In home plumbing, a ball mixer began to be used relatively recently. However, the popularity of this sanitary ware is growing every day. This can be easily explained by the convenience and comfort in operation. Problems with these faucets are rare. And the service life is very long. With mixers of this design, you can seriously save on water. Despite the high reliability, problems still occur with this plumbing device in Russian conditions, but everything is fixable. Let's look at how these faucets work, what can happen to them, and how to repair them.
Ball mixer: the main invention for plumbing
Despite the fact that the ball mixer has been in operation in our country for some two decades, this design has been developed for a very long time. It was created by engineer Alex Manukyan. Manukyan in 1929 created a small company that produced various parts for the Chrysler and Ford car factories. In 1940, from a small company, thisthe company is already turning into a large-scale production with a turnover of millions of dollars.
In 1940, a certain inventor from California approached Manukyan and offered to acquire the right to manufacture a revolutionary crane. The innovation was that instead of the traditional two taps for hot and cold water, one was used. With it, you can simultaneously adjust both pressure and temperature. The innovation was received poorly and even laughed at the inventor. But Manukyan considered one small perspective that everyone else simply missed. The device of the ball mixer is such that it has only one moving element. There are no gaskets or wear parts.
After a while, it became clear that, despite the lack of gaskets, the mixer worked to the fullest. And now Alex Manukyan, together with experienced engineers, begins work on finalizing the design. In 1954, the work was completed and a new revolutionary product was released, which is now installed in most bathrooms. By the way, Manukyan made a huge fortune on this.
Advantages of ball mixers
Ten years ago, there were no alternatives to valve devices on the plumbing market. And when the ball mixer appeared, many were faced with a choice - what to install in the bathroom? Sales show that the ball valve design is in high demand. This can be easily explained by the advantages and high performance of the device. Also experts inplumbing equipment claim that there is nothing on sale now that would be more reliable.
Ball bath faucets proved to be very convenient to use. You no longer need to twist anything to set the optimum water temperature and pressure. To do this, just set the lever to the desired position. Over time, this is done almost automatically.
Those who have been using such devices for a long time already know where the handle should be for a suitable temperature and pressure. And for those who are just about to install such a device, it is useful to know that the pressure can be adjusted by moving the control knob up or down. The temperature is adjusted by turning it to the right or left.
The device of mechanisms with a ball valve
Modern plumbing, namely the ball mixer, as well as their valve relatives, despite the manufacturability, sometimes fail. There is nothing out of the ordinary about this. They are made from the same materials. This is the same metal, the same rubber and plastic. Parts are subject to wear during operation. Repair of a ball mixer is not difficult. But in order for everything to work out, you need to understand the device and be able to remove it, if necessary.
So, the device consists of several elements. This is a rotary knob, or rather a lever. There is also a stem, and its seal is adjustable using a complete washer and nut. There is a valve body and a nut. In casethere is a ball cartridge along with the stem.
This cartridge is a solid, non-separable element. It has three holes. They are designed for cold, hot water, as well as for mixed water of the desired temperature and pressure.
Operation principle
The ball valve mixer works according to a certain algorithm. When the lever is lifted, the ball rotates. Meanwhile, the holes in the cartridge line up with the holes in the seats. Depending on what the area of the holes will be as a result, the temperature of the water and its pressure change.
Typical faults
With careful operation, without applying much effort to the device, the product can serve without breakage for a long time. However, more often these cranes are operated differently and fail.
Among the typical malfunctions, one can single out a leak when the lever is in the locking position, low pressure at a normal level of pressure in the water supply. Regulations are also often violated. It is impossible to set the water at the desired temperature, as the mixing is chaotic. Before repairing ball faucets for the bathroom, it is necessary to determine the cause of the malfunction.
Types of breakdowns
The ball cartridge is fixed in the body with rubber seats. There is free space between these elements. If it becomes clogged, it causes a malfunction. Even a small speck is enough to break the tightness. As a result, the rubber seat is deformed. Ball mount fails.
Also one of the frequently occurring troubles is a blockage in the shutter. In this case, you can even do without repair, and you can solve the problem with a simple cleaning. But for this you have to disassemble the crane. But after assembly, everything will fall into place again and the device will work like new.
Often, all breakdowns occur due to the water that flows in the pipes. She is very tough. In this case, it does not depend at all what type of mixer is installed. In order not to change plumbing fixtures often, experts recommend installing filter elements. Another nuisance is the water that flows from under the rotary knob. Here it is enough to tighten the connection.
How to clear a clogged shutter?
The easiest way to solve the problem is if the shutter is clogged. It can be an obstacle to the normal supply of water with a powerful pressure. First you need to dismantle the aerator. Then water is released without this element. By the way the pressure changes, it will be seen whether the aerator is the cause of the breakdown. To restore the operation of the tap, it is enough to clean and rinse the device in water, and then install it in place. But more often the aerator is replaced.
If water oozes from under the faucet base
This problem can be fixed by replacing the seals. Before you start repairing ball mixers with your own hands, you must first turn off the water. Then the mixer is dismantled with its disconnection. Also unscrew the fixing nut.
A worn gasket must be replaced with the sameonly new. If it is chosen correctly, then it will take a little effort to install it.
If the cartridge is broken
The situation is worse here. These items may crack. But the problem is that these products are not subject to repair. They are replaced with new ones. The same applies if there is damage to the instrument case. If it is not possible to quickly replace the mixer ball switch, you can use a sealant. But this is only a temporary solution to the issue.
Repair features
So, let's look at what needs to be done if repairs are inevitable. Repair of the device is quite simple - any home master can handle it. For work you will need a standard set of tools:
- Adjustable wrench.
- Hexagons.
- Screwdriver or thin needle.
- Flashlight.
First of all, they turn off the water. Next is the dismantling. There is a plug on the body of the device. She is also removed. Under this plug there is a hole through which you can access the screw holding the lever. This screw must be removed. Now you can remove the lever. If the appliance has been sitting for a long time and the ball mixer has not been disassembled, some effort may be required.
Now there is access to the dome of the product and plastic eccentrics. These details are also removed. A cartridge will be installed under them. All dirt must be carefully removed. Next, the mixer switch is removed from the housing. It should be carefully examined from all sides. If there is damage, the cartridge must be replaced.
Next, check the rubber sealing elements. If their elasticity is reduced or lost, then the parts are replaced with new ones. The seals on which the switch is installed are also being replaced (for prevention).
Then it remains to install all the parts in place and assemble the structure in the reverse order. After that, the product should work normally again. But the leak can be under the tap. In this case, it is removed and the seals under the drain are replaced.
Shower Switch Repair
This malfunction occurs quite often. When you try to turn the water from the spout into the shower hose, the lever switches on its own. Liquid flows from the spout, but the shower cannot be supplied. To find the reasons, unscrew the union nut and dismantle the hose. Then remove the top gasket. You may need to pry it with a thin knitting needle. The gasket is replaced with a new one. The mixer is assembled and tested.
If the device still does not work, then turn off the water again, remove the shower hose. Then remove the adapter, spout and lever. Now remove the eccentric and spool. Next, access to the bottom gasket ring opens. It should be replaced. Next, the device is assembled and tested. Before heading to the store for supplies, it's worth seeing if these pads are available at home. Often several seals come with the device. If there are still no materials, then they can be made by hand. Suitable solidrubber thickness 3-4 mm.
Conclusion
Here's how to repair a ball mixer - there is nothing difficult in this task. Repair involves the replacement of consumables and cartridge. Any home master can handle this.
