How do I change the cartridge in the faucet: the replacement of a mixer in the kitchen

When the output of the mixer down is not necessary to go in search of the new. One need only change in the faucet cartridge. Especially because the cost of this small detail is several times less than the price of a new mixer.

The operating principle of a single-lever mixer

In contrast to designs equipped with two valves (for hot and cold water) single-lever mixers have one single handle, with which the continuously adjustable not only temperature but also the power head. Such devices are often called ball, hinged or joysticks.

Mixing water in such devices is performed using cartridges or ball arrangements:

• ceramic disc cartridges. It consists of several perfectly polished ceramic discs with three holes; one for cold, hot water for the second, and the third for the final output stream; liquid mixing is performed in the upper compartment; when turning the crane wheels shift lever, wherein the holes may be partially or fully coincide; for adjusting the pressure value on a special plate;

• ball mixer: its interior are thoroughly polished form hollow sphere with three openings; via ball lever is displaced, wherein there is an overlapping of openings whereby water flow adjustment is made and its output power;

In case of failure of ball repair devices are usually not subject to. Plus, because of the mix inside the ball, he quickly becomes clogged with scale, which is the most common cause of failure. In these devices wear out quickly and the rubber gaskets, seals. Replace the disc cartridge in the faucet in the kitchen or in the bathroom is not too much trouble.

The reasons for the failure of the cartridge

Primarily for this equipment wear process is substantially affected by impurities contained in water - sand, rust, as well as dissolved salts. When they enter the friction between the disks is much more intense, ceramics gradually abraded and the ink cartridge begins to flow.

When the cartridge is clogged with rust and lime salts also can decrease the temperature and water pressure. In this case, it is sufficient cleaning. Cheap Chinese mixers often have a small inlet, and no cleaning will not help here. It helps a replacement device at a higher quality.

Low water pressure may occur when driving crane mesh filter. In this case to correct the problem is enough to remove the grid at the end of the goose and her well cleaned. Poor water flow possible during pile and water pipes. You can check this by turning off the valves of her feeding and removing the mixer, and then again slightly open them. If water enters the pipe without any problem, the problem in the mixer.

The reason for the weak head can be covered and damaged rubber seal. Shifted from the place it is able to block the flow of water. tap noise may appear at sharp pressure drop. To eliminate it is sufficient to replace the gasket.

When purchasing poor quality tap or long-term use of the product due to cracking or offset disc cartridges are often jammed. In this case, the tap handle starts to move in spurts, or ceases to move. In this case, the repair of the cartridge can not be - it will have to change. Because of this defect is also possible water leakage from the mixer lever.

Tip! Clean and lubricate succeed only folding cartridge. If this detail is not folding, only one way out - to be replaced.

Recommendations regarding the selection of the new cartridge

Products even one manufacturer, designed for different models of mixers, may be small, do not throw directly into the eyes of the differences. Even if the wrong size cartridge you can still insert a crane will squeak, buzz, and the handle is bad turn. Yes, and will last a short time the product. Therefore, when buying necessarily specify all the parameters.

In specialty stores sellers are generally familiar with its product range and its ability to find the right product to you. For ease of comparison, the old cartridge is better to take with you. Search same cartridge for cheap Chinese mixer can be difficult. Standard cartridges to them may not be appropriate.

1. First look at the shape of a cylinder and its seat part, the order of arrangement of the holes and their size. Models for kitchen faucets and bath faucets always looks very different;
2. The same must also all the grooves and ridges. Otherwise, fix the item is simply impossible;

   

3. If these parameters are the same, measure the diameter of the cartridge, as well as its height with the stem (stalk) and without it. Standard diameters of 28, 32, 35 and the largest 40 mm;
4. Should pay attention to the length or width of the rod - for certain types of mixers, this parameter can be critical.

Tip! When buying a mixer is better to buy the cartridge and to replace it. Otherwise, in case of breakage have to run around more than a plumbing shop in search of a suitable model.

Required tools

Disassemble the faucet and replace the cartridge is easy. To do this, only a few tools you will need:

• wrench or pliers with narrow working part;
• Allen key;
• direct or Phillips screwdriver;
• flashlight.

Stages cartridge replacement steps

1. Naturally, before starting the hot and cold water has to be shut;
2. To tap drained the remaining water, it is necessary to briefly open;
3. Shut-off valve screw is always hidden by a bezel blank. It is necessary to remove, gently picked up a screwdriver or a knife;
4. Depending on the type of screw slots its twisting Allen key of suitable size, or a straight screwdriver or Phillips-scapula;
5. Next unscrew large main nut. To avoid damaging the cover of the mixer, the pre-key wrap or cloth tape;

1. Now the interior of the mixer can be pulled out easily. Carefully inspect the cartridge you removed. If it is collapsible, and all the details of the whole may need to change is not - it is well cleaned. Single cartridge needs to be replaced;
2. He should stand up straight, exactly on his seat. Therefore it is better to remember the situation in which there was an old;
3. Now, the whole process should be repeated in reverse order, reassemble the mixer.

Tip! If the cartridge has become attached, immediately remove it is not always possible. In order not to damage the fragile plastic, trying to drag the item, treat it first with machine oil. Five minutes later it is distributed over the surface, and the recovery process easier. To get rid of rust by using a special liquid WD-40.

Recommendations masters. Common mistakes

The repair and replacement cartridges for faucets, there are some subtleties, which is worth reading:

1. Before installation, be sure to clean the valve and free it from the accumulated debris. Otherwise, salt deposits and rust do not allow tightly insert a new cartridge;
2. To clean the scale, some experts advise to warm up the unit on an open fire. Doing so is not worth precisely in order to avoid damage to the cam;
3. If the valve still leaks, even when tightly wound lamb unscrew it again and check whether the fully matched all the grooves and ridges;
4. The cause of the leak can be covered in the gasket. If it is damaged, and the sealing of the joint is broken, water can seep to continue even in the event of serviceability of the device itself;
5. If the mixer is often broken - the problem may be systemic. After all, the ceramic plates are able to quickly break down under the influence of water hammer. In this case it is necessary to check the pressure in the water and to install a pressure regulator.

Tips for operating the mixer for the extension works of the cartridge

Even the expensive mixers can quickly break down prematurely in violation of the rules of operation of products:

1. Ceramic cartridge requires regular lubrication. If the pen begins to jam, this means that the old grease washed up with water, and it is required to refurbish;
2. Do not get too put pressure on the valve when it is opened / closed. Fairly light pressure;
3. Most expensive plumbing manufacturers warn that the warranty on the faucets operate only in the presence in them of fine filters. They should not be removed in any case;
4. Some people believe that when you install the filter slows down the water pressure. However, high-quality products fine filter is not able to influence the level of pressure. When blockages is enough to open the gate, and he will take the garbage down the drain;
5. Although modern faucets already equipped with a filtration system, additional barrier arrangement for collecting large inclusions not hurt. At the entrance to the apartment set just to be coarse filters. After all, the main cause of sanitary equipment failure is the quality of tap water.

Want to mixer functioned perfectly? Purchase products from trusted manufacturers specialized in shopping centers. Be sure to check a certificate. Check the documentation - it should be noted that the product has been tested at an elevated pressure of 3.5 atm.