Do-it-yourself cartridge replacement in mixers, device

Replacing the cartridge in the mixers

Single lever mixer

When creating a modern interior for kitchens and bathrooms, joystick mixers have become popular. The stylish design of the monolithic case is supported by functional qualities. Models made of ceramic, plastic or metal are equally convenient to use.

Inside the structure, hot and cold water is mixed, which can be adjusted using a lever in the form of a plate. The crane has a simple device that allows you to independently troubleshoot. Cartridge - filling the housing, providing the process of mixing two temperatures of water. It is fixed with one clamping nut. A plate is installed on it - an adjustment handle.

Simple control of the water supply can be carried out by shifting the handle:

• moving up or down changes the strength of the current;
• rotation to the left or right controls the water supply of the required temperature.

It’s convenient and easy to operate the lever, the location at the top or side of the structure allows switching with any part of the hand.

There are two types of single lever mixer models:

• with ball valves;
• with ceramic discs.

Preference is given to the use of more reliable designs with a ball valve, since the mechanical effect of blockages in the water has a less destructive effect. An accurate disk system responds to the slightest friction, as a result of which chips can appear and begin to flow. It is recommended to install filters in front of the mixer to purify water from contamination.

Before performing a cartridge replacement or other minor repairs, you must familiarize yourself with the joystick design.

The ball valve system provides a combination of the following details:

• decorative plug with water temperature indicators;
• screw;
• control rod;
• gently sloping ball mixing two streams of different temperatures;
• rubber saddles;
• adjustment ring;
• steam and adjusting cuffs;
• separate start-up of hot and cold water;
• mixed start;
• ball sleeve;
• aerator.

A feature of the repair of cartridge parts is the impossibility of replacing a single element, since they make up a non-separable system. In the event of a breakdown, a new analogue is installed.

Advantages of a single lever crane:

• simple mixer device;
• easy control, including quick temperature selection;
• simple installation and repair;
• long service life;
• lack of gaskets having fast wear resistance;
• affordable cost.

Disadvantages include:

• enclosures made of silumin (a fragile composition has a short life);
• o-rings in models with a spherical system must be periodically changed (once every two years);
• non-separable cartridge design.

How to understand that a cartridge is broken

No homework is complete without the use of water. Repeated scrolling of the handle wears out the mechanism, and the quality of running water affects the details of the tap. Using joystick mixers, from time to time you can notice a water leak from the descent channel or from under the structure itself, a violation of the free movement of the regulator. There are several possible damage options.

By familiarizing yourself with the causes that can be resolved by replacing the cartridge, you need to repair quickly and efficiently:

• When the handle is fully opened, a large pressure is not felt, and when closed, the water does not completely overlap.
• It is difficult to move the regulator with great difficulty.
• With one handle position, the flow changes the temperature of the flow.
• It is not possible to drain only hot or cold water.
• The stream does not flow. Only a thin stream is possible.

The causes of cartridge damage can be:

• Low quality running water containing salts and various impurities.
• Depreciation of individual parts.
• Exposure to salt deposits.
• Reject cartridge parts.

Kinds

The cartridge ensures flawless operation of the entire mixer. They are divided into two main types: with a spherical mechanism and ceramic discs. The case of any model consists of plastic. The service life does not differ significantly.

Recent developments in the production of mixers are distinguished by models that have built-in cleaners. Cleaning provides filtering of small specks and various impurities.

Ball mechanism device:

• A hollow stainless steel ball having 2 holes at the bottom and 1 at the top. Mixing of hot and cold flows occurs inside the ball.
• Two seats made of durable rubber hold the ball, passing through the holes water of different temperatures.
• The pressure of the water supply system provides a snug fit of the ball to the gum.
• The movement of the lever controls the passage of hot or cold water through the holes. With a larger alignment area, the flow increases.

The device of the disk mechanism:

• The main element is cermet discs, carefully sanded using ultrasound. On one disk there are holes for cold and hot water. The protrusions of another determine the strength of the flow.
• Using the rod, the upper disc is rotated. It can move, move, providing the process of draining water. The lower disk remains fixed, fixed to the lower part of the case.
• The lever of the mixer makes you change the position of one disc relative to another. When the position of the tight fit of the protrusions and holes occurs overlapping water. The weaker the fit in the holes, the stronger the flow.

The temperature dependence arises from the degree of overlapping of the top disk with hot or cold water.

How to disassemble the mixer

To carry out repairs it is necessary disassemble the mixer using a hexagon, a small screwdriver, an adjustable wrench. The water supply in the pipeline must be shut off.

If the mixer needs to be completely disconnected, the disassembly procedure will be as follows:

• shut off the water supply system;
• unscrew the nuts of the two water supply hoses with an adjustable wrench;
• unscrew the clamping nut of the mixer connecting it to the sink;
• for convenience of further work, remove the hoses from the body;
• Having thrown off a cap, to turn off a screw in two turns;
• remove the regulator;
• unscrew the nut with a key, remove the cartridge.

To remove the mixer from the wall mount, it is enough to unscrew the union nuts.

How to change a cartridge

The process of replacing a cartridge in a joystick mixer does not involve complete disassembly:

• Block the water in the pipe.
• With a knife or a thin screwdriver, it is necessary to pry off and remove the decorative button with a blue-red qualifier. Do not be afraid to damage it, as there is no screwing mechanism and additional fixation.
• The lever is held by a screw. It is necessary to select the hexagon for the screw and unscrew it for a few turns.
• Remove the handle.
• Pull out or unscrew the cover (depending on the mixer model)
• Unscrew the clamping nut with an adjustable wrench and pull out the cartridge.

Installing a new one is performed in the reverse order.

Replacing the cartridge in the shower:

• remove the decorative plug;
• unscrew the hexagon screw;
• remove the handle;
• loosen the clamping nut holding the cartridge;
• remove the old cartridge and install a similar new one in its place;
• tighten the clamping nut;
• fasten the handle with a hexagon using a screw;
• install the plug in the hole;
• drain the water, check for leaks.

Recommendations

Before repairing the mixer, you need to find out which cartridge is needed. Their distinguishing features:

• different stem lengths;
• the landing part may have a different configuration;
• case diameter varies from 35 to 47 mm;
• bottom holes can be of different shapes and quantities.

When purchasing a new cartridge, it is better to capture the old sample for comparison. If a collapsible case is offered, this does not mean at all that its elements must be replaced. Cartridges are usually not repairable.

The fixed stem must not be lubricated with various greases. Oil-clad plates stop moving completely. Only an acid-containing agent smeared with a few drops on the stem can help. After an hour, develop, rinse and install the stem in the mixer. Work must be done with rubber gloves.

There are times when the lever cannot be removed. A stuck screw does not lend itself to unwinding. In this case, you have to change the entire mixer.