How to disassemble a single-lever mixer and fix it yourself

In the modern world, one cannot imagine ourselves without the benefits of civilization, and if the mixer malfunctions, we immediately feel discomfort. The malfunction must be eliminated as quickly as possible, and almost always, you can deal with it yourself.

The mixer device is quite simple and even without any professional skills, you can quickly figure it out.

Types of mixers and their device

Single-lever mixers are a modern option for the bathroom or kitchen. At the moment, there are only two types of single-lever mixer devices:

1. Ball type. The mixer got this name due to the presence of a special metal ball inside, which has several holes. One is needed to supply hot water, the second is cold, and the third is mixing to create the required temperature. The space inside the ball in which mixing takes place is called the "mixing chamber". The rubber seals work closely with the inner ball.
   To supply water, a control rod is used, which controls the pressure that passes through the ball. The system of work is as simple as possible and consists in the following: the larger the area of ​​the contacting holes, the less water flow will be and vice versa. This is the most popular and reliable option, which rarely fails before its assigned operational life.
2. Cartridge design. In this device, instead of a ball, 2 ceramic discs are used, which are in a special cartridge. The upper part of the cartridge is intended for mixing water, and in the lower part there are 3 holes, again for hot, cold and mixed. As soon as the upper hole is aligned with the lower one, the required water temperature is supplied. Both plates should fit snugly against each other. Small pieces of sand or scale in the water can cause the device to break down, therefore, special filters are most often purchased for such mixers.

Step-by-step algorithm for parsing the mixer

Before proceeding with the parsing of the disc mixer, you need to figure out what it consists of:

• rod for water supply;
• handles;
• retaining bracket;
• pressure regulator;
• body;
• cartridge.

The mixer disassembly process is as follows:

1. Use a screwdriver to remove the plugs. To avoid confusion with the definition of water temperature, each of them has its own color.
2. Using a small Phillips screwdriver, you need to unscrew the screw to disconnect the stem from the joystick.
3. Now it's time to start shooting all the details step by step. First, the adjustment knob is removed, which is attached to the tap. Remove the nuts from the top plate of the joystick. First, the ceramic is removed, then the clamping one. Moreover, the clamping device may have small funnels, so its removal must be carried out as carefully as possible. Ceramic can be twisted by hand without much difficulty.
4. The last step in the parsing is to remove the mixing disc.
5. If it is necessary to replace the cartridge, then a new one is installed in place of the worn-out structure and the assembly is carried out in the reverse order.

Dismantling the ball mixer is essentially not much different from the previous one.The only thing you need to know before disassembling it, in case of serious damage, you often have to completely change the mixer to a new one. For example, in case of a deterioration in the water pressure, you can try to figure out the reason yourself, often the problem lies in the mesh that is inside the tap at the point of discharge. It is enough just to clean it and put it in place.

In the event of other problems, for example, replacing the rubber seals, the analysis is carried out as follows:

1. Unscrew the screw and remove the lever.
2. Remove from the thread the connections placed inside. Unscrew the screw with a screwdriver. If there is dirt on it, it must be cleaned.
3. The ball is removed, along with the gaskets, to be replaced with new ones.
4. After installing new rubber seals, the ball is returned back. The seals are secured with a plastic nut.
5. The lever and screw are fixed back. Now it remains to check the operation of the crane.

What problems will disassembly and repair help

As mentioned at the beginning, not all breakdowns can be eliminated on their own by repairing or replacing parts, but there are a number of others that you can do yourself:

• cartridge leakage;
• breakage of a push-button switch;
• weak head when turned on at full power;
• water is supplied to the shower and spout at the same time;
• a puddle flows under the sink;
• damage to the thread on the branch pipe;
• a spout is leaking when the lever is closed.

You can cope with such problems on your own, but if the body or internal thread is damaged, you will have to change the entire mixer.

What parts can be replaced during repair

The classic repair kit includes:

• water indicator button;
• spout rubber ring;
• bolt;
• spout retaining ring;
• eccentric gasket;
• valve head gasket;
• check valve gasket;
• valve head washer;
• locking gasket.

The spout and valves are almost never replaced, because in the event of a breakdown, it is advisable to purchase a new mixer. Often, only the cartridges and valve axle boxes change, because in fact, there is nothing more in the crane device, except for the seals, there is nothing to change.

When choosing a new cartridge, you must take the old disc with you in order to select the new element as accurately as possible. It is best to choose a design made of silicone material, as it is more reliable in operation.

Problem prevention and care

It is always better to prevent breakage than to eliminate it. Oddly enough, it is water itself that creates the greatest number of problems. Most of the nodes fail because of it. The service life is directly proportional to the quality of the water and the cleaner and softer it is, the longer the sanitary ware will last.

The easiest way to extend the life of a faucet is to purify the water. For these purposes, filters are installed in the water supply system that do not allow small particles to pass through, which is often the reason for repairs, tearing rubber gaskets and leaving scratches on adjacent planes of parts.

In the event of the first leaks or unstable operation, it is necessary to deal with the problem as soon as possible. This often avoids more serious problems.

Scale that forms when water is heated is also a common cause of breakdown, but it is quite difficult to deal with it on your own. A special filter softener can be installed, but it requires additional space and financial resources. Modern manufacturers create high-quality mixers using quality materials that, even in conditions of high intensity and poor water quality, can last for many years. That is why it is best to take a closer look at quality manufacturers.