How to disassemble a single-lever bathroom faucet

Features of single lever mixers

Single lever mixer

A single-lever mixer is a water supply device consisting of one adjustment handle, a spout and a body with a mixing mechanism inside.

Cartridge

A mechanism that is equipped with all modern faucets. It is based on ceramic plates with holes and a rod on which the lever sits. There are three holes in the base. Through two of them, hot and cold water enters, which, mixing inside the movable (red) ceramic plate, flows out through the third hole, and from there it is directed to the faucet spout. When the lever is turned, the plate shifts, causing the pressure and ratio of cold and hot water to change.

"Ball"

It is a device in the form of a hollow stainless steel ball with three holes. The principle of operation is similar: cold and hot water enter through two holes, and after mixing, they exit through the third with a common flow. The movement of the rotary lever moves the ball, thus regulating the temperature and pressure of the jet.

The popularity of lever mixers is explained by their ease of installation and maintenance, variety of designs, and reliability. But when working with low-quality water, they often become clogged and fail. It is almost impossible to completely repair their mechanisms. It will only be possible to replace the old part entirely, as well as change the seals and rubber gaskets. The consumables are inexpensive and are sold at any plumbing store.

Design of single-lever models

A distinctive characteristic of this type of mixer can be considered a lever that simultaneously performs the functions of two heads at once. With its help, the temperature and pressure of the supplied jet are regulated.

In the first case, the tap handle moves to the right or left, in the second - up or down. Typically, these processes are combined, allowing the user to set the option that is most comfortable for him.

The design of single-lever accessories is extremely simple. Typically such a device consists of the following parts:

body – can be made of different materials;
spout - depending on the purpose of the tap, it can be low, high or medium;
switch - a lever with which the temperature and flow strength are set;
cartridge – for regulating the flow of water, which is an analogue of a faucet axle box.

In addition, single-valve devices also use service elements, such as gaskets. Often such accessories are also equipped with additional components that increase comfort of use. Among them are aerators that saturate the flowing stream with air, built-in dispensers for detergents and much more.

Single lever faucets can be made from a variety of materials. Chrome-plated models have become especially popular, but on the market you can also find accessories made of copper, brass or granite imitation

Algorithms for analyzing single-lever mixers

Analysis of the design

Before disassembling a single lever faucet, you need to prepare. You will need the following tools: a small screwdriver, hex and adjustable wrenches, and pliers. To avoid damaging the surface of the chrome elements, use a piece of soft cloth, and gloves to protect your hands.

The general scheme for disassembling a single-lever mixer with a cartridge consists of the following steps:

Turn off the water and remove the red-blue indicator (plastic plug).
Use a hex key to unscrew the fixing bolt under the plug.
Remove the mixer lever and dismantle the decorative cover by hand.
Using an adjustable wrench, unscrew the mounting nut and remove the cartridge.

To disassemble a single-lever ball mixer in the bathroom or kitchen, follow a similar diagram.

Remove the plastic hot and cold water indicator, unscrew the fixing screw and remove the lever.
Unscrew the decorative nut. Use a cloth to avoid damaging the coating.
Take out the ball and other parts.

It will be easier to disassemble if you remove the device from the sink or sink. You will have to loosen the fastenings and unscrew the supply hoses. The whole job will take no more than 10 minutes. The main thing is not to forget to turn off the water in the room.

In what cases is it possible to repair a mixer?

Not all faucet breakdowns can be repaired. Cartridge replacement or other repairs are carried out in the event of the following breakdowns:

the cartridge is leaking;
when turned on at full power, the ball mixer produces a weak water pressure;
when turned on, water is simultaneously supplied to the spout and shower;
Push-button switch failure.

More serious breakdowns occur extremely rarely, but require replacement of the entire mixer.

Cartridge mixer

Disassembling the mixer

Almost anyone can disassemble and repair a leaking single-jaw mixer. You don't need professional tools for this.

Attention! Before disassembling the single-lever mixer, it is necessary to block the access of water to it.

For repair you will need:

screwdriver or knife;
hex wrench of suitable size;
pliers.

Tools needed to repair a faucet

Procedure

Use a screwdriver (or knife) to remove the plugs on the lever that indicate the direction of the handle for supplying hot and cold water.
Unscrew the screw and remove the handle.
Carefully unscrew the ceramic and circular nut from the housing. This is done using a key or manually.
Remove the cartridge from the housing.

Advice.
The presence of grooves in the nut requires that it be dismantled with extreme care, otherwise the spare parts can be damaged without the possibility of correcting the defect. The entire procedure for disassembling the mixer takes an average of 10 minutes and anyone can do it.

Unscrew the faucet carefully so as not to damage the surface of the tap

Fixing the leak

Leaks in single-lever faucets are often caused by failed cartridges. This happens due to abrasive particles of debris entering the interdisk space. In this case, the cartridge must be replaced.

When choosing a replacement element, it is worth considering that the holes in the cartridge can be of different diameters (3 or 4 cm). Cartridges may also differ in the latches on the bottom plate. Cartridges with silicone gaskets are recommended for replacement, as they are more durable when exposed to water.

Advice. Disassemble the faucet and remove the cartridge from it before going to the store. Having an old cartridge will help you avoid missing out on purchasing a replacement.

After installing the new cartridge into the housing, the mixer is assembled in the reverse order of disassembly.

Unscrewing the tap - step by step

Faucet/Shower switch leaking

Often the problem is associated with wear of the internal oil seal. To fix the problem, it (the oil seal) must be replaced. Troubleshooting steps:

The handle must be in the closed position.
Remove the flexible shower hose.
Use pliers to remove the switch button from the faucet.
Using a pin or screwdriver, unscrew the adapter from the spout.
Replace the worn o-ring.

Removing the shower/faucet switch
Tip. To avoid damage to the chrome surface of the faucet, it is better to do all work with a thick, soft cloth.

Selection and purchase of necessary spare parts

Faucet cartridge

Repairing a mixer involves replacing any of its components - internal consumables and external structural parts. When it comes to replacing a spout, control lever or shower head, pay attention not only to quality, but also to appearance. Their color may differ from the color of the faucet body.

Most often, repairs involve replacing consumables. But it is difficult to predict which part may be needed. Therefore, it is recommended to always keep a repair kit on hand, which contains the most necessary components: a cartridge, axle box and a set of seals.

It is worth going for a new cartridge when the old one is dismantled, since there is a possibility that the part will not fit. Even externally similar devices from the same manufacturer can be equipped with mechanisms of different sizes. The standard size of all cartridges ranges from 28 to 46 mm.

Cartridges may vary in height. The difference can be several millimeters and is quite difficult to notice. Even the materials may differ; mixing mechanisms are made of metal and ceramics. This is why it is important to have the faulty element with you when purchasing a new cartridge.

The easiest way to replace an aerator is a mesh filter that screws into the spout. You don’t have to disassemble the mixer; just buy a new part and screw it in place of the old one. Grids are made of metal, non-ferrous metals, polymers, compressed aluminum and plastic. They come in vacuum, rotary and with LED backlight. In this case, the choice is limited only by the wishes of the buyer. The main thing is that the aerator has a suitable diameter.

DIY repair tools

Usually, doing your own repairs to a single-lever kitchen or bathroom faucet does not take much time. It is necessary to find out what kind of damage will have to be repaired and prepare in advance the tools that may be useful - a set of keys, a hex key, pliers, flat and Phillips screwdrivers, a knife, a set of seals and replacement cartridges. Although, if these items are not there, as well as the desire to repair the faucet, you can always call a plumber.

Almost any malfunction leads to the fact that the device has to be disassembled. Most often, owners of single-lever ball mixers encounter the following problems:

Weak pressure. To repair, unscrew the aerator, rinse it thoroughly under running water and install it back. If necessary, buy a new part.
Loss of tightness of the ball mechanism. Remove the lever, dismantle the old seal under the fixing nut, install a new one and fasten it in place.
Difficulty regulating water temperature. Usually the problem is in the mechanism itself. The mixer is disassembled, if malfunctions are detected, the “ball” and rubber seals are changed and the device is assembled.
Broken shower switch. The problem is damaged spool gaskets or worn springs that do not return the button to the reverse position. In the first case, remove the decorative cap of the switch and change the seal, and in the second - the spring.

Despite the fact that cartridge devices have a different structure, some faults in them can be eliminated in the same way. This includes cleaning the aerator, replacing O-rings, and repairing the shower switch. But there are similar problems that are solved in a different way.

Fixing the leak. Remove the mixer lever, use a wrench to tighten the fastening nut and try to let the water flow. The main thing is not to over-tighten, in order to avoid breaking the rod in the future.
Mechanism wear. They disassemble the mixer, dismantle the old cartridge and inspect it for cracks through which water may flow. Insert a new part. If she doesn't move, it means she's in the right position.

Most problems are solved by replacing the seals. But if you don’t have consumables on hand, you can try cutting gaskets from a piece of rubber no more than 4 mm thick.

Troubleshooting a single-lever ball mixer

Ball mixers are durable, but if a breakdown occurs, they cannot be repaired and require replacement. You can eliminate with your own hands only a weak flow of water being released and leaks associated with wear of the sealing rubber bands. It’s difficult to call a “trouble” with a weak stream a breakdown - the mixer still functions. The reason is a clogged aerator.

Procedure for clearing the blockage

Remove the aerator from the faucet spout.
Rinse it thoroughly under running water in the opposite direction to the water flow.
Install the aerator, securing it with the clamping nut.

Procedure for replacing rubber seals

Diagram: single-lever ball mixer device

Remove the handle.
Remove the plastic shield two-piece. The black part is a seal that needs to be cleaned or replaced.
If the leak is not eliminated, remove the ball mechanism.
Replace the bottom seal.
Place the ball in place and secure the seals with a plastic nut.
Install the handle and check the functionality of the mixer.

Advice. When replacing rubber seals, additionally use silicone grease, this will improve the tightness.