Few who want to face the problems of the functioning of plumbing in their own shower. However, sometimes it can not be avoided. Option is only one - to solve the problem immediately, and not to postpone it for later. Otherwise, the consequences can be the most unpredictable, up to the flooding of the neighbors below.
In the mixers for the shower cabin, one of the most important roles playing a cartridge. It is he who is responsible for such parameters as mixing flows of cold and hot water, pressure and, of course, temperature. If the cartridge fails, the whole system suffers.
Now most residents of apartments and houses prefer modern shower faucets, which are distinguished by the presence of ceramic elements instead of the previous valve systems. The design has become more reliable, more convenient and more durable. However, even the most expensive crane will not fully get rid of possible breakdowns.
Device
As practice shows, in the shower cabins most often install Brass faucets (housing), Within which there are two cartridges, holders, flywheel and sivertor. The latter is responsible for changing water flow modes.
Purchase the necessary cartridge in our time is completely not a problem - there are all sizes, forms, design features, and so on. Their body mainly manufactures from special plastic, and the lower part make ceramic. Rubber inserts are located on the holes. These seals make it possible to provide reliable and tight docking of the cartridge and mixer.
As we have already noted, the shower cartridge is used to change water supply modes. These devices are distinguished by several parameters:
- Stock size;
- Diameter;
- Number of modes;
- Surface Surface;
- Type of landing space for rod.
When you need to change the cartridge
Immediately answer the most important question - is it possible to repair the cartridge. As a rule, the cartridge is not subject to recovery and the only solution is its complete replacement. So the repair is to extract the old cartridge and install in its place new.
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There are several situations that clearly indicate the need to replace:
- From under the lever flows water when the soul is on;
- Only one water is served - cold or hot;
- It is impossible to independently adjust the mode;
- The water temperature spontaneously and changes dramatically;
- There is a crunch when switching;
- The distributor jammed;
- Water streams are mixed bad, do not match the installed mode;
- The lever goes too loose or tight.
The main causes of breakdown
Let you replace the old cartridge to a new one, however, it should be found to know the reason why the element has failed. Perhaps this will help protect the established cartridge from the fate of its predecessor.- Poor-quality water. It is no secret that water quality in our plumbing systems leaves much to be desired. You can eliminate it by installing at the input of filters. Although it is unlikely that someone will mount the expensive equipment for the shower.
- Neackurability. Often the reason for the breakdown lies in the users. Sharp twigs, mechanical shocks and so on. Try carefully to treat the plumbing, and it will thank you for this by many years of faithful service.
- Embossed components. May crack the case, break the integrity of the seals, wear the rings, etc.
How to choose
Before you go to the plumbing shop for a new cartridge, be sure to answer a few questions:
- How many work modes do your old cartridge?
- What is the diameter of his drum?
- What is the height of the metal rod excluding the plastic element?
This can be done only by extracting the element from the mixer design. We will tell you more about this later later.
Replacement
So, you determined that you urgently need to replace the cartridge in the shower cabin. Therefore, it should be determined which cartridge is used in the plumbing to go to the market and purchase it to replace it.
Try to choose elements made by the same manufacturer as your plumbing. Otherwise, carefully read whether the new component is suitable for the old one.
Unfortunately, not always consultants in stores can answer your questions, because they do not understand the nuances of sanitary equipment. Therefore, it is better to know everything immediately on your own, and not rely on the qualification of the seller.
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There is nothing difficult in replacement. You only need to perform a few simple and consistent actions:
- Remove your mixer handle. To do this, unscrew the small screw located under it.
- Remove the decorative nut that you can easily notice on the edge of the retainer. It does not hold the device, because it is called decorative.
- Already under it there is a brass nut, the role of which lies in fixing the element. It is quite simple to promote it.
- By revealing both nuts, you will remain pulling the cartridge.
- Do not rush to put a new one in his place. Previously, remove the entire accumulated garbage, dirt, carefully remove the lime flask.
- Now take the new item acquired and make the procedure in the reverse order.
- Do not remove the tools until you make sure the performance of the new cartridge. Turn on the water, check all modes.
- Replacement can be considered successfully completed.
As you can see, the cartridge, despite its small sizes, plays an extreme role in the functioning of the shower. Conduct plumbing does not make any sense, since it is possible to fulfill the replacement yourself, without possessing special skills and experience in repairing plumbing equipment.
If you are afraid about the choice of a new cartridge, then just pull the old one and take it with you to the store. You will find an analogue without any problems.