Faucets are used not only in kitchens, but also in bathrooms and toilet rooms. If previously the difference was that kitchen units did not have a shower, today there are faucets with showers for the kitchen. They not only make washing dishes easier, but also solve problems with collecting water in large containers that cannot be placed in the sink.
It is impossible to repair faucets without knowledge of their structure. Such actions most often cause complete breakdown of the faucets, when instead of cheap repairs you will have to make an expensive replacement.
But this is not all the problems. There are situations when small leaks, after improper intervention, turn into a large leak that threatens to flood the apartment. You should know that quite often cheap Chinese crafts are used for central taps. They gradually oxidize, which greatly complicates the opening/closing process.
The faucet body is made of silumin alloy, which can crack even with relatively little effort, and the problem from your personal becomes a general one. In this regard, we strongly advise you to study the technical features of the structure of mixers and only then proceed with repairs.
Do-it-yourself single-lever kitchen faucet repair
The main causes of leaking taps
The breakdowns that lead to the faucet leaking are different, but the main ones are the following:
- Wear of the rubbing parts of the mixer: gaskets or oil seal.
- Wear of the locking element: valve axle box or cartridge.
The method and technology of repair depends not only on the place where the faucet is leaking, but also on its type. According to the type of design, faucets are available in two-valve and single-lever types. The latter are also divided into cartridge or ball models.
Some tips for prevention
Being able to repair your kitchen faucet yourself is a great way to save money. However, repairs cannot always completely restore the efficiency of the faucet, and it is often easier to simply replace the faucet in the kitchen.
Keep in mind that:
- The most durable structures are considered to be those made of heavy metals (brass);
- The lowest quality are Chinese or Turkish silumin products;
- The convenience of the single-lever device is obvious - it can be opened with one free hand. It is also easier to repair, since the design contains fewer spare parts.
- Faucet repairs can be prevented. Most often, the main cause of malfunctions is contaminants coming from the water main. Therefore, installing special coarse water filters will help you keep your faucet intact longer.
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Repair of single lever faucets
Such models have one control handle, by turning which you can easily adjust the strength and temperature of the water flow.
Single lever with cartridge
Taps with a disc cartridge are the most common option.
Cartridge mixer device.
The cartridge is made in the form of a barrel, with rotating ceramic plates that block the flow of water. The main failures of this type of device are as follows:
- Leaking from under the control rod.
- Comfortable water temperature cannot be adjusted.
- The handle began to move very tightly or completely jammed.
- Incomplete opening/closing of water.
Plastic cartridges do not have replaceable elements, so in case of the described problems, the entire consumable element is replaced. This is done in this order:
- The plug is removed from the faucet lever to protect the handle lock from moisture.
To unscrew the lever, remove the colored plug. - Using a thin flat screwdriver, loosen this screw 1.5–2 turns, after which the handle is removed.
The handle is fixed to the cartridge rod with a screw, which just needs to be loosened a little. - Then the dome-shaped cover covering the fixing nut is unscrewed.
- Use a wrench to unscrew the nut holding the cartridge in the mixer body.
- The broken cartridge is removed and a new part is installed.
- The remaining parts are assembled in reverse order.
Before buying a new cartridge, unscrew the old one and take it to the store as a sample, since cartridges from different manufacturers differ in both diameter and design.
Step-by-step algorithm for replacing the cartridge.
Note! At the bottom of the cartridge there are protrusions that should fit into grooves located in the faucet body. If the protrusions and grooves are not aligned, water will flow out from under the cartridge, and if you try to tighten the fixing nut more tightly, the barrel may crack.
Repair of ball mixers
If a ball faucet is installed in the bathroom and is leaking, it can be repaired. The function of the locking mechanism is performed by a small ball made of stainless alloys. When the control lever is turned, the shut-off ball moves in the mixer body and opens or closes the openings for supplying cold and hot water. Springs made of corrosion-resistant metals are used to hold the check ball in the neutral position.
Ball valves are very reliable and durable in terms of leakage. To disassemble the ball mixer if a leak is detected, you need to do the following:
- The lever is removed. To do this, pry off the decorative plug and loosen the screw located underneath it.
- The faucet cover is unscrewed.
- There is a nut under the cover that also needs to be unscrewed.
- After unscrewing the nut, the cam washer is carefully removed from the body - a plastic seal that holds the locking ball. If the washer is worn out, it must be replaced.
- The next step is to remove the locking ball from the body. It is cleaned of rust and deposits using a soft cloth and inspected to determine the degree of wear. If the wear on the ball is insignificant, the ball is polished with a soft rag using cleaning agents in the form of an aerosol or paste (the use of abrasives is prohibited), after which the faucet is assembled. If the check ball is damaged, has deep pits or pits, it should be replaced.
Note! When assembling a ball valve, you need to correctly install the springs in the special recesses provided for this.
Types of switches
Before you start repairing the faucet, it is worth considering what types of switches there are. It is worth noting that the repair process for each type may have some differences, because the design of the switches has important features. The following types of construction are available:
- spool;
- suberic;
- cartridge;
- pull-out or push-button.
The spool type of construction was common in Soviet times. Now this type is installed for valve type mixers with thin walls. The main criterion for spool devices is the handle, which is made of plastic or metal material. This element is installed between the faucet valves.
The cork device is considered old; it is practically no longer made. The fluid switching device is located in the middle. Compared to the spool switch, it is longer in size. The main part is a cork with a cutout. During its rotation, the process of combining the cutout with the area of the water inlet and outlet holes is observed, and liquid penetrates into the tap area.
The cartridge type of switch is available in mixers from Russian manufacturers. This switch is difficult to make because it is difficult to find the necessary parts. If these elements break down, a complete replacement of the entire mixer is usually required.
The main purpose of an exhaust or push-button device is the process of mixing cold or hot water that penetrates through the central water supply system. There are several types of such a device:
- automatic type - used for modern cartridge-type products. Located in the area of a separate block or on the surface of a swivel spout. The unique difference of the element is that when the water is turned off, it does not change the spout position or return from the shower position. The button performs regulation functions: if you remove it, the liquid will come out of the watering can, if you insert it back, the liquid outlet will move to the spout position;
- simple type - this type is used on inexpensive models of mixers. But in appearance it also looks like an automatic type switch. The difference between this type of device is its operating principle. To do this, you need to remove the button and shut off the water supply. If it is stationary, then it is a simple device;
- Soviet-type switch - an element of this type can only be found on Soviet-type devices, which are not currently produced.
Double valve mixers
In mixers with two valves, the locking mechanism is called a faucet, which can be half-turn or valve type. Let's look at methods for repairing both types of taps.
Replacing a half-turn crane axle box
Breakage of half-turn axle boxes is the main reason why a bathroom faucet drips. These mechanisms are similar in design to single-lever cartridges: inside they have tightly fitted ceramic plates that act as valves and shut off the water. When these plates wear out or are damaged, the faucet stops holding, water may start to drip, and then a stream of water will flow out. Most often, semi-rotary mechanisms are changed completely. Let's consider the algorithm of actions:
- The decorative plug is removed from the valve. In some models it can be pryed off with a thin screwdriver, and in others it has a thread and can be unscrewed.
- There is a fixing screw under the plug - it must be completely unscrewed. You need to be careful here, as these screws often become sour or rusty, so you can easily lick the screw head.
- When the valve handle is removed, use a suitable wrench to unscrew the valve box counterclockwise.
- After this, a new axle box is screwed in and the handle is installed.
Advice! When assembling the tap, the axle box should not be over-tightened, as it will be difficult to unscrew it the next time it is replaced.
Valve box repair
A valve or wing-type faucet regulates the water supply by moving a retractable rod with a rubber gasket at the end using a worm gear. If this gasket wears out, the faucet stops holding water and begins to flow when closed. The advantage of the valve box is its maintainability. The gasket is replaced in the following order:
- The valve handle is removed.
- The key is used to unscrew the axle box.
- The gasket is removed from the underside of the axle box and a new consumable is installed.
If a leak occurs between the clamping nut and the valve stem, the worn oil seal must be replaced. When the axle box is removed, the rod of the valve mechanism is unscrewed and the oil seal is replaced - a thin rubber band (sometimes double) inserted into the groove of the rod. If there is no new seal, then a sealing tape can be wound around the rod, which will act as a seal and prevent leaks when the valve is opened.
Gasket replacement diagram.
Preparing for work
Before you begin directly repairing/replacing the mixer, you must turn off the water in the riser. Otherwise, problems with the tap will be aggravated by flooding of the apartment (not only your own, but also the neighbors below). Only after turning off the water can further work begin.
Water supply risers
To carry out repair work, you will need the following:
- some kind of vessel (to collect water);
- rags;
- Adjustable wrench;
- sponge;
- silicone seals;
- cleaning agent;
- screwdrivers;
- wrench;
- fluoroplastic sealing tape;
- rubber gaskets (new);
- pliers.
Fluoroplastic tape
All these tools/materials are quite enough to deal with a leaking plumbing faucet with your own hands.
On a note! If the mixer was purchased recently and you even saved the packaging, then you may find the manufacturer’s instructions and even a repair kit in it. In this case, the work will go much faster.
Repair kit for mixer (AKVAREM)
Other leaks independent of the type of structure
After we have studied how to replace the shut-off elements of various types of faucets, we will consider other reasons why a bathroom faucet leaks, regardless of its design.
Malfunction or leakage of the switch from the gander to the shower
Bathroom faucets have a switch that allows you to redirect the flow of water from the gander to the flexible shower hose and vice versa. The most common breakdown of such switches is that water flows from both the gander and the shower at the same time. Most often there are two types of switches:
- Flag or pendulum type. Installed on valve mixers.
Mixer with flag type switch. - Push-button or pull-out type. Most often they are installed in the body of cartridge valves, but can also be mounted on valve devices.
Push-button switch.
Let's look at how to repair these types of switches.
Replacing the pendulum switch
The rotary switch is a brass valve or cartridge, which is replaced with a new one in the same way as a faucet:
- The decorative plug on the lever is picked out, allowing access to the screw.
- The screw is unscrewed and the lever is removed.
- Use a key of suitable diameter to unscrew the switch.
- A new spool is screwed in, the lever is put on and fixed.
Button switch repair
In this design, the most vulnerable element is the gasket, which is subject to wear, deformation and hardening, due to which it no longer holds water. If the button no longer redirects the flow of water, it is necessary to replace the gasket, which is done in the following sequence:
- The button is unscrewed with an adjustable wrench. It must be removed from the case carefully so as not to damage other structural elements.
- There are rubber sealing washers on the metal rod - they need to be replaced with new ones.
- After changing the gaskets, the button is inserted into the housing and screwed in.
Note! Another breakdown of the push-button switch is jamming in the raised (upper) state, as a result of which water flows only through the shower. Such a malfunction means that the spring that returns the rod to its original position has become unusable. This part cannot be replaced, so the switch is replaced completely.
Leak at the connection point of the gooseneck to the mixer body
One of the common places for leaks is the connection between the gander and the mixer. This connection is sealed with a ring made of dense rubber, which is placed on the body of the gander. When turning the gooseneck, the gasket gradually wears out and a leak forms. To eliminate this problem, you need to replace the gooseneck O-ring. This is done in this order:
- Use an adjustable wrench or Swedish screws to unscrew the gander fastening nut.
To replace the gasket on the gooseneck, you need to unscrew the mounting nut. - The worn gasket is picked out and a new one is installed in the groove. It is convenient to do this with tweezers, since the fastening nut is non-removable and remains in place.
- After changing the gasket, the gooseneck is put in place and the nut is tightened.
Advice! In order for the gib with the new ring seal to easily fit into the mixer body, the ring must be lightly lubricated with silicone grease or sealant, which will ensure easy sliding.
Leak at the connection point of the shower hose and shower head
Even during the operation of the mixer, leaks often form at the connection points of the flexible hose to the mixer and shower head. Gaskets are installed in these places, which become deformed and fall in over time. If a leak occurs, disconnect the hose and replace the gaskets.
The hose is connected to the mixer using a hex nut. You need to unscrew it and change the gasket.
To replace the gasket where the shower hose connects to the faucet, you will need a wrench.
The connection between the hose and the shower head is made using a conical relief nut, which can be unscrewed without a tool and even a girl can do it. There is a gasket on the pressure hose that needs to be replaced with a new one.
Note! The hex and flare nuts for connecting the shower hose are very thin, so you should not use much force when tightening them, as they may burst.
Leaks where the faucet connects to the water supply
There are situations when the tap begins to leak at the points of connection to the water supply. The procedure for eliminating a leak depends on the installation location and the method of connecting the mixer.
Leakage at the junction of supply pipes
The cause of leakage at the connection point of the wall-mounted mixer at the connection points to the pipes coming out of the wall is the sealing or misalignment of the gasket. To eliminate this malfunction, you need to unscrew the fixing nuts, disconnect the mixer and replace the gaskets with new ones.
Leakage of supply flexible hoses
Faucets installed on the side of a bathtub or sink are connected to the water supply using flexible hoses. The formation of a leak at the connection point is the result of wear or chafing of the seals placed on the thinned end of the hose.
The O-rings on the thin end of the hose can wear out, causing a leak.
To replace the rings, you need to remove the faucet from the sink, since doing this from the bottom of the plumbing fixture is difficult and sometimes impossible. Having removed the mixer, unscrew the hoses one by one with a wrench, replace the rubber rings on them, after which all the elements are installed in place.
To replace the O-rings on the flexible hose, you need to dismantle the mixer.
If the water pressure drops
There are situations when the water pressure in one of the taps decreases significantly. The reason for this problem is an aerator clogged with scale and other debris - a mesh filter screwed into the end of the gander. To fix this problem, just unscrew the aerator, rinse with water and clean the filter mesh with a needle or thin awl, and then screw it into place.
A clogged strainer is the cause of reduced water pressure.
The considered malfunctions and methods for eliminating various leaks will allow you to repair faucets yourself without calling a plumber. As practice shows, many types of leaks and breakdowns can be avoided if you take good care of your plumbing. The quality of mixers and the degree of mechanical purification of water also play an important role, so installing coarse and fine filters is sometimes simply necessary.
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If it's leaking from under your shirt
In some cases, water may leak from under the faucet jacket. The main reason for this phenomenon is considered to be damage to the sealing gaskets, and liquid can leak both in the upper and lower parts in the area where the circular nut is located.
Water from under a gander's shirt
In this regard, when installing a single-lever mixer, you need to firmly tighten the circular nut. This part often gets unscrewed or loosened while the product is being transported, resulting in a small gap. Such a gap is quite enough for water leakage.
If the nut is tightened well, then the cause of the leak will be a faulty gasket . To eliminate the problem, unscrew the nut and remove the nylon washer (serves to create a working gap between adjacent rotating parts of the housing). Next, remove the faucet spout along with the jacket and carefully check the installation locations of the gaskets.
There should be no traces of corrosion, sinks, etc. The only solution to the problem in this case is to replace the gander from the old faucet; in the worst case, you will have to replace the mixer completely.
The second reason for water leakage from the jacket is considered to be wear of the sealing gaskets . Such parts are made in the form of a horseshoe, with their working part facing the water chamber. It is quite difficult to buy a new gasket for a faucet, but it is possible to repair a faucet.
Disassembling the mixer to eliminate leakage from under the jacket
To do this, several layers of fum tape are laid in the seats, which will increase the diameter of the seals and improve their tightness. Next, put on the gaskets, install nylon washers, and assemble the remaining parts of the mixer.
Before installing the tap in a permanent place, check its tightness. If the repair work is done correctly, the water does not flow, then the mixer can be fixed to the sink.
Other faults
Specialists also encounter other types of breakdowns:
- Continuous water flow indicates a broken brass valve or a clogged space between it and the gasket. The mixer can be restored if it is disassembled, the insides are cleaned and, if necessary, the valve is replaced.
- If no water comes out when the valve is open, it means the rubber gasket has dried out. To make sure of this, hit the open tap with a hard object.
Pad - A scrolling valve indicates that the rod thread has broken. Depending on the degree of wear, you will either have to wrap the thread with thread or change the rod.
Faulty valve - Turbulent noise is usually caused by damage to the rubber gasket. They can be eliminated by cutting off the edge with abrasions.
Repairing a bathroom faucet with your own hands does not require special skills. This craft can be mastered not only by men, but also by women. Regardless of the type of faucet in the bathroom, repairing and replacing parts is not difficult.
Crack on the body
If a crack is noticed on the body, the faucet is dripping and there is no way to replace the defective faucet with a new one, then the question arises of what to do. Use a special sealant or glue. You need to immediately understand that such repair work solves the problem for a while.
Of course, the ideal option would be to install a new faucet. A crack in the body is repaired by “cold welding”. A faucet that has undergone surface treatment with a special sealant takes on a less than attractive appearance.
In addition, the applied layer will not last long and you will soon notice that the faucet is leaking in the bathroom.
