The nut for a bathroom faucet is one of the main fixing elements. Failure of this element can lead to unpleasant consequences, ranging from small leaks to major leaks. It is especially unpleasant if a breakthrough occurs while you are not at home.
There can be two reasons for a leak (regardless of the type and purpose of the part):
- The gasket is worn out;
- The thread has broken (due to mechanical damage or poor quality manufacturing).
In principle, there is nothing terrible or irreparable about this. You will need a tool and basic skills in plumbing to produce do-it-yourself repair mixer
Nut for the mixer: repairing the mixer
If the nut on the mixer tap starts to leak, it’s okay. To perform repair and restoration work, you will need a key, FUM tape and a new gasket. Now let's look at the features of performing work in the two above-mentioned cases.
The gasket is worn out
If the cause of the leak is the gasket, then repairing the faucet will not be difficult. If you live in a small town where there is no specialized plumbing store and there is no opportunity to buy spare parts for timely replacement of worn-out elements, you can make the part yourself.
For these manipulations you will need rubber (a piece of a car inner tube) and scissors.
Problem
If the problem lies there, then everything is somewhat more complicated. The reasons for its failure may be the following:
- When installing the mixer, you overtightened the part, as a result of which a microcrack formed due to a broken thread;
- A loose part can also cause problems. To eliminate a leak, you just need to take a key and tighten the structural element;
- You have torn off the nut - the thread has led to a leak and further operation of the product is simply impossible (unfortunately, the part cannot be repaired).
If you are using a non-expensive mixer (domestic and Chinese models), then it will be easier not to look for a nut, but to install a new product. At the same time, it is recommended not to throw away the old mixer, but to disassemble it into spare parts that will be useful for subsequent repairs.
If the model is expensive, it will be easier to find the part - they are sold in any specialized store. You can order the part on the Internet (but you will have to wait and listen to the noise of falling drops for 1-2 weeks).
Mixer nut
The mixer nut is a similar part that differs only in its shape and diameter. Accordingly, all repair and restoration manipulations are carried out in the same way. In this case, there is one nuance - the material used to make the nut. For example, Chinese faucets are equipped with parts made of composite, lightweight materials based on aluminum. More reliable Italian and German faucets are equipped with nuts made of of stainless steel and brass.
The latter are much stronger and more durable than their Chinese counterparts - steel and brass do not crack. It is difficult to break such a “part” even by hitting it with a hammer. The only reason why it can fail is a broken thread. That is why in the kitchen it should not be tightened too much, without much fanaticism.
Now you know why the faucet is leaking and how to solve this problem. If the problem really lies in the connection, then there are a couple of recommendations that will help make better repairs:
- When purchasing a new nut, buy not one, but two parts (this will be useful for the future);
- To make gaskets, always keep a piece of rubber on hand or cut a dozen pieces at once, so that in case of a leak, you can quickly and promptly respond to a breakdown;
- If a Chinese faucet breaks down, don’t rush to call a plumber. His services may cost more than buying a new product.
Also, do not forget to systematically change the gaskets in the mixer, at least once every 1.5-2 years. This will avoid troubles and accidental floods.
How often do you call a plumber?
Poll Options are limited because JavaScript is disabled in your browser.
The faucet is integral to the kitchen sink and the work involved in installing the sink includes installing the faucet on the sink. Read about options for installing a faucet in a kitchen sink in this article.
Two options for installing the mixer
There are two fundamentally different options installation of a sink mixer. These options for the selected sink differ, or more precisely, whether there is a hole in the sink for installing a mixer.
In the next two photos we see two different types of kitchen sinks. The first sink has a standard diameter factory hole for installing a faucet. The second sink does not have such a hole. This means that you can make a hole for the faucet yourself or install the faucet on the countertop next to the sink.
The option of drilling a hole yourself is possible, but has a number of disadvantages. First of all, in the place of the factory hole for the faucet, manufacturers of metal sinks strengthen the sink. Thanks to this, the mixer stands firmly on the sink and does not “play” with the metal. If you drill a hole yourself, the mixer may vibrate after installation. In addition, drilling the sink yourself will damage its anti-corrosion coating at the drilling site.
Therefore, if there is no hole in the sink, then the mixer is placed on the countertop. In the photo we see options for installing a mixer next to the sink.
Stages of installing a faucet on a sink
The mixer is installed on the sink before it is installed on the countertop. It is more convenient and technologically better.
The mixer is connected to the water supply after installing the sink with installed mixer on a countertop or kitchen cabinet. It is better to assemble the mixer on a comfortable surface.
To assemble, prepare yourself, a mixer with an installation kit and flexible liner. The installation kit is included with the mixer and includes:
- Gaskets;
- Fastening washer;
- Studs (stud) fastenings with nuts.
This is the most common option for attaching the faucet to the sink, which can be called standard.
The flexible hose is screwed to the faucet before installing the faucet. There is no need to wind the flax under the thread.
To tighten the liner at its end there is a hexagon for an open-end wrench No. 10. The tightening must be done with a slight increase in order to avoid cracking the gaskets on the hose.
After attaching the hose, screw the fastening sleeves into the mixer body (if they are included separately and not assembled at the factory).
After assembling the mixer, it is installed in the sink hole. Don’t forget to install the gasket between the sink and the mixer, which comes with the mixer. The gasket can be pressed into the mixer body.
WITH reverse side When washing, we put a special gasket and a washer of the same profile on the mounting bushings. Next, screw the faucet to the sink with nuts, tightening the nuts until they stop.
Installation of the faucet on the sink is completed To ensure that the fastening does not weaken over time, we fix the first nuts with second nuts, which are not included in the mixer kit and must be purchased in advance.
The result of the installation should be a strong fastening of the mixer, it should not wobble, the liner should be on the mixer.
The faucet is one of the important attributes of the kitchen and bathroom. It creates comfort for the owners and guests of the house and performs an aesthetic function. Modern kits are created from various materials that fit harmoniously into any interior.
The plumbing market today is quite extensive, so an inexperienced person will most likely get confused. In addition to choosing the right option, you should pay attention to installation. If you have never done this yourself, then it is better to call a plumber, and for a small fee he will do everything carefully and quickly. After all, in this matter everything depends not only on the availability of tools, but also on the type of fastening of the mixer. Skills, knowledge and availability of required components are required.
Various models and design options, wide range product prices gives the potential buyer the opportunity to choose the right thing.
First you need to understand the types of mixers and find out how they differ.
The initial parameter during selection is the length of the spout. Most often more short options(20-25 cm) are chosen for bathrooms, but the elongated one (30 cm or more) is well suited for the kitchen. There are also shortened versions that are compact and neat. You should also immediately decide what will be more functionally convenient: if the tap is rotary or fixed.
According to the form, there are two main options: cascade and traditional. They differ only in the size of the liner section. The most common pipe shapes are oval, triangular and round.
It is important to pay attention to the placement of the faucet in the bathroom. For example, if the sink and bathtub are located end-to-end, then the most the best option maybe one extended rotary mixer, which will be right in the middle. In general, the choice is individual, and everyone decides for themselves.
Types of faucets
Based on functionality, they can all be divided into two types: valve and ball. The first ones are well known to customers, since they are most often used to work with hard chlorinated water, which is supplied to apartments. Repair of this option usually consists of one replacement of the seal.
Ball ones are more common than single lever ones. They appeared on the domestic market recently and are distinguished by their ease of use and elegance. To adjust the temperature and pressure of the water supply, the lever is simply raised or lowered and then turned in the desired direction. A significant disadvantage of this model is the low tolerance of salt deposits in the water. Over time, they clog the mixer module, which negatively affects its further operation. Its repair consists of completely replacing the ball module. The cost of work is much more expensive than that of valve devices.To reduce the risk of plaque on the ball system, special filters are installed. As a result, already purified water is supplied to the tap. Thanks to this mechanism, the mixer works much longer.
- Single lever mixer.
A device that has a lever that allows you to control the pressure and temperature of the water. It's easy to use. Its cartridge is usually ceramic or metal and serves as a seal and also distributes the water stream.
- Two-valve mixer.
In this case, the water supply is adjusted using two handles, which are placed on the sides of the tap with a bend. Each of them contains faucet axle boxes, where there are also rubber gaskets or special ceramic rings that act as seals. In case of a sharp drop in water pressure, this model is more stable and convenient.
- Thermostats.
This is a panel with handles that help you quickly adjust the temperature and pressure. This model is more modern and convenient. In addition, it combines all the advantages of previous types of mixers.
After studying all the offers on the market, you should pay attention to installation options.Types of faucet mounting
It is according to this characteristic that all models can be divided into four groups: for a bath, for a sink, for a bidet, for a shower.
- For Bath.
In this situation, there may also be two separate mounting options - on the bathtub or on the wall. In the first option, there will be only adjustment knobs and a spout on the surface. Most often used for acrylic bathtubs.
But still, most owners prefer the second mounting option. This is true in small bathrooms, where the bathtub is very close to the sink, so you can save on buying two taps and limit yourself to one with an extended spout and rotating mechanism. But their significant disadvantage is unreliability. They often leak at the mounting points because the mechanism wears out quickly.
- For the sink.
The mixer can also be mounted either on the wall or on the surface of the washbasin itself. But still, most buyers give their preference to the second option.
- For shower.
These are models that do not have a spout. Instead, they are equipped with a hose for a watering can, as well as knobs for adjustment. They are mounted exclusively on the wall. The attachment points are masked with special reflectors for greater aesthetics.
- For bidet.
These faucets are similar to sink models. Most are installed directly on the side thanks to special mounting holes. Additionally, it is equipped with an aerator. This design is equipped with a ball joint that allows you to adjust the direction of the water.
Faucet installation methods- Flexible connection.
The first thing you need to take care of is turning off the cold and hot water.
Next, you need to unscrew the clamping nut using a wrench and remove the fastening screw with a screwdriver. The mixer is removed and the installation site is cleaned. If installation is taking place for the first time, then it is necessary to consider the location and make marks if necessary.
The installed equipment must first be assembled and the reliability of the connections checked. A seal is pre-installed on the faucet.
Connection to the pipeline is made using adapters and union nuts. Flexible hoses are inserted into the holes in the sink. Then the mixer is fixed in place.
Additional fixation is provided by a gasket and a pressure washer underneath the sink. The faucet is then reliably “tightened” without any effort. As a result, its stability is ensured. In the event that the input axes of the coupling and the device do not fit together, eccentric adapters are used for connection, which have different threaded diameters at the ends.
Flexible hoses are used to supply hot and cold water. The nuts are first tightened by hand, and then using an adjustable wrench. When choosing a size, it is important to remember that you cannot twist, bend or stretch them. The strength of the thread connection is achieved using FUM tape or linen sealant.
The check is carried out with the mixer turned off, but with water supplied. First cold and then hot. This way, it will be possible to notice a leak if it occurs. If drops of water appear on the threads, then you just need to tighten the nuts a little with a wrench.
- Rigid connection.
It often happens that flexible hoses do not “reach” the entrance. In such situations, a fitting nut acts as an alternative for connection.
A rigid installation is more durable, but if it breaks, it will be more difficult to repair than a flexible connection.
The preparatory period during installation is not fundamentally different from the previous version.To access the collet, an angled needle is screwed into one of the entrances to the mixer in such a way that its direction is oriented towards the free area. This will make further work easier.
Having determined the length of the pipe, the remainder is removed with a pipe cutter. The pipes are secured using keys and clamping couplings.
Types of pipes used for flexible and rigid connection
Depending on the financial opportunities buyers, the quality of the required connection, pressure power, sink size, connecting pipes are divided into three types:
- Chrome plated copper tube.
Used for rigid and high quality connection. During installation, high-precision and careful bending is required, which takes a lot of effort and time. But this connection is the most stable. It is also possible to place pipes in a wall cavity or in concrete.
- Flexible bellows hose.
The cheapest option, the most accessible type. It is a metal hose without rubber internal inserts made of stainless steel, fully flexible. A tube shaped like an accordion. Used for flexible connection of water pressure fittings with a mixer.
- Heat-resistant metal-plastic pipe.
Mount connections of medium rigidity. Provides for the mandatory use of additional needles for transitions to metal-plastic pipe, as well as limit switches with internal thread. This type connections are used less frequently, only when it is impossible to use any other fastening option.
First you need to decide on the design of the bathroom, and then choose a sink and faucet. Right installed system will last much longer due to the reliability and tightness of the connections.
Most manufacturers try to add features such as limiting water pressure and temperature in each new model. This significantly reduces consumption and makes the use hot water safe for children. On the modern market you can find faucets with a compensator or with a thermostat, sensor faucets, as well as models with two short spouts, and so on.
The base material used for the manufacture of kits is of great importance. Among them are brass, bronze, chrome. They have all the necessary consumer characteristics, are resistant to wear, corrosion, reliable and durable.
External parts are nickel-plated, additionally chrome-plated or enameled. They do this to prevent the development of microorganisms and pathogenic bacteria.
For getting additional information on this topic you can use the form feedback, which is present on information portal"Repairman." It is enough to briefly state your question and you will receive a complete professional answer.
The variety of mounting and connection options for faucets is due to the large selection of models on the modern market. They differ in structure, material, functions, price and quality. To ensure that all work is done reliably, you should seek the services of a professional. He will help you choose a suitable kit, select seals, adapters, tubes, and also tell you where exactly it is best to place the structure. This is especially true for those moments when installation difficulties arise, which are much easier for a specialist to solve than for a beginner in this matter.
Anyone who has at least once bought a faucet for a kitchen, washbasin or bidet has been faced with the question of which one to buy and which one is better, with a nut or a stud. Today in the article we will talk about the differences between these models and how to make the right purchase.
Memo
A mixer is a plumbing fixture that supplies water, allows you to regulate the water pressure, and also mixes hot and cold.
Differences between a product with a nut and a stud
The nut-mounted mixer is equipped with a thread and a nut. When assembling, install the tap in the hole and screw the nut on from below. This method installation and product type are suitable for a metal or stainless steel sink. When choosing, pay attention to what material the device and nut are made of; it is preferable to purchase a product when both elements are made of brass. The photo shows a kitchen faucet on a nut.
A faucet with a pin is a product equipped with one or two pins, rubber gasket and mounting plate. The faucet is installed on top of the surface; we mount a plate from below, which we clamp with pins. The stability of the structure depends on the number of studs (two are stronger than one). The device on a pin is suitable for mounting on a surface with a thickness of three to four centimeters.
Conclusion
I would like to note that both models of mixers are interchangeable; they are more often found on sale with a stud than with a nut. You can find the product on the nut from manufacturers in Russia and Belarus; European devices are often equipped with studs. If we compare the price, then the unit with a nut is cheaper than its analogue with a stud.
If you need to replace a faucet in the bathroom or kitchen, but have no experience in performing such work, do not despair. This does not mean at all that the task is impossible and you will have to call a plumber. It is enough to carefully study the manual and scrupulously follow all the instructions. Do you agree?
We will tell you in detail how to install a faucet on a sink. Here you will find out what technological features When installing the device, it is necessary to observe what types of sinks are being installed on. The article also lists common mistakes that you should not make. home handyman.
Almost every adult man is able to install a faucet at home. It’s just that you don’t always have similar experience behind you, and sometimes it’s awkward to ask more experienced colleagues.
will come to the rescue detailed process installation, which will eliminate many questions and give confidence in own strength– installation of the mixer is quite simple.
How to prepare for installation?
Before you begin the actual installation, you will need to go through preparatory stage. First you need to carefully inspect the sink if it is already installed in the bathroom. If this kitchen sink, then it still needs to be studied. First of all, you are interested in the number of holes provided by the manufacturer for the future mixer.
Often original bowls The manufacturer completes sinks with a faucet with all the parts necessary for installation. But this is only possible in expensive models, where all the plumbing elements are designed in the same style.
When purchasing a faucet, it is important to check that all parts are included. After all, installation will require nuts, sealing gaskets, flexible or rigid liners. The availability of all components should be paid attention to before purchasing the product.
If the faucet was purchased via the Internet, then, after unpacking the purchase, you should consider everything, study the available parts, instructions and assemble the faucet in the sequence indicated in it
When the mixer the desired model purchased and the size, read the instructions, all that remains is to install it. To do this, you will need tools that it is advisable to prepare before starting work.
These are wrenches and adjustable wrenches, sealing tape, masking tape, a small key, a screwdriver, pliers, a flashlight, a plumbing mixer kit with all components, a piece of soft cloth.
You may need to buy 2 additional hoses if the length of the pipes that come with the mixer is not sufficient. And you will also need a hacksaw for metal if you are going to install a model with a mechanical adjustment.
It is important that everything you need is at hand and nothing distracts you during installation.
If the bathroom has already been in use, then most likely you will first have to remove the old faucet. It is important to do everything extremely carefully so as not to damage the sink if you do not plan to replace it. It is better to line the bottom of the container with a piece of soft cloth to avoid accidental chips and scratches.
Then you need to turn off the water supply taps to the mixer. If there are none, then you will have to turn off the water in the entire apartment/house. Then you need to check this by opening the mixer - if nothing drips, then you can proceed with dismantling.
If you plan to completely change a set of plumbing fixtures, then, naturally, it will be done first. Then you will need to turn off the water supply and lay down soft cloth on the front of the container to protect it from accidental damage.
Description of installation technology
If preparatory work carried out correctly, then installing the faucet on a ceramic sink will not take much time - on average it will take about 30 minutes. This is provided that the instructions included in the kit have been read and the mixer itself has been assembled.
Some faucets are sold disassembled - before you begin installing such a model, you will have to assemble it
The easiest way to install a faucet on a ceramic sink is if it is not yet secured to its place of work. When this is not possible, installation may be a little difficult and you will need a flashlight. In places that are difficult to reach, you will need to illuminate them with a flashlight - an assistant will be needed here.
It is important to measure the expected length from the tap to the water pipes and estimate the length of the supply hoses that come with the mixer
In order to attach the faucet to the sink, you need:
- Using a 10 or 11 wrench, screw the flexible hose to the mixer. You can use a flexible corrugated stainless steel tube.
- Place a rubber or silicone gasket on the base of the faucet.
- Using a key or your hands, screw in 2 studs one at a time. If the model comes with a bushing, then you won’t have to install any studs.
- Insert flexible hoses into the hole in the sink.
- Place the horseshoe-shaped mounting piece on the bottom.
- Place a metal washer of the same shape on top of the gasket.
- Attach a union nut to each of the two studs, tightening the adjustable or wrench for reliability.
When tightening the nuts, it is important not to overdo it - the connection may burst and will leak water. If you tighten the nuts loosely, the fastening will dangle and the faucet on the sink will continue to dance from side to side.
Image gallery
