What affects and why you need a cartridge for a mixer - an overview of the types and features of their choice

Spherical cartridge

Expert opinion

Smirnova Ekaterina Anatolevna

7 years of experience in interior design, professional architect

The main part of the device is a hollow sphere with two holes at the bottom and one at the top. Cold and hot water entering inside are mixed and exited through the top hole.

The ball is located in special rubber saddles and rotates thanks to a lever on the tap. When it starts to move, the holes align to varying degrees and the already mixed water comes out through the tap.

Thanks to the special design and diameter of the holes in the ball, you can quickly set the desired temperature of the water flow.

Reasons for shower cartridge failure

In the process of diagnosing the performance of a multifunctional plumbing device, the following problems may be identified:

• supplying hot water from a cold water tap;
• the passage of water by the mixer, caused by a violation of the integrity of the cartridge body, or failure of the rubber seals;
• dysfunction of ceilings/water supply.

If during the process of switching modes a distinct crunching sound is heard or the lever of the device is loose, then it is necessary to completely replace the cartridge. A jammed distributor causes a complete lack of rotational movements of the flywheel or disrupts the mode of redirecting water to the necessary consumers. The cause of such a malfunction may lie in a complex mechanical failure of the flywheel, which will require replacing the cartridge.

Most often, the causes of device breakdowns lie in the initially installed low-quality mixer model. Materials that are not resistant to wear quickly fail, especially the lever head.

Among other things, the service life of the cartridge is sharply reduced when the shower stall is used in conditions of low-quality tap water, and the absence of filters at the inlet of a multifunctional plumbing device causes rapid wear of the cartridge.

Disc cartridge (ceramic)

In the domestic plumbing market, ceramic fixtures vary in shape, size and number of holes in the bottom of the cartridge. The systems have a plastic housing.

There are collapsible and disposable ones. The body of the first consists of two parts: upper and lower.

In several holes in the lower part there are rubber inserts that ensure the tightness of both parts of the product. However, such a crane element is practically beyond repair, and spare parts are difficult to find.

It is faster and cheaper to purchase a new design.

The cartridge for a single-lever mixer is used to mix water flows of different temperatures inside due to the position of metal-ceramic discs. Then the water flows into the spout.

The plates are processed by precise mechanical grinding and, due to their ideal smoothness, fit tightly to the working surfaces. This affects the smooth and silent operation of the mixer during operation.

A rod located inside the structure connects the valve lever and the upper disk holder. By controlling this mechanism, you can rotate and move the upper disk. The lower disk is stationary and located at the bottom of the cartridge.

The disks are located one above the other. The upper one is responsible for the water temperature, blocking access to cold or hot pressure to a certain extent. If both surfaces coincide with the holes, then the water stops flowing.

Two-valve faucets have two cartridges. Metal-ceramic discs are located in a metal sleeve. Water passes due to the displacement of the plates, which leads to the opening or closing of the hole.

Classification of cartridges according to the design of the internal locking element

Depending on the internal structure, there are different types of cartridges for faucets, such as ball and disk. The first version of the product is represented by a hollow metal ball equipped with communicating holes. The operation of such a locking mechanism is as follows. At the moment the lever moves, the ball closes the holes from the cold and hot water supply channels, due to which the flows are mixed.

At this time, the flow rate and temperature conditions are set. The larger the combined area, the stronger the water pressure. The temperature changes by tilting or turning the pipes.

Important! This version of the cartridge for a 35 mm mixer is typical for single-lever designs.

Malfunctions in the operation of the ball product are associated with the accumulation of deposits in its cavity. This negatively affects the smooth operation of the device, reducing its service life.

Cartridges for mixers come in two types: ball and disk

For disk cartridges, the locking mechanism is represented by a special ceramic disk, which can rotate when operated on a lever, opening or closing the water flow channels, and move, adjusting the pressure. This version of the product is installed in both single-lever and double-valve mixers.

The plastic housing of the disk cartridge can be collapsible or non-removable. In the first case, the structure consists of two parts connected to each other using a rubber seal. The elements are fixed using plastic rivets. The inserts are located in the holes in the lower part.

Depending on the material of manufacture of the internal locking part, ceramic and metal locking mechanisms are distinguished. The ceramic faucet cartridge is a simple design in which the main elements are two or three plates. Such ceramic discs fit tightly to each other, providing, thanks to the presence of three holes, regulation of the intensity of the water flow and its temperature. These cartridges are more durable, characterized by silent operation and the ability to smoothly regulate the water pressure.

Replacing the cartridge

Problems with the operation of the cartridge may arise during its operation, characteristic signs:

• The movement of the lever is difficult (you can feel strong rubbing of the parts) - the reason is the accumulation of debris on the plates. If a mixer with such a breakdown has been used for a long time, then the structure cannot be repaired.

Poor adjustment of water pressure is the cause of breakage of the grip hooks on the support antennae that lift the plates.

• The flow does not mix (only cold or hot water flows) - the reason is the breakdown of two antennae inside the cartridge, which are responsible for the movement of the disks.
• The presence of streams of water when the tap is closed means scale formation on the discs. This is the only damage that you can fix yourself.

The cartridge on the mixer cannot be repaired (with the exception of descaling the plates), but it is removable and can be easily replaced with a new one. Before you begin, you need to purchase the necessary tools: a knife, screwdrivers or hex keys (depending on the mixer model), an adjustable wrench, pliers, and lubricant.

To remove scale you will need WD-40 (can be replaced with vinegar solution).

1. Turn off hot and cold water.
2. Remove the color-coded decorative plug from the valve.
3. Unscrew the screw and remove the lever from the rod.
4. The decorative ring must be removed and the clamping nut unscrewed.
5. Dismantle the old model. Due to the fact that there are no edges on the cartridge nut, as a result of sticking to the mixer casing, it may simply not be unscrewed, so you can heat the body with a hairdryer.
6. Install the new product into the same puzzles, simultaneously aligning the protrusions with the holes in the mixer.
7. After installing the new element, reassemble the entire structure in the reverse order: tighten the nut, install the ring and lever, tighten the screw and put on the plug.
8. Open water access to the mixer, turn on the water, check operation and eliminate leaks.

If the cartridge still does not work correctly, it is possible that the protrusions did not align with the mixer when installing the product and you will have to repeat the entire process again.

Important tips for long-term use of the cartridge and faucet

To ensure the longest period of operation of the mixer and the internal shut-off element, certain rules should be followed. The cartridge primarily fails due to constant exposure to an aggressive environment, which is water. It often contains large amounts of fine suspended matter and sand. Such impurities scratch and wear out the ceramic plates of the cartridge, causing system malfunctions.

A kitchen faucet with a flexible spout as a real way to improve everyday life. Materials for manufacturing, types of designs according to the method of fastening and features of operation. DIY installation.

If the part is not dismountable, its damage will be the reason for installing a new element, which will bring additional financial costs. To prevent the negative effects of poor quality water, coarse filters should be installed for the faucet.

For proper operation of the mixer, it is recommended to flush the entire system at least once a year and clean the internal elements with a special solution or dishwashing liquid. Vinegar will remove limescale deposits well.

Important! To clean the internal locking mechanism, do not use abrasive cloths or metal sponges, which can damage the protective layer.

Lubricating the cartridge plates with a sealed mixture will extend its service life.
Ceramic plates should be periodically treated with oil lubricants for the mixer cartridge. If there are significant chips, scratches and cracks on the locking mechanism body or its elements, or the rod is broken, the part must be replaced immediately.

If, after installing a new cartridge, leaks are detected from under the mixer, the cause may be the presence of grains of sand between the parts of the device or a loose nut. The problem can be resolved by re-disassembling the mixer and installing it back.

All about the faucet cartridge

The main component of any mixer is the cartridge. It is the mixer cartridge that ensures uninterrupted operation of the entire device. There are different types of similar elements, each of which has its own characteristics. Ball or plastic.

There are two main types of faucet cartridges. One of them is ball type, and the second is disk type. When choosing a cartridge for a single-lever type mixer, you can use both a ball and a disk version, and only a disk ceramic cartridge is installed on a two-valve accessory (it looks like a regular valve with a gasket).

The ceramic cartridge is more common in use. This has nothing to do with its advantage over a ball one - their quality and service life are approximately identical.

Not all companies involved in the production of cartridges have a license to produce ball-type devices, so it is easier and more practical to produce ceramic ones.

Characteristics of cartridge types

The ball or plastic cartridge has the following design:

• A hollow metal ball is fixed on the axis of the mixer lever. When the lever is turned or tilted, the holes in the ball are displaced and aligned with the holes in the cartridge part. Cold and hot water flows through the holes, which mixes inside the system and exits through the tap holes.

The ball version for the mixer has its drawbacks: over time, the mechanism loses smoothness, makes noise and is not particularly durable. The cost of this design is relatively low.

The disc cartridge in a single-lever mixer is used in this way:

• Water of different temperatures enters the system through tubes, where it mixes with each other and ends up in the spout. Ceramic-metal discs in the cartridge change position and thus regulate parameters such as pressure and temperature of the outlet water.

Under the influence of the lever, the upper disk moves relative to the lower one. In order for the water to stop flowing, it is necessary that the upper and lower disks tightly coincide with the protrusions and holes.

Expert opinion

Smirnova Ekaterina Anatolevna

7 years of experience in interior design, professional architect

In order to ensure the supply of water to the spout with varying degrees of intensity, the upper and lower disks, by means of a lever, take a position with varying degrees of immersion into each other.

The top disk also plays a key role in what temperature the water will be at the outlet: it blocks the access of cold or hot water to the desired extent.

Double-valve faucets have two identical cartridges, each for water at different temperatures. Metal-ceramic plates are placed in a metal sleeve. Their displacement relative to each other leads to the opening or closing of the hole through which water flows.

Single lever components are produced by almost all well-known manufacturers. Mixing water in this type of mixer is carried out using a device with ceramic discs.

Disadvantages of single lever faucets

In our world, it seems, there is not a single thing that would have complete advantages and no disadvantages at all?! The mixer, even this convenient one, is no exception:

• in such mixers (if it is a ball type) the rubber seals wear out quickly;
• taps are prone to clogging, which causes malfunctions;
• With cheap models, after some time of use it becomes difficult to select the required water temperature.

It is worth considering that the service life of most ball valves is about two years, which is not so much.

The single lever mixer wins in this regard. Typically, German companies can boast of this and can provide a ten-year warranty on the faucet. The Grohe mixer is considered the most reliable.

Design and principle of operation of a ceramic cartridge

Hot and cold water flows through water pipes into the cartridge. Water passes through the holes in the ceramic inserts and, mixing, exits through the spout.

The ceramic faucet cartridge differs in shape, size and number of holes located in its lower part.

• All ceramic systems have a plastic housing. There are both collapsible and non-collapsible cases. The collapsible one consists of two parts of the body – lower and upper. The tightness of the connection between the cartridge and the mixer is ensured by rubber inserts, which are located in several holes in the lower part. The lower part of the case is held in place by plastic rivets.
• The mixer handle is attached to a rod, which is located inside the structure. The lower part of the drain is combined with the holder of the upper ceramic disc.
• The upper ceramic disc is controlled by a rod, which can rotate and move it. The lower disk is fixed and located at the bottom of the ceramic cartridge body.

Mixing water and shutting off the flow occurs according to the following principle:

• The holes on the ceramic discs align when the top disc is turned - this is how the water is mixed. The displacement of the upper disk leads to an increase or decrease in the water pressure at the outlet. Shutting off the water occurs in the same way.

Ceramic cartridges are somewhat different from each other:

Diameter . A cartridge for a 40 mm faucet will be marked as d40 (products with a diameter of 35 and 40 mm are most often used) with a seat (when buying a new cartridge, it is better to take the old one with you - for a sample). Rod length.

Whatever type of faucet cartridge is chosen, each of them requires the installation of a cleaning system in the form of a filter on the water pipes. This will ensure a long service life of the structure, since the most common cause of failure is clogging with grains of sand or other small particles contained in tap water.

Manufacturers of modern faucets provide a built-in filtration system.

The cartridge with ceramics is, in fact, a collapsible structure, but cannot be repaired. Finding and selecting individual components is quite a difficult task; buying a new one is both easier and cheaper. Problems that may arise during operation are usually associated with wear and tear of moving plastic parts.

Such damage leads to the fact that the parts do not fit tightly together, resulting in water leakage. In other cases, wear may occur on the ceramic plates themselves.

If the design of the mixer does not include a filter for water purification, then the ceramic cartridge may fail due to grains of sand and large particles getting into it.

Types of mixers

Modern bath and kitchen faucets come in two types, depending on which cartridge for the single-lever mixer is installed in the body:

• ball;
• ceramic.

Ball valves are not cheap; their rubber seals wear out quickly, and they are practically beyond repair. This mixer needs regular use. If it is not used for a long period, then a limescale deposit forms between the ball and the sealed gasket, which leads to jamming. In this case, the breakdown of the mixer is a matter of time. This may be why the production of such valves has not been established on a large scale.

But at the same time, such taps can withstand pressure drops and withstand hydraulic shocks. In addition, they are not sensitive to water quality, which means they are not afraid of inclusions present in the water supply.

A ceramic cartridge for a single-lever mixer, on the contrary, has a very affordable price, despite the fact that it lasts much longer than its ball counterpart and is more reliable. They can also be different based on:

• diameter;
• heights;
• landing part;
• rod length (sometimes).

In this regard, the old cartridge should be replaced with a completely identical new spare part. To do this, you should remove the defective part and go with it to the store, where you can purchase the necessary element using this sample.

The disadvantages of ceramic cartridges include sensitivity to water quality. Small particles of sand or scale act as an abrasive on parts, which leads to failure. However, this disadvantage can be compensated for by installing mechanical cleaning filters.

What does such a device affect?

The main task of the cartridge is to provide the necessary pressure and temperature of water when mixing hot and cold flow. Manufacturers more often use ceramic disk parts for the reason that they are easier to manufacture and maintain.

Expert opinion

Smirnova Ekaterina Anatolevna

7 years of experience in interior design, professional architect

These products have no advantages over ball types. While the parts are identical in terms of workmanship and service life, there are significant differences in maintenance and repair.

Examination

To begin with, it is better to close the faucets in the bathroom and kitchen if they were left open, and then resume the supply of hot and cold water. It is worth gradually retracting the handle, while simultaneously looking to see if there is a leak somewhere. Usually after such work no flaws are noticed. But if necessary, you can always turn off the water again and correct your shortcomings.

To extend the “life” of the mixer, experts advise installing a mechanical filter. In this case, nothing threatens the ceramic plates over a long period of operation.

Sizes of different types of cartridges

To select a part for the kitchen, you need to take into account such features as the configuration of different faucet models. Since the dimensions of individual plumbing fixtures can be from 28 to 35 mm, the cartridge must be selected accordingly. The largest parameters are models for a 40 mm bathroom.

The size of the mechanisms and sanitary mixer is important, since this parameter can affect the quality of use: the larger the cartridge, the higher the wear resistance characteristics. Therefore, the size of the locking mechanism is of great importance.

• washbasins in the bathroom or shower – 28/32/35 mm;

Types of cartridges depending on the principle of operation

Based on the principle of operation, there are types of cartridges designed for single-lever, double-lever faucets and thermostats.

Based on the principle of operation, the cartridges are intended for single-lever, double-lever faucets and thermostats

The most common type of locking device is the one-arm faucet. It is activated by a lever that rotates in different directions to change the position of the internal lock of the cartridge, which can be disk or ball. Single-lever faucets are installed on bathtub sinks, kitchen sinks and shower stalls.

The double-lever cartridge is used primarily for shower stalls. It is also called a divertor. The cartridge for a shower faucet is characterized not only by three flow mixing positions, but also by four or more, which is determined by the number of connected devices. For example, if a hydrobox is installed, the diverter can operate in five positions. To switch operating modes, a brass rod equipped with plates is used. It is capable of rotating around its axis 360 degrees, thanks to which the device can combine several positions.

Important! It is better to entrust the repair of the shower cabin cartridge to a specialist so as not to disrupt the performance characteristics of the product.

The thermostatic mechanism is installed in faucets equipped with a thermostat. On one side of the device body there is a temperature scale where the required parameter is set. The shut-off element is constantly in the specified position, ensuring the set temperature and the required pressure. This option is mainly used in public bathrooms. The device is convenient for families with elderly people and children.

The single-lever mixer is activated by a lever, which rotates to change the position of the internal lock of the cartridge

Each mixer option requires the use of a cartridge of a certain size, which is regulated by the current standard. The size value is determined by the diameter of the internal locking mechanism. For showers or washbasins, it is customary to use a locking mechanism measuring 28.32 and 35 mm. The shower stall is characterized by the installation of a 40 mm and 45 mm faucet cartridge.

Important! Some foreign manufacturers produce cartridges for 25 mm faucets, which are used for certain models of plumbing fixtures.

How to choose a cartridge replacement type of device - tips and selection options

The choice of the mixer core is an important point that is worth paying attention to.

If you buy an inexpensive faucet with a built-in faucet axle with a rubber gasket, then this product will not last long. When choosing a replacement cartridge, look at:

1. Material. The optimal and universal option is ceramics, which will not let water through and will not leak hot water with high pressure.
2. Design. As already mentioned, collapsible parts are better because they can be changed. It is advisable to replace the ball one with a disk one, which is easier to maintain and lasts longer.
3. Size. Getting the right size is extremely important because if you install a large cartridge, the hose will burst or the threads will wear out. If it is small, there will be a water leak, the tap will break and leak.

Division by type

In the opinion of many Russian consumers, only one two-arm mixer can and should be installed in the bathroom, serving both the sink and the bathtub. Some foreign manufacturers, respecting this private tradition in Soviet times, supply our market with “long-nosed” faucets that can be turned towards one or another plumbing fixture. Meanwhile, the global trend is in favor of separate water supply.

Washbasin faucets are mounted on a wall or sink countertop (double-valve models can be installed in one or three mounting holes) and usually have a fixed tap with a spout of modest length - 10-20 cm from the installation axis. Countertop-mounted units are usually equipped with a bottom valve, thanks to which the sink can turn into a kind of basin. Automatic control of the stopper is carried out using a switch button or a special lever: the user does not need to put his hands into contaminated water to open the valve. In addition, models are available with a retractable spout, which makes cleaning the sink easier, and with a hygienic shower (bidette), which allows you to use the toilet as a bidet.

Bathtub faucets can be installed on the wall, on the side or on the floor. Many foreign models serve only a shower and do not have a spout designed for drawing water into the font. But there are also combined devices equipped with a tap; some of them boast pleasant improvements (for example, a tabulated push-button switch from shower to spout in models from Jacob Delafon).

A modern shower mixer is a duplex system that combines a rigid connection to a stationary shower head on a vertical rod and a water supply for connecting a hand shower on a flexible hose, for which a separate bracket is provided for fixing. In recent years, hidden wiring has been increasingly used not only for supply pipes, but also for a fixed rod. It’s even more convenient if the curved spout is equipped with a retractable hose with a sprayer and a water jet position switch. Such faucets can be adapted for a variety of household needs: say, in the garage for washing a car or in the hallway to wash the dog’s paws.

A worthy alternative to faucets with a pull-out shower head are products with a high rotating spout or two spouts, lower and upper. Such models cope well with non-standard dishes, and are considered more reliable.

For sinks installed near a window opening , faucets with a folding spout are suitable. When not in use, it is brought to a horizontal position so that it does not interfere with opening the window or admiring the surrounding landscape.

Attention! If you are planning to install a dishwasher or household filter, then pay attention to models equipped with special valves. Otherwise, you will have to take care of the wiring of the supply water supply.

Our information

The mixer can be equipped with water supply copper pipes or flexible hoses. Russian consumers prefer the second option: firstly, our plumbers are accustomed to flexible hoses; secondly, copper pipes require special fixation using adapters with collet clamps. Mixers are installed in three ways. The device can be attached to the water supply tube using a simple nut. For greater reliability, staples with cylindrical nuts are used. The third method is available even to inexperienced housewives. In this case, the mixer is installed from above using a hex wrench, which is included in the mixer kit, the bottom valve lever is removed, then the mixer is screwed to the inlet anchor. The whole operation takes no more than a minute.

Our advice

In order for the chrome-plated faucet to serve for a long time and look like new, it is recommended to: install filters at the outlet of the water supply pipes to purify the water from mechanical impurities; remove lime deposits from aerators at least once a year; wash faucets using special compounds or liquid dishwashing detergents. Limescale deposits can be removed with a soft cloth soaked in a weak vinegar solution. The use of abrasive powders and steel wool is unacceptable.

Basic faults

During the operation of the mixer, malfunctions arise that are associated both with the quality of the water and with incorrect operational features of the plumbing fixture. The axle crane takes on a large load, since water under high pressure passes through it.

If the spare part is of low quality, then after several months of active use the mixer will leak.

Frequent causes of faucet cartridge failure:

• hard water with a high content of salts and mineral scale, which accumulates on the core of the mixer, the cartridge simply “sticks” and becomes coated with plaque;
• pressure differences in water supply. With sudden jumps, the part quickly breaks and bursts;
• If the diameter of the faucet spout does not correspond to the size of the cartridge, then noise and crackling will be heard when water is supplied.

1. Lubricate the plates. This will help reduce friction and increase operation. Oily mixtures and sealants are used.
2. Adjust the thermostatic cartridge if the device has reset due to frequent use of low-quality water.
3. Remove clogs from the threads using an old toothbrush.

Cosmetic repairs or complete replacement of the cartridge in the mixer

The average period of operation of a cartridge in a faucet is 4-7 years. The fact that the internal locking mechanism needs to be replaced will be indicated by the lack of smooth movement of the lever, difficulty adjusting the intensity of water flow, poor mixing of cold and hot flows and the presence of leaks in the device in the closed position.

The last sign may indicate that the sealing gasket has worn out. To eliminate the problem, it will be enough to replace it. If a leak from the device is observed again after this, this state of affairs indicates the need to replace the mixer itself. The cartridge or the plumbing device itself needs to be replaced if significant damage to the mechanism body is detected.

Incorrect operation of the mixer is not always a reason to completely replace the cartridge

If there is a creaking or hum when operating the faucet after replacing the cartridge in the faucet, this indicates that the shut-off device is not sized correctly. Because the valve's outlet diameter is smaller than its outlet or the stem is too long, the lever will not rotate normally around its axis. The situation can only be corrected by replacing the cartridge.

Important! The faucet can make a lot of noise due to a sharp pressure drop in the system, which is easy to fix by replacing the sealing gasket.

Incorrect operation of the locking mechanism is not always a reason to completely replace the device. If there is wear on the decorative rings or clogging of the working surfaces, it is enough to perform cosmetic repairs to the mixer cartridge.

You can reduce the friction force and extend the life of the cartridge by lubricating the plates with a special oil composition or a sealed mixture. If the working surfaces of the discs become clogged, remove the debris using a regular toothbrush or cotton wool soaked in vinegar. If the thermostatic cartridge is not working correctly, you need to reset the settings and readjust its operation. Failure may occur as a result of frequent use of the device and poor quality water passing through it.

If the cartridge is not selected in size, there will be a creaking or hum when operating the mixer

Tips for choosing cartridge types

When choosing a shut-off sanitary device, look at the characteristics. If they are questionable, the mixer may break, and the mechanism will be difficult to rotate around its axis.

Due to breakdowns, the crane will also quickly become unusable. Sometimes the liner cracks and the thread wears out.

This happens due to low-quality materials used in the production of the spare part.

By studying the shape and number of holes in the faucet, you can determine the main parameter for identifying the locking mechanism. However, remember that the number of grooves and protrusions is not always the same. Mechanisms with a different hole arrangement cannot be installed in the device.

Criterias of choice

When buying a mixer, you need to pay special attention to what cartridge is installed in the housing, whether similar elements are available for sale, so that if it breaks, you can easily purchase a new one.

When choosing a mixer, you need to clearly understand the situation, because the availability of the device’s components for free sale will allow you to repair the product at any time. You need to ask the official representative of this product about the availability of all components in your region.

When purchasing expensive products, you need to know that they include high quality ceramic discs. They differ from the usual ones in that they have a high degree of conjugation and a long application time. Such positive qualities are achieved due to the use of high-precision equipment with further grinding using ultrasound.

The video explains how to choose a cartridge for a faucet:

It is worth distinguishing two types of cartridges:

Ball cartridge

It is a ball with three holes and a pin. Water enters the spout through the holes. The pin is in direct contact with the handle. By moving the mixer handle, we activate the ball, regulating the water pressure and temperature.

A ceramic cartridge (disc cartridge) consists of two plates in which holes are located. The plate material is metal ceramics.

When you turn the mixer handle, the holes on the discs are aligned and the water is mixed. Thus, the water pressure and its temperature are regulated.

If the disk cartridge fails, it must be replaced, because... it is not being repaired.

Ceramic cartridges differ from each other in the following quantities:

• different cartridge diameters. The diameter is indicated by the English letter “d” and the value is written next to it, usually 35 mm, 40 mm. The difference in diameters affects the throughput of the mixer. The smaller the diameter, the fewer liters of water flows per minute
• seat
• rod size (its thickness and length)

Ball and ceramic cartridges can fail due to poor water quality and the presence of abrasive particles. Therefore, in order to prevent damage to cartridges due to poor quality water, you need to install a coarse filter for hot and cold water.

If the cartridge nevertheless fails, this will be indicated by water leaking from under the mixer handle, then it must be replaced with a new original one, or an analogue with the same dimensions must be selected. When purchasing a new cartridge, we recommend taking the old one with you in order to correctly select the new one.

Please note that the adjusting rod can be plastic or brass. It is better to opt for brass.

It is worth noting that kitchen faucets, as a rule, fail more often, because... In the kitchen we often wash dishes, cook, wash fruits and vegetables. Modern kitchen faucets are mostly single-handle and with ceramic cartridges, so below we will describe the step-by-step replacement of such a cartridge.

How to replace a ceramic cartridge in a single-handle faucet

1. First, turn off the water in the apartment
2. Find the red and blue plug on the mixer handle, which indicates hot and cold water, and remove it. This is very easy to do, just pry it off with a screwdriver.
3. Unscrew the screw located under the plug. This way we will disconnect the lever (handle) from the cartridge rod.
4. Remove the lever from the mixer body.
5. Remove the decorative cap.
6. Unscrew the nut to release the cartridge.
7. Replace the old cartridge with a new one and assemble the mixer.

Now you see that replacing the cartridge is very simple and you can do it yourself, there is nothing complicated.

How to change a cartridge in a mixer: work sequence

Before replacing the cartridge in the mixer, you should prepare tools and materials such as a new locking mechanism, a flat-head screwdriver, an adjustable wrench, pliers, and thick rubber.

At the first stage, the supply of cold and hot water is shut off, which will prevent flooding. Under the swing arm there is a decorative plug that is simply inserted into the hole. To dismantle it, you will need a screwdriver, with which you need to pull out the element.

Under the plug there is a screw that holds the lever of the ceramic locking device. It should be unscrewed, after which the cover should be carefully removed. Under the lever there is a decorative clamping nut that can be easily unscrewed by hand. The tool should not be used to prevent damage to the outer surface and threads. Under the nut there is a decorative ring and a regular nut, which can be unscrewed using an adjustable wrench.

The lever and its elements may become stuck to the mixer body, which complicates its dismantling. This is a consequence of element oxidation or rust. To solve this problem, you can pour hot water over the connection point. In this case, oxygen-containing compounds or vinegar will also help. The threaded connection can be heated with a hair dryer.

At the first stage, use a screwdriver to dismantle the decorative plug, which is simply inserted into the hole

You can unscrew the lever using a key. To avoid damaging the body of the product, a woven material should be placed on it first. Sometimes the tap is struck with a hammer at a certain point.

Now you can remove the cartridge itself and inspect it. To do this, perform light rocking effects on the element upward and to the side. If cracks, chips or other visible damage is found, it should be replaced with a new device.

Important! The new cartridge must be identical to the old product or match it in terms of material and size.

Before replacing the cartridge in the faucet with a new mechanism, the inside of the faucet must be cleaned of dirt. A new cartridge is installed in the seat by inserting the protrusions of the device into the grooves of the mixer body. Correct installation of the element will be indicated by a characteristic click, which will require some effort to achieve. Then you need to screw on the fixing nut and ring. The final step is to install the lever and then secure it with a screw. Next, the hole should be closed with a decorative plug.

The decorative clamping nut, which is located under the lever, can be easily unscrewed by hand

Mixer element

The main functional element of the mixer is a replaceable cartridge that mixes water and adjusts the intensity of its supply.

Daily loads from water and pressure in the plumbing system affect the condition of the cartridge, the faucet begins to leak and drip. The cartridge should be replaced in accordance with the installed model and the recommendations of the manufacturer of plumbing fixtures.

The basis for choosing a cartridge are:

• valve material

• typical case diameter (from 35 to 40 mm)

• the length of the working rod and the specific configuration of the seat.

Replacement cartridges are distinguished by design. Types of cartridges for mixers: ball or plate, which in turn are divided into collapsible and non-separable models.

Useful tips

The operating principle of ball and plate (disc) cartridges is identical. The difference lies in the design: a ball cartridge has a ball at the base of the device with holes for water flow, while a plate cartridge has ceramic discs.

The blocking of the water flow in ceramic plate cartridges is carried out due to the tight connection of the protrusions of the plate holes. Naturally, there is a difference in price: cermet cartridges with a brass rod are cheaper than a thermostat cartridge.

Non-separable cartridges, unlike the collapsible model, cannot be repaired. They are replaced completely as a unit.

Summarizing

Any faucet cartridge has moving elements, which means that friction will sooner or later take its toll and the cartridge will have to be replaced. Fortunately, such a device is inexpensive, and even a novice plumber can handle the replacement; just follow the suggested instructions. (See also the article How to choose a sink: features.)

The video in this article can be used as a visual aid on how to replace the cartridge in a faucet.

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