It is not always possible to call a specialist, so it makes sense to find out how to disassemble a ball mixer in the kitchen or bathroom on your own, how to properly repair it, and also return it to its former performance. It won’t be as difficult to do this as it might seem, so it makes sense to try even for those who have never been interested or involved in such things before.
A simple solution to the problem
We all know that after a certain time the taps begin to jam. It is enough not to turn the handle for 7-8 months, and problems will already arise. Salts dissolved in water become sour, and the parts of the water tap become rusty.
What do they usually do in such a situation? That's right, turn the valve with pliers. It seems that the more force you apply, the faster the faucet will give way. No. In practice, the handle most often breaks off. The last time I managed to completely tear off the tap. Therefore, when the next jam occurred, I decided to consult a plumber I knew. This is what he advised me:
To resuscitate a soggy faucet, you need to remove the handle. Under it there is a clamping nut that compresses the seal. It is necessary to loosen it a little and twist the rod in different directions (work it out).
How to twist and what to twist - detailed instructions
For those who are unfamiliar with the design of a ball valve, I suggest studying the drawing:
As can be seen in the diagram, a ball valve is an extremely simple design. The shutter ball blocks the flow of water, blocking the cross section. The rotation of the ball occurs due to the torsion of the rod, which is inserted into the groove. Nuts, bushings and seals prevent water leakage.
Thus, it becomes clear that the pen is the “tip of the iceberg”. Acidification occurs inside the structure. You need to disassemble it a little in order to act directly on the jammed elements. But it is important not to overdo it.
What to do if the tap is jammed (how to open or close):
It’s worth warning right away: if the ball edge is cheap, Chinese (made of silumin, with a thin jacket), then attempts to develop it will lead to a flood. It will simply burst, and a stream of water will rush in all directions. It's not very pleasant, especially if it's a stream of hot water.
Typical faults
With careful use, without applying any special effort to the device, the product can serve without breakdowns for a long time. However, more often these cranes are operated differently and fail.
Typical malfunctions include a leak when the lever is in a locked position, or low pressure when the pressure in the water supply is normal. Regulations are also often violated. It is impossible to adjust the water to the desired temperature, since mixing is carried out chaotically. Before repairing ball bathroom faucets, you need to determine the cause of the problem.
Lubricant to make the task easier
In case the parts are stuck tightly and do not want to turn, lubricant will come in handy. You need to lubricate the clamping nut with it and wait a couple of minutes. It is best to use special silicone grease for these purposes. If it is not there, you can use VD-40.
At the end I will add: before starting to “reanimate” the tap, it is better to turn off the water, if possible. When designing a crane, there is always a risk that it will permanently break. Personally, I do not recommend dealing with old, completely rusted taps, or with cheap Chinese ones. It is better to replace them immediately.
Source
If water is leaking from underneath the faucet base
This malfunction can be eliminated by replacing the seals. Before you start repairing ball mixers with your own hands, you first need to turn off the water. Then the mixer is dismantled and disconnected. Also unscrew the fixing nut.
A worn gasket must be replaced with the same one, only a new one. If it is selected correctly, then you will need to apply a little force to install it.
Which lubricant for the mixer to choose yourself
We have all been using a single-lever mixer for a long time and we find it convenient in all respects. Compared to the former “two handles,” it looks organic in the bathroom and helps you turn on cold or hot water without any problems. Such a “lever” appeared back in the 50s of the last century. But what to do when such a mixer breaks? How to fix it? Plumbing grease for the faucet will help us in this matter. What they are, what they are, and so on – we’ll talk below.
General information
Kinds
There are two types of shut-off valves with a ball mechanism:
- All-welded.
- Collapsible.
Product repairability
The all-welded body, as you might guess, cannot be repaired and, in the event of a malfunction, is completely replaced.
But a faucet consisting of several parts with a ball mechanism is not difficult to repair.
Enough to know:
- housing design
- design features
- crane disassembly sequence
Before you begin troubleshooting and disassembling the structure, the first thing you need to do is turn off the water. Drain off the remaining liquid.
Buy a new ball valve in Petrovich =>>
Silicone Grease
This type of consumable for the mixer is necessary for the cartridge to fill the space between its plates - the distance in between is too small, and without it you would not be able to even move the handle from its place, the force of intermolecular interaction is evident.
Simply put, it softens the turn of the handle and allows you to turn it freely. As soon as you feel that it seems to stick when turning, it is a sign that it is time to change it, since it has been washed with water.
For a good cartridge, this will happen after 50 thousand times of turning the water on and off, but you can lubricate it. You need to fertilize with a silicone lubricant - it looks like a paste with a white tint, only half transparent.
Do not under any circumstances confuse it with a tube called “silicone sealant”.
But not everything is as good as we would like. Its price ranges from $8, and it is difficult to find. In search of it, visit stores that avid motorists will recommend to you and visit the car market - it is more often found there as a spray.
When applying material to the top plate, hold the cartridge upside down for convenience, but note that you do not need to pour it into the holes in this position. Do not leave the job unfinished - the consistency has been applied, but now it needs to be evenly distributed, to do this, rotate the rod in the cartridge.
Teflon grease
Recently, RAVAK Teflon paste has been used to lubricate plates - it cannot dissolve in water, but sooner or later it is washed out, which necessitates frequent use.
The above information should help you when choosing and using paste. The purpose is not important - the main thing is its quality and longevity. Now you are more aware of the functions and overall appearance, and this knowledge will come in handy when choosing a particular toothpaste. Good luck to you in this matter and may everything go smoothly and without problems.
Source
Sealing lubricants for ball valves with polymer seats
see also
Introduction
One of the types of pipeline shut-off valves are ball valves. Due to their compactness, ease of operation and maintenance, they are in high demand among consumers.
The wear rate of the working elements of ball valves, as well as the friction torque on their drive, is largely determined by the materials used to lubricate the sealing surfaces of the seats. The correct choice of lubricant will help reduce friction in the crane, which will allow the use of a drive with less torque, and, therefore, reduce the cost of construction and minimize operating costs.
Let's consider the main criteria for choosing a lubricant for a ball valve with seats made of polymer materials
Features of the crane restoration procedure
It is worth understanding that the process of restoring a ball valve is quite simple, but it still requires careful attention. The big risk of this procedure is that during its execution there is a high risk of completely breaking the tap or injuring your hands, which is possible if the valve does come off.
In order not to break the edge on the rod, it is recommended to use a high-quality open-end tool rather than an adjustable wrench. During the installation of the handle, the threads of the fastening element and the rod should be lubricated with any grease or graphite lubricant. This will make it much easier and faster to remove the butterfly next time.
To avoid problems with the operation of the ball valve, you should turn it several times a month. The use of high-quality fittings at the time of installation of the element also helps to avoid its sticking.
In order for the ball valve to serve as long as possible, it is necessary to screw it on at least 4-5 turns.
Friction conditions
In the “metal ball – polymer seat” system, the mechanical component predominates. For this reason, to reduce friction, the surface of the ball is carefully polished, and this causes an increase in the actual contact area and increases the molecular component. Thus, for ball valves, an extremely important condition is the choice of structural materials of the ball, seat, methods of machining them and the choice of lubricant.
Multi-purpose greases do not provide effective operation at the low sliding speeds characteristic of pipeline fittings and at relatively short and rare periods of movement. For such operating conditions, it is advisable to use special sealing lubricants.
Features of sealing lubricants
Compared to conventional (multi-purpose) greases, sealing lubricants must have good adhesion and sealing properties, resistance to working environments, provide effective friction reduction at low speeds of movement of components and stability of the coefficients of static and sliding friction.
This combination of properties will prevent the effect of stick-slip movement characteristic of shut-off valves.
Antifriction and sealing properties depend on the composition of the lubricant - base oil, thickener, filler and additives.
The base oil determines the composition of the medium and the range of operating temperatures at which the lubricant is most effective.
Typically, the formula of sealing lubricants includes solid, highly dispersed powder fillers. Particles of these substances fill the depressions of micro-irregularities in the surface, eliminate micro-gaps and increase the supporting area. Fillers prevent the grease from being squeezed out and increase its sealing properties. Under conditions of low sliding speeds of the ball along the surface of the seat, the hard, highly dispersed filler perfectly stabilizes friction.
Graphite and molybdenum disulfide are more often used as fillers than other materials. However, in the “ball - polymer seat” assembly they do not show proper efficiency.
MoS2 performs well at high loads, which are only achievable in metal-to-metal pairs.
Based on numerous studies and tests, recommendations were received on the use of lubricants with white fillers, for example, polytetrafluoroethylene, in metal-polymer friction pairs (Fig. 2).
When choosing a sealing compound in general, it is important to consider the following factors:
Touchless faucets - advantages and disadvantages
Touchless faucets operate from a sensor that detects the slightest movement. Water is supplied automatically, without any twisting of the handles. These taps are the most durable, easy to use and beneficial in terms of water conservation. Their main drawback is the difficulty of performing repair work. It is difficult to say how much it costs to change a touch-type faucet, because the price for such work depends on many factors. The main thing to remember is not to try to repair a touchless faucet yourself - this is a waste of time and effort. Only a plumber can perform such repairs.
carries out repairs of mixers in Moscow and the Moscow region. Our specialists will come to the site, test the breakdown, calculate how much it costs to replace the faucet, and carry out repairs quickly and efficiently.
The highest professionalism of our craftsmen and the availability of modern tools and equipment can be considered a guarantee of the successful completion of any repair work. The cost of work in Moscow does not differ from the cost in the Region, and will not be a big problem for you. The main thing is to shift the task of repair and replacement onto the responsible shoulders of knowledgeable professionals.
Ball valve lubricant
We have all been using a single-lever mixer for a long time and we find it convenient in all respects. Compared to the former “two handles,” it looks organic in the bathroom and helps you turn on cold or hot water without any problems. Such a “lever” appeared back in the 50s of the last century. But what to do when such a mixer breaks? How to fix it? Plumbing grease for the faucet will help us in this matter. What they are, what they are, and so on – we’ll talk below.
Other crane problems
During the operation of the ball mixer, other problems may occur. For example, in the bathroom there is often a leak at the switch from the faucet to the shower. In this case, you will have to replace the worn out internal oil seal.
To eliminate this nuance, you need to turn off the water, close the lever and remove the flexible shower hose. Then arm yourself with pliers and a screwdriver, remove the button, and then the adapter that switches from the tap to the shower.
Now all that remains is to replace the old oil seal ring and reassemble the structure in the reverse order.
If the flow does not respond to the switch at all, and water flows simultaneously from both the shower and the faucet spout, the cause of the breakdown may be worn out spool o-rings
Replacing the gaskets is not difficult; it is much more difficult to find a suitable repair kit on sale. That is why conscientious manufacturers prudently include spare gaskets in the mixer kit.
If the “spare spare” has already been used or is lost, you can try to make this consumable yourself by cutting a part from a suitable sheet of rubber 3-4 mm thick.
Replacing spool gaskets is done as follows:
- If only the top gasket has failed, you can adjust the operation of the faucet without completely disassembling the mixer. After turning off the water, it is enough to disconnect the flexible shower hose, remove the decorative cap, remove the worn rubber band and replace it with a new one. But if this manipulation does not solve the problem, you will have to proceed further.
- You need to unscrew the fastening screw and carefully remove the spool from the valve body.
- Remove the old rubber bands and install new ones.
- Treat the gaskets with lubricant - this manipulation will increase both their service life and the operation of the unit as a whole.
- Assemble the structure and install the switch in place.
If the switch button itself from the tap to the shower does not work, most likely the internal spring is deformed or broken.
Updating this part is quite simple - you just need to remove the switch and use pliers to screw a new spiral onto the rod. You can read more about repairing a mixer with a shower in this material.
When replacing a spring, the diameter of the new part should be slightly smaller than the previous one - this will ensure a tighter fit to the rod
Grease Tsiatim-221
You can start with Ciatim-221. Behind this name lies a plastic composition approved by GOST standards and which can lubricate both metal and rubber, not to mention their combinations; It also fits perfectly into friction units.
Cyatim-221 has a widespread application; it can be not only a choice for a faucet in the bathroom or kitchen, but also:
The only problem is demand. Ciatim-221 is very difficult to find on the market, unlike its “brother” – Ciatim-201. This is such an unpleasant minus.
Conclusion
As a result, I would like to note that the range of these products on the market is quite wide and some manufacturers introduce their own design innovations. We talked about the most common system. But don't be alarmed if your faucet has an extra seal or another gasket, the basics usually remain the same.
Assortment of different mixers.
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Silicone Grease
This type of consumable for the mixer is necessary for the cartridge to fill the space between its plates - the distance in between is too small, and without it you would not be able to even move the handle from its place, the force of intermolecular interaction is evident.
Simply put, it softens the turn of the handle and allows you to turn it freely. As soon as you feel that it seems to stick when turning, it is a sign that it is time to change it, since it has been washed with water.
For a good cartridge, this will happen after 50 thousand times of turning the water on and off, but you can lubricate it. You need to fertilize with a silicone lubricant - it looks like a paste with a white tint, only half transparent.
Do not under any circumstances confuse it with a tube called “silicone sealant”.
But not everything is as good as we would like. Its price ranges from $8, and it is difficult to find. In search of it, visit stores that avid motorists will recommend to you and visit the car market - it is more often found there as a spray.
When applying material to the top plate, hold the cartridge upside down for convenience, but note that you do not need to pour it into the holes in this position. Do not leave the job unfinished - the consistency has been applied, but now it needs to be evenly distributed, to do this, rotate the rod in the cartridge.
If necessary, you can apply a little more. If you were previously tormented by the following question - “Maybe I should buy a new cartridge after all,” then here is the answer: if, after applying the consistency, sand or rust gets between the plates, then go to the store to buy it.
Recommendations for carrying out repair work, possible difficulties,
Experienced professionals give the following recommendations:
- Lay a sheet of cardboard or thick cloth in the sink or bathroom. This will prevent small parts from falling into the drain and protect the tub cover from falling heavy tools.
- If the cartridge fastening nut is stuck and the threads are covered with a layer of mineral deposits, you need to moisten them with warm vinegar and leave for a while.
- If the handle turns tightly after assembly, you have overtightened the nut. It should be loosened a little, a quarter of a turn.
It’s better to start disassembling in the morning or afternoon so you can get to the store before closing for spare parts.
Teflon grease
Recently, RAVAK Teflon paste has been used to lubricate plates - it cannot dissolve in water, but sooner or later it is washed out, which necessitates frequent use.
This “filling” is wildly popular. It has a number of advantages:
The above information should help you when choosing and using paste. The purpose is not important - the main thing is its quality and longevity. Now you are more aware of the functions and overall appearance, and this knowledge will come in handy when choosing a particular toothpaste. Good luck to you in this matter and may everything go smoothly and without problems.
A Grohe one-arm faucet installed in the bathroom began to work poorly. They write on the Internet that in most cases the problem is a small amount of lubricant in the ceramic cartridge (or no lubricant at all). The problem is solved by removing the ceramic cartridge and, logically, applying lubricant to the discs inside. There was no lubricant, so after disassembling the cartridge, I collected the pieces there with a stationery knife and evenly applied them to the discs. The problem has been resolved, but most likely not for long. In addition, the kitchen also has a faucet with ceramic discs.
I decided to look for a suitable lubricant in advance. Here is the original one from Grohe (aka Syntheso LM 220):
Currently it costs 1190 rubles for 29 grams. Despite the presence of a nearby pickup point, my feelings are well described by the following picture:
An analogue is any other silicone grease with food grade approval and a wide temperature range. For example, Huskey LVI-50. The packaging with new mixers contains 3 gram bags. An excellent option for 1 time, but I couldn’t find it on sale.
In online stores there is a larger volume - 397 grams.
There is an article that describes various types of lubricants for faucets, among which Teflon lubricants are mentioned (prosmesiteli.ru/smazka-dlya-smesitelya/). For these purposes, it offers Ravak Teflon lubricant. Description on the site
(www.ravak.ru/ru/teflonovaya-smazka). Nothing is written anywhere about food approval, but the epithet “sanitary” adds optimism.
On the Huskey forum, someone named Konstantine writes that he lubes the faucet with Slipkote 220-R DBC lubricant:
I decided to see what was in the existential store - there was no slipcoat there (by the way, this is a trademark of the same Huskies). Limon4e on Drive has already written about the problems of purchasing Slipkote for preventing brakes (www.drive2.ru/b/2830456/). But there are Husky 3 grams, although the name is different: HVS-100.
By the way, on the Huskey website there is a Word file with a pivot table.
As a result, I decided to take an 85-gram tube from Exist for 583 rubles, in case relatives and friends had similar problems with mixers (exist.ru/price.aspx?p >
DIY repair of a ball mixer in the kitchen
It should be understood that the repair of ball mixers for bathtubs, as well as for kitchens, will be practically no different, since the same device is assumed. The main thing is to purchase consumables and components correctly, otherwise it’s easy to get into trouble. So, if you are going to repair a faucet, first disassemble it, remove the broken or damaged part and be sure to take it with you to the store. There you can present it to the seller, who will then immediately figure out what exactly you need and you won’t have to run back and forth ten times.
Remember
Before disassembling the ball mixer in the kitchen or bathroom, you must first completely shut off the water supply in the apartment or house. To do this, it will be enough to tighten the general taps and then release the remainder from the system. If there are none inside the apartment, then you will have to connect the housing office to turn off the entire riser, otherwise the hour is uneven, you can flood your neighbors, which is fraught with serious consequences.
Tools and equipment
- The screwdriver is flat and also figured. Such goodness is in the household of any home craftsman. It is worth choosing powerful screwdrivers with a strong handle, since screws, washers and nuts can “stick” from hot water.
- Wrenches and adjustable wrenches of suitable size and shape.
- Plumbing fork puller, if available. You can get by with a punch and a hammer.
- Hexagons, as well as other socket heads, if required.
- A knife with a sharp tip.
- Pliers or pliers.
Sequencing
Having collected everything you need, and most importantly, purchased the necessary spare parts and components, you can begin repairing the ball mixer, regardless of whether it is installed in your kitchen or in the bathroom. It won’t be difficult to cope, the main thing is to be careful, clearly monitor your actions and not make more effort than necessary. Professionals recommend filming every step of your repair so that you can easily restore the sequence of events and assemble the crane without problems.
- Pry out the plug with the blue and red dots on it using a knife or flat-head screwdriver and set it aside so as not to lose it.
- Unscrew the screw under the plug with a curved or flat screwdriver, depending on the design.
- Lifting with a screwdriver, remove the lever handle from its place.
- Under the handle, the dome of the tap will immediately become visible, along which the lever for switching pressure and temperature conveniently slides. Remove the dome by easily prying it off with a screwdriver or knife.
- Unscrew the lock nut that holds the ball with the rod, adjustable or gas wrench attached to it.
- Remove the ball from the valve body and inspect it carefully. If it is not damaged anywhere, is not worn out or has not burst, then it can be washed, cleaned, wiped and put back in place. But if there is visible damage on the ball, then it must be replaced.
- Remove the rubber seat-gaskets from the mixer body on which the ball mechanism with grooves and slots rested. If they have their original appearance, are not deformed or damaged, then they do not need to be replaced, but in other cases replacement will not hurt.
- Unscrew the spout tube where leaks may occur. There are two sealing rings that will have to be replaced with new ones, fortunately, today such gaskets can be purchased either individually or as a complete set.
- Unscrew the mesh aerator attached to the end of the spout and clean it with a stiff brush, rinsing it with a strong stream of water.
- Thoroughly rinse all internal cavities of the body to remove lime, sand and other deposits, then reassemble the mixer with new parts in the reverse order. After such repairs, the mechanism should work like a watch.
Please note that repairing a ball faucet in a kitchen or bathroom is not so difficult, but you should carefully ensure that it is not twisted too tightly, but also not loose. Either option will lead to rapid failure of the crane, so you should always keep this in mind. If there are manufacturing defects, defects, cracks and chips on its body, from which water is leaking, then there will be no choice but to buy new equipment.
