How to disassemble a single lever mixer when repairing or

When a tap in the kitchen or bathroom breaks, you have to call a locksmith. Not everyone knows how to disassemble a single-lever mixer, and even more so - how to repair it. In fact, the modern device is so simple that even a schoolboy will understand it.

Varieties of pedal devices

“Christmas trees”, which are rapidly losing popularity, and wall constructions are being replaced by practical and stylish devices. The leader among the analogs is a joystick (single lever) mixer, where the key is simultaneously a regulator of pressure and water temperature.

Metal, ceramic or plastic devices can be divided into two categories - ball and cartridge. Their price is about the same.

Ball device

1. The main element is a steel ball located in the housing. Three holes are made in it for the passage of hot, cold and combination water.
2. The hollow ball inside is called the mixing chamber, since it is in it that hot water is combined with cold water.
3. The regulator is tightly fitted to the rubber seals, called saddles.
4. Sophisticated housing design contributes to the efficient operation of the mixer.
5. The control is carried out by a lever moving the ball. The coincidence of the holes makes the flow of water more or less.

Analog with cartridge

This single lever mixer device is distinguished by the presence of two ceramic plates.

1. In the lower part of the disk (cartridge) there are three holes for the passage of water, in the upper part the liquid is mixed.
2. When the joystick changes position, one hole in the bottom plate is aligned with the mixing chamber at the top of the disc.
3. Smooth movement of the lever provides a special lubricant based on silicone.

Note! The pieces of scale often get stuck inside the device, which leads to jamming or breakage. Prevent this can a special filter. The instruction recommends installing it simultaneously with the mixer.

Appliance Repair

Before fixing it does not hurt to find out how serious the problem is. If water gushes with a pressure from one or several places, most likely, it is necessary to replace the entire structure with a new one.

Ball disassembly

To work, prepare the following.

1. Adjustable wrench or a set of keys of different sizes.
2. Screwdriver.
3. Tow or sealing tape.
4. Pieces of rubber.
5. Dry cloth.

It should be noted that the repair of a single-lever mixer with their own hands is advisable only for minor problems (weakening of pressure, clogging, flow).

1. Unscrew the filter screen at the end of the mixer goose. Rinse it with running water, small fractions will be removed. Often enough of this action to pressure became stronger.
2. If disassembly is planned, initially shut off the water supply to the tap..
3. Carefully remove the plastic cap with the blue-red pointer.. Under it you will see a screw that you need to unscrew with a screwdriver.
4. Remove the lever, then pull the ball out.. Rinse all parts with water while scaling.
5. Inspect the rubber pads, you may have to replace them., cutting out a new pattern from worn out.
6. Assemble everything in reverse order, not forgetting to tighten the seals with a plastic nut..
7. At the end, turn on the water supply and check the work done for quality.

The case of a disk device

In this variety, the plates in the case shell most often break.

This means that repairing a single lever mixer tap consists in replacing a failed cartridge.

1. Using a screwdriver, pick up the decorative cap and remove it.
2. Use a wrench to loosen the screw connecting the joystick and the adjusting rod.
3. Remove the handle from the tap, then unscrew the ceramic nut, then the clamping nut. The latter is located on the top plate.
4. A ceramic nut is usually twisted by hand without effort. The clamping nut is provided with small recesses, which are undesirable to be damaged.
5. Carefully remove the disk from the enclosure and inspect it for damage.
6. Reinstall the new part and tighten the retaining disk nut.
7. Put the lever on, tighten the screw and insert the decorative plugs.

Note! Go buy a new cartridge with the old one removed. The fact is that parts are produced with different hole diameters (30 or 40 mm). The clips on the bottom plate may also vary. According to the sample you brought, the seller will immediately select a copy with the required dimensions.

Replacing the seals in the ball valve

Crane leakage is often due to the wear of seals. It is possible to cope with a malfunction without assistance by disassembling the system and replacing the gaskets.

Before you disassemble the single lever mixer in the bathroom, prepare a screwdriver and adjustable wrench.

1. Loosen the screw and separate the lever from the body.
2. Unscrew all the details in order, remembering the sequence.
3. Remove the ball and remove the O-rings from the base.
4. Replace the rubber gaskets, at the same time washing or wiping all the parts, removing them from the raid.
5. Fix the seals with plastic nut and insert the ball into place.
6. Return the lever to its original place, screwing the screw, insert the decorative cap.
7. Check the valve for operability, if everything is done correctly, water will not leak. (See also the article How to seal a leak in a pipe: features.)

Advantages of equipment with a single lever

All ingenious is simple, in this case we can see confirmation of this truth.

Here are a number of advantages contributing to the increasing popularity of mixers with a handle:

1. Aesthetically appealing look. Stylish design will decorate any interior.
2. Practical and convenient management. Now it is not necessary to slide on the valves with soapy hands, the water can be opened even with an elbow.
3. Instant regulation of flow temperature and head in one motion.
4. The service life is much longer than outdated analogues, including thanks to modern materials and a well-thought-out design.
5. Maximum ease of disassembly-assembly and repair. The owner is able to fix minor problems on his own.

Disadvantages of pedal mixers

With all the advantages, and there is a fly in the ointment.

Especially a lot of complaints arise from buying a cheap device in a hurry or from random sellers.

1. Rubber seals often wear out. On average, they are recommended to be changed every one and a half to two years.
2. Frequent cases of clogged ground elements with sand or rust. Prevents this special filter, it is desirable to install it immediately, paired with a mixer.
3. Cheap equipment saddens owners of poorly set water temperature. This is due to the small angle settings. Brand models of reputable firms are equipped with a wide tuning angle, and easily adjust the flow temperature.

Conclusion

In most cases, poor quality or defective products require regular repairs. But even the most expensive mixer can be upsetting, so it doesn’t hurt to understand how it works. Self-repair is more profitable than waiting and paying for plumbing services.

To cope with the disassembly of the sanitary device will help the video in this article.