How to repair a faucet with your own hands: instructions

One of the main and frequently used devices is a kitchen faucet. Due to his need, he often becomes unusable. Today we will tell you how to repair a faucet in the kitchen with your own hands. On the Internet there are lots of videos on similar topics, but in this article everything will be described in more detail. Recently, housewives are increasingly choosing a lever mechanism than the usual one. Due to the lack of rubbing parts, such cranes are usually more durable. Also, popularity is influenced by a stylish appearance, smooth lines and a variety of colors. In this article, we will consider the repair of single lever mixers.

Types of single lever kitchen faucets

The principle of operation and the design of a single lever mixer with ceramic cartridges is shown in the photo.

The central part, which is located between the lever and the tube, is called the mixer body; the most important part is hidden in it - the cartridge. He is responsible for mixing water and is often the main source of problems. The mixer handle is mounted on the body. A rotary spout is located at the mounting point of the crane; a variety of rings provide its water resistance and mobility. There is an aerator at the end of the tap, but we will return to it later.

There are also ball mixers. Their device looks something like this:

They also have a “torso”, but a ball is installed inside, which is responsible for regulating water. Under the handle, which is fixed with a screw, there is a metal cap that holds the entire valve mechanism inside. Also inside is a figured washer, which serves as a regulator of the angle of rotation of the lever, and it fits snugly against the ball itself. The bottom is not much different from the previous mixer.

Mounting Methods

• Hairpins. Just twist the nuts off the studs and lift the mixer up.

• Nut. You just need to unscrew this nut.

Many masters advise to remove the entire sink, which will facilitate the work with the mixer, at the same time it will be possible to update the sealant. If you still thought of a major overhaul of the mixer, then you should buy a set of hoses in a flexible metal braid, just be sure to check the length. You can also try hard liner made of metal-plastic pipes. You will need to buy special adapters, but this method of eyeliner will last a very, very long time.

Before starting any work, do not forget to shut off cold and hot water and open the tap to reduce pressure, and of course, drain all fluids. If you will disconnect the pipes, then take a bucket to drain the remaining water. Repairing a single lever mixer is a very painstaking task.

By what signs can we understand that the problem is in the mixer

• Is a puddle constantly flowing from under the sink?

Feel the siphon, if it is dry, then most likely the solution lies in the water supply. Touch the hoses where they connect to the pipes and at the entrance to the device itself. Close the tap, wait until all the water has left, wipe all the parts of the sink with a dry cloth and then you can see by eye where the water flows. If you see problems aligning the elastic hose with the old steel pipe, try tightening the nut. If this does not help, then shut off the water, take a bucket, unscrew the nut and study the pipe itself. Look at the integrity of the thread. If it is damaged, then you will need an extension adapter, in which the end fits flawlessly on the hose gasket. Wind the adapter to the pipe, and only then put the hose on the adapter itself.

• Drops from the drain even when the tap is closed?

The problem is with the seal or ceramic parts of the valve part.

• A pool of water near the mixer body?

Reasons: cracks in the housing or wear of the o-rings in the rotary unit. If the lever is functioning normally, but there is water near the faucet, try looking for cracks. If you still notice something, immediately change the mixer, there is no way to help it.

• Leaking water leaking?

This is most likely an insufficient tightening of the threaded nuts, wear of the oil seals, and cartridge failure. If you need to make efforts to change the position of the lever or, conversely, it is too easy, and the water temperature does not change much, the problem is in ceramic cartridges. The best option is to replace them with new ones.

Step-by-step repair instructions

1. Remove the cap that closes the fixing screw.
   
2. There will be a screw in the opening that you need to gently loosen with a screwdriver.
3. Then remove the handle.
4. Unscrew the decorative cap, you can safely do this with your hands.
5. You will see the locking clamping nut. It must be unscrewed with a suitable size key and removed.
6. There you will see the coveted cartridge. You can also get it with your hands. Replace it with a new one.
   
7. That's all. Now everything needs to be done in the reverse order. If you had a leak near the very base of the device, then you need to disassemble the mixer even further, carefully remove everything that will occur (mostly a variety of rings) and reach rubber bands They will have to be replaced. You can also replace all the rings, they are inexpensive.

Ball Mixer Repair

1. Remove the mixer handle.
2. After its removal we get a cam with a washer. You can immediately clean it.
3. Next, we get the ball itself and carefully examine it. First, consider the top washer. It should just be cleaned. If the ball itself looks worn out, then only replacement will help here. If the springs do not properly press the saddles to the valves, then it is worth replacing both. It is not very difficult. Pick them up with a screwdriver and get them out.
4. Well that's all. Also, the problem may be in limescale or in the wear of mechanical components.
5. Weak head? Liner gaskets, poor pipe or hose patency may be pinched. It is also worth mentioning about the aerator - this is such a mesh at the end of the crane. If something is not very good with the flow of water, then you should remove this mesh and clean it. This is done very simply, with a needle, or with a strong pressure of water. It can simply be changed, the price is small. However, if a similar situation arises often, then it makes you think that it makes sense to put at least mechanical filters. This will greatly extend the life of the device.

As a result, repairing the faucet in the kitchen with your own hands is not such a difficult task. In order to sort out the entire washing, it will take you one day. The easy and clear device of this mixer corresponds to the ease of its repair. But do not rush. Everything needs to be done as carefully and carefully as possible.

Video: device, repair of a kitchen faucet with your own hands