Single lever mixer: design and maintenance features

Of all possible designs of a crane, a single-lever mixer for washing is the most popular. The shelves of all specialized stores and the bathrooms of most apartments and private houses are equipped with various variations of the sanitary device. What owes such a wide need for these models, we consider further.

Kinds of water mixing system

The design and repair of a single lever mixer depends on which element it uses to mix the liquid:

Ball

The principle of operation of such a system to the genius is simple. The ball has three holes: two for the inflow of hot and cold liquids and one for the exit already mixed. Thus, moving the lever, we move the metal sphere and thereby change the opening level of all three holes, as a result, the temperature and intensity of the water flow is regulated.

Ball mixer breaks less often, but more difficult to repair.

Cartridge

Here, mixing is carried out using a special cartridge, the main components of which are two ceramic plates. At the bottom of this device are three holes, and at the top - a mixing compartment. When moving the lever, some of the lower holes coincide with the upper chamber, and the flow adjustment process is carried out.

The mixer, working on cartridges is not as durable as a ball, but it is very easy to repair with their own hands.

Tip: in conjunction with the considered design it is recommended to use special filters that prevent large particles from entering the mixing compartment. This significantly increases the running time of the cartridge.

Merits

Now let's look at the advantages that are responsible for the popularity of single lever cranes:

• Simple instruction manual. It is enough for you to turn the lever in the right direction with one hand, with your finger or even with your elbow, this will cause displacement of the inlets and outlets and, accordingly, will change the intensity and temperature of the pressure. That is, one light movement instead of prolonged unscrewing of the valves to the desired position. It also allows for more economical use of water resources.
• Practicality and long service life. In the device of such cranes there are no moving and quickly failing components, and the replacement of cartridges is carried out much less frequently than, for example, the replacement of gaskets in two-valve models.
• Aesthetics. The appearance of faucets with one lever fits perfectly into a modern kitchen or bathroom. It is also worth mentioning that in some models the lever is designed as an elegant joystick on the side of the main part.

• Easy installation and maintenance. After purchasing this equipment, it is not at all necessary to immediately call the plumber for its installation, it will be enough to sort out the instructions attached to it and be attentive in order to do everything yourself. The same applies to the periodic repair, which we will talk about below.
• Ra variety of models. You can choose suitable samples for the sink and bath.
• Affordable price. Despite all such significant advantages, the cost of a crane with one lever is practically the same as the outdated model with two valves and is much lower than that of the newest electronics stuffed with contactless devices.

Maintenance

A recurring problem that can be completely solved by itself is a malfunction of the mixing cartridge. It is expressed most often in the appearance of a leak from under the body of the mixer.

Let's look at how it is replaced:

1. Using a screwdriver, pull out the plugs.
2. Hexagon wrench unscrew the screw connecting the lever and the adjusting rod.

1. Remove the handle from the mixer.

1. Turn off the ceramic and clamping nuts of the mixer.
2. We take out the cartridge itself.

1. Install a new part.

Tip: when buying a new cartridge, it is recommended to have an old sample with you, since there are a lot of varieties and you can easily make mistakes.

1. Twist the nut back and do the rest of the items in the reverse order.

Conclusion

Cranes with one lever have a much more reliable and easy-to-use design in combination with low cost. Therefore, it is not surprising that such models today have such high popularity. Even their repair is quite affordable to perform on their own.

The video in this article will introduce you to additional materials that are directly related to the topic outlined. A single-lever shower mixer or washbasin in the bathroom is an excellent choice for a modern owner.