How to properly disassemble a single-lever mixer - step-by-step instructions. How to repair a kitchen faucet? Fixing a one-arm faucet leak

A single-lever, or as it is also called a joystick, mixer confidently takes the place of obsolete valve devices. It is simple, easy to use and quite reliable. You can repair it yourself, without turning to a plumber for help.

After reading the article we presented, you will be able to repair a single-lever mixer with your own hands. We have listed all types of breakdowns typical for this type of plumbing fixtures. We describe in detail how to fix breakdowns. Taking into account our recommendations, you can easily repair a device with one lever.

Like any mechanism, the mixer sometimes breaks down. The failure of a plumbing fixture in the bathroom or kitchen is the most common breakdown, which is impossible not to notice - puddles on the floor and the irritating sounds of falling drops that do not stop day or night will not leave anyone indifferent.

The above troubles can be eliminated quite simply and quickly on your own. Of course, for this you need to at least theoretically become familiar with the internal structure of the mixer, know the reason for its failure and how to eliminate it.

A single-lever mixer is a plumbing fixture that is distinguished by its simplicity of design, excellent functionality, durability and, most importantly, ease of operation.

All these issues will be discussed in detail below.

However, first let’s look at the advantages of this plumbing fixture, to which it owes its popularity:

• Simplicity and maintainability. This has already been mentioned above - due to its simplicity, a single-lever mixer lasts a long time, and this period can be extended by timely repairing the product.
• Ease of use. There is no need to turn the valves; just lift the mixer joystick up in one motion to let the water flow. To adjust the temperature, the lever is turned left and right, and the pressure is adjusted by vertical movement of the lever.
• Durability. The simpler the design, the less often it breaks - a single-lever mixer consists of a small number of parts, and if you treat it with care and install a filter on the water, the product is guaranteed to last more than 10 years. Of course, this only applies to high-quality faucets.

On sale you can often find products made from fragile, short-lived, but very cheap silumin. In the best case, such a mixer will work for two years.

It is worth mentioning simple repairs. Simply put, any smart housewife can do a simple repair of a single-lever mixer with her own hands. Basically, it all comes down to a banal replacement of the disk cartridge or ball, depending on the design of the device. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves and consider the internal structure of the mixer.

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A dripping or running faucet in the kitchen is not something to be excited about. The reasons for device failure can be different: increased water hardness, temperature changes, frequent or improper operation. These and a number of other factors may make you think seriously, how to disassemble a single-lever mixer or two-valve faucet to eliminate the cause of the problem.

Kitchen faucet repair

Regardless of the device and type of mixer, faults that cause drips or leaks are quite similar in nature. Although, of course, the solution to the problem will be different for devices of different systems. Therefore, when a kitchen faucet leaks, how to fix it will depend on what type of mixer is installed?.

But before you do anything, you need to know the main reasons why a mixing device may fail or not work properly. The most common of them:

• Low quality. In pursuit of savings, people often prefer to buy cheaper goods without paying due attention to quality. The logic here is simple: why do you need to pay more if they are no different in appearance? As a result, the joy from such an acquisition may be short-lived. It’s good if everything just happens. Everything can be much more serious and result in costs incommensurate with the purchase of a more expensive, but high-quality mixer.
• Poor quality installation. Even buying expensive equipment will not help here. Therefore, when installing a mixer, special attention should be paid to the quality of installation. If you have doubts about your abilities, it is better to use the services of a specialist.
• Incorrect operation. The most common reason why plumbing equipment fails. Excessive force, pressure at the wrong angle, impacts and other similar actions can lead to failure of even an expensive high-quality mixer. The manufacturer, when giving a guarantee, emphasizes that the device will function without breakdowns if used correctly.
• Wear. There is nothing eternal in the world, and faucets are no exception in this regard. No matter how expensive and high-end a crane is, it also has components that are prone to wear and tear. Rubber gaskets and moving parts are the first to suffer. However, regular prevention in the form of timely replacement of gaskets and cleaning may well solve many problems associated with malfunction and failure of the mixer.

Mixing devices and their repair

Before you learn how to fix a dripping kitchen faucet, it’s worth understanding what the most common types there are mixers. We are not talking about contactless, thermostatic or other high-tech models: it is better to entrust such repairs to specialists. The most popular ones, which are used in most cases, are usually divided into two-valve and single-lever. Despite the significant differences, they have common details:

• Spout or spout;
• Sealing gaskets;
• Aerator.

Double valves

An ordinary two-valve faucet will not last for several decades has not changed significantly, and everything also has a fairly simple design. Regardless of design and other delights, it consists of a shut-off element (faucet axle) and a flywheel - a part that is rotated to open and close the flow of water.

These mixers may differ slightly from each other. For example, there are those whose flywheel needs to be rotated several times to open or close the water. They work on the basis of translational-rotational motion. Here are used worm axle boxes. The valve is unscrewed, the gasket moves away from the seat, and water fills the cavity in the mixer, after which it enters directly into the spout.

If the flywheel only needs to be turned halfway to supply water, then an axle box with ceramic plates is used, which align with the holes when the valve rotates, allowing water to access the spout.

Single lever mixers

There is another type of faucets: modern and convenient single-lever faucets. The principle of their operation and device are strikingly different from two-valve ones. Such taps can have either a ball or a cartridge in their design. The mixing element itself has three holes: two for supplying cold and hot water, and one outlet for the spout.

If this is a ball version, then the ball is located on two “saddles”. It is fixed at the top with a sealing collar and a nut. When the lever moves, the ball moves relative to the seats, which opens the feed holes. Depending on the angle of displacement of the lever and ball position You can regulate the pressure and temperature of the water coming out through the spout.

Models with a cartridge are very similar in their functional action, but here the role of the ball is played by the cartridge. Unlike the first option, it is not hollow inside, but has metal-ceramic disks. The water supply is regulated by the displacement of these disks and the degree of overlap of the inlet holes. Depending on the angle of rotation of the lever, you can change temperature and water pressure.

Repair of valve models

Everything that is generally possible to repair when faucets are faulty can be done on your own, without involving someone else. The main thing is to know how to disassemble the mixer and not forget how to assemble it. Most often, the internal part of a valve faucet fails, i.e. the rubber gasket, oil seal or axle box. Other breakdowns it makes no sense to repair (it’s easier to buy a new mixer), or is simply impossible (for example, in the case of a crack in the body).

When starting to repair the mixer, you need to turn off the water, and then put the valve in the working position. This will avoid excess pressure on the parts and also check whether the water is shut off.

Now you can disassemble the device. Use a screwdriver to remove the decorative caps. Next, unscrew the screw that secures the flywheel. It all depends on what the problem is: if the problem is with the rubber gasket, usually in such cases water drips or the faucet leaks. You just need to replace it with a new one.

There are situations when the oil seal leaks. There are two options here: perhaps it will be enough to simply press stuffing box. If this does not help, then it is worth replacing (filling) the oil seals completely.

It is worth paying attention to the thread of the parts. When they are worn out, it is better to replace the entire faucet.

Single lever tap repair

When repairing a single-lever kitchen faucet with your own hands, you need to determine the cause of the malfunction. As a rule, there are four most common problems:

• Gasket wear or cartridge failure;
• The aerator is rusty or clogged;
• There is a blockage in the cartridge, or between the ball and the seats;
• Mechanical damage to the housing.

If the pressure has become too weak, you should pay attention to the aerator. It is possible that it needs cleaning. To do this, you do not need to disassemble the faucet itself, but simply remove the aerator and clean it thoroughly.

In case of defects or damage to the housing, a complete replacement of the device is necessary. Of course, you can try to repair it using sealant or cold welding, but this is unreliable and short-lived.

When a single-lever faucet leaks without externally visible damage, it can be assumed with a high degree of probability that the integrity of the gasket is compromised or there is a malfunction in the cartridge. To fix such problems, you will need to disassemble the device.

Now you can remove the lever itself and the cap. Under the cap there is a cartridge, which is fixed with a washer-cam. To remove the cartridge, you will have to unscrew it, and then inspect it for damage and defects.

In ball models, the ball itself, gasket, springs and rubber seals are examined. If defects are detected, the used part is replaced with a new one, and all parts are cleaned of salt deposits and scale.

If it fails, you need to know how to change the cartridge in the mixer. In reality, there is nothing complicated here, except for the choice. You can simplify the task by taking an old sample with you to the store: otherwise, it will be extremely difficult to find what you really need. The problem is that cartridges are not standardized, so the variety can be quite confusing.

As for installing a new one, everything is extremely simple. The only thing worth paying attention to is the location of the holes, which must be placed so that they coincide with the holes inside the case.

After installation, tighten the washer by hand and then tighten it with a wrench. This must be done carefully so as not to squeeze or break the cartridge. Now you can turn on the water to check if there is a leak. In its absence, the assembly of the mixer is completed by putting on the cap and lever. Finally, the structure must be tightened with a bolt.

If the cartridge turns out to be working during disassembly, then it is probably worth replacing the rubber gaskets. This is very simple to do: the mixer is disassembled, the cartridge is removed, and the gaskets are replaced with new ones. It is recommended to pre-coat them with non-toxic silicone grease, which will increase the service life of the mixing device.

A problem that often arises is when the faucet in the bathroom is leaking, how to fix it with your own hands. The taps in the kitchen and bathroom are practically no different, with the exception of the possible presence in the latter of an additional outlet to the shower head. Otherwise, everything will be identical: determining the type of device, disassembling, finding and replacing the faulty part.

Prevention of mixing devices

It’s good to be able to fix the faucet yourself without resorting to anyone’s help. However, you need to understand that prevention is much better than any repair. Very often, plumbing fixtures fail due to contaminants coming from the water. Therefore, it is recommended to install coarse filters, which will significantly increase the operating time of mixing devices.

In addition, durability is primarily influenced by the competent choice of plumbing fixtures. Experts do not recommend buying Turkish and Chinese-made devices made from silumin. On the contrary, the use of heavy metals like brass makes the faucet much more reliable.

In the kitchen, the faucet is used much more actively than in the bathroom, so it breaks down much more often. In rare cases, the only solution to the problem that has arisen is to buy a new device and invite a plumber; in other cases, you can handle it yourself. By deciding to repair a kitchen faucet yourself, you will save on the services of a specialist and gain important experience. You just need to arm yourself with theory and tools.

• Leakage from under the nut at the water outlet, from under the handle (lever) or mixer valves in working condition.
• The correct movement of the lever or valves is disrupted (they stick, turn, do not lock in the desired position, etc.).
• At normal water pressure in the system, the jet is not powerful enough.
• Water drips from a closed tap.

Please note: the detected problem must be resolved as quickly as possible! This will extend the service life of the mixer and protect yourself and your neighbors from flooding, saving money, time and nerves.

The problem that raises the most questions is a leaking faucet. And here you need to know the “enemy” not only by sight, but also from the inside. We are talking about the design of mixers.

Design features of the main types of kitchen faucets

Such delights as thermostatic and touchless faucets are good for bathrooms. In the kitchen, more practical models - traditional two-valve and single-lever - are fighting for a place in the sun. The common elements for them are: body, spout (spout), aerator, sealing gaskets. Otherwise they differ significantly.

Installation of two-valve taps

Faucets with two valves that are familiar to the eye are designed quite simply. Under the flywheel, which you turn when operating the structure, there is a crane-axlebox - its locking element. Below is the design of such a kitchen faucet in pictures.

Axleboxes in a two-valve mixer (sectional view)

In products where several revolutions of the flywheel are required to supply or shut off water, worm axle boxes are installed. Their work is based on rotational-translational movements. The more you unscrew the valve, the further the axle box gasket will move away from the so-called “saddle”. The consequence of this is the flow of water into the internal cavity of the mixer, and then into its spout (spout).

Worm worm valve axle box for mixer

In models where it is enough to make only half a revolution to supply water, axle boxes with ceramic plates are installed. When you open the tap, the holes in them coincide and water flows into the spout.

Crane axle boxes with ceramic plates

The cost of faucet axle boxes is low, they are always available in plumbing stores, and their replacement is extremely simple.

Design and types of single-lever mixers

More modern and practical are models of faucets with one handle (lever) that regulates pressure and temperature. Mixing water in them is carried out in a hollow ball with three holes or in a special cartridge.

The mixing element in ball models has three openings, two of which are inlets - designed to supply hot and cold water to this miniature container, and one outlet - for supplying water at a given temperature to the sink.

Ball mixer device

The ball itself is located on two rubber “saddles”. Its displacement relative to them, carried out when the lever moves, allows you to regulate the pressure and temperature of the water being poured out. The ball is secured at the top with a sealing collar and a lock nut.

Schematic structure of a ball model of a kitchen faucet

The operating principle of a mixer with a cartridge that replaces a ball is similar. At the same time, their internal structure is fundamentally different. There are still the same three functional holes, but inside the cartridge there is not a cavity, but special metal-ceramic disks. Due to their displacement relative to each other and the degree of overlap of the supply holes, when turning the lever, the water supply is adjusted.

Replaceable ceramic cartridges

The kitchen faucet is leaking - how to fix it yourself

To repair a kitchen faucet you will need:

• knife with a sharp end;
• hex and adjustable wrench;
• screwdrivers;
• a new cartridge, valve axle, rubber gasket, etc. - depends on which part you will change;
• WD40 is a technical aerosol that is useful if parts are “stuck” to each other. However, you can get by with the traditional tapping of a hammer on a screwdriver, but there is a high risk of damaging the mixer.

Regardless of which faucet you have installed, before starting repairs, you must turn off the water supply to the system and drain its remaining water into a sink or a separate container. To do this, just open the tap. Then you can begin to repair it, taking into account the design features.

To repair a single-lever faucet, you will need a hex wrench.

Single lever kitchen faucet repair

The main principles of repair are sequence of actions and accuracy.

1. Using a thin screwdriver or knife, pry and remove the decorative plug on the faucet body.
2. In the resulting hole you will see a screw connecting the lever and the adjusting rod. Unscrew it using a hex wrench.
3. Remove the lever from the body and unscrew the decorative casing. This can even be done by hand if the parts are not stuck to each other.

Removing the decorative casing

1. There will be a locking (clamping) nut underneath it. Gently unscrew it with an adjustable wrench or by tapping it with a hammer on a screwdriver.
2. If you disassemble the ball mixer, you will see a sealing collar under the nut. Inspect it for dirt, deformation and tears. Pull out the ball. Inspect its surface - it should be smooth and clean. It is necessary to remove the seals and support springs - their poor condition can cause the tap to leak.
3. If you are disassembling a faucet with a cartridge, remove it and thoroughly inspect it.
4. Replace the failed part.
5. Reassemble the faucet in reverse order.

It is important! Do not tighten the nuts too tightly, as this may lead to deformation of the rubber seals and disruption of the normal operation of the mixer.

Installing a new cartridge

To extend the service life of the product and ensure smooth running of its rubbing parts, you can use a special silicone lubricant.

Removing the mixer handwheel

Repair of a two-valve mixer

What to do if your two-valve faucet is dripping in your kitchen? Almost everything is the same.

• On the valve flywheel, pry up and remove the decorative plug.
• Using a screwdriver, unscrew the screw that secures the flywheel.
• Remove the flywheel. There will be a crane box in front of you.
• Unscrew it counterclockwise and inspect it.

Removing the crane axle box

• If it is a worm-type axlebox and its gasket is damaged, replace it separately - buy it in a store (costs pennies) or cut it yourself from rubber of a suitable thickness. The axle box with ceramic discs is replaced entirely.
• Reassemble the faucet in reverse order.

General scheme of mixer repair work

Everything is as simple as possible and slightly reminiscent of a construction set. But a leaking faucet is not the only problem you may encounter while using it in the kitchen.

Other faucet breakdowns and fault prevention

The quality of water in many cities leaves much to be desired, so over time the aerator in the tap can become dirty. On the inside, hard deposits “grow” on it. When there are too many of them, the pressure and quality of the water deteriorate significantly. The solution to the problem is to replace the aerator. Ideally, it can be easily unscrewed with an adjustable wrench, but for stuck parts you will need WD40 or tapping with a hammer.

It is important! Carry out all work carefully, otherwise the mixer will have to be replaced completely.

The faucet is leaking, and during the inspection you found a crack in it? Then it's time to go for a new product. For a short time, silicone sealant can be an assistant.

You can extend the life of the faucet if you install a water filter and use the device carefully, without tightening the valves too tightly or moving the lever suddenly and all the way.

Video: repair of a single-lever faucet with a ceramic cartridge

Now you know what to do if your kitchen faucet is dripping. In most cases, the repair schemes discussed are also suitable for eliminating breakdowns of faucets in bathrooms. This is a good saving for the family budget. But if you are not confident in your abilities or you simply don’t have time, a competent plumber will complete all the work in a matter of minutes.

With one handle, it has a simple device - the main components are a body where the ebb is located, places for inserting into the sink and connecting communications, as well as a block for adjusting the water supply.

In almost all cases, repairing this mixer involves replacing the base or its elements. Let's take a closer look at what they are.

Types of control units

Most often in plumbing stores there are two types of taps - with ceramic cartridges and ball ones. They have advantages and disadvantages, which we will discuss in the comparison table.

Table 1. Popular types of cranes

View, illustration	Description
	The main part of such a device is a metal ball, in which there are openings for water and a special rod for the handle. So, during operation, this ball rotates from side to side to supply hot, cold or warm water. To seal, special rubber rings are installed near the inlet holes, thanks to which you can adjust the temperature (by turning the knob). The main advantage of such cranes is considered to be long-term operation and resistance to wear of internal parts, because the ball itself rarely breaks down, usually only the gaskets need to be replaced.
	It is worth noting that such models will eventually completely replace simple ball devices, because such an element can function for more than ten years without any problems. However, this only applies to high-quality products from reliable manufacturers. Cheap Chinese analogues often fail within a few days after purchase. The cartridge is a system of several elements installed inside a plastic base. On top of the body there is a lever where the handle is attached. There are also holes at the bottom for water of different temperatures. The main elements of this cartridge are ceramic parts that are located end to end. When you turn the handle, these plates also rotate, which allows you to regulate the temperature. Another advantage of such a device is the ability to quickly disassemble it and replace parts.

Difficulties in purchasing and using a faucet

In order to minimize the danger when purchasing and further using a crane, you must choose only products from a reliable manufacturer. A well-known brand with a reputation in the market guarantees that the device will serve you for many years without breakdowns.

Most often, control units are already available in plumbing - since they have a standard appearance, it is necessary to purchase a similar device, which will make it possible to immediately replace the unit or use some of its parts. In the future, if there is a breakdown, it will be possible to assemble one serviceable one from two blocks.

Most often, water enters the device through flexible hoses, which wear out quickly. Therefore, to avoid flooding of the kitchen or bathroom, an AquaStop valve is installed at the outlet of the water pipes.

It should be borne in mind that such a valve is only effective if the hose is torn off the pipe under water pressure. In other situations, it will not help avoid flooding.

Prices for popular faucet models

Faucets

What is required to repair a faucet?

To carry out repair work, you will need to disassemble the faucet without completely removing it from the sink. You will have to remove the handle yourself, unscrew the fasteners and connections - for this you will need a full set of specialized tools.

During the work you will need the following equipment:

• a set of keys - for unscrewing fasteners from the base of the mixer and reinforced hoses and dismantling bolts in devices with a hairpin fastening;
• Phillips screwdriver - needed to remove the handle.

When dismantling the mixer and hoses, you often have to deal with the fact that the parts are corroded or covered with a dense layer of lime, so it is recommended to pre-treat them with alkaline agents or WD-40 lubricant. This will simplify the process of dismantling and subsequent installation of these parts.

If there are gaskets in the flexible hoses and the mixer body, then additional seals in the form of tape or rubber rings are no longer used. If you have to change flexible hoses, it is better to choose stainless steel products with an American-type nut and a connecting part made of non-ferrous metal.

Cartridge faucet repair

Repairing a device of this type may require various steps. If the tap does not turn off completely and water is constantly dripping from it, then most likely you will need to replace the cartridge. If there is external damage to the body or sill, you will need to buy a new faucet and then install it.

Most often, the main components of the device - the adjustment block and the spout - fail. The adjustment unit becomes unusable when the device is used for a long time or the quality of the device is poor. In addition, a breakdown can occur if contaminated water with sand particles gets into the water supply system - then the internal plastic parts and the rod on which the lever rests are damaged.

The ebb tide stops working when the filtration nozzle (aerator) is clogged. Under the pressure of water, the walls of the mesh are damaged, which is why the faucet begins to leak.

Cartridge faucet repair: step-by-step instructions

Step one: First, you need to unscrew the outer cover of the mixer (it is a type of disk with marks for water supply at different temperatures). The flag itself is screwed onto a small screw. The screw can be found at the bottom and may have a different appearance.

If you have to remove an old faucet, then most likely there is rust inside, which will make it difficult to unscrew it, so removing the handle will only be possible by mechanical force. However, such repairs do not guarantee the continued functionality of the mixer.

Step two: the next step is to dismantle another decorative attachment. It looks like a lid and is fixed in the upper part of the base. It is secured with a ring nut, which can be unscrewed without any problems. If corrosion interferes with this process, the threads will also need to be removed by force. It does not perform any important functions, but serves only as a decorative element.

Step three: Now you need to inspect the appearance of the cartridge - this will allow you to understand how suitable it is for further use. If there is multiple damage or cracks on its surface, then all that remains is to replace the cartridge.

Sometimes in old faucets, the internal mechanism itself, where the cartridge is installed (where there are three holes for water supply), is subject to corrosion. Then you will need to replace the entire mixer, because repairs are impractical.

Step four: When replacing the unit, you must once again clean the internal parts of the housing from deposits using detergent. Next, you will need to secure the new cartridge, aligning it with the protrusions.

Video - Faucet repair with cartridge replacement

Errors that occur during the installation process

There are often cases when, after replacement, the cartridge does not function properly. The cause of the problem is that the rubber piece at the bottom prevents the locking tabs from getting in. In such a situation, you need to disassemble the tap again, and then tighten the clamping nut more tightly.

You should not twist the nut too much - this will lead to heavy movement of the handle and rapid breakdown of the internal elements. Therefore, it is necessary to achieve optimal clamping of the nut.

Repair of mixer with ball control units

If you have a mixer of this type, the main repair consists of replacing the rubber bands. In other cases, you will have to change the entire device. Before starting work, you will need to prepare materials in the form of special rings. Cleaning agents may also be required if there is a layer of dirt on the surface.

Main malfunctions of ball mixers:

• wear of the rubber ring located on top;
• damage to the surface of the ball with openings;
• wiping valves;
• spring wear.

If the mixer is repaired, you will need to first disassemble it to assess the extent of the damage.

Disassembling a ball mixer: step-by-step instructions

Step one: you need to unscrew the outer cover on the handle

Step two: Now, using a tool, you need to disconnect the top cap and remove the plastic fastening element with a rubber gasket in the form of a dome.

Repair features

Repairing such a device is not difficult. The following steps are required:

1. There is a need to change the connection point between the valve and the block head. It is placed in the opening of the base with a spring.
2. If there is visible damage to the ball itself, it cannot be repaired. The owner will have to purchase a new ball to replace it.
3. If the dome-shaped rubber band wears out, you will have to replace it with a new one. However, this rarely happens, because the washers are wear-resistant.

After dismantling all the parts, you need to go to a specialized store, where you will be able to purchase damaged elements. Then you have to assemble the mixer using the instructions. To avoid rubbing, it is recommended to lubricate the parts with machine oil.

Video - Repair of a ball mixer

Features of cleaning the aerator

A sign of a clogged aerator (fine mesh in the “spout” of the faucet) is poor water supply. This mesh is necessary to spray the flow of water into small streams in order to filter from polluting particles.

Cleaning the aerator: step-by-step instructions

Step one: First you need to prepare special products for cleaning the mesh - these can be various mixtures based on alkaline and other active components. If you do not have such means at hand, then you can use acetic acid or lemon juice.

Step two: In order to remove the aerator, it is necessary to remove the thread. This should be done carefully using a key. However, you should not try to strip the threads by mechanical force, as this will lead to irreversible damage. It is recommended to lubricate it with an oil solution, which will make the process easier.

Step three: Now you need to add lye or lemon juice to a glass or plastic container with hot water (the solution should be concentrated), and then place the dismantled aerator there.

Note! Alcohol, ammonia, and liquid soap can be used as auxiliary agents. In addition, for a visible effect, the container should be shaken several times after soaking the aerator.

Blockage in pipes

In some cases, after cleaning the filter nozzle, low pressure is still observed. The cause of this problem is often a blockage in pipes or flexible lines that blocks the flow of water.

Most often, such a nuisance is typical for outdated water supply systems where metal pipes are installed. Clogging occurs because rust particles accumulate in the pipes over the years and form a blockage.

If such a problem is detected, the first step is to shut off the tap water supply. In the case of flexible hoses, you will have to thoroughly clean them using a cable. However, this is only relevant when the blockage is minor.

The same should be done with water pipes in case of blockage. If contaminants are collected regularly, it is better to replace them. It is recommended to install modern plastic pipes, because they do not corrode.

Prices for special cleaning products

Special cleaning products

If the faucet is in the bathroom

The design of the faucet located in the bathroom usually has a complex shape compared to that used for the kitchen. In addition to the spout, there is also a shower head, so, in addition to the problems that we described above, difficulties arise with switching the flow of water from the tap to the water shower.

There are often cases when water begins to drip from the shower head. This happens due to wear of the rubber sealing ring, which is located in the upper part, so it will need to be replaced.

To replace the seal, disassemble the watering can by unscrewing the nut and supply hose. This way you can see the same gasket. Before installing a new rubber band, this place must be cleaned, after which the washer and liner should be re-fixed.

It is much more difficult to deal with the problem if the bottom gasket wears out. This happens when the lever is constantly in the wrong position. Here you will have to disassemble all the small parts of the structure, so you may need the help of a professional.

How to prevent breakdown?

In order to avoid various breakdowns of the mixer, you must adhere to the following rules during operation:

• It is not recommended to put pressure on the tap or hit it when a leak occurs - this will only aggravate the problem;
• it is necessary to replace failed internal elements as soon as possible;
• Installing filter devices for water supply will help to avoid the accumulation of limescale.

Note! When purchasing a new faucet, you need to pay attention to its accessories. Conscientious manufacturers must include detailed assembly instructions, as well as a warranty card.

It is important to take into account that if you replace certain parts, you should not save money - you need to purchase only high-quality copies.

Advantages and disadvantages of single handle faucets

Every device has some positive and negative sides. In order to make the right choice, it is necessary to consider them in detail.

Advantages of single lever mixers:

1. Simplicity of design. The cartridge is fixed to the monolithic base with only one nut. This means that the device can be quickly disassembled.
2. Breakage resistance. There are no small elements inside the structure, so it will last for many years without breakdowns.
3. Simple controls. With the advent of such models, the need to turn the valves disappeared. Simply lift the handle and move it to the desired position.
4. No repair difficulties. Most often, the repair consists of replacing the cartridge - even a technician without special experience can cope with such a problem.
5. Democratic price. The price of single-lever faucets is lower compared to touch models. However, this depends on the manufacturer, because there are also expensive European-made models on the market.

You may encounter disadvantages if you purchase cheap models, in which the washer connecting the body and the cartridge often wears out. Over time, this leads to corrosion, making it impossible to unscrew this washer.

Let's sum it up

You can repair single-lever faucets at home with a minimal set of tools, so only in rare cases do you have to turn to specialists for help. If you have minimal home repair skills, you can safely try to repair a broken faucet - it won’t take much time.

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The tap is leaking! This is probably the most common expression in the topic of plumbing repairs. In this article we will look at how to repair a single-lever or, as it is also called, flag mixer.

They have become widespread due to their ease of use, and most likely, you use them in both the bathroom and kitchen.

The main control element of such a faucet is the cartridge, and if water is leaking from under the lever of your faucet, then it’s time to change this element. This does not present any difficulty; it is enough to know the operating procedure.

Let's get started!

Faucet repair in photo examples

First of all, you need to remove the decorative cap - a plug, which, using colored marks, indicates the position of the lever for supplying cold and hot water

The opened hole provides access to the mounting screw that secures the cartridge and lever

Using a screwdriver (usually a negative one, but not always), unscrew the screw and remove the lever

Then unscrew and remove the decorative cover, which is attached to the external thread of the circular nut

Using a wrench, unscrew and remove the circular nut

We take out the damaged cartridge and replace it with a new one of the same size (common diameters are 35 mm and 40 mm)

There are two conical protrusions on the cartridge that act as guides; they should coincide with where they fit into the mixer body.

We repeat the assembly of the mixer in the reverse order. If the housing is not damaged by corrosion (sometimes) and has no mechanical damage, then the cause of the leak has been eliminated!

Lever ones have a similar structure, so leaks from under the lever are repaired in the same way, by replacing the cartridge.

Video explanation | Single lever mixer repair