;
- There is a crunch when switching;
- The distributor is jammed;
- Water flows are mixed poorly, do not correspond to the established mode;
- The lever moves too loose or tight.
The main causes of failure
Let you replace the old cartridge with a new one, but you should also find out the reason why the element failed. Perhaps this will help to protect the installed cartridge from the fate of its predecessor.
How to choose
Before you go to the plumbing shop for a new cartridge, be sure to answer a few questions:
- How many operating modes does your old cartridge have?
- What is the diameter of its drum?
- What is the height of the metal rod without the plastic element?
This can only be done by removing the element from the mixer design. We will discuss this in more detail later.
Replacement
So, you have determined that your mixer in the shower cabin urgently needs a replacement cartridge. Therefore, it should be determined which cartridge is used in plumbing to go to the market and buy a replacement.
Try to choose items made by the same manufacturer as your plumbing. Otherwise, carefully study whether the new component will fit the old one.
Unfortunately, not always consultants in stores can answer your questions, because they do not understand the nuances of sanitary equipment. Therefore, it is better to learn everything at once, rather than relying on the qualification of the seller.
There is nothing complicated to replace. You just need to perform a few simple and consistent actions:
- Remove the handle of your mixer. To do this, unscrew the small screw located below it.
- Remove the decorative nut, which you can easily notice on the edge of the lock. It does not hold the device, because it is called decorative.
- Already beneath it is a brass nut, the role of which is to fix the element. It is quite easy to unleash it.
- Having unscrewed both nuts, you will need to remove the cartridge.
- Do not rush to replace it with a new one. Beforehand, be sure to remove all accumulated debris, dirt, carefully remove the lime scale.
- Now take the purchased new item and perform the procedure in reverse order.
- Do not remove the tools until you are convinced of the efficiency of the new cartridge. Turn on the water, check all modes.
- The replacement can be considered successfully completed.
As you can see, the cartridge, despite its small size, plays an extreme role in the functioning of the shower cubicle. Calling plumbing does not make any sense, because you can completely replace the replacement yourself, without having the special skills and experience in repairing plumbing equipment.
If you are afraid of choosing a new cartridge, then just pull out the old one and take it with you to the store. You will easily find an analogue.
