Sometimes situations arise that the mixer fails. In most cases, it can be repaired independently, without resorting to the help of professionals. Based on the laws of thermodynamics, perpetual motion machines of any kind do not exist, so sooner or later this breakdown will happen, and therefore it is very useful to have information to correct the situation.
Classification of faucets
Repairing them is slightly different depending on what type they are. This is due to the fact that different parts in different classification units are responsible for this or that breakdown.
There are basically 3 types of faucets:
- Valve. It is the oldest of the considered types. The design includes a gander and valves in the amount of two pieces. If you have a similar mixer installed and it is of an old design, then leaks are more likelyall due to the deformation of the rubber gaskets. The new modifications use crane boxes with ceramic discs with holes in the center. Turning the valve causes the holes to line up, allowing water to leak.
- Single-lever. They are characterized by the fact that they contain a cartridge for mixing water. It is fixed with a nut on the bottom of the body, and a rod is mounted on top, on which a lever is fixed, with which the temperature and water pressure are regulated.
- Touch. The water supply is controlled by a photocell. In this case, the replacement of sensors during the repair of the faucet should be carried out by professionals, since special skills are required.
Classification of bath-shower switches
In the bathroom, faucets are installed with a special switch that helps redirect the flow of water from the tap to the shower and back. This part also fails periodically.
There are 4 main varieties:
- Cork - the oldest type of switch, currently practically not used, they use a similar one with a spool core.
- Cartridge - based on the use of the same name part, which can be ceramic and ball. The former lasts longer but is disposable, the latter has a shorter lifespan but is repairable.
- Spool - an analogue of the Soviet cork switch, installed either between water valves of different temperatures, or onmiddle of the gooseneck holder and mixer cartridge.
- Exhaust (push-button) - among them there are simple and automatic types. In the latter case, the switch does not return to its original position: after shutting off the water, it returns to it by itself. Of all the species, this one requires the most effort to switch the water.
Main cause of failure
The faucet may fail due to wear of the components included in its composition. The cheaper this equipment cost, the less quality materials were used in it and the more often it will be necessary to repair the mixer with your own hands. In any case, it should be carried out after shutting off the water supply and completely draining it from the tap.
Leakage in single lever mixer
It is usually caused by a broken cartridge, which leads to leakage from under the lever. In addition, the following characteristic features indicate the failure of this part:
- handle rotates with difficulty;
- water supply may partially shut off;
- water temperature can change regardless of the actions of the wash;
- the flow of water of different temperatures from different taps may change.
Repair of a single-lever faucet is to replace the ceramic cartridge.
To do this:
- need to remove plug;
- unscrew the latch with a hexagon or a Phillips screwdriver;
- the handle is pulled up, which contributes to its separation from the body, after thatunscrew the lid;
- then unscrew the nut that secures the cartridge in the housing;
- it is taken out, a new cartridge is placed in its place, and all actions are repeated in reverse order, while paying attention to the fact that the protrusions on the body of this element coincide with the internal grooves, otherwise there will be no flow from the tap fixed.
Leaking valve
In mixers of this type, the sealing washer most often wears out, although the crane box may also become unusable.
Bath faucet repair is to replace these parts, which is performed in the following sequence:
- the plug is removed from the faulty valve;
- the screw fixing this part on the mixer is unscrewed;
- crane box is disconnected with a wrench;
- after that they change it or the rubber seal.
Appearance of a crack in the hull
Sink or shower faucet may need to be repaired due to cracking. To the greatest extent, such a defect can appear on brass products, steel products are usually distinguished by increased strength.
It is possible to carry out repair work to eliminate a crack using a sealant, but they are considered ineffective, since the problem is solved quite easily, but only for a short time period. The destruction of the body will continue in the future, which in any case will require the replacement of the mixer as a whole.
Repairfaucet switch
Before performing this action, the water must be shut off in the room. In the event of a leak from under the switch, we can say that the gland located between it and the mixer has become unusable. This is evidenced by the simultaneous flow of water into the watering can and the mixer. The repair consists in replacing the oil seal as follows:
- the rod is clamped with pliers, the button is removed;
- after that the valve is removed with it;
- take out the damaged oil seal and insert a new one, after which the previous steps are repeated in the opposite direction.
Sometimes a button may fail in this case. It may not work due to a broken spring. The parsing algorithm is the same, the broken part is removed, a new one is put in its place. You can find out that it was she who broke down by not returning the button to its original position.
Older faucets use plug switches. After a certain time period, the button begins to move away from the body, resulting in a leak. In order to eliminate it, the following steps are taken:
- unscrew the screw;
- remove the handle;
- unscrew the nut;
- remove lock washer;
- take out the cork;
- she and the body inside are wiped with kerosene;
- using Vaseline, abrasive paste or paraffin rub the cork to the body.
Sliding switches like these tend to have gasket wear. In this case, the sequence of actions is as follows:
- turn off the hose;
- remove spout;
- unscrew the valve, adapter;
- take out the spool;
- change rubber rings.
Soul breakage
Shower faucet repairs can be done for a variety of reasons. The gasket at the attachment point of the hose to the faucet may wear out, resulting in a leak. To fix, unscrew the hose nut, take out the old gasket and put a new one in its place.
There may be a leak between the hose and the watering can. Unscrew the nut that secures the latter to the former in order to replace the insulating gasket.
During long-term operation of the shower, its holes can become clogged with various solid deposits. Therefore, the grid must be disassembled and washed. In some models, in the central part of the watering can there is a screw under a plastic cap. For some, parsing occurs by turning the grid counterclockwise.
Weak pressure level
This can be caused not only by the fact that Vodokanal lowered the pressure, but also by the fact that the mixer filter is clogged. At the end of the spout is an aerator that retains solids and increases pressure. To clean the filter, it is removed with pliers, disassembled, washed under water. The reason was precisely in the aerator in the event that after unscrewing it, a strong pressure of water appears. In case of rusting of this elementit needs to be replaced.
In addition, in houses with old metal pipes, rust falls off the inner surface and blocks the section, as a result of which the pressure decreases in a particular mixer. You can clean the pipes using a special serpentine cable, which is used to clean it after it has been disconnected from both sides. But it is better to replace such pipes with plastic ones.
Replacing gaskets
Worn gaskets are often the cause of failure. To replace them, it is necessary to drain the water from the tap, unscrew the supplies, substituting the bucket and draining the remaining water into it, unscrew the latch and carefully inspect the gaskets for cracks, deformations and wear. If any of this is present, then it needs to be changed. In this case, it should be borne in mind that the gasket must enter the groove with effort, so it is better to buy a new element with the old one in your pocket.
Other malfunctions
If the brass valve breaks or the space between it and the gasket becomes clogged, a continuous water leak will occur. Repair of the faucet in the bathroom is carried out by disassembling it, cleaning it and replacing the valve if necessary.
The rubber gasket may dry out, as evidenced by the lack of water flow even if the open faucet is hit with a hard object.
Shaft threads may break. This is evidenced by a scrolling valve. In this case, you can try to thread the thread or change the stem.
Damage of the rubber seal may cause turbulent noise. They areare removed by cutting off the frayed edges.
Repair of a faucet faucet does not require special skills. To unscrew various elements, sometimes you need to make special efforts, so this work is best done by a man.
In conclusion
Do-it-yourself bathroom faucet repair is not difficult. It can be done in a variety of ways, depending on what problem is causing the need for it. Eliminating most of them does not require special knowledge and the possession of special tools. Before proceeding with the repair, it is necessary to understand the reasons for resorting to such actions. Sometimes it is impossible to cope with breakdowns, then a major overhaul is required, which consists in changing the mixer completely.
