Cartridge cartridge is a simple but important part.

No house can do without a mixer - it is this simple device that allows you to achieve the desired water temperature. Mixing water provides an uncomplicated device called a cartridge. Periodically there is a need to replace the cartridge, because its resource is limited, so information about the device and its independent replacement will not be superfluous.

Types of cartridges

You can select 2 types of cartridges - ball type and disk.

The principle of their operation is similar, but the design is significantly different:

• cartridge for ball valve is a ball with 3 holes. Two of them are designed to receive, respectively, cold and hot water, 1 - to supply water after mixing. During temperature adjustment, the ball turns in the saddle, thus adjusting the degree of opening of each of the holes;

• disk cartridge works on the same principle, only instead of a ball with holes, 2 plates with holes are used, The top can move in 2 directions, due to which the adjustment of the mixing and pressure of the water from the faucet takes place.

With regard to performance, it is difficult to identify the leader - the price and resource are comparable in both options, and to explain the greater prevalence of disk models can be a greater complexity of the production of ball cartridges. Because of this, not all manufacturers of plumbing have permission to produce ball models

Cartridge device

The disk cartridge includes several rubber gaskets, a pair of disks with holes for the passage of water, a silencer and the body itself:

• the lower part of the cartridge case (bottom) is in contact with the bottom of the mixer through a rubber gasket, this is necessary so that the mixer does not leak. If the tightness of this assembly is not ensured, you will have to think about how to remove the cartridge from the tap and replace the gasket;

• followed by the very bottom with holes, on top of which is another rubber gasket;
• Then a plate with 3 holes is placed on top of the gasket on the bottom. Due to the corresponding protrusions and grooves on the plate and the bottom of the plate remains stationary when the mixer;
• metal mesh is located in the mixing cavity. Many mistakenly call it a filter, but in fact its purpose is noise reduction;

• a movable ceramic plate is placed on top of the fixed plate;

Note! The absence of a gasket between the ceramic plates should not be confused, the tightness of the joint is achieved by a layer of lubricant and the flatness of the surface of the plates, they literally stick to each other. If the surface of the plate is damaged, you will have to think about how to change the cartridge in the tap.

• a leash is installed above the movable plate (due to the protrusions, the leash moves the upper plate when turning);
• then the upper part of the body hides the described construction and is connected to the bottom;
• The hub, axle and stem ensure the operation of the system as a whole.

Principle of operation

The functionality of a single lever mixer is no different from a conventional 2-valve design. When the handle is turned in the horizontal plane, the water temperature is regulated, and when the handle is raised, the flow pressure changes.

In the central position, the upper plate is in such a position that access is open to both cold and hot water. When turning all the way to the left or right, one of the holes closes.

When lifting the handle of the mixer, the same upper plate moves relative to the lower one. And the hole on it mixes with the hole on the bottom, and the water pressure changes accordingly. In this case, the water passes through a metal mesh-noise suppressor. In some models, plastic tabs may be used instead of this mesh.

Problems with the cartridge and its replacement

Sooner or later, any cartridge will have to change, because it has moving elements. Quite often, the reason for the replacement is not wear, but clogging or problems with rubber gaskets. In any case, the problem can be dealt with yourself.

Possible mixer malfunctions

Most often faced with such problems:

• a slight decrease in pressure is possible even with a fully open valve. The main reason in this case is not in the cartridge, but, most likely, in the fact that the aerator is just clogged up - just brush it with a toothbrush. Somewhat less often, a solid start stuck in a hole in the cartridge can cause a drop in pressure;
• clogging of the cartridge can cause the water from the tap to ooze constantly, due to contamination the movable plate simply cannot completely block the hole through which water enters the gander;
• it is also a sign of failure of the cartridge can be considered the inability to adjust the temperature of the water, spontaneous change in water temperature;
• You can often hear complaints about the fact that I started digging a faucet - replacing the cartridge did not help, the reason most likely lies in the sealing gasket, which should seal the joint between the bottom of the mixer and the cartridge. It is quite thin, so even a slight corrosion of the faucet body can be the reason that full tightness can not be achieved.

By itself, the cartridge is a cheap item, so if it has been in the order of several years, then at the slightest sign of a malfunction it should just be replaced with a new one. The cost of models with an acceptable price / quality ratio starts from 250 rubles. If a ball cartridge is installed in the mixer, then it can be repaired by yourself.

Replacing a disk cartridge

Many are confused by the question of how to replace the cartridge in the tap, but in fact the whole operation will take 10-15 minutes. It makes no sense to disassemble and repair the cartridge itself, so all that is needed is to disassemble the mixer and install a new cartridge instead of a spoiled one. (See also the article The device of the mixer for the sink: features.)

Despite the same principle of operation, the design of cartridges from different manufacturers is different, for example, it can be with a flat bottom or on the legs, and the placement of the legs can be different. Therefore, when visiting a plumbing store, it is better to take along an old cartridge.

Note! If the location of the legs on the bottom does not match, then the cartridge is guaranteed to leak, because it will not be possible to achieve tightness between the cartridge and the bottom of the mixer.

Disassembly of the crane with the cartridge is performed in the following sequence:

• the water supply to the mixer is turned off first;
• then, gently prying with a knife or screwdriver, you need to remove the plug on the mixer. It is painted in blue and red in order not to confuse in which direction the handle should be turned;

• After that, a 6-point socket wrench will be needed, a screw will be visible under the removed lining, it needs to be removed. After that, you can remove the handle and unscrew the decorative apron by hand - a brass nut will be visible under it, which can only be unscrewed with a wrench;

• On this issue, how to disassemble the valve with a cartridge can be considered solved. In order to remove the old one you just need to pull it towards yourself, perhaps, slightly shaking from side to side.

Before installing a new cartridge, it will not be superfluous to clean the socket and check the condition of the gaskets. Assembly of the mixer is performed in reverse order.

Note! Sometimes over the years of operation, all the elements of the mixer were soldered together. If you do not want to change the entire mixer, then you can try to use WD-40 - a means to remove rust and oxides from the metal surface.

Ball cartridge repair

In this case, replacing the cartridge in the tap is not needed, and problems with its operation can be solved by simple cleaning and replacing the gaskets.

Instructions for disassembling the mixer remains the same, then you need to:

• remove the ball, inspect the holes in it and remove any garbage that has accumulated in them. You also need to inspect the surface of the ball, it should be perfectly smooth;
• then replace the rubber gaskets.

Note! If there are surges on the surface of the ball, then replacing the seals will not help - the mixer will still leak.

Summarizing

In any cartridge for the mixer there are moving parts, which means friction will sooner or later do its job and the cartridge will have to be changed. Fortunately, such a device is inexpensive, and even a novice plumber can handle the replacement, you just need to follow the suggested instructions. (See also the article How to choose a sink: features.)

The video in this article can be used as a visual aid for replacing the cartridge in the mixer.