How to choose and replace the cartridge for the shower

13-01-2018
Sewage

If you have a small bathroom, the best way to get free space in it is to replace the bath with a shower. But, only these are limited to their merits. Models are beautiful and functional, so they can easily fit into any interior.

One feature is that the design consists of many parts that can break down from time to time, and today our “ward” is a cartridge that is used to switch modes and supply cold (hot) water.

Ceramic cartridge of switching of the modes of the mixer for a shower cabin

By design, the devices are similar to those installed in conventional faucets for a washbasin in the bathroom or for kitchen sinks. A slightly different cartridge for switching mode from the main watering to the "tropical shower", body and foot massage. He has on the back not two outlets for water, but four.

Term of use

Although many people do not use taps in the shower cabin as often as in the kitchen, their “insides” also fail. This happens at intervals of 3-7 years, depending on their material and method of use.

Therefore, often the life of the device is dramatically reduced. If this has happened to you, do not despair; you should not rush to purchase a new mixer either; you just need to replace the broken element.

Shower faucet cartridges are used to switch modes and supply water at a specific temperature.

Types of cartridges and their characteristics

Consider the main features:

Modes of operation Most often cartridges come in 2 and 3 positions. In addition, the devices can be on 4, 5, and 6 modes.
External features Models differ in case diameter and stem length for the shift knob. Usually it protrudes a certain distance on the main panel. This length directly depends on the length of the cartridge stem. The diameter of the latter case corresponds to the hole in which it is located.
How does the device work The design has rotating, rubbing and clamping elements. After turning the drum, located inside, with the help of the rod, water is supplied in the right direction.
In the photo - various types of spare parts for mixers

What to look for when buying

You can purchase spare parts for a shower stall on the construction market, in a specialized trade network or via the Internet. At the same time, the price and quality of the goods offered can vary greatly.

Tip: you do not want your money to be thrown to the wind, and the cartridge for the mixer has served for a long time, choose manufacturers that have proven themselves in the plumbing market. And, of course, you should not buy the cheapest model.

More often, everything fails to distinguish the products of some manufacturers from others. However, there are companies that produce their own line of models that are microvariant. In particular, this company Kludi, producing very small and thin mixers.

Replacing the cartridge in the shower is done without removing parts from the main panel

How to replace the cartridge

If you have repaired a faucet for a washbasin or kitchen sink at least once with your own hands, this process will not seem complicated. During the replacement you need to do everything in a certain sequence.

So, how to change the cartridge in the shower yourself:

  1. Disconnect the mixer and mode switch from the center panel.. These two devices are adjacent and are located on the same brass tube. Therefore, if it is necessary to remove one, it is necessary to dismantle the second one.
  2. The second option - and the mixer, and the switch remain in place. The instruction allows for repairs without dismantling them.
  3. Unscrew the locking screw with a screwdriver or allen key, which holds the lever rod.
  4. Remove the decorative cap.
Replacing the cartridge in the shower cabin mixer begins with removing the screw handle

Tip: on some models it may be the other way around, first the decorative cap is removed, and then the lever is removed.

  1. Remove the decorative ring and unscrew the clamping nut on the mixer or the latch of the water supply cartridge for the shower cabin.
  2. Pull out the old one and install the new one..
  3. Take a wrench of the appropriate size and disassemble the mode switch. If the metal has become attached after long operation, pretreat it with a special liquid so as not to break the part during disassembly.
  4. After removing the face of the switch, remove the failed device from it..
  5. Reassemble in the reverse order..

Tip: if, after inspecting the cartridge, you did not find any defects on it, you may have simply put it in the corresponding grooves.

Device for 4 positions of water supply

Recommendations:

  1. When choosing a device, make sure that the upper part of the stem fits inside the handle. Slots choose the slots, and the square type with a long bolt to the appropriate option.
  2. Also, make sure that on the back of the mechanism there is also the number of exits, how many switching modes you have.

Tip: not to make a mistake when buying, in the store, take the spoiled version.

  1. During assembly, do not overtighten the trim when tightening.

Conclusion

It can be said that replacing the cartridge is not a problem. The main emphasis should be placed on his right choice, so that he will last as long as you have planned. Usually acquire non-separable ceramic version of the device, the cost of which is low. The video in this article will provide an opportunity to find additional information on the above topic.

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