How to disassemble the mixer correctly?

Every person at least once in his life faced an unpleasant situation when a mixer breakdown occurred, and an unpleasant leak began. Buying a new tap is not always possible and therefore you have to correct the situation at home. It is necessary to disassemble and repair the mixer with your own hands.

Unit breakdown occurs mainly for two reasons. Firstly, improper use of the mixer, and secondly, the service life of some parts has expired. Initially, you need to carefully understand the principle of operation, features, and also the types of mixing taps. This will help to more accurately find out the reasons for the breakdown of the plumbing device. The mixer is an indispensable device in all apartments and private houses with a connected water supply. It helps to mix cold and hot water in order to get the desired temperature in the end. Adjusting the water pressure when turned on is another function of the mixer.

These sanitary ware are intended for installation in the kitchen and bathroom. Some apartments still use outdated options - two-valve mixers. But every tenth buyer of plumbing fixtures prefers single-lever mixing taps, which are distinguished by their convenience and ergonomics. For a bath, it is advisable to install a single-lever plumbing fixture with a high swivel spout, the water from which flows directly into the bath or shower head. In the version with two spouts, the flows are distributed as follows: one enters the bath, and the other goes through the watering can. Such a device, in addition to a lever, is additionally equipped with a switch.

If you are going to disassemble and repair a water faucet, then using the example of the principle of operation of a mechanism with valves and levers, it will become clearer how to bring the unit into working order and take into account every detail of this process. In order to properly troubleshoot a plumbing tap, you need to familiarize yourself with the features of different types of mixers, as well as prepare tools and accessories for installation in advance. Stock up on screwdrivers of the correct size, a hexagon, a wrench, adjustable wrench, pliers, and just in case, take a kitchen knife.

Single-lever (single-arm, flag, articulated) mixers are presented in the modern plumbing market in thousands of models. They represent an ergonomic body with a plate that acts as a lever. Water mixing to the optimum temperature takes place inside such a tap. Materials for the manufacture of this type of structure can be very diverse in their properties. Most often, metal, ceramics, and sometimes even plastic are used. Breakdowns of a single-lever valve occur much less frequently than an outdated valve version.

The first option is an empty ball with holes, which is attached to the mixer handle with a pin. Water enters the hollow chamber of the ball cartridge through two holes, mixes and then flows through the spout into the sink. To adjust the temperature and water pressure, you need to turn the mixer handle to the right and left, while changing its angle of inclination. To fix a breakdown in the ball valve, you need to remove the nut at the spout connection and pull out the mesh that is inside the mixer. Then you should rinse this mesh well and fix it in its original position.

There is another small problem that can occur in a single-lever ball mixer: the rubber seals have to be changed periodically. It's easy to do, you just need to use a screwdriver and a hexagon. The ceramic cartridge consists of two ceramic washers tightly attached to each other. If you start moving with the handle of the crane, they begin to rotate, and along with this, the holes on them are displaced. As a result, hot and cold water is mixed and then fed to the tap.

To dismantle the lever valve, a certain procedure must be followed.

• Initially, a red or blue plug located on the mixer lever is removed with a knife.
• The next step will be to twist the screw, which stands under the plugs, and serves as a fastener for the lever on the control rod.
• Now you can safely remove the handle and replace the old cartridge with a new one.

To reassemble the mixer, you need to repeat all these steps in reverse order. It is necessary to tighten the nuts securely while holding the product with a lever. Then the screw is installed in its original place, and the plugs are put on. This is the final stage of installation. This type of crane is the most widely used in our time. The single-lever type of mixer is notable for its availability and high quality. Repair of this type of crane is not problematic if you follow all the instructions. In order for a single-leg crane to last longer, it is necessary to periodically check it and carry out high-quality care of the internal parts of the structure.

Now let's take a closer look at the functionality, principle of operation and operation of a mixer with two valves. Such a double-lever faucet is a representative of the old-style plumbing device. It includes the familiar locking mechanism with two valves, which are also called crane axle boxes. They are housed in a cast brass body and operate the water temperature control function. Such a tap is connected to the drainage system by means of a threaded connection on the back of the body.

We proceed to the stage of preparing the dismantling of the two-valve mixer. To do this, we collect the necessary tools: a screwdriver, an adjustable wrench, a medium-sized piece of soft or foam rubber fabric. We begin dismantling. To begin with, we unscrew the secret screw hidden under the cover, which decorates the valve, then, with the help of an adjustable wrench, we unscrew the body of the crane-axle box. When the process of disassembling this crane is over, you need to carefully inspect the gasket, which is placed on the pusher of the crane-axle box, and find out whether it needs to be changed or whether it is only worth fixing it more tightly. As soon as you have replaced or tightened the gasket, replace the valve box. And foam rubber is used to lay the surface of the bathtub: if any part falls accidentally, the enamel will not be damaged.

If you need to increase the water pressure, then, most likely, a blockage has formed in the spout of the tap, which should be removed. To do this, loosen and completely twist the nut that is attached to the mixer spout.The mesh is thoroughly washed and then put into place. If you follow these recommendations clearly and consistently, you can easily repair the two-valve mixer yourself.

The modern range of plumbing fixtures can bewilder even the most professional plumber. One of the most important criteria for choosing a mixer is a proven and reliable manufacturer. We invite you to get acquainted with the most popular companies, whose products are invariably in high demand.

• Grohe Is a German brand that leads the global plumbing industry. The brand manufactures products that are distinguished by innovative technologies, high quality, stylish design and a rich assortment. Despite all these advantages, the prices of the goods remain quite reasonable. Among the variety of models, you can easily select single-lever and two-valve options for every taste.
• Hansgrohe Is a German manufacturer that combines design sophistication and high quality in its products. In the sanitary ware market, Hansgrohe offers several series of faucets for the bathroom and kitchen. The products are made in a stylish design, many models help to significantly reduce the consumption of water consumed. For lovers of exclusiveness, the company offers premium mixers with matte and glossy surfaces.

The assortment range is presented in a wide price range. Cranes from this brand will make any interior bright and creative. For the manufacture of products, the company uses materials of the highest quality.

• Jacob Delafon Is a manufacturing company from France that creates elegant high quality mixers. They are suitable for kitchens and bathrooms of any design. Jacob Delafon uses only quality branded materials for production. The models allow you to complement the interior of the apartment in a classic, ethnic or modern direction. In the plumbing market, the products of this company have a lot of positive reviews.
• Ideal Standard Brand offers a variety of mixers at an affordable price. The main priorities of the company are a creative approach to production and a wide range of products. Ideal Standard is mainly chosen by pragmatic clients who want to install reliable plumbing fixtures at home, spending a small amount of money on it. Consumers will not be able to remain indifferent to the design of these products.

• Mixers by Oras - the most reliable products on the sanitary market, manufactured in Finland. The distinctive features of the products include dynamism and stylish design, high-quality raw materials, excellent functionality and ease of use in everyday life. Those who love a style such as hi-tech, modern, minimalism, futurism can safely choose Oras brand faucets. Such plumbing, with proper care, will serve you for more than one year.
• Roca - this is the safety of products, the design of which is filled with innovations, the assembly was carried out in accordance with all the rules. Another undoubted plus is the favorable price. Products of this company allow economical use of water. Spanish faucets have a wide range of prices and are a luxury class of products for home use.

• Teka Is a European company for the production of kitchen faucets. Its prices are affordable, the quality is quite high, and the design is always modern. This company decided to stand out from the number of manufacturers by offering its customers electronic and color mixers.
• Vidima company represents Bulgaria. The unique production technology makes Vidima mixers very high quality and durable. The democratic cost allows you to use these plumbing devices not only at home, but also in public places.

• Lemark Is a popular Czech brand that uses environmentally friendly raw materials in the manufacture of mixers, despite the competitive price. By doing this, he earned the trust of his consumers. Those who are used to saving their money can safely choose the mixers of this company.
• JIKA company rounds off the list of the best brands offering modern, stylish and durable faucets. The company harmoniously combines affordable cost and high quality in its products. It is characterized by the fact that ceramic cartridges and very high quality aerators are used in the production.

• If the water mixer with a ball device is broken, then it is necessary to replace the cartridge with a new one. It cannot be repaired. Replacing the cartridge will significantly increase the water pressure, which probably decreased during the use of the mixer.
• The same can be said about the cartridge with a ceramic plate, it cannot be eliminated, in this situation the mechanism should be replaced completely.
• To ensure your faucets will last for a long time, equip them with the necessary filters, taking into account the type and model of the product.
• If you are going to purchase a new cartridge, then take the item that has failed to the store with you. This will increase the chances of choosing the correct cartridge configuration, and will not allow mistakes during the dismantling and repair process.

• In order not to be mistaken in choosing the ideal mixing valve, it is necessary to ensure that the adjustment stem is made of bronze alloy. If there is a plastic analogue inside the faucet that you purchased in the store, this means that such a faucet will not last long and will break down soon.
• Gel-like or creamy products are suitable for cleaning the mixer. It is also possible to use a special powder, which is intended for cleaning metal surfaces. It is forbidden to use metal sponges or substances that contain vinegar and alkali.
• If you are going to troubleshoot the mixer, then so that there are no leaks in places of loose connections, use the special fum tape, which is sold in every plumbing store.

How to disassemble and repair mixers, see the next video.