What are the taps for water and how to repair them

Small plumbing fixtures - faucets or taps, can be found in every home, because with their help it is possible to control the flow of water from the water supply system. Periodically, designers offer to the consumer new and new versions of such devices, differing mainly in the appearance and additional features. At the same time, the internal structure of the models remains virtually unchanged, and today we will examine in more detail the taps for water, having studied their design and repair.

Types of equipment

More recently, consumers were offered only a choice of valve structures with one or two levers. Another option - ball, used mainly in the heating system. On the shelves of shops today you can find plumbing and more modern type.

Crane classification:

• single-vented;
• two-valve;
• single lever;
• with thermostat;
• contactless models.

There is some difference between mixers and taps at the level of professional slang:

In normal communication, these conventions are often omitted.

Whatever the type of mixer or faucet, each of them has the following structural elements:

• the case where the water flow control mechanism is located;
• spout or "gander" through which water flows out;
• lever, knob or valve - control mechanism;
• the locking mechanism is located in the housing.

The appearance of the mixer, the design of the "gander" in the majority depend on the designers of the manufacturer. Often, the spout can have a water diffuser for a tap or an aerator in the form of a special mesh, allowing more evenly distribute the flow.

Note! The main difference between taps and mixers of different types is in the device of the levers and the locking mechanism.

Valve device

There are single-valve and two-valve designs. Consider them in more detail.

With one valve

These mechanisms are familiar to many for a long time, they are distinguished by simplicity and reliability. Use such models for hot or cold water.

The body of the equipment is traditionally made of brass, there are also old versions of copper. It has a crane-box that serves as a locking mechanism.

She may be:

1. Worm type - in operation, the reciprocating process of movement is used, when the valve, controlling the worm rod, presses the rubber cuff with its help to a special “saddle”. The most common cause of failure of products - wear this gasket. To restore the health of the crane simply replace it.

1. Ceramic - it consists of two plates with holes. And one fixed motionless, and the second rotates with a valve. When the holes coincide - the water begins to flow into the spout. Ceramics are resistant to wear, so this mechanism rarely becomes unusable. The price of valve valves with a ceramic crane is higher than the worm models, however, they are much more reliable.

The spout of the device may be stationary when cast with the housing. But, more comfortable and more popular models with a mobile "gander" in the form of a tube.

Tip: when choosing between steel and brass faucet, we recommend to purchase the latest, brass copes with corrosion much better.

With two valves

If you have hot water in the house, it makes sense to use just such a model. For two-valve cranes use the same axle box as for single-valve cranes.

In this case, cold water enters the mixer through one locking mechanism, and hot through the other. Flow control takes place with the appropriate valves.

As in the first case, the most frequent repair is the wear of the cuff. You can replace it without much difficulty with their own hands. This option is suitable for the sink and kitchen sink.

The bathroom also install faucets with an additional hole for the shower hose. This design has a switch that directs the flow of water from the "gander" to the hose with a watering can and back. Two-valve models are used in plumbing for many years, but still successfully compete with new developments.

Ball Mixers

These models appeared relatively recently, but quickly became popular among customers due to the convenience of their operation compared to valve devices. Inside the body there is a spherical cartridge with three holes - two for access of cold and hot water from the water supply system to the mixer, the third - access to the spout.

Control takes place with the help of only one lever - left-right allows you to adjust the temperature of the flow, up and down - its power. Two movements are enough to adjust these parameters.

Tip: in order to avoid buying a fake when buying, first of all, weigh the mixer in your hands. A good quality crane will always be harder. Pay attention to the thickness of the case, it must be 2 mm or more.

Repairing a ball mixer at home is simple and can be done independently. The device must be disassembled and replace the old ceramic cartridge with a new one. The cost of the latter, of course, is several times higher than the usual gasket, which is used in the valve mechanism.

Since the cartridges of different models differ, the instruction is as follows:

1. Disassemble the damaged mixer.
2. Remove the defective cartridge.
3. Go with him to the plumbing shop.
4. Pick up an identical device.
5. Replace the cartridge.

Tip: before removing the cartridge, remember how it was installed to put a new one as well.

Features of the device models with a thermostat and contactless

1. A thermostat is a mixer element that controls the flow of hot and cold water, bringing their temperature to the desired value.
2. Temperature parameters are set using the handle installed outside.
3. Water pressure is also regulated by an external lever.

Contactless mixers are also called touch. They are usually installed in the toilets of large organizations. In the design of the device, a sensor is mounted, which turns on the tap when the hand is brought to it. Disconnection also occurs automatically after they are removed. Economical and hygienic solution that allows visitors not to contact the sink mixer device.

Adjustment of pressure and water temperature is carried out by a special rod on the body of the mixer. There are also options when the initial parameters are set in advance on the control panel.

Conclusion

Plumbing manufacturers offer customers a variety of designs and capabilities for water taps. Today were considered the most popular, as well as those that may soon appear in everyone in the house. Repair simple models is only to replace gaskets or cartridges that have become unusable. The video in this article will provide an opportunity to find additional information on the above topic.