Single-lever bathroom faucets: design and repair features. Installation and repair of a bathroom faucet with a shower. One-armed faucet drips from the handle, what to do?

As the most functional faucets for bathrooms and kitchens, single lever faucets have earned a well-deserved reputation for simple and stylish faucets. Despite the durability of shut-off valves of this type, the structural elements wear out over time and the mixer fails. In this case, disassembling the device and replacing defective parts is required. Thanks to the simple design and availability of spare parts for restoring the functionality of modern valves, put off calling a plumber and start making repairs yourself. The only thing you need to do is understand the design of all types of single-lever mixers and the features of their repair and maintenance.

The pressure and temperature of the water at the outlet of the mixer is regulated by the position of its lever. In this case, the pressure changes smoothly when moving the handle in the vertical direction, and the temperature changes when the position of the joystick changes in the horizontal plane. The ease of adjustment is due to the original design of the tap, which consists of the following parts:

The differences in faucets with a lever lie both in the external design and in the design of the replaceable cartridge.

Kinds

Despite the huge variety of models of single-lever mixers, they can be divided into two types, depending on the design of the faucet axle (replaceable element):

• faucets with ceramic cartridge;
• valves with ball cartridge.

Valves of both types have both advantages and disadvantages.

Ball valve

The ball mixer has high reliability and long service life

The name of this cartridge is due to the shape of its main element. The control device is made in the form of a hollow ball with three holes for water flow. It is built into the body via a cartridge sleeve. The necessary seal is created by spring-loaded fluoroplastic inserts, additional pressure to which occurs due to liquid pressure. The material of the seals ensures easy sliding of the sphere inside the sleeve. The required water pressure is ensured by partial or complete blocking of the holes in the sphere and the body, and temperature control is provided by options for combining them. Due to the fact that water mixing occurs inside the ball, the cartridge is susceptible to scale formation. This is precisely one of the reasons that can disable it. Other disadvantages of ball valves include:

• low maintainability;
• relatively high cost;
• rapid wear of rubber seals.

Despite this, taps with spherical elements can withstand water hammer and pressure drops well, and in addition, have a lower sensitivity to inclusions that are present in tap water.

Faucet with ceramic cartridge

Diagram of a mixer with a ceramic cartridge

Modern replaceable cartridges with blocks of ceramic plates have rightfully received recognition from many users. The durability of this solution and the relatively low cost made it possible to reduce their price, as well as repair costs in the event of a breakdown.

The reliability of this type of design is ensured by two or three ceramic discs treated with ultrasound. The precision of mechanical grinding of this class made it possible to achieve the required smoothness of the parts, which contributes to the ideal abutment of their working parts.

Smooth and silent movement of the ceramic cartridge discs is ensured throughout its entire service life.

The discs are located one above the other and have holes for water to pass through. The upper plate is attached to the control rod, and the lower one is rigidly installed in the cartridge body. When you turn the handle, the discs move relative to each other, due to which their holes partially or completely coincide. Due to this, mixing of the liquid occurs. The amount of pressure is changed by moving the top plate.

In cartridges with three ceramic disks, the middle element is movable. Such devices are designed specifically for water supply systems with low operating pressure. Their feature is the mixing of water not between the plates, but in the valve body, which can significantly reduce the hydraulic resistance inside the device.

Three-disc ceramic cartridges are ideal for low-pressure water supply systems because they do not reduce water pressure when mixing.

The disadvantage of cartridges with ceramic elements is their sensitivity to mechanical inclusions. The abrasive effect of small particles of sand or scale contributes to the rapid failure of equipment. At the same time, one cannot fail to note the advantage of such crane axle boxes: they have a lower price, and replacing them is not difficult even for people without plumbing experience.

Installing filters for mechanical water purification significantly increases the service life of ball and cartridge type mixers.

Required Tools

Disassembling a single lever faucet for a bathroom or kitchen is not difficult. The only difficulty that you may encounter is the formation of scale on the bottom of the lever and its sticking to the cartridge rod. For the rest of the work you will need:

• Screwdriver Set;
• set of hex keys;
• adjustable wrenches and wrenches;
• pliers with long jaws or round nose pliers;

If you do not know which cartridge is installed in the faucet, then before buying a replacement part, disassemble the faucet and remove the defective mechanism. When you take it to the market or to a construction hypermarket, you will be sure that you have purchased a cartridge of a similar design.

Disassembling a faucet with a ceramic cartridge

To remove the cartridge, just disassemble the top part of the mixer

As in other cases of repair or installation of plumbing equipment, it is necessary to shut off the water supply at the entrance to the apartment. After this, be sure to check how tightly the taps on the riser are closed by opening the flow valves in the kitchen or bathroom. In addition, prepare a basin and a rag to remove any water spilled during dismantling.

Faucets built into the sink have vulnerable spots in the form of a rubber gasket or cartridge, if damaged or worn out, the device begins to leak. To troubleshoot the problem, use our disassembly instructions:

1. Remove the tap. To do this, use an adjustable wrench to unscrew the nuts of the flexible connection, then lift the mixer above the sink and unscrew the hoses from their seats.
   

   Please note: Some taps are equipped with a decorative casing, which is removed at the very first stage. In this case, care must be taken, since protective elements are often made of brittle alloys.

2. Using a knife or thin flathead screwdriver, pry up and remove the plug.
3. Using a hex wrench, remove the mounting screw.
4. Remove the lever. In this case, the problem may be its sticking to the body. You can eliminate the consequences of long-term operation of the mixer by pouring boiling water over the interface or treating it with machine oil.
5. Remove the protective cover, then unscrew the clamping nut. The latter comes in two types: with an open-end wrench or with recesses on the edges. You may have to use long-nosed pliers while working.
6. Pull the cartridge out of the housing.

Important: be sure to remember or sketch the position of the cartridge in the mixer body so that when installing a new part, you can assemble the device correctly.

Video instructions for disassembling a cartridge mixer

Further disassembly of the ceramic cartridge is pointless, since it is non-repairable and is a consumable item. When choosing a replacement part, give preference to silicone sealing elements. They are more durable and less susceptible to the harmful effects of moisture.

Disassembling a ball-type mixer

Prepare for work in the same way as in the above case. When getting started, you should understand that faucets with a ball cartridge are less repairable than their ceramic counterparts, so you need to be prepared to completely replace the faucet. If the problem is low water pressure at the outlet of the spout or slight leakage of the faucet, then disassembling and repairing the faucet yourself can solve the problem.

A weak stream of water may indicate that the aerator mesh is clogged with dirt or scale. To clean it, unscrew the nut from the faucet spout, remove and rinse the part under a strong stream. After this, reassemble the spout in reverse order.

If the faucet leaks, you will need to replace the rubber seals with new elements. Do the work in this order:

1. Remove the red-blue plug and remove the screw securing the lever.
2. Remove the lever. When making an effort, do not forget that the handles, bodies and cartridge stems of budget faucets have extremely low strength.
3. Pressing the screwdriver onto the recesses of the plug, turn the threaded connection clockwise.
4. Remove the faucet dome using pliers. After this, remove the plastic protective element. A faucet leak is most often associated with a worn seal located on a plastic part.
5. Remove the ball from the sleeve. If the spherical element is damaged or deformed, it must be replaced.
6. A flat-head, thin screwdriver will help remove the spring-loaded seals. When replacing the latter, it is necessary to install new springs, since over time they lose their rigidity.
7. After replacing the sealing elements, install the ball, and then mount the remaining parts of the mixer.
8. After connecting the water, check the functionality of the device at different pressures and temperatures.

With one handle, it has a simple device - the main components are a body where the ebb is located, places for inserting into the sink and connecting communications, as well as a block for adjusting the water supply.

In almost all cases, repairing this mixer involves replacing the base or its elements. Let's take a closer look at what they are.

Types of control units

Most often in plumbing stores there are two types of taps - with ceramic cartridges and ball ones. They have advantages and disadvantages, which we will discuss in the comparison table.

Table 1. Popular types of cranes

View, illustration	Description
	The main part of such a device is a metal ball, in which there are openings for water and a special rod for the handle. So, during operation, this ball rotates from side to side to supply hot, cold or warm water. To seal, special rubber rings are installed near the inlet holes, thanks to which you can adjust the temperature (by turning the knob). The main advantage of such cranes is considered to be long-term operation and resistance to wear of internal parts, because the ball itself rarely breaks down, usually only the gaskets need to be replaced.
	It is worth noting that such models will eventually completely replace simple ball devices, because such an element can function for more than ten years without any problems. However, this only applies to high-quality products from reliable manufacturers. Cheap Chinese analogues often fail within a few days after purchase. The cartridge is a system of several elements installed inside a plastic base. On top of the body there is a lever where the handle is attached. There are also holes at the bottom for water of different temperatures. The main elements of this cartridge are ceramic parts that are located end to end. When you turn the handle, these plates also rotate, which allows you to regulate the temperature. Another advantage of such a device is the ability to quickly disassemble it and replace parts.

Difficulties in purchasing and using a faucet

In order to minimize the danger when purchasing and further using a crane, you must choose only products from a reliable manufacturer. A well-known brand with a reputation in the market guarantees that the device will serve you for many years without breakdowns.

Most often, control units are already available in plumbing - since they have a standard appearance, it is necessary to purchase a similar device, which will make it possible to immediately replace the unit or use some of its parts. In the future, if there is a breakdown, it will be possible to assemble one serviceable one from two blocks.

Most often, water enters the device through flexible hoses, which wear out quickly. Therefore, to avoid flooding of the kitchen or bathroom, an AquaStop valve is installed at the outlet of the water pipes.

It should be borne in mind that such a valve is only effective if the hose is torn off the pipe under water pressure. In other situations, it will not help avoid flooding.

Prices for popular faucet models

Faucets

What is required to repair a faucet?

To carry out repair work, you will need to disassemble the faucet without completely removing it from the sink. You will have to remove the handle yourself, unscrew the fasteners and connections - for this you will need a full set of specialized tools.

During the work you will need the following equipment:

• a set of keys - for unscrewing fasteners from the base of the mixer and reinforced hoses and dismantling bolts in devices with a hairpin fastening;
• Phillips screwdriver - needed to remove the handle.

When dismantling the mixer and hoses, you often have to deal with the fact that the parts are corroded or covered with a dense layer of lime, so it is recommended to pre-treat them with alkaline agents or WD-40 lubricant. This will simplify the process of dismantling and subsequent installation of these parts.

If there are gaskets in the flexible hoses and the mixer body, then additional seals in the form of tape or rubber rings are no longer used. If you have to change flexible hoses, it is better to choose stainless steel products with an American-type nut and a connecting part made of non-ferrous metal.

Cartridge faucet repair

Repairing a device of this type may require various steps. If the tap does not turn off completely and water is constantly dripping from it, then most likely you will need to replace the cartridge. If there is external damage to the body or sill, you will need to buy a new faucet and then install it.

Most often, the main components of the device - the adjustment block and the spout - fail. The adjustment unit becomes unusable when the device is used for a long time or the quality of the device is poor. In addition, a breakdown can occur if contaminated water with sand particles gets into the water supply system - then the internal plastic parts and the rod on which the lever rests are damaged.

The ebb tide stops working when the filtration nozzle (aerator) is clogged. Under the pressure of water, the walls of the mesh are damaged, which is why the faucet begins to leak.

Cartridge faucet repair: step-by-step instructions

Step one: First, you need to unscrew the outer cover of the mixer (it is a type of disk with marks for water supply at different temperatures). The flag itself is screwed onto a small screw. The screw can be found at the bottom and may have a different appearance.

If you have to remove an old faucet, then most likely there is rust inside, which will make it difficult to unscrew it, so removing the handle will only be possible by mechanical force. However, such repairs do not guarantee the continued functionality of the mixer.

Step two: the next step is to dismantle another decorative attachment. It looks like a lid and is fixed in the upper part of the base. It is secured with a ring nut, which can be unscrewed without any problems. If corrosion interferes with this process, the threads will also need to be removed by force. It does not perform any important functions, but serves only as a decorative element.

Step three: Now you need to inspect the appearance of the cartridge - this will allow you to understand how suitable it is for further use. If there is multiple damage or cracks on its surface, then all that remains is to replace the cartridge.

Sometimes in old faucets, the internal mechanism itself, where the cartridge is installed (where there are three holes for water supply), is subject to corrosion. Then you will need to replace the entire mixer, because repairs are impractical.

Step four: When replacing the unit, you must once again clean the internal parts of the housing from deposits using detergent. Next, you will need to secure the new cartridge, aligning it with the protrusions.

Video - Faucet repair with cartridge replacement

Errors that occur during the installation process

There are often cases when, after replacement, the cartridge does not function properly. The cause of the problem is that the rubber piece at the bottom prevents the locking tabs from getting in. In such a situation, you need to disassemble the tap again, and then tighten the clamping nut more tightly.

You should not twist the nut too much - this will lead to heavy movement of the handle and rapid breakdown of the internal elements. Therefore, it is necessary to achieve optimal clamping of the nut.

Repair of mixer with ball control units

If you have a mixer of this type, the main repair consists of replacing the rubber bands. In other cases, you will have to change the entire device. Before starting work, you will need to prepare materials in the form of special rings. Cleaning agents may also be required if there is a layer of dirt on the surface.

Main malfunctions of ball mixers:

• wear of the rubber ring located on top;
• damage to the surface of the ball with openings;
• wiping valves;
• spring wear.

If the mixer is repaired, you will need to first disassemble it to assess the extent of the damage.

Disassembling a ball mixer: step-by-step instructions

Step one: you need to unscrew the outer cover on the handle

Step two: Now, using a tool, you need to disconnect the top cap and remove the plastic fastening element with a rubber gasket in the form of a dome.

Repair features

Repairing such a device is not difficult. The following steps are required:

1. There is a need to change the connection point between the valve and the block head. It is placed in the opening of the base with a spring.
2. If there is visible damage to the ball itself, it cannot be repaired. The owner will have to purchase a new ball to replace it.
3. If the dome-shaped rubber band wears out, you will have to replace it with a new one. However, this rarely happens, because the washers are wear-resistant.

After dismantling all the parts, you need to go to a specialized store, where you will be able to purchase damaged elements. Then you have to assemble the mixer using the instructions. To avoid rubbing, it is recommended to lubricate the parts with machine oil.

Video - Repair of a ball mixer

Features of cleaning the aerator

A sign of a clogged aerator (fine mesh in the “spout” of the faucet) is poor water supply. This mesh is necessary to spray the flow of water into small streams in order to filter from polluting particles.

Cleaning the aerator: step-by-step instructions

Step one: First you need to prepare special products for cleaning the mesh - these can be various mixtures based on alkaline and other active components. If you do not have such means at hand, then you can use acetic acid or lemon juice.

Step two: In order to remove the aerator, it is necessary to remove the thread. This should be done carefully using a key. However, you should not try to strip the threads by mechanical force, as this will lead to irreversible damage. It is recommended to lubricate it with an oil solution, which will make the process easier.

Step three: Now you need to add lye or lemon juice to a glass or plastic container with hot water (the solution should be concentrated), and then place the dismantled aerator there.

Note! Alcohol, ammonia, and liquid soap can be used as auxiliary agents. In addition, for a visible effect, the container should be shaken several times after soaking the aerator.

Blockage in pipes

In some cases, after cleaning the filter nozzle, low pressure is still observed. The cause of this problem is often a blockage in pipes or flexible lines that blocks the flow of water.

Most often, such a nuisance is typical for outdated water supply systems where metal pipes are installed. Clogging occurs because rust particles accumulate in the pipes over the years and form a blockage.

If such a problem is detected, the first step is to shut off the tap water supply. In the case of flexible hoses, you will have to thoroughly clean them using a cable. However, this is only relevant when the blockage is minor.

The same should be done with water pipes in case of blockage. If contaminants are collected regularly, it is better to replace them. It is recommended to install modern plastic pipes, because they do not corrode.

Prices for special cleaning products

Special cleaning products

If the faucet is in the bathroom

The design of the faucet located in the bathroom usually has a complex shape compared to that used for the kitchen. In addition to the spout, there is also a shower head, so, in addition to the problems that we described above, difficulties arise with switching the flow of water from the tap to the water shower.

There are often cases when water begins to drip from the shower head. This happens due to wear of the rubber sealing ring, which is located in the upper part, so it will need to be replaced.

To replace the seal, disassemble the watering can by unscrewing the nut and supply hose. This way you can see the same gasket. Before installing a new rubber band, this place must be cleaned, after which the washer and liner should be re-fixed.

It is much more difficult to deal with the problem if the bottom gasket wears out. This happens when the lever is constantly in the wrong position. Here you will have to disassemble all the small parts of the structure, so you may need the help of a professional.

How to prevent breakdown?

In order to avoid various breakdowns of the mixer, you must adhere to the following rules during operation:

• It is not recommended to put pressure on the tap or hit it when a leak occurs - this will only aggravate the problem;
• it is necessary to replace failed internal elements as soon as possible;
• Installing filter devices for water supply will help to avoid the accumulation of limescale.

Note! When purchasing a new faucet, you need to pay attention to its accessories. Conscientious manufacturers must include detailed assembly instructions, as well as a warranty card.

It is important to take into account that if you replace certain parts, you should not save money - you need to purchase only high-quality copies.

Advantages and disadvantages of single handle faucets

Every device has some positive and negative sides. In order to make the right choice, it is necessary to consider them in detail.

Advantages of single lever mixers:

1. Simplicity of design. The cartridge is fixed to the monolithic base with only one nut. This means that the device can be quickly disassembled.
2. Breakage resistance. There are no small elements inside the structure, so it will last for many years without breakdowns.
3. Simple controls. With the advent of such models, the need to turn the valves disappeared. Simply lift the handle and move it to the desired position.
4. No repair difficulties. Most often, the repair consists of replacing the cartridge - even a technician without special experience can cope with such a problem.
5. Democratic price. The price of single-lever faucets is lower compared to touch models. However, this depends on the manufacturer, because there are also expensive European-made models on the market.

You may encounter disadvantages if you purchase cheap models, in which the washer connecting the body and the cartridge often wears out. Over time, this leads to corrosion, making it impossible to unscrew this washer.

Let's sum it up

You can repair single-lever faucets at home with a minimal set of tools, so only in rare cases do you have to turn to specialists for help. If you have minimal home repair skills, you can safely try to repair a broken faucet - it won’t take much time.

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If a faucet is leaking, you don’t have to call a plumber and pay for his work. In our article we will figure out how to disassemble a single-lever mixer and carry out repairs yourself. To carry out the work, you need to familiarize yourself with the structure of this sanitary fixture and prepare the necessary tools.

If it leaks from under the lever

Experts attribute the appearance of water from under the faucet lever to a broken cartridge. In this regard, we will need to disassemble the device and replace the cartridge.

Analysis of the mixer

At the initial stage of work, you need to remove the small rounded decorative cover. Usually on this plate there are two different colored dots (red and blue) indicating how to turn the faucet lever to add hot or cold water. If the direction of liquid supply does not match, the lid is turned over to the opposite side.

Single lever mixer device

When the decorative cover is removed, a screw will be exposed inside the hole that holds the lever in position. This lock can be unscrewed using a regular or Phillips screwdriver. There are times when you will need a hex wrench to remove the faucet.

After removing the decorative cover

After removing the lever in one way or another, remove the decorative cover. It happens that this part also cannot be removed in the usual way. The insert can be loosened by hand; to improve the effect, place a soft, dry cloth at the place where the force is applied. If you cannot remove the cap by hand, you can use the following to pull it out:

To protect the surface, the working part of the tool must be in contact with the part through the fabric. After several rotations in different directions, you can quickly remove the decorative cup.

Tightening or replacing the cartridge

After removing the protective cover, we see the cartridge in front of us. Now you need to unscrew the ring nut and you can remove the mechanism for supplying and mixing water. After pulling out this part, you can see the landing grooves on the bottom, which are used to install the device in its working position.

Grooves for cartridge installation

If, after removing the cartridge, wear and tear from metal corrosion is noticed, the mixer can be replaced with a new one. In some cases, water leakage from under the lever can be eliminated by tightening the nut.

Reassembly

Assembling the mixer begins with installing a new cartridge. After this, tighten the circular nut and install the decorative cup. Next, install the lever or flag and secure its position with a screw. If the fastener was rusty or had damaged threads, then the lever must be pressed tightly onto the cartridge holder.

Cartridge for single lever faucet

If it leaks after replacing the cartridge

The main reason for this fairly common phenomenon is considered to be corrosion of the metal in the seat. We have already said that you can try to cover such areas with silicone, but if this does not help, then you will need to change the entire mixer.

If the lever goes down on its own

Spontaneous lowering of the mixer lever usually tells us that it is broken. When you press the flag, water may flow in a thin stream or not at all. Many people believe that the main reason for this lever behavior is a cartridge failure, but this is not always the case.

All residents of a city apartment or country house use plumbing differently. Some open the taps carefully, others, for example, children, jerk the flag sharply. In the latter case, damage to the inner part of the lever, which fits onto the head of the cartridge, may occur. If damaged, the walls of the square insert diverge to the sides, which leads to a certain amount of free movement of the part; when lifted up, the crane begins to fall.

If it's leaking from under your shirt

In some cases, water may leak from under the faucet jacket. The main reason for this phenomenon is considered to be damage to the sealing gaskets, and liquid can leak both in the upper and lower parts in the area where the circular nut is located.

Water from under a gander's shirt

In this regard, when installing a single-lever mixer, you need to firmly tighten the circular nut. This part often gets unscrewed or loosened while the product is being transported, resulting in a small gap. Such a gap is quite enough for water leakage.

If the nut is tightened well, then the cause of the leak will be a faulty gasket. . To eliminate the problem, unscrew the nut and remove the nylon washer (serves to create a working gap between adjacent rotating parts of the housing). Next, remove the faucet spout along with the jacket and carefully check the installation locations of the gaskets.

There should be no traces of corrosion, sinks, etc. The only solution to the problem in this case is to replace the gander from the old faucet; in the worst case, you will have to replace the mixer completely.

The second reason for water leakage from the jacket is considered to be wear of the sealing gaskets.. Such parts are made in the form of a horseshoe, with their working part facing the water chamber. It is quite difficult to buy a new gasket for a faucet, but it is possible to repair a faucet.

Disassembling the mixer to eliminate leakage from under the jacket

To do this, several layers of fum tape are laid in the seats, which will increase the diameter of the seals and improve their tightness. Next, put on the gaskets, install nylon washers, and assemble the remaining parts of the mixer.

Before installing the tap in a permanent place, check its tightness. If the repair work is done correctly, the water does not flow, then the mixer can be fixed to the sink.

How to disassemble a single-lever mixer and make repairs yourself

How to disassemble a single-lever mixer and repair it yourself. What to do if water flows from under the lever or from under the shirt and if the lever lowers itself.

We repair a single-lever mixer ourselves

Single-lever faucets attract with their laconic design and ease of control of water flow. Turning on the water, changing its temperature and pressure - all this with one turn of the handle. These devices are reliable and have a long service life—some branded ones come with a 5-year warranty. However, repair of a single-lever faucet is periodically necessary.

Types of single-lever mixers and their design

Despite the external similarity, there are two types of rotary or single-lever faucets - with a cartridge (cartridge) and ball - with a ball inside. You can repair any of them, but to do this you must first disassemble them. And so that you can not only disassemble, but also assemble, it is advisable to become familiar with the internal structure of each.

The design may be different, the structure remains the same

Cartridge mixer: structure

Cartridge mixers are so named because their shut-off and control mechanism is hidden in a special cartridge flask. In more expensive faucet models, the cartridge body is made of ceramic, in cheaper ones - from plastic. The good thing about these models is that they are easy to repair, but it is not always easy to achieve the required pressure with them - you need tighter control of the handle. But changing the water temperature is very easy - with a slight movement of the hand.

The structure of a single-lever faucet with a cartridge is simple. If you go from top to bottom:

• Switch with fixing screw.
• Locking (clamping) nut.
• Cartridge. The water flows are mixed in it, and the same device shuts off the water.
• The mixer body, which has a “seat” for the cartridge.
• Fasteners, studs and gaskets to ensure tightness.
• Spout (gander). It can be a separate part - in rotary models for the kitchen or part of the body - for sinks in the bathroom.
• If the spout is separate, gaskets are also installed below and there is also part of the body.

What does a single lever mixer with cartridge consist of?

The cartridge itself contains several (usually 4) ceramic or metal disks of a special shape. A rod is welded to the upper disk. By changing the position of the rod, we change the position of the plates relative to each other, changing the amount of water passing through the holes in the plates.

In order for the faucet/mixer to work normally, the plates are ground very tightly. For this reason, cartridge single-lever faucets are very demanding on water quality. Foreign fragments getting between the plates causes the faucet to leak or stop working altogether. To avoid this, some manufacturers install filters on the incoming pipes. But, it is better to install filters on the water supply and get clean water that can be safely supplied to household appliances.

Single lever ball mixer

It got its name from the element in which the water is mixed - a ball with cavities. The ball is usually metal, hollow inside. Its outer part is polished to a shine. The ball has three holes - two for the entry of cold and hot water, one for the exit of already mixed water. A rod is attached to the ball, which fits into a cavity in the handle. This rod with a rigidly attached ball changes the temperature of the water and its pressure.

The structure of a single-lever mixer with a ball water mixing mechanism

It is easier to adjust the parameters with such a device - the parts are well lapped, the handle moves easily. Mixers with a ball mechanism are less critical to the presence of mechanical impurities, but do not respond very well to the presence of hardness salts and excess iron. So for normal operation, pre-filtration is required here too.

How to disassemble and repair a faucet with a cartridge

Repairing a single-lever cartridge faucet often involves reassembling and cleaning the O-rings. Salts are deposited on them, debris and dirt accumulate, which is why the faucet begins to leak. To eliminate this nuisance, the mixer is disassembled, all parts are wiped of dirt (with soapy warm water), rinsed, dried, and put back in place.

Sequence of installation of parts in a cartridge single-lever mixer

Let's figure out how to disassemble a faucet with a cartridge. First, turn off the water, and then the procedure is as follows:

• Remove the decorative plug located on the handle. Just pry it out with a screwdriver.
• The mounting screw is hidden behind it. We unscrew it with a hex key and take it out.

First, unscrew the fixing screw

That's all. The single lever mixer with cartridge was disassembled. As you can see, there are not many details. The main working part is the cartridge. It is in it, inside, that mixing occurs.

Replacing the cartridge

The cartridge itself has a sealing gasket - a rubber seat at the bottom, which ensures a tight fit to the body. Over time, the rubber loses its elasticity and water begins to leak out. If this is the problem, you can first try to clean this ring from the salts and deposits that have formed on it. Place the cleaned part in place and check the work. If the leak does not stop, you will have to replace the cartridge.

Cartridges for “one-arm” faucets

Cartridges for mixers have different diameters, and the inlets and outlets in the lower part are located differently. Therefore, if you need to replace it, first you disassemble the mixer, get the treasured part and go to the store or market with it. You must choose exactly the same model without any deviations. At home, install the cartridge into the housing, turn it slightly until you feel that it “sits” in place. Next is assembly, it goes in reverse order.

First install the clamp nut. Actually, at this stage you can check how the new cartridge works. Turn on the water, adjust the temperature and pressure with the rod. To make it more convenient, you can put a handle on the rod. If everything is fine, continue assembly.

We disassemble and repair a single-lever ball mixer

The single-lever ball mixer was invented a little over 40 years ago. Its design is simple and reliable - there is nothing to break. If problems arise, it is only due to poor quality water - dirt particles settle on the rubber saddles on which the ball rests. The contact deteriorates, water leaks out and the faucet begins to leak.

How to disassemble a single lever ball mixer

Some ball valves are also available with a cartridge. Only inside the cartridge there are not plates, but a ball. Disassembly of this type is no different from that described above. All the difference is hidden inside the flask. There are also other types of taps. In them, the locking ball is installed directly into the rubber seat. There are some minor differences here.

The faucet lever is removed in the same way - first remove the plug, then unscrew the screw with a hexagon. Pull the lever up and remove it. Afterwards the steps are very simple and

Repair of single lever mixer for bathroom, kitchen

Self-repair of a single-lever faucet in a bathroom or kitchen is possible. You just need to know how to take them apart. Description with photos and videos in the article.

Faucet is leaking | Single lever mixer repair

Repair of a single-lever (flag) mixer

The tap is leaking! This is probably the most common expression in the topic of plumbing repairs. In this article we will look at how to repair a single-lever or, as it is also called, flag mixer.

Single-lever faucets have become widespread due to their ease of use, and most likely you use them in both the bathroom and kitchen.

The main control element of such a faucet is the cartridge, and if water is leaking from under the lever of your faucet, then it’s time to change this element. This does not present any difficulty; it is enough to know the operating procedure.

Faucet repair in photo examples

First of all, you need to remove the decorative cap - a plug, which, using colored marks, indicates the position of the lever for supplying cold and hot water

The opened hole provides access to the mounting screw that secures the cartridge and lever

Using a screwdriver (usually a negative one, but not always), unscrew the screw and remove the lever

Then unscrew and remove the decorative cover, which is attached to the external thread of the circular nut

Using a wrench, unscrew and remove the circular nut

We take out the damaged cartridge and replace it with a new one of the same size (common diameters are 35 mm and 40 mm)

There are two conical protrusions on the cartridge that act as guides; they should coincide with where they fit into the mixer body.

We repeat the assembly of the mixer in the reverse order. If the housing is not damaged by corrosion (sometimes) and has no mechanical damage, then the cause of the leak has been eliminated!

Lever faucets for bathtubs and kitchens have a similar structure, so leaks from under the lever can be repaired in the same way by replacing the cartridge.

The mixer has been repaired, that's all, successful repair!

How to disassemble and repair a single lever mixer

Design of single-lever mixers

Single-lever faucets are a relatively young development in the field of plumbing that have gained trust and popularity among consumers. Such cranes are also called “one-arm” or “single-grip”. They are very simple to use: temperature and water pressure can be controlled with one hand. Understanding the features of the mixer will help you easily cope with its disassembly and repair. Single lever mixer elements:

• control lever (handle);
• jet regulator (spout);
• frame;

• clamp (fastening);
• ceramic cartridge or ball mechanism;
• silicone or rubber gaskets;
• circular nut;
• flexible hoses for water supply.

According to the internal structure, single-lever mixers can be:

1. Ball. The design of ball lever mixers implies the presence in the design of a hollow steel ball with three holes - a mixing chamber. Two holes receive hot and cold water, which mixes inside. Third, it dispenses warm water. The ball is moved by a handle. By moving, the ball allows you to regulate the water temperature and jet pressure.

In what cases is it possible to repair a mixer?

Not all faucet breakdowns can be repaired. Cartridge replacement or other repairs are carried out in the event of the following breakdowns:

• the cartridge is leaking;
• when turned on at full power, the ball mixer produces a weak water pressure;
• when turned on, water is simultaneously supplied to the spout and shower;
• Push-button switch failure.

More serious breakdowns occur extremely rarely, but require replacement of the entire mixer.

Disassembling the mixer

Almost anyone can disassemble and repair a leaking single-jaw mixer. You don't need professional tools for this.

Attention! Before disassembling the single-lever mixer, it is necessary to block the access of water to it.

For repair you will need:

• screwdriver or knife;
• hex wrench of suitable size;
• pliers.

Procedure

• Use a screwdriver (or knife) to remove the plugs on the lever that indicate the direction of the handle for supplying hot and cold water.
• Unscrew the screw and remove the handle.
• Carefully unscrew the ceramic and circular nut from the housing. This is done using a key or manually.
• Remove the cartridge from the housing.

The entire procedure for disassembling the mixer takes an average of 10 minutes and anyone can do it.

Fixing the leak

Leaks in single-lever faucets are often caused by failed cartridges. This happens due to abrasive particles of debris entering the interdisk space. In this case, the cartridge must be replaced.

When choosing a replacement element, it is worth considering that the holes in the cartridge can be of different diameters (3 or 4 cm). Cartridges may also differ in the latches on the bottom plate. Cartridges with silicone gaskets are recommended for replacement, as they are more durable when exposed to water.

Advice. Disassemble the faucet and remove the cartridge from it before going to the store. Having an old cartridge will help you avoid missing out on purchasing a replacement.

After installing the new cartridge into the housing, the mixer is assembled in the reverse order of disassembly.

Faucet/Shower switch leaking

Often the problem is associated with wear of the internal oil seal. To fix the problem, it (the oil seal) must be replaced. Troubleshooting steps:

1. The handle must be in the closed position.
2. Remove the flexible shower hose.
3. Use pliers to remove the switch button from the faucet.
4. Using a pin or screwdriver, unscrew the adapter from the spout.
5. Replace the worn o-ring.

Troubleshooting a single-lever ball mixer

Ball mixers are durable, but if a breakdown occurs, they cannot be repaired and require replacement. You can eliminate with your own hands only a weak flow of water being released and leaks associated with wear of the sealing rubber bands. It’s difficult to call a “trouble” with a weak stream a breakdown - the mixer still functions. The reason is a clogged aerator.

Procedure for clearing the blockage

1. Remove the aerator from the faucet spout.
2. Rinse it thoroughly under running water in the opposite direction to the water supply.
3. Install the aerator, securing it with the clamping nut.

Procedure for replacing rubber seals

1. Remove the handle.
2. Remove the plastic shield two-piece. The black part is a seal that needs to be cleaned or replaced.
3. If the leak is not eliminated, remove the ball mechanism.
4. Replace the bottom seal.
5. Place the ball in place and secure the seals with a plastic nut.
6. Install the handle and check the functionality of the mixer.

Advice. When replacing rubber seals, additionally use silicone grease, this will improve the tightness.

Troubleshooting the Bath/Shower Switch

A single-lever bathtub faucet has a switch that controls the flow of water to the bathtub and shower. Possible problems:

• water is supplied simultaneously to the bath and shower. The reason is the unsuitability of the spool gaskets.
• failure to return to the starting position of the switch button. The reason is wear of the switch rod spring.

Replacing the spool gasket rings involves some difficulties, and the main problem is that replacement gaskets are not available for sale. A spare set usually comes with the faucet. If the spare tire is lost, you can independently cut gaskets from dense (3-4 mm thick) rubber. Homemade gaskets can temporarily solve the problem, but they will not last long.

The switch design includes two gaskets - on top and bottom of the spool. If the cause of the leak lies only in the upper gasket, repairs can be made without disassembling the switch. It is enough to remove the decorative cap and carefully pull out the worn out rubber seal. Also carefully install the new gasket. If the problem persists, you will have to disassemble the spool switch and replace the lower rubber band.

The procedure for replacing the spool rubber seals:

1. Check that the mixer lever is in the closed position.
2. Disconnect the flexible hose of the shower screen.
3. Remove the decorative cap, unscrew the screw fastening and remove the switch button.
4. Carefully remove the spool from the mixer body.
5. Notice the rubber seals by additionally lubricating them with sealing paste.
6. Reassemble and install the switch in reverse order.

Replacing the switch spring

Failure of the button to return to the starting position can be corrected by replacing the stretched spring in the switch. Procedure:

1. Remove the adapter as described above.
2. Remove the rod with the wound spring.
3. Remove the old spring.
4. Using pliers, screw the new spring onto the rod. The spring should be made of galvanized steel, and slightly smaller in diameter than the previous one.
5. Assemble and install the switch.

Preventive actions

Faucet repair cannot always solve malfunction problems. In many cases, and always at the wrong time, the tap must be replaced. To extend the life of the mixer as long as possible without repair, experts recommend taking preventive measures and taking a responsible approach to choosing the product.

1. When purchasing, choose heavy-duty brass faucets. They are more durable and will last much longer. But sulimine mixers will not last long.
2. To protect your faucet from most repairable breakdowns, install water filters.

Faucet leaks that are not corrected promptly can cause serious problems. It is not difficult to disassemble and repair the mixer yourself. The main thing is to understand the structure of the crane and have the necessary tools and spare parts on hand.

How to disassemble and repair a single-lever ball mixer: video - How to disassemble a single-lever faucet in a bathroom

How to disassemble and repair a single-lever mixer in case of leakage is shown in detail in the presented videos.

The kitchen faucet is one of the most frequently used plumbing fixtures in an apartment or house, so it is not surprising that it often fails.

In this case, a one-handed rotary faucet requires preventive repairs with replacement of components; sometimes the malfunction cannot be eliminated and the plumbing fixture has to be replaced completely.

Almost every homeowner can carry out this work at home without calling a paid plumbing specialist. To do this, you need to know how to disassemble a kitchen faucet with one handle and have a simple construction tool available.

Single lever kitchen faucet

Design of single-lever mixers

In modern kitchens, the main type of taps are one-handle types, which have practically replaced the inconvenient two-valve designs and are more practical than touch-sensitive devices.

The design of a single-lever kitchen faucet is not complicated; the main components are the body (has a drip line, seats for installation in the sink and water supply) and a built-in adjustment unit.

If a single-lever mixer fails, repair in most situations consists of simply replacing the unified switching unit or its parts.

Types of control units

The manufacturer supplies the market with single-lever models for mixing liquid with only two types of control units: ball and plate ceramic cartridges.

It can be noted that ceramic cartridges, due to their high technical characteristics and performance qualities, have practically forced ball models out of the market.

A high-quality ceramic block can regulate water supply for up to 10 years without loss of performance properties; budget Chinese crafts can fail the next day and need to be replaced much more often.

Appearance of structural elements of ceramic cartridges

Ceramic cartridges

The ceramic cartridge is a prefabricated assembly of parts installed in a plastic cylindrical body, at the top of which there is a lever on which a rotary handle is attached. There are three holes in its lower part: water flows into two of them, and from the third the mixed liquid is directed into the low tide and flows out.

The main components of the cartridge are two ceramic plates with slots that fit tightly to each other. When one of them rotates around its axis, the inlet holes through which cold and hot water enters overlap to varying degrees - thus, the temperature regime is adjusted.

If the movable plate moves along its axis, both inlet openings are simultaneously blocked - this is how the pressure is regulated.

The main advantage of equipping a kitchen faucet with a cartridge is its ease of replacement and high maintainability - its cylindrical body can be easily disassembled.

Working principle of ceramic block

Ball

Ball control units consist of one main part - a metal ball with three holes for water and a rod for installing a rotary handle. During operation, the ball rotates in a spherical housing seat that has three holes: two for water inlet and the third for the outflow of mixed liquid.

Adjusting the temperature and pressure occurs in the same way as moving the handle in ceramic models; to seal, spring-loaded rubber rings are inserted into the area of ​​the inlet holes.

The advantage of one-arm ball valves is their simplicity of design, long service life and excellent maintainability - the metal ball itself theoretically cannot fail, so repairing a mixing device consists only of installing new gaskets.

Features of the design of ball joints

Risks during purchase and operation

To avoid risks when purchasing and operating, it is better to purchase sanitary equipment from well-established manufacturers on the market - this guarantees that it will last a long time without breakdowns or malfunctions.

Usually, upon purchase, the control unit is already installed in the plumbing fixture, and given that all their models are unified, the right decision would be to purchase exactly such a fixture right away. This will allow, if the old unit breaks down, to immediately replace it with a new one, and if the situation repeats, to assemble two faulty devices into one that works and then uses the repaired one.

When operating a kitchen faucet, in most cases the water supply is made using flexible reinforced hoses, which are not always of high quality. Flooding of premises in the event of damage to water hoses can be avoided by installing an Aquastop valve at the outlet of the pipes.

It should be borne in mind that the principle of operation of the valve is to shut off the water flow at high pressure, that is, it is effective if the water hose falls off the mixing body or pipe. In other situations, if there is a leak, the apartment can be successfully flooded with Aquastop protection.

What is needed for repair

To carry out repair work, you will have to disassemble the faucet without removing it from the sink; sometimes you may need to repair the kitchen spout, which in one-handed models can be carried out without disassembly operations.

When dismantling the faucet, you have to remove the handle, unscrew the fixing nuts and hoses - this requires suitable tools, consumables and components.

Tools and supplies for plumbing repair work

Tools

To carry out repair work you will need the following tool:

• An adjustable wrench for unscrewing the nut from the mixing device body and dismantling flexible hoses.
• A socket or flat wrench for tightening and removing bolts on mounting studs.
• A Phillips screwdriver or hex wrench for removing the faucet handle.

Necessary materials

When removing the mixing body from the kitchen sink or removing underwater hoses, you often encounter difficulties associated with contamination of the dismantled parts with limescale or corrosion. Before carrying out work, it is better to treat their surface with household chemicals to remove rust and limescale - this will simplify the dismantling and further installation of the equipment.

The presence of gaskets in the underwater hoses and the mixing body eliminates the use of various types of additional seals in the form of synthetic and linen tape, rubber rings.

During repair work, it is often necessary to replace underwater hoses that have become unusable; for replacement, it is better to purchase types with stainless braiding and a union nut with fittings made of non-ferrous metals (copper, brass).

Internal structure of a single lever cartridge faucet

Cartridge faucet repair

Repairing a faucet with a built-in cartridge, depending on its malfunction, requires a different approach. If the water in the tap does not shut off well or constantly flows, in most cases the cartridge needs to be replaced. When the casing shell or ebb is damaged, you will have to remove the mixing device and purchase a new faucet with subsequent installation.

What may require repair

The main components that most often fail during operation are the adjustment unit and the spout. The control unit can be damaged as a result of long-term use with poor quality or from contaminated water with sand entering the water supply system. The main reason for its malfunction is the breakdown of the built-in plastic parts and the rod on which the handle is attached.

The ebb tide most often fails as a result of clogging of the filter nozzles at its outlet - in this case, the water pressure ruptures its thin-walled tube and a leak forms.

Spout filter repair

How to disassemble

When carrying out repair work, it is often necessary to disassemble a single-lever mixer; the process consists of the following steps:

• Using a knife or flat-head screwdriver, remove the plastic plug on the side of the handle; the fixing screw may have a head for a Phillips screwdriver or a hex key. Unscrew the mounting screw with a suitable tool; before carrying out work, it may be necessary to pre-treat it with household chemicals against limescale and rust.
• After removing the handle, unscrew the decorative nozzle. It is designed for manual removal, but during long work, water gets into the threads and the coating prevents unscrewing. To make removal easier, you can use an adjustable wrench, after placing a soft cloth under its jaws to prevent scratches on the chrome surface. When dismantling the cap, excessive force should be avoided - this can lead to deformation of the thin-walled lining.
• Under the cap there is a clamping nut with a hexagonal ring at the top - it is simply unscrewed counterclockwise with an adjustable wrench. It is easy to remove the cartridge - it is pulled out of the mounting socket using the lever using your fingers.

Disassembling a faucet with a ceramic cartridge

How to replace a cartridge

Before changing the cartridge in the mixer, the internal parts of the mixer body are cleaned of plaque and dirt using a rag and household chemicals. Replacing a cartridge with a new one is quite simple - when installing, align the body protrusions with the recesses in the installation socket.

Mistakes you can make

It often happens that after seemingly correct assembly, the cartridge does not work correctly. This happens due to the fact that the protruding rubber gasket at the bottom during installation prevents the two locking protrusions on its body from accurately falling into the mounting sockets. The faucet will have to be completely dismantled again, the block must be installed in the correct position and pressed harder by hand when tightening the clamping nut.

During installation, it is important not to overtighten the clamping nut - this can lead to a stiff movement of the joystick and compression of the housing shell, causing rapid wear of the internal parts and, in extreme cases, their cracking - if the joystick moves tightly, you should immediately loosen the clamp.

How to disassemble a ball-type kitchen faucet

Ball mixer repair

The main do-it-yourself repair of a ball mixer in the kitchen is replacing the gaskets; if there is significant damage to the drain or casing, leading to leaks, the plumbing will have to be replaced.

Before repairing a ball valve, prepare the usual tools and consumables in the form of rubber cylindrical gaskets and a dome washer. Household chemicals may be needed for the preliminary treatment of parts coated with plaque and corrosion.

Possible faults

The main malfunctions of ball types include:

• wear of the upper dome gasket;
• defects in a hollow metal ball;
• abrasion of saddle valves;
• weakening of springs.

If we repair a faucet with our own hands, then, unlike cartridge types, to accurately determine the faulty part, it requires preliminary disassembly.

Disassembling the mixer

When disassembling a single-lever ball-type mixer, perform the following operations:

• Remove the decorative trim on the handle, completely unscrew the fixing screw and remove the handle.
• Unscrew the top cap with an adjustable wrench, installing it in the outer slots.
• Remove the plastic washer with a dome-shaped rubber ring and the ball from the body, and use a screwdriver to remove the seat gaskets with springs.

How to disassemble a ball mixer - replacing seals

How to repair

Instructions for connecting the faucet can help you with self-repair; after studying it, it will be much easier to repair it.

But even in its absence, repair is not particularly difficult; the following operations are mainly performed:

• The valve seats are most often replaced. To do this, they are inserted into the housing recesses along with the springs.
• If the ball is damaged, any ball repair is ineffective - it is replaced with a new one.
• Wear of the upper dome washer occurs very rarely; if it wears out, it needs to be replaced.

To speed up the repair time without conducting a preliminary inspection of the ball valve and disassembling it, it is better to purchase a standard repair kit from a retail chain in advance.

Single-lever faucets are a new trend in the design of a modern bathroom or kitchen. The standard herringbone faucet and wall-mounted faucets are losing their popularity against the backdrop of such a functional and stylish analogue. A single-lever (or joystick) faucet is a body with a plate in which cold and hot water are mixed. The plate acts as a lever. This design can be made of ceramic, metal or plastic.

If the joystick mixer fails, it must be disassembled and any problems resolved. To eliminate them, you need to know the types of “one-armed” mixers, as well as the principles of working with them.

Types and features of single-lever mixers

Exist 2 types o bottom lever taps:

Advantages and disadvantages of joystick mixers

Single lever faucets have become popular due to convenience and ease of use. With the help of such mixers, water is quickly regulated to the desired temperature by moving the lever to the right or left. To increase or decrease the water pressure, the joystick is adjusted from top to bottom. In addition, single lever taps demonstrate long service life. This is due to the fact that in the design of such faucets there are no rubbing elements made of metal, as well as rubber gaskets between the moving parts of the faucet.

The disadvantages of a ball valve are: rapid wear of rubber seals. Therefore, to avoid breakdowns and clogging of the mixer, it is recommended to replace these parts every 2 years. Failure of a single-lever faucet can occur if abrasive elements (for example, sand) enter it along with water. This is why it is so important to install special filters to prevent clogging.

Some cheap models of cartridge faucets are difficult to set a comfortable temperature within 35 - 41 degrees. This is due to the fact that inexpensive analogues of such mixers have a small angle for adjusting the water temperature. This design does not allow for precise adjustment, which is not inferior in accuracy to faucets with a ceramic faucet. But disk models from well-known brand manufacturers have wide angle settings up to 15 degrees, which allows you to quickly and easily obtain the required water temperature. This functionality is achieved due to the special design and high-quality material of the parts.

How to properly disassemble a disk mixer

If the plates in the faucet sleeve break, it is necessary to disassemble the mixer. To do this you will need the following tools: screwdriver and hex wrench.

Instructions:

Tip: before buying a new cartridge for the mixer, you need to take with you the old disk that has already failed. The thing is that cartridges can have different hole diameters (3 or 4 cm) and latches on the bottom plate of the cartridge. Therefore, there is a risk of purchasing a larger or smaller disk. Also, when choosing a new cartridge, you need to pay attention to the disk with a silicone gasket, since it is less susceptible to water.

How to properly disassemble a ball mixer

This type of single lever faucet is as easy to disassemble as a cartridge faucet. It should be borne in mind that if a serious breakdown occurs, you will have to replace the entire mixer. If the malfunctions in the operation of the faucet are insignificant (for example, when the faucet is turned on at full power, the flow of water is weak), you need to disassemble the faucet and repair it yourself. The cause of such a breakdown may be a clogged faucet. abrasive substances.

Instructions:

1. Remove the nut from the faucet spout.
2. Pull out the mesh, rinsing it with water.
3. Place the nut and screen back into the mixer.

If the tap is leaking, it is necessary replace rubber seals for new ones. To do this you will need: a screwdriver and a hex key.

Instructions for replacing the rubber seal:

1. The screw is unscrewed and the lever is removed.
2. The connection is removed from the thread, then the screw is unscrewed with a screwdriver. Usually plaque collects on it, which needs to be removed with a cloth.
3. The rubber seals are removed and replaced with new ones. The ball is also removed.
4. After replacing the gaskets, the ball is installed in its place. The seals are secured with a plastic nut.
5. The lever is installed and the screw is fixed. Finally, you need to check the operation of the mixer system by opening the tap. There should be no water leaks.

Prevention of breakdowns of a single-lever mixer

In order for joystick taps to serve for a long time, it is necessary:

Knowing the diagram and operating principle of single-lever mixers, you can independently repair a failed joystick tap.

How to repair a faucet (video)