Mixer flywheel: purpose and types

The handle on the mixer has several functions. With its help, you can regulate the heat and pressure of the water supply, and it is also a decoration of the bathroom or kitchen. Unfortunately, this part of the mixer has to be replaced quite often. Sometimes the fault becomes a breakdown, although there is just a desire to refresh the interior decor.

For the correct replacement of plumbing equipment, it is worth understanding its characteristics. Repair work cannot be started without understanding the construction of the crane.

There are two main types of mixer controls.

• Lever arm. It is presented in the form of a "one-handed" joystick. The warmth of the water is regulated by turning left and right, and the pressure - up and down. The one-handed version can be used in many design solutions.
• Flywheel. It is presented in the form of two valves, which are familiar to everyone since Soviet times. One valve is responsible for the pressure of hot water, and the second for the pressure of cold water. For mixing, both valves must be open at the same time.

Two-hand flywheel systems use a crane box. The valve head is also used to supply and shut off water. Since there are several ways to attach the flywheel to the crane-axle box, the easiest way is to disconnect the valve and come with it to the store. Experts will help you choose the right flywheel.

There are other types of mixer regulators.

• Contactless mixer control. A sensitive socket on the tap detects movement and turns on when hands approach it.
• Portion or push mixers. They are usually installed on trains. Press the pedal on the tap, it dispenses a portion of water.

The choice of this sanitary ware is carried out depending on the capabilities of the mixer, the design solution of the bathroom or kitchen and the wishes of the owner. Despite the practicality of the lever, the flywheel is popular, especially as a decorative piece. Therefore, there are a lot of flywheel varieties. In shape, cruciform and faceted flywheels are distinguished.

The "cross" is the most practical and popular due to its convex shape. Its blades prevent the hand from slipping when rotating, because they are easily gripped by the fingers. The hot-cold water indicator can be either color or text. The most common cross-type flywheels are “hot” and “cold”.

Depending on the number of edges on the handle and design, several varieties are presented.

• "Trio". It is presented in the form of a valve with three edges, which contributes to more comfortable rotation. A blue or red cap plays the role of a hot or cold water indicator. This cap also decorates the screw that secures the flywheel to the rest of the structure. This model is slippery, so it is worth considering this disadvantage.
• "Quadro". The grip resembles a square with 4 finger grooves.This model is notable for its laconicism and simplicity, and is also more convenient than the "Trio". The square version is quite popular today.

• "Maria". The valve has a sophisticated design. It is not for nothing that it is named after the girl. It has 7 finger grooves. The shape was based on a truncated cone (narrower part to the mixer). Maria's design solution consists in an off-center indicator cap and a beautiful ring located along the perimeter of the handle.
• "Erika". The octagonal prism with 8 grooves is the ideal anti-slip option. The water warmth index is different here. In this embodiment, the indicator is made in the form of a blue or red ring.

Before buying, it is necessary to decide on the material from which the flywheel is made. Metals are most commonly used. For example, stainless steel, brass (they also make a crane-axle box from it). If you need to emphasize high status, then you should give preference to valves made of bronze, silver or gold. Such decorative elements will become a bright accent of the interior. Ceramic is a durable material. It requires little maintenance and is easy to clean. Ceramic models are often on sale.

Many models are made of plastic. Old Soviet sinks with white handles with blue and red indicators were made of plastic. Now there are both white plastic and chrome-plated. This material is not particularly durable. A plastic handwheel is a suitable option for a washbasin in a village. Plastic has a low price, which is why it is popular.

Wooden models are made from hardwood. They will help add warm coziness to the bathroom. They are pleasant to the touch and beautiful to look at. This option will look good in a Scandinavian bathroom style or with a bronze faucet. The price is from 1500 rubles and more.

Glass is also often used. These pens look great too and are easy to use as well. The only thing is, they can break off, but for this you have to try hard.

After purchasing a flywheel of a suitable shape, design and material, you can proceed with its installation, namely, unscrew the old handle and attach a new one. This type of plumbing work can be performed both independently and with the assistance of a specialist. But, if you do it yourself, you will need a screwdriver and a knife (or a flat-head screwdriver).

There are several steps to follow to install the flywheel.

• Before dismantling, the water must be shut off. But it is important to follow the sequence of actions. First you need to turn on the water supply at the tap, turn off the water in the pipe. When water stops flowing from the tap, close the tap on the mixer. These actions are intended to avoid excessive pressure in the pipe.

• Using a knife or flat-head screwdriver, pry off and disconnect the water temperature indicator cap.
• There is a screw under the cap that connects the flywheel handle with the rest of the valve axle structure. Unscrew the screw while holding the handle on the side to prevent it from turning.
• The old handle is removed. If it is necessary to replace the crane-axle box or further disassemble the mixer, you can proceed to it.

The installation of a new valve is carried out in the reverse order.

• Separate the indicator cap from the new flywheel.
• Connect the flywheel with the crane-axle box using a screw.
• Install the cap. Before installing the plug (indicator), make sure that the connecting screw is tightened sufficiently and not overtightened.
• Turn on the water.

When ordering via the Internet, it is difficult to be sure that the products will be of high quality.Risks should be minimized.

If the shape and material of the flywheel has already been selected, it remains to decide with the manufacturer. The handles and mixer do not need to be from the same manufacturer. Most often, the handles are universal, therefore they are suitable for any taps. You should check the availability of a guarantee for the product from the selected manufacturer. It is better to trust only the original websites of manufacturers or verified online stores.

It is better to first familiarize yourself with well-known manufacturers so as not to stumble upon a low-quality product. Also, a specialist can tell you what is better to choose if you bring an old flywheel with you. When choosing a flywheel, you need to understand the design of the mixer for which it is being purchased and trust your design instinct.

For information on how to change the tap-box in the mixer, see the next video.