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-handed types, which have practically replaced the inconvenient two-valve designs and are more practical than touch devices.

Device single lever mixer for the kitchen is not complicated, the main components are the body (has an ebb, seats for installation in a 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 characteristics 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, overlap to varying degrees - thus adjusting temperature regime.

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 the equipment kitchen faucet The cartridge is easy to replace and highly maintainable - 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 device right away. This will allow you to immediately replace the old unit with a new one if the old unit breaks down, and if the situation repeats, you can assemble two faulty devices into one that works and then use the repaired one.

When operating a kitchen faucet, in most cases, water supply is made using flexible reinforced hoses, which are not always different 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 taken into account that the principle of operation of the valve is to shut off the water flow when high blood 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

For 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 a suitable tool, 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.
• End or flat wrench for screwing 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 kitchen sink When removing underwater hoses, you often have to deal with difficulties associated with contamination of the dismantled parts with limescale or corrosion. Before carrying out work, it is better to treat their surface with products household chemicals for removing rust and limescale— this will simplify the dismantling and further installation of equipment.

The presence of gaskets in the underwater hoses and the mixing body precludes the use various types 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 may be damaged as a result long-term operation due to poor quality performance or from contaminated water with sand getting into 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 fixing screw 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 removed from 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 stiff movement of the joystick and compression of the housing shell, causing rapid wear. internal parts and in extreme cases, their cracking - if the joystick is difficult to move, 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 ordinary tool 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:

• Filming decorative overlay 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

IN self-repair The instructions for connecting the faucet can help, after studying which 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 repair time without conducting a preliminary survey ball valve with its disassembly, it is better to purchase a standard repair kit from a retail chain in advance.

In the kitchen, the faucet is used much more actively than in the bathroom, so it breaks down much more often. In rare cases only decision problem that has arisen - buying a new device and inviting a plumber, the rest can be dealt with on your own. By deciding to repair a kitchen faucet yourself, you will save on the services of a specialist and gain important experience. You just need to arm yourself with theory and tools.

• Leakage from under the nut at the water outlet, from under the handle (lever) or mixer valves in working condition.
• The correct movement of the lever or valves is disrupted (they stick, turn, do not lock in the desired position, etc.).
• At normal pressure The water jet in the system is not powerful enough.
• Water drips from a closed tap.

Please note: the detected problem must be resolved as quickly as possible! This will extend the service life of the mixer and protect yourself and your neighbors from flooding, saving cash, time and nerves.

The problem that raises the most questions is a leaking faucet. And here you need to know the “enemy” not only by sight, but also from the inside. It's about about the design of mixers.

Design features of the main types of kitchen faucets

Such delights as thermostatic and touchless faucets are good for bathrooms. In the kitchen, more practical models - traditional two-valve and single-lever - are fighting for a place in the sun. Common elements for them are: body, spout (spout), aerator, sealing gaskets. Otherwise they differ significantly.

Installation of two-valve taps

Faucets with two valves that are familiar to the eye are designed quite simply. Under the flywheel, which you turn when operating the structure, there is a crane axlebox - its locking element. Below is the design of such a kitchen faucet in pictures.

Axleboxes in a two-valve mixer (sectional view)

In products where several revolutions of the flywheel are required to supply or shut off water, worm axle boxes are installed. Their work is based on rotational-translational movements. The more you unscrew the valve, the further the axle box gasket will move away from the so-called “saddle”. The consequence of this is the flow of water into the internal cavity of the mixer, and then into its spout (spout).

Worm worm valve axle box for mixer

In models where it is enough to make only half a revolution to supply water, axle boxes with ceramic plates are installed. When you open the tap, the holes in them coincide and water flows into the spout.

Crane axle boxes with ceramic plates

The cost of faucet axle boxes is low, they are always available in plumbing stores, and their replacement is extremely simple.

Design and types of single-lever mixers

More modern and practical are models of faucets with one handle (lever) that regulates pressure and temperature. Mixing water in them is carried out in a hollow ball with three holes or in a special cartridge.

The mixing element in ball models has three openings, two of which are inlets - designed to supply hot and cold water to this miniature container, and one outlet - for supplying water at a given temperature to the sink.

Ball mixer device

The ball itself is located on two rubber “saddles”. Its displacement relative to them, carried out when the lever moves, allows you to regulate the pressure and temperature of the water being poured out. The ball is secured at the top with a sealing collar and a lock nut.

Schematic structure of a ball model of a kitchen faucet

The operating principle of a mixer with a cartridge that replaces a ball is similar. At the same time, their internal structure is fundamentally different. There are still the same three functional holes, but inside the cartridge there is not a cavity, but special metal-ceramic disks. Due to their displacement relative to each other and the degree of overlap of the supply holes, when turning the lever, the water supply is adjusted.

Replaceable ceramic cartridges

The kitchen faucet is leaking - how to fix it yourself

To repair a kitchen faucet you will need:

• knife with a sharp end;
• hex and adjustable wrench;
• screwdrivers;
• a new cartridge, valve axle, rubber gasket, etc. - depends on which part you will change;
• WD40 is a technical aerosol that is useful if parts are “stuck” to each other. However, you can get by with the traditional tapping of a hammer on a screwdriver, but there is a high risk of damaging the mixer.

Regardless of which faucet you have installed, before starting repairs, you must turn off the water supply to the system and drain its remaining water into a sink or a separate container. To do this, just open the tap. Then you can begin to repair it, taking into account the design features.

To repair a single-lever faucet, you will need a hex wrench.

Single lever kitchen faucet repair

The main principles of repair are sequence of actions and accuracy.

1. Using a thin screwdriver or knife, pry and remove the decorative plug on the faucet body.
2. In the resulting hole you will see a screw connecting the lever and the adjusting rod. Unscrew it using a hex wrench.
3. Remove the lever from the body and unscrew the decorative casing. This can even be done by hand if the parts are not stuck to each other.

Removing the decorative casing

1. There will be a locking (clamping) nut underneath it. Gently unscrew it with an adjustable wrench or by tapping it with a hammer on a screwdriver.
2. If you disassemble the ball mixer, you will see a sealing collar under the nut. Inspect it for dirt, deformation and tears. Pull out the ball. Inspect its surface - it should be smooth and clean. It is necessary to remove the seals and support springs - their poor condition can cause the tap to leak.
3. If you are disassembling a faucet with a cartridge, remove it and thoroughly inspect it.
4. Replace the failed part.
5. Reassemble the faucet in reverse order.

It is important! Do not tighten the nuts too tightly, as this may lead to deformation of the rubber seals and disruption of the normal operation of the mixer.

Installing a new cartridge

To extend the service life of the product and ensure smooth running of its rubbing parts, you can use a special silicone lubricant.

Removing the mixer handwheel

Repair of a two-valve mixer

What to do if your two-valve faucet is dripping in your kitchen? Almost everything is the same.

• On the valve flywheel, pry up and remove the decorative plug.
• Using a screwdriver, unscrew the screw that secures the flywheel.
• Remove the flywheel. There will be a crane box in front of you.
• Unscrew it counterclockwise and inspect it.

Removing the crane axle box

• If it is a worm-type axlebox and its gasket is damaged, replace it separately - buy it in a store (costs pennies) or cut it yourself from rubber of a suitable thickness. The axle box with ceramic discs is replaced entirely.
• Reassemble the faucet in reverse order.

General scheme of mixer repair work

Everything is as simple as possible and slightly reminiscent of a construction set. But a leaking faucet is not the only problem you may encounter while using it in the kitchen.

Other faucet breakdowns and fault prevention

The quality of water in many cities leaves much to be desired, so over time the aerator in the tap can become dirty. WITH inside solid deposits “grow” on it. When there are too many of them, the pressure and quality of the water deteriorate significantly. The solution to the problem is to replace the aerator. Ideally, it can be easily unscrewed with an adjustable wrench, but for stuck parts you will need WD40 or tapping with a hammer.

It is important! Carry out all work carefully, otherwise the mixer will have to be replaced completely.

The faucet is leaking, and during the inspection you found a crack in it? Then it's time to go for a new product. For a short time, silicone sealant can be an assistant.

You can extend the life of the faucet if you install a water filter and use the device carefully, without tightening the valves too tightly or moving the lever suddenly and all the way.

Video: repair of a single-lever faucet with a ceramic cartridge

Now you know what to do if your kitchen faucet is dripping. In most cases, the repair schemes discussed are also suitable for eliminating breakdowns of faucets in bathrooms. That's a good saving family budget. But if you are not confident in your abilities or you simply don’t have time, a competent plumber will complete all the work in a matter of minutes.

Very popular in modern bathrooms. They are durable, easy to repair, have stylish design and low cost. How to disassemble and repair a single-lever mixer in case of leakage is shown in detail in the presented videos.

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;

Single lever mixer device

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

By internal structure single lever mixers can be:

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 weak pressure water;
• 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.

Cartridge 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.

Tools needed to repair a faucet

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.

Advice. The presence of grooves in the nut requires that it be dismantled with extreme care, otherwise the spare parts can be damaged without the possibility of correcting the defect.

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

Unscrew the faucet carefully so as not to damage the surface of the tap

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.

Unscrewing the tap - step by step

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.

Removing the shower/faucet switch

Advice. To avoid damage to the chrome surface of the faucet, it is better to do all work with a thick, soft cloth.

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 direction opposite to the water supply.
3. Install the aerator, securing it with the clamping nut.

Procedure for replacing rubber seals

Diagram: single-lever ball mixer device

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.

Repair of mixer with shower head

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 sealing rubber bands, additionally lubricating them with hermetic paste.
6. Reassemble and install the switch in reverse order.

Replacing rubber seals

Advice. To ensure that the spool slides into place easily, moisten the new seals with water.

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.

Switch spring

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 as long as possible longer term operation of the mixer without repair, experts recommend taking preventive measures and taking a responsible approach to choosing the product.

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 faucet and have it on hand necessary tools and spare parts.

Do-it-yourself repair of a single-lever mixer: video

Single lever mixer: photo

The single-lever or joystick faucet has virtually replaced two-handle or wall-mounted faucets in bathrooms and kitchens. Single lever taps are easy to use and repair, and have a long service life. The main advantage of their design is that there are no metal parts rubbing against each other.

Types of lever faucets

The joystick mixer is a compact body with a lever handle. According to their internal structure, single-lever mixers come in ball and cartridge types.

Sectional view of the ball-type mixer mechanism

The design of a mixer with a ball mechanism means that water is mixed in a small ball located in the body and resting on sealing gaskets (seats). Three holes in the ball are designed for hot, cold and already mixed water. The space inside the ball is called the mixing chamber. When you turn the adjusting rod (mixer switch), the pressure of the incoming water, both cold and hot, changes, and its temperature and pressure at the outlet also change. It all depends on how much the hole in the ball and the corresponding incoming hole overlap each other.

To mix water, a cartridge-type faucet uses a cartridge made of a pair of ceramic plates (disks) with holes. In this design, discs replace a ball: the pressure and temperature of the water flowing from the tap depends on the degree to which the holes in the upper and lower discs overlap each other. If you have cartridge-type taps, then repairing a faucet in the kitchen or bathroom usually comes down to replacing the cartridge.

Problems that arise when operating a single-lever mixer

Although single-lever faucets are considered very reliable, they can also cause problems. Most often, repairs are required for leaks, cracks, decreased pressure, unsatisfactory adjustment (sharp transition from cold to hot water).

Problems under the sink

You notice constant dampness and notice water accumulating under the sink. What to do? The first thing suspicion falls on is the siphon or corrugated stainless steel hoses. If everything is fine with them and the sink is well sealed, then check the faucet itself.

Incorrect fit of the faucet body to the sink and displacement of the gasket to the side can cause quite severe leaks and urgent repairs.

Problems from above - troubleshooting faucets

• A typical problem with ball mixers is the rapid wear of the rubber or Teflon seats on which the ball rests. This causes water to leak. To prevent this malfunction of the mixer, you can change the seals every two to three years.
• Disc faucets break due to hard, clogged water. Chips and scratches occur on ceramic surfaces that fit tightly together. All this leads to leaks and reduced mixing accuracy. In this case, the cartridge needs to be changed.
• Another common problem with disc mixers is poor adjustment. This - common problem inexpensive models, which have too small a setting angle. Choose cartridges and mixers from trusted brands and manufacturers, with a long service life, with an adjustment angle of up to 15°.

Removing the valve and checking the mixer seats for wear

General problems - water leaking through the faucet

• An incorrectly installed lever can cause constant leaks in the kitchen. If this is the reason for unsatisfactory operation, then the tap must be rebuilt and the lever must be tightly adjusted during installation.
• Some faults require the installation of a new faucet. These are cracks in the mixing ball or in the housing. If there are cracks, then there is always a puddle of water near the faucet. The same can happen if the sealing rings in the spout block wear out.
• Also, the problem may not be related to the mixing chamber. A decrease in pressure usually occurs due to clogging of the aerator at the outlet of the tap.

Repair of a single-lever mixer with a cartridge

Repair of a faucet with a cartridge must begin with dismantling. Before disassembling the single-lever mixer, turn off the water and drain the remaining water from the taps. It is recommended to cover the sink or at least the drain hole with something.

Cross-section of single lever cartridge mixer

• Unscrew the nut with the aerator from the faucet spout. This can usually be done by hand.
• Remove the decorative plugs and unscrew the screws that secure the lever. To do this, you need a hex wrench or a screwdriver with a suitable blade. As a last resort, you can use a drill with a thin drill bit. To find out which head the screw has, shine a flashlight into the hole. You need to act carefully: if you tear off the slot, dismantling the mixer will become a much more difficult task. If the screw does not budge, treat it with WD-40, wait a little and try again.
• Remove the lever: pull it up. This must be done carefully: for a number of models, removing the lever requires some effort.
• After removing the lever you will see a decorative cap. Take it out: it is made of plastic or weak metal and can be unscrewed by hand. If it doesn't work, try gently turning it with pliers or a gas wrench.
• After removing the cap, you need to remove the fixing nut under which the cartridge is located. To do this, you will need a Swedish adjustable wrench or open-end wrench.

How to buy a replacement ceramic cartridge

Cartridges have different hole diameters. Therefore, it is important to have a defective cartridge in hand when you go to buy a new one. Except different diameters meet Various types clamps on the side of the bottom plate. Give preference to discs with silicone gaskets from well-known European companies. Then you won't have to repair your faucet for the next few years.

Single-grip ceramic cartridge disassembled

Installing a new cartridge and assembling the mixer

Reassembling the faucet after replacing the cartridge is performed in the reverse order:

• Use a soft cloth to clean the cylindrical cavity of the housing. Make sure the case is intact inside. Remove limescale.
• Insert the cartridge. For correct installation it has centering protrusions. All that remains is to combine them with the recesses in the body.
• Tighten the locking nut, but do not over-tighten. Otherwise, the cartridge itself or the seals located below may be deformed. And this will cause new leaks. So tighten it halfway and turn on the water. If it protrudes from the sides of the housing holes, then turn off the water and tighten it a little more. Continue tightening the nut a little at a time until the housing remains dry after turning on the water.
• Next, proceed in the reverse order of disassembly: install the cap, install the lever and secure it with a screw, install plugs with cold and hot water indicators.

The new cartridge is inserted into the grooves in the faucet and aligned along the holes, as shown in the picture

Repair of a single lever mixer with a ball block

Single lever ball valve problems are usually caused by a broken valve mechanism. The lever, fixed with a screw, is removed in the same way as in the case of a mixer with a cartridge. The dome-shaped metal cap, which is located below, secures the entire valve mechanism in the body. Under the cap is a plastic cam that limits the movement of the control lever. At the bottom of the cam there is a dome-shaped washer for a tight fit to the mixer ball. We have already described the structure of the ball and the principle of mixing above.

The ball lies on rubber saddles, which are pressed by springs. Below, in the part of the spout block, the faucet with a ball mechanism is designed in the same way as a faucet with a ceramic cartridge.

Disassembly procedure

• Remove the plastic red and blue covers and unscrew the lever according to the diagram described above. The difference will be that the pin from which you need to twist the lever is not polymer and rectangular, but metal, with a thread for the screw securing the lever.
• Unscrew the dome cap. It can be equipped with slots for easy grip. But if there is no slot, use a screwdriver: press it into the groove and gently push it up and clockwise, tearing the part out of place. You can also use pliers, inserting them into the grooves from the inside of the cap.
• After removing the cap, remove the cam with the shaped washer. Clean them from dirt with a rag.
• Remove the mixing ball and examine its valve part.
• Remove the valve seats. They are easily removed using a thin screwdriver. You can use tweezers or a screwdriver to remove the pressure springs under the seats.

Scheme of assembly and repair of a single-lever ball-type mixer

Typical problems with the valve mechanism of a ball mixer

Leaks or excessive noise can be caused by the following problems:

• The inside of the dome washer or the socket in the housing where the lower part of the ball rests is worn or heavily soiled. These spherical cavities must be thoroughly cleaned.
• Ball wear. It may show cracks and grooves. All this is caused by dirty and hard water mixed with solid particles. The only way to fix this is by replacing the ball.
• Worn valve seats. If they begin to fit poorly to the ball, they let water through. They also need to be replaced.
• Poor seat fit can be caused not only by wear, but also by weakening springs. The issue is resolved by replacing the springs with new ones.

Assembly of a single lever mixer with a ball mechanism

It is performed in the reverse order, with cleaning and lubricating the old parts and replacing new ones:

• Clean the faucet cavity.
• Insert new springs into the saddles, place the assembly in its designated slots.
• The cleaned ball is lubricated with silicone grease. The ball is inserted into the mixer body.
• A washer with a cam is installed. For proper assembly, there is a groove in the housing that should be aligned with the protrusion on the cam.
• Place a clean metal top cap and screw it on. It is important to avoid distortions.
• Place it on the metal rod and screw the lever to adjust the water.

Problems with the swivel spout block

If water from a single lever faucet flows above and below the swivel spout block, this is caused by worn seals. Rubber rings and, less commonly, cuffs are used as seals. To replace the rings, you need to disassemble the mixer as follows:

• After removing the cartridge, you need to remove the rotating side of the spout from the body. How to do this will become clear during disassembly. In some models this unit can be removed upwards. It is locked on the body with a special coupling. But more often the spout block is removed downwards, where a corrugated flexible hose is attached. To remove the unit, you need to disassemble it, including removing the faucet from the sink or sink.
• On the bottom side of the dismantled mixer, you need to unscrew the ring-shaped nut and remove the fluoroplastic ring located under it.
• Now you can remove the spout block from the body by pulling it down. Worn parts will be found at the joints with the body. rubber seals. You should purchase the same new ones, and at the same time replace the fluoroplastic rings on top and bottom before installing the mixer.

Crack in the body

This malfunction is immediately noticeable and requires replacing the entire mixer. Some home craftsmen resort to silicone sealant for “repairing” the body. But this is a temporary measure. Soon you will still have to go to the store for a new faucet.

The aerator is clogged

If, with the taps fully open, you observe insufficient pressure, then there may be several reasons. This is a blockage in pipes and inlet hoses, and simply poor pressure in the water supply network. But it could also be a clogged aerator on the spout pipe. To repair, unscrew the aerator. If your hands are not strong enough, use an adjustable wrench. The aerator has slots for unscrewing. On the mesh inside you will find a lot of solid particles and deposits that prevent water from flowing and reduce pressure. The mesh can be cleaned under running water.

If dirt remains, disassemble the aerator and clean the holes manually with a toothpick or needle.

Prevention of breakdowns of a mixer with a cartridge or ball

If your plumbing requires constant repairs, it means that the quality of water in the water supply pipes in your region is unsatisfactory. It is worth thinking about installing filters. Conventional mechanical filters connected to corrugated hoses will significantly extend the life of any plumbing fixtures in the house. Suspension and sediment from the water will not wear away silicone and rubber parts as quickly, as well as the ball and ceramic valve mechanism of the faucet.

Installation of a single-lever type mixer is a very popular solution, which is explained by performance characteristics of this type mixers. In terms of convenience and comfort, they give a hundred points ahead to their valve counterparts, because to adjust the pressure and temperature of the water, you don’t need to turn anything, just move the lever up and down and left and right with one hand. If you wish, you can perform this simple procedure with your foot - so little effort is required from you. However, nothing lasts forever, and single-lever faucets are no exception in this regard. Metal, plastic and rubber - the main materials used in the production of faucets - wear out and are exposed to external factors and after some time of operation they begin to require repair and replacement.

In this article we will talk about how you can repair a ball mixer that uses a ball-type cartridge. In general, there are also ceramic cartridges, however, this is a topic for a separate article, so let’s focus on the main subject of conversation.

What is the structure of a ball mixer? Let us remind you that any mixer is a device that mixes hot and cold water and also serves to regulate the water temperature. This mixer has the following components:

• Lever (handle, also called “butterfly”)
• Rod (which comes with a washer and nut to adjust the rod seal)
• Housing (inside which the rod and ball cartridge are located) with nut
• The actual ball cartridge has three holes - for hot and cold water, as well as for discharging mixed water. The ball cartridge is fixed using rubber seats.

As you can see, the design of a ball mixer is extremely simple, which means that in order to cope with its repair, you will not need much time, a few tools, and also knowledge of some nuances.

Only by knowing the structure of a single-lever mixer with a ball cartridge can you understand how to disassemble a ball mixer with your own hands. In fact, it is not difficult at all, you just need to be careful and apply force where it needs to be applied, carefully handling those parts that require careful handling.

Types of faults

When using the mixer, various problems may arise, for example:

• Water flows from the tap, despite the fact that the lever is in the position where the water would normally be blocked.
• Despite the fact that the overall water pressure in your water supply system has remained unchanged (as can be judged by other water points in the house or apartment), your ball mixer produces only a weak pressure
• The mixer has stopped coping with the task of adjusting the water temperature and mixes hot and cold water in random order according to one principle known only to it

Let's figure out why repairing a ball mixer has become important to you?

• Most often, the cause of the malfunction is the appearance of a blockage in the space between the ball cartridge and the rubber seats. Even the smallest speck that gets into this gap can break the tightness of such a connection. Over time, the rubber seat may become completely deformed.
• In addition, the shutter may become clogged. To fix this problem, repairing the ball mixer may not be necessary. However, you will need to disassemble the faucet, clean it and reassemble it.
• If the lever cap is not tightened tightly enough, water may leak from underneath it. Try tightening the connections more tightly - perhaps this will be the whole repair.
• O-rings that have worn out can also fail. If they cause water to flow from under the base of the faucet, then the rings will need to be replaced.
• If the ball itself is broken (cracked), then it is impossible to repair it - you will have to buy a new one.
• Finally, if the mixer body itself is damaged, then there is also nothing to repair - send the poor guy into retirement and get yourself a new mixer.

Important!

If your water supply system has hard water, then no matter what type of faucet you have, the likelihood of problems occurring increases significantly. In order not to have to resort to repairing the faucet regularly, it is recommended to install a filter for water purification, at least a coarse one - it will block coarse particles that can be potentially dangerous for the operation of plumbing fixtures in general, not just faucets.

So, let’s assume that you didn’t take the precautions or your mixer just did its job. You have a question - how to repair a ball mixer? If you don't want to call a specialist, no problem! It is quite possible to cope with repairs yourself. We will give you some recommendations and tips in this regard.

First, remember that any manipulations with plumbing require that the supply of hot and cold water be turned off. This can save you from headaches about how to eliminate the consequences of a local disaster in the form of flooded premises and disgruntled neighbors for whom you accidentally spoiled the weather in the house. Next, don’t forget to drain the remaining water from the tap! Before starting work, it is better to cover the sink with a rag so as not to accidentally damage it.

• Remove the decorative plug on the mixer body
• Through the opened hole we get to the screw that holds the mixer lever and unscrew it
• Remove the lever (if you haven't done this in a while, you may have to apply some force at this stage). Just don't break anything!
• Now you have access to the crane dome and plastic eccentric, which is located below it. Remove both parts and you will see the ball cartridge itself. If at this stage of work you find contamination, you can carefully remove it.
• Remove the ball from the mixer and inspect it from all sides. If the ball is damaged, it will need to be replaced with a new one.
• Next, we proceed to inspect the rubber seals. If you notice signs of wear on them, you will need to install new seals in place of the old ones. The springs, whose task is to fix the ball, can also be replaced, especially since over time they lose their elasticity.

Remember that you need to assemble the mixer in reverse order!

But what if the leak is located under the spout? In this case, the spout will need to be removed, the old O-rings will need to be removed (cut off), and then replaced with new ones.

If the seats are clogged - i.e. places where hot and cold water, you will need to carefully clean them with your hands and a cloth. You can turn on a little pressure to remove any remaining dirt under its natural movement. However, if you have an old plumbing system and the water contains particles of dirt, rust, etc., then you will most likely have to perform a similar procedure with some regularity.

But it also happens that the mixer is working properly, however, it has another drawback - it makes noise when you turn on the water. ? The fact is that the turbulence of the water flow and air create vibration, which is why the rubber gaskets begin to tremble. You can try reducing the water pressure (there will be less turbulence), installing filters, or cutting the rubber gaskets to make them fit more tightly.

In general, when good quality water and the initially good quality of the mixer, the likelihood of repair is significantly reduced and also delayed over time. We can advise you not to skimp on such an important plumbing fixture, but if you like to solve household problems and are not used to being lazy, then you can easily get by with cheaper models. No matter what the child amuses himself with, as long as there is no flood!