Single-lever Mixer: Repair Of A Crane With One Handle, How To Disassemble And Repair The Ball Version, The Device Of A Universal Apparatus

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Single-lever Mixer: Repair Of A Crane With One Handle, How To Disassemble And Repair The Ball Version, The Device Of A Universal Apparatus
Single-lever Mixer: Repair Of A Crane With One Handle, How To Disassemble And Repair The Ball Version, The Device Of A Universal Apparatus

Video: Single-lever Mixer: Repair Of A Crane With One Handle, How To Disassemble And Repair The Ball Version, The Device Of A Universal Apparatus

Video: Single-lever Mixer: Repair Of A Crane With One Handle, How To Disassemble And Repair The Ball Version, The Device Of A Universal Apparatus
Video: Crane Repair - Demag AC1300 suspension operation 2024, March
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For furnishing bathrooms and supplying cold and hot water, there is a large selection of different mixers and taps on the market today. Manufacturers offer these products in different versions, which allows you to choose a device for any room interior, taking into account individual preferences and their cost. However, the most popular, in light of its aesthetic and functional features, is the single-lever bathroom mixer.

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Features of the device

The demand for the installation of single-lever mixers in apartments and houses is due to the simplicity and ease of use of such a crane, as well as the laconic appearance. Controlling the temperature and water pressure, turning on and off - all these actions with the mixer are easily performed with one hand when the handle is turned to a certain position.

Such products, due to the specifics of their device, are distinguished by their reliability, which makes it possible to productively operate faucets in bathrooms or in the kitchen for quite a long time.

Conventional faucets and wall-mounted faucets are gradually fading into the background, giving way to single-lever products. The joystick mixer includes a body with a plate, inside of which the supplied cold and hot water is mixed. The principle of operation of the plate is similar to the functions of the lever, which indicates the simplicity of the design of such devices for supplying water. Most often, metal, ceramics or plastic are used for the manufacture of mixers.

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The scheme of the device of single-lever mixers is a fairly new invention, however, its positive features have already been appreciated by consumers, due to which it can be argued that such a product is better than a standard two-valve faucet with an axle box, especially in the bathroom. The product is often referred to as a single grip crane.

In order to have a clear idea of the specifics of the configuration of such a mixer, it is worth noting the main components of the product:

  • lever;
  • nose;
  • body and retainer;
  • cartridge or ball mechanism;
  • gaskets, mounting nut and hoses.

The main feature of the single-handle faucet with a cartridge is the absence of metal parts inside the device. It consists of ceramic elements that are resistant to corrosion processes and perfectly tolerate direct contact with water.

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However, the unsatisfactory quality of tap water, which negatively affects the condition of the parts, can lead to premature deterioration of such spare parts. To reduce the likelihood of breakdowns associated with low-quality liquid, manufacturers of plumbing devices install filters inside the mixer, but they do not always cope with the task, since in some regions of Russia the water condition is quite deplorable.

Knowing this feature of the product, you can prepare in advance for such situations by installing additional water purification systems, which will avoid situations associated with the need for premature repair of a single-lever mixer.

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Advantages and disadvantages

The described products have a number of positive qualities:

  • Single-lever taps used for bathtubs, washbasins or sinks are very comfortable to use. There is no need to unscrew several valves to supply water of the required temperature, which means that it is easy to use. By moving the lever, you can control not only the temperature due to the fact that cold and hot water is mixed directly inside the tap, but also the pressure.
  • Due to the fact that the type of plumbing faucet under consideration is quite simple, the products have a long service life. This advantage is due to the absence in the design of parts that rub against each other during operation, which leads to their wear.
  • Simple and quick installation of the mixer has a positive effect on consumer demand, since the purchased products can be easily installed with your own hands without the involvement of specialists.
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  • In addition to functionality, single-lever universal mixers stand out against the background of two-valve taps with a more attractive and laconic appearance. On sale you can find products for hidden installation in the retro style.
  • Expensive models are distinguished by a wide angle of adjustment of the water temperature. Products acquire this property due to the use of high-quality raw materials, as well as due to the specifics of the design.
  • Due to the simple adjustment, such taps make it possible to save the overall level of water consumption, which reduces the cost of utility bills.
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Like any other product, the plumbing devices in question have some disadvantages:

  • As for this type of single-lever mixer, such as a ball valve, this product has a weak side - rubber gaskets wear out rather quickly in them. Therefore, to avoid more serious damage, it is worth replacing the seals every 24 months.
  • These mixers are very sensitive to various impurities that are often found in tap water. This applies to sand and other abrasive substances.

To reduce the risk of breakage, it is worth taking care of installing purification filters for water entering the home, which may be associated with additional costs

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  • Cheap production of cartridge mixers is difficult to adjust the temperature, this is due to the fact that the taps are provided with a minimum angle of control of the temperature of the supplied liquid.
  • Single-lever mixers have little maintainability, which makes it impossible to repair them yourself, as a result of which all repair work will be reduced to replacing some structural element. Most often these are gaskets or a cartridge. Timely preventive maintenance measures will help extend the life of the device.
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Views

The classification of single-lever mixers is based on the internal structure of the device. On this basis, two main types of valves can be distinguished - ball and cartridge valves:

Ball the mixer has a special element located inside the appliance. It is a metal ball with three holes. Each hole in it is responsible for the supply of a certain water, in the last hole this part mixes them, leading them to the tap itself. Typically, the container inside the ball is called a mixing ball chamber. This part is adjustable with a stem and has rubber seals. The water supply level is adjusted as the ball moves. This type of mixer stands out for its long service life due to the peculiarities of its device

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Cartridge a single-lever valve contains a disc instead of a ball, two ceramic plates act as its base. The lower part of the cartridge is made with three holes for water supply. Mixing of liquids takes place in the upper part. The principle of operation of such a device is to adjust the positions of the plates with holes for cold and hot water so that the holes find contact with the mixing chamber located at the top of the disc. Silicone treatment compound is used for smooth joystick movement

It is these mixers that are prone to frequent breakdowns due to impurities in the water.

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How do I troubleshoot?

Not every malfunction in a single-lever water supply device can be repaired. As for replacing the cartridge, it is necessary in the following situations:

  • if it leaks;
  • when the tap is opened to maximum, the water pressure remains very weak;
  • when the operating device supplies water to both the shower and the spout.
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To carry out repairs, you must have the following set of tools:

  • screwdriver and wrench;
  • pliers and knife.

The main thing is, before disassembling the device, you need to shut off the water supply to it.

Repair work flow chart:

  • The first step is to remove the plugs on the lever. To remove the lever, unscrew the screw.
  • Then the nuts are removed from the body using a wrench, after which the cartridge can be removed.
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If the problem is a leak, the cartridge must be replaced with a new part. When buying spare parts, it should be borne in mind that replaceable elements can have different hole diameters and retainers located in the bottom plate. It is best to take a worn-out part with you when going to the store. This will help you make the right choice. After purchasing a new cartridge, the mixer is assembled in a similar way, but in the reverse order.

If the device is defective due to wear of the stuffing box, it must be replaced. The order of work in this case includes the following steps:

  • having fixed the lever in the closed position, you need to remove the hose from the shower;
  • using pliers for work, the switch button is removed from the case;
  • then the adapter is removed from the spout and the oil seal is replaced.
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As for ball mixers, it will not be possible to repair them, an exception to the rule is device malfunctions associated with sealing material. Weak water pressure will indicate debris in the aerator. Most often, the crane makes noise and creaks during operation. To eliminate the problem, you must perform the following steps:

  • take out the aerator, rinse it under running water;
  • then install the part back, attaching it with a clamping nut.
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Work on replacing old rubber bands is performed as follows:

  • first of all, you need to remove the lever;
  • a two-component element is removed from the body, where the black part is the seal, which must be tidied up or changed;
  • if the above steps did not help to resolve the issue with the leak, you need to replace the lower rubber band;
  • after that, the ball is inserted back and fixed with a nut;
  • the last step is to install the mixer handle.

To ensure more efficient operation of the single-lever mixer after replacing the rubber bands, it is worth additionally using a silicone lubricant.

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The single-lever bathroom faucet has a switch that is responsible for supplying water either through the faucet or through the shower head. This device may experience various malfunctions over time. The most common problems:

  • Often there are cases when water enters the bath from two sources at once. This is a sign of a problem with the spool seals.
  • Over time, the button for switching the water supply does not work, as a result of which it does not return to its normal position. The cause of this malfunction is a broken stem spring.

As for the spool gaskets, the main snag will be that they are not on sale separately. These accessories are usually included in the mixer kit. If one is not available, then the way out of the situation will be to make the gum on your own. A homemade product will help eliminate the mixer malfunction for a while.

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The switch itself has two seals, which are located at the top and bottom of the spool. In the event that the upper rubber band has become unusable, the switch cannot be disassembled, since to replace the part it will be enough to remove the cap and install a new element. The option to install the lower rubber band requires disassembling the switch.

The principle of product replacement is as follows:

  • position the lever in the closed position and disconnect the shower hose;
  • remove the cover and unscrew the screw;
  • after which you can get the button and the spool and replace the seals;
  • the assembly of the device is carried out in the same way, starting from the end.
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If the resource of the spring located in the button is exhausted, problems may arise associated with the non-return of the switch to the start position. In this case, the repair work includes the following steps:

  • it is necessary to get the adapter and stem with a spring;
  • the defective part is removed, and a new one is put on the rod using a tool.

For the purchased item to be suitable for the job, the diameter of the spring must be smaller than that of the old one.

In addition, galvanized steel springs are worth buying.

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Helpful tips from the pros

Unfortunately, repair work will not always be able to solve all the problems and malfunctions that may arise during the operation of single-lever mixers. Often the faucet is no longer amenable to any kind of repair, so the question will arise of purchasing a new device for the bathroom. To reduce the likelihood of such situations and maximize the life of the device, manufacturers advise taking preventive measures and choosing products for operation deliberately.

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List of experts' recommendations:

  • To prevent the faucets from failing as a result of their contact with low-quality tap water, it will be correct to take care of the presence of a filter to purify water entering the apartment or house.
  • Among the large assortment of products from different manufacturers, you can find products made from various materials. However, the most durable are the brass single-lever mixers.
  • If it was not possible to avoid situations in which it became necessary to repair the device, before starting to dismantle the mixer, you should read the instructions for the product in detail or ask a specialist for advice.
  • Regularly performing a preventive inspection of the mixer, you can eliminate the likelihood of serious breakdowns in time.
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For information on how to disassemble and repair a single-lever mixer, see the next video.

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