All plumbing elements have a certain resource of work, which depends on many factors.
Over time, the mixer of any type needs repair, because We often use the mixer, relatively other plumbing in the house.
Thus, the duration of "life" of water taps depends on the type of mixer, the shut-off mechanism, the quality of water and the careful circulation.
But even the most high-quality and expensive mixer is early or later wearing and it is necessary for it. Naturally, some skills and knowledge are required to repair water taps with their own hands. And the more modern mixer, the more complicated its design and service.
Types of water tap mixers
Ball mixer
There are two types of mixers: valve and lever. In turn, the valve mixers have different locking mechanisms. The oldest models have a simple mechanism in which the rubber gasket overlaps the water hole. Such mixers, namely rubber gaskets, wear out quite quickly, but also replace them very simple. More modern valve mechanisms have ceramic gaskets that are practically not subject to wear. But they also have their drawbacks to which we will return a little later.
The lever mechanisms may have different locking mechanisms - cartridges. The cartridge is a more complex mechanism compared to the valve. It can be a lamellar or ball. The advantages of lever mixers, though not great before the valve, but still exist. First, the temperature control and jet can be carried out with one hand. Even if you have dirty hands, you can always open a crane, for example, elbow. Turn the valve so it will not work. Secondly, the mechanism itself is longer and smooth in work. But such cranes have shortcomings. It is better to repair with the help of specialists, since the mechanism is not enough that complicated, so also fragile. Therefore, if you do not have the skills to repair and replace the cartridges of lever mixers, it is better to turn to professionals.
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Repair of valve mixers
Mixer device diagram.
The easiest way is to repair the shut-off mechanisms, the crane of the old mixers. To begin with, you need to stock up the following tool: adjustable or wrench to 18, slotted (flat) screwdriver and construction knife. This is the minimum of the tool for repairing the crane, which is usually available in every home. It is not recommended to use undergraduate tools, because you can damage the threads and other elements of the mixers.
First of all, with a screwdriver, a plug, which closes the fastening screw of the valve ("Barashka") is removed. Then we unscrew the screw and remove the "lakes". After a divorce or wrench, carefully dismiss the crane counterclockwise, without forgetting before it is overlapping cold and hot water. At the bottom of the crane, a rubber gasket is installed, which, in fact, should be replaced. It is attached with a screw, unscrewing which you can remove the gasket. Then the new, suitable gasket and clamping on its size and clamping the screw. On the old mechanisms there is also a plastic gasket that prevents water to leap the water between the mixer body and crane. If it is damaged, it should also be replaced. After repair, screw the crane in the housing and clamp it until it stops, the applied is not very much effort. Then install the "lames", fasten it with a screw and put the plug.
Mixer device diagram.
In the crane-designers with ceramic gaskets, their replacement is made a little different, but with their own hands. First also removes "lames", then a clamping nut is unscrewed, literally on three or four turns. The crane-tape is unscrewed from the housing or the "lamb" itself or the key counterclockwise. Again, there is a rubber gasket at the bottom, but it is not attached, but just inserted into the hole. Under it, in fact, ceramic gaskets, there are two of them.
They are oriented on the grooves in the case of crane-trays. After driving the rubber gasket, you can get ceramic, just remember in what position they are. After all, if you insert ceramic gaskets with the wrong orientation of the holes, the crane, although it will work, but in an unusual direction. That is, the water will open clockwise, and close against.
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On the rotary stock there is a restrictive screw that adjusts the angle of rotation of ceramic gaskets. If you unscrew it, then the rod can be removed from the inside of the body and, if necessary, replace the rubber gasket, due to wear of which water can flow from-under the "lamb" when the crane is open. An old gasket is neatly cut off with a construction knife and a new one is installed on its place. The stem is then placed in place and the restrictive screw is screwed. Replacing ceramic pads is needed very rarely, as they are weakly wear out. But if they are damaged, they will not be difficult to replace them. Another gasket is located on the housing near the thread. It prevents water flow between the mixer body and the buxes. Replacing the necessary gaskets, you can assemble the mixer. Crane-shot is screwed by hand until the stop is stopped and clamped with "lamb" or a key literally for two turns. After that, the clamping nut is pressed and the "lames" is installed with the screw and the plug mounting.
Repair of lever faucets
Mixer device diagram.
Repair do-it-yourself lever mixers are better not to produce. Their design is more fragile and requires certain skills and knowledge. Therefore, if your crane began to leak, drip or tightly adjustable, it is better to call a specialist. In that case, if you are not afraid to break the plumbing, spoiling a mixer, you can try to repair yourself.
The repair of the cranes will cost much cheaper than to call specialists, but only if it goes well. But do not forget that the replacement of components should be made to similar details to avoid breakdowns, otherwise you will have to repair again. And maybe even not only the mixer, but also the whole apartment. The components themselves are best acquired in specialized stores, where you can give advice and help with the choice. After all, if the diameter is different at least 1 mm, it is not recommended to install such gaskets.
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As you can see, repair cranes with your own hands is a matter of quite an easy. You just need to know what to replace and how. At the same time, the tool will need a minimum. The main thing is to comply with the sequence of disassembling and assembling the mixer and do not forget to overlap water. Otherwise, except for gaskets, you will have to change the wallpaper.