You can repair your bathroom faucet yourself. If any problems arise, you can correct the situation on your own if the malfunctions are not too serious. It is important to understand in more detail possible breakdowns of the mixer and the factors that led to this.
There is nothing complicated in repairing a mixer; you can fix it yourself
Types and design of mixers
There are various models of mixers. They differ in the type of fastening.
- Wall-mounted. They are fixed to communications coming out of the walls. More suitable for the bath.
- Pre-installed. They are connected to the outlet hoses through holes made by the manufacturer.
- Mortise. Holes are pre-made where the model is mounted and secured. Used for non-standard room layouts.
There are different types based on the principle of action. This affects the functionality of the locking element.
- Single lever. It is based on a rotary lever. Can be rotated horizontally or vertically. More suitable for the kitchen due to ease of use;
- Two-valve. The basis is two valves, separately for cold and hot water. This type is considered the most reliable. A classic option that is in demand;
- Sensory. It is based on a photocell that reacts to a hand that is brought to the spout. The option is more expensive and uses high technology.
There are different types of mixers, so each one has its own instructions.
Types of bath-shower switches
The design of mixers has undergone changes, which has made it possible to create more reliable and convenient devices.
Zolotnikova
An outdated type of switch, not found in modern mixers. It is impossible to purchase spare parts. If the bathroom has USSR-era plumbing, the switch may be of the spool type. Inside the structure there is a barrel and an eccentric. Water supply begins when the rod equipped with a protrusion rotates. When the barrel is pressed against the body, the liquid from the watering can stops flowing. Failures occur in the protrusion or rod, causing the shower switch to not work correctly.
Push-button pull
More modern faucets are equipped with such parts. Crane repair in this case involves replacing worn out components. The system operates like a pull-out plug with a rod that moves the valve to different positions. The latter is the most frequently damaged. Water begins to flow simultaneously from the watering can and the spout. At maximum pressure, the switch moves spontaneously.
Cork type
The plug-type switch is an improved version of the spool model. The protruding rod is complemented by a spring that holds the part in the desired position. The notched plug is made of corrosion-resistant brass. The switch lever has a size from 7 to 10 cm. Such mixers are quite reliable. Despite being discontinued, they can be found in some apartments. The plug is subject to wear, and sometimes the movement of the lever is disrupted.
Ball
If you disassemble the ball switch, you will find a small brass ball. It is located between two plates. The holes in the ball are installed towards the spout or shower. The device often fails due to the accumulation of lime deposits. Sand, lime and other solid particles interfere with the movement of the ball. The switch begins to close. If there is no proper maintenance, the ball gets stuck and the lever stops moving.
Regular cleaning can help prevent problems from occurring.
Cartridge
Such switches are considered the most reliable. The design includes a locking mechanism called a cartridge. It is made from metal, plastic or ceramic. When the lever is turned, the part changes position, causing water to flow from the tap or watering can. Cartridges are sensitive to contamination. Installing a filter that catches large particles helps to avoid breakdowns.
The main causes of faucet breakdowns
There are several main reasons why a faucet may break down. They are reflected in the table.
| Cause | Description |
| Low quality product | Applies mainly to manufacturers that are not widely known. They may use low quality materials in the production of the model. |
| Reusing old consumables | Rubber products have a shorter service life than silicone products. They are more susceptible to deformation and may collapse due to drying out. |
| There is dirty water in the pipes | The quality of water greatly affects the faucet and its service life. |
| Using water with high hardness | It is reflected on the internal elements of the product. As a result, deposits occur and the seals crack. |
There are several reasons why a faucet may break.
Installation and repair of a bathroom faucet with shower
It is useful to know the structure of a bathroom faucet with a shower. After all, this will allow you to find the cause of the breakdown and fix everything. A shower allows you to significantly save water. It adds convenience when taking a bath. Therefore, many homes have a faucet that is connected to the ability to switch to a shower. Their device cannot be called simple. This leads to a fairly frequent need to repair them or completely change them. Business disruptions can happen at the wrong time. Therefore, it is worth knowing how to determine the cause of the breakdown and try to eliminate it.
It is not always the quality of the product that lets you down. An expensive faucet can also fail. The main and most common reason is the quality of the water used. It can ruin even a high-quality model. Sometimes damage from bad water is so severe that repair is impossible and the product must be replaced with a new one.
It is better to know the structure of the mixer in advance, so it will be easier to repair it
Types of breakdowns and methods for fixing them
We list the most common problems with sanitary water faucets with detailed instructions on how to fix the problem.
Failure No. 1 – low water pressure
Using water that comes out of a tap in a thin stream instead of a rapid stream is inconvenient and not very pleasant. If the neighbors on the landing have the same pressure, the reason is most likely that the aerator is clogged.
This element is often included in the design of modern faucets. The mixer aerator saturates the water with air bubbles, reducing its consumption and reducing splashing. Fixing a clogged aerator will not take much time or effort.
To do this, you will need to grab the aerator with pliers and unscrew it. Remove the mesh filter from the device, then rinse the parts thoroughly, clearing them of small debris and deposits. After cleaning, the device is assembled and inserted back into the tap.
Failure No. 2 – valve leakage
A common cause of water constantly dripping from a faucet is a worn gasket. This minor part plays a dominant role in old-style valve mixers, where it ensures the tight fit of the shut-off valve to the seat - the hole intended for water flow.
This type of problem can be easily corrected. You just need to stock up on a new high-quality gasket, as well as wrenches and lever wrenches.
You need to proceed according to the following instructions:
- Securely shut off the water supply system.
- Using a wrench, carefully release the bolt securing the wing.
- Move the adjustable wrench counterclockwise to unscrew the leaking housing.
- Remove the worn gasket and insert a new one in its place.
- Take the sealant - FUM tape, and wind it clockwise under the stop edge.
- Reinstall the housing and tighten the bolt, after which you can turn on the water.
If, even after replacing the gasket, the faucet continues to flow, you need to pay attention to the “saddle”. With long-term and frequent use of the mixer, this part begins to deform, become covered with scratches, cracks, which can lead to leakage.
To solve the problem, you need to identify the damaged area, and then use a cutter to turn the found area with a little effort. This way you can level the plane of the “saddle”, thanks to which the mixer will easily fall into place and the leak will stop.
Failure No. 3 – the locking mechanism is faulty
A leak from under the lever is usually associated with a breakdown of the locking mechanism, which must be replaced with a similar element.
The following signs will help you verify this:
- it is difficult to operate the lever due to unexpected resistance;
- the supply of cold/hot water stops;
- the flowing stream spontaneously changes temperature;
- it is impossible to close or open the valve all the way.
We repair valve mixers
The basis of the design of this product are crane boxes. Troubleshooting is not that difficult. The water pressure is regulated using a rod. A leak may occur due to the formation of a gap between it and the walls of the channel where it moves. You can verify this by paying attention to the course of rotation, whether it is free or smooth.
If the option with a gap is confirmed, it is recommended to use Fum tape or tow, which is impregnated with grease. It is wound over the screw part. Using sealant, lubricate the channel groove.
It won’t be difficult to troubleshoot problems with such a mixer.
A leak may occur due to a leaky gasket. To change it, you need to cut a new seal from a special kit. It is important that there are no protrusions on the circle. Unscrew the screw on the stem. Sometimes you need to pry the rubber band with a screwdriver to get it out. Replace it with a new one, do the steps in reverse order.
A four-turn valve that rotates 90 degrees has a slightly different operating principle. One of the key elements is the crane axle box, its ceramic pair and rubber seal. The latter becomes denser over time due to frequent compression. As a result, a gap is formed where water leakage begins. You can change the bolt assembly. But its cost is higher than that of a standard axle box. Therefore it is worth carrying out repairs. To disassemble the structure, the seal is pulled out. Remove the locking washer from the stem neck. Knock the rod out of the channel with a light blow. The stem is washed and all lime is removed. You will need silicone or grease, which needs to be used to lubricate the oil seals located in the center of the part that has just been washed.
It is important to clean and lubricate the channel as well. Make several thin strips of electrical tape and stick them on the ceramic plate that meets the stem plug. The bolt assembly is assembled; the steps are performed in the reverse order.
You can repair the mixer yourself; its design is not complicated.
If the shower mixer in the bathroom is broken.
Broken shower switch.
Another common occurrence is the breakdown of the switch that regulates the shower spout. If this switch is plugged, the repair will be simple and take very little time. Quite often, the problem is that when using a shower, water also leaks from a regular tap. That is, the switch is not securely closed. This task can be easily solved - you just need to carefully check the condition of the O-rings and gaskets.
Water leaks from the tap when it is turned off.
The fault lies in the conical plug of the socket. Perhaps its surface is finished poorly. In this case, you need to make sure that there is no obvious damage to this structure. To make sure that the seals are in good condition, it is worth dismantling the mixer. If the gasket and seal are worn out, they simply need to be replaced with new ones. In addition, you need to check how accurately they are installed. This is done like this:
- The union nut is unscrewed
- The handle is removed
- The plug is pulled out
- After thorough drying, stripes are applied along it with chalk.
- Then it is put in place and the plug is rotated in both directions alternately. After removing it, it will become clear from the chalk marks whether they have been erased evenly or not. If the abrasions are even, then there are no problems, but if they are uneven, then there are scuffs. To get rid of them, you need to rub in this plug. Sandpaper and abrasive paste can be used for this. You need to wrap the plug itself in sandpaper, then insert it into place - this will allow you to grind the socket. Next, you should use the paste and repeat the procedure again.
Repair of a flexible shower hose.
Another common problem is the failure of the flexible hose. It can fray in the place where it is connected to the mixer body. Most often, its integrity is broken at the outlet next to the union nut. This problem is easily solved with a new hose. You can also try to repair it. Otherwise, it is necessary to remove the braid from the hose in order to identify the faulty location. To do this you need:
- Remove the flap nut
- Unscrew the wire
- Pry off the nipple and carefully remove the hose.
If the push-button switch of the shower mixer is broken.
The push-button switches in the mixer may also be faulty, which leads to consequences such as water flowing down the pusher. The reasons for this phenomenon are the weakening of the bushing in the oil seal or its packing has simply become unsuitable for use. There is only one solution - replacing the oil seal. Before starting work, turn off the water inlet valves. To carry out the replacement, you will need a wrench, with which you can unscrew the nut, pull out the assembly from there and change the packing. Do not forget that cutting the rod must be rid of particles of this stuffing.
Shower Braid Repair
In some cases, the main cause of the malfunction is the frayed chrome braid that is located around the hose. This is noticeable when coils of this braid stick out from under the nut. To correct this defect, remove the nut and align the end of the spiral. This is done with pliers. Then you just need to assemble the mixer. If you have difficulty tightening the nut, you should grind off the metal a little. All you need for this is a file.
Replacing a flexible hose
If you need to completely replace the flexible hose on the faucet, you should first check the new hose for the presence of rubber gaskets at both ends. The old hose can be easily removed from the faucet, then disconnect the shower head. It is necessary to carefully check the integrity of the rubber gasket that remains in the place where the watering can is attached to the hose. This operation only takes a few minutes and requires almost no tools. In order for the mixer to serve well and without problems, you need to remember the rules for caring for it. Under no circumstances should you clean it with metal objects, and also do not use preparations containing oxygen when cleaning it. That is, all you need is a soft sponge and a disinfectant.
Be sure to check whether your hot and cold water are installed correctly.
Can a lever faucet be repaired?
In joystick models, the bolt cartridges cannot be repaired. You just need to change them. The design of such a mixer looks unusual. You can try to handle it yourself, but not everyone decides to do this, preferring to entrust it to a plumber.
On most models the screw is located under the lever. If you unscrew it, you will have access to the cap. A joystick moves around it, which controls the water pressure.
Shutter cartridges in such models cannot be repaired; they need to be replaced
The cap should be screwed off. The top of the cartridge will become visible. You will also see a hexagon. Unscrew it. Afterwards you get access to the bolt assembly, which should be pulled out. Before installing a new one, it is recommended to thoroughly clean the cartridge slot using a brush. Treat the threaded grooves in the same way. Otherwise, when solid particles get under the seal, a leak will appear. If you do not clean the threads of the locking nut, the same problem may occur. Therefore, before replacing with a new element, it is important to clean everything to avoid leakage in the future.
Before installing a new cartridge, you should thoroughly clean the slot
Weak stream of water
The water stream may be weak due to the aerator becoming clogged. Then you should unscrew it. Take the aerator mesh and blow it out. Then rinse it from all sides. Return everything to its original position.
If the gasket has worn out and lost its original properties, this can lead to a weakening of the water pressure in the tap. This situation can be corrected only by replacing the gasket and rings themselves. Dealing with such a problem is not difficult. The key difficulty that you may encounter will be finding a rubber ring for the spool. It is not often found on sale. Usually the mixer comes with some spare parts. If there is no such ring, you can make it yourself. Use any rubber, it is important that it is tight. Please note that a homemade ring is a temporary measure and will not last long. So be sure to purchase a quality part.
The water jet may be weak due to the aerator becoming clogged.
The most common faucet defects and possible solutions
Failed installation
Many faucet problems are related to the installation itself. Often you want to install the mixer yourself, which gives a good result only if you follow the instructions and perform the operations accurately and thoughtfully. If you do this quickly and carelessly, without the appropriate knowledge, trying to assemble the mixer like pieces of a PUZZLE, it is likely that some parts will disappear, and some will be damaged or installed incorrectly. The consequences of such actions are most often a leaking faucet, lack of water pressure and a damaged appearance of the faucet. You can remove a newly installed faucet and install it again, after thoroughly cleaning previously used surfaces for a long time, but there are cases when the faucet will need to be repaired or replaced. The MAGMA service center recommends that if you are not confident in the successful installation of the mixer, it is better to entrust this work to a plumber.
Leak and drops
Leaking or seeping is one of the most common problems you encounter on a daily basis and is also the easiest to notice. Water leakage can be observed both in the area of the brackets (attachment to the wall), under the faucet handle, and at the aerator (mesh at the end of the water outlet) or at the flexible underwater hoses under the sink. Often the problem can be solved at home; the leaking connection must be tightened further. But there are cases when repair or replacement of the mixer is necessary. MAGMA faucets come with a 5-year warranty and a responsive service center offers free servicing.
Low water pressure
Low or insufficient water pressure, similar to leakage, is a common problem with faucets. First of all, it may be associated with a water supply common to the entire house, a water filter, or some other factor not related to the mixer. For faucets, one of the most common causes is calcification of the aerator (the mesh at the end of the water outlet) or the aerator becoming clogged with some debris from a clogged water supply. This kind of problem is like a bomb with a fuse, since often the pressure upstream of the aerator is sufficient, but taking into account the flow rate of the aerator it increases. This means that the faucet may experience water pressure higher than what the manufacturer stated, and this problem can lead to many larger consequences - a rupture of the water outlet or the body itself. MAGMA specialists advise cleaning the aerator every time it seems that the water pressure has decreased at least a little.
Plaque on the mixer
During prolonged use, deposits may appear on some parts of the mixer body. This, of course, degrades the quality of the water and the functionality of the faucet. Sometimes the faucet inlet or flexible supply hose may become coated with plaque. If these signs are detected, we advise you to urgently replace the relevant parts, since the quality of drinking water is important for everyone’s health. Mixers produced by MAGMA do not have this problem, since their bodies are made of brass. Brass has antibacterial properties, which improves the quality of drinking water and ensures the absence of harmful impurities in the water we receive. At the same time, this problem is typical for zinc and stainless steel faucets found on the market.
A wide selection of high-quality faucets and various spare parts is available in our plumbing showroom at Riga, Katrinas Dambis 18a. Plan a visit - and we look forward to your visit!
Leakage from under the gander clamp nut
If such a leak occurs, you can fix the problem yourself by replacing the gasket. To do this, follow these steps.
- You need to unscrew the hose.
- Remove the old gasket and replace it with a new one.
- Be sure to wrap the threads.
- Put everything back together. Simply screwing the hose into place is enough.
After this, the leak should stop.
If this problem occurs, you need to change the gasket.
Replacing the cartridge in the mixer
To replace the cartridge, you need to remove the regulator knob.
This is done according to the following algorithm:
- Shut off and drain the water;
- We dismantle the mixer;
- Use a knife or screwdriver to pry up the decorative plug and remove it;
- Unscrew the screw;
- Remove the lever;
- We take out the cartridge and install a new one in its place;
- We do the assembly.
You can select a cartridge here.
When to change the cartridge
A disk cartridge can fail as a result of worn-out plastic moving parts. Plates made from ceramic last longer. They don't wear out as often as rubber ones. But it is useless to look for the exact cause of the breakdown. The cartridge cannot be repaired, it can only be replaced with a new one. Therefore, whatever the cause of the malfunction, a new part will be needed in any case.
The cartridge cannot be repaired, it can only be replaced
You can determine that the cartridge has become unusable by the following signs.
- The water does not mix at the proper level. The leak can only be either cold or hot.
- There were problems with the water supply. If you turn the lever to any extreme position, water does not flow.
- If the lever is in a fixed position, constant changes in water temperature occur.
- When you turn on the water, you cannot turn it on at full pressure.
- Problems with completely shutting off the water. This cannot be done.
- There is water leaking under the handle.
- It takes some effort to turn the lever.
Water directly affects the quality of operation of the mixer. Harmful impurities that it may be rich in lead to the formation of limescale and rust. This spoils the product, clogs it and does not allow it to work well and for a long time. To reduce the likelihood of such a problem occurring or delay its occurrence as much as possible, it is worth using filters that make the water softer and purify it mechanically.
Water directly affects the quality of operation of the mixer
Breakdowns of single-lever mixers and their elimination
Reducing the flow volume from a faucet
Most likely, the cause of the malfunction was a clogged aerator - a special nozzle that is attached to the end of the gander designed for water outlet. The aerator saturates the stream with oxygen, and also helps to ensure that it is smooth and splashes water around as little as possible. The aerator can be made of either plastic or metal. To fix this problem, you need to remove the aerator from the spout and wash it. Often water has increased hardness, which contributes to clogging. After cleaning the aerator, you need to screw it into place.
Faucet leaking
This problem may be caused by a foreign body stuck in the valve discs or ball sleeve area. Since the valve plays the role of a regulator for opening and stopping the supply of drinking water, the foreign body located between its disks contributes to the fact that water continues to flow into the gander, despite the fact that the valve is closed. To fix the problem, you will need to disassemble parts of the mixer body. If the shutter is a ceramic cartridge, then it is impossible to disassemble and repair it. In this case, it is advisable to replace this part with a new one. A mixer with a ball cartridge can be easily repaired with your own hands. During disassembly, it is necessary to carefully inspect the seal, springs and other parts of the internal structure of the ball cartridge, remove blockages, and replace worn parts with new ones.
Two-valve mixer (leaking from under the valve)
The reasons for the appearance of such a leak.
- The crane axlebox is out of order.
- The rings in the faucet axlebox are very worn.
To get rid of such a nuisance, it is important to follow several simple steps.
- Turn off the water completely. To do this you need to use a riser;
- Remove the plugs.
- Unscrew the screw from the valve. Be careful and careful. It is important not to damage the thread in the process.
- Unscrew the valve axle. To do this you will need to use a key.
- If the ring or the valve axle itself is faulty, it is necessary to replace them.
In many cases, repairing a faucet is simple; it is only important to know the design of the part.
When all the listed manipulations have been completed, reassemble everything in the reverse order and believe how well the faucet works.
Any faucet model will not last forever. There will be problems and breakdowns from time to time. You can repair your bathroom faucet yourself. In many situations this is not difficult. It is only important to understand the cause of the malfunction and eliminate it. Usually it all comes down to replacing the required part. In some situations, you can make a temporary copy of it so that you have time to find the one you need.
Eliminating leaks in the faucet box
The crane axle box can also be installed in a regular mixer in place of the worm gear; technologically there are no obstacles to this. For the first few years after installation, you don’t even have to look at the tap - it won’t leak. The design of a ceramic faucet is as follows: two disks pressed against each other have through holes. When the tap is open, the holes match, when it is closed, they do not. Simple, like everything ingenious. If after some time such a faucet still leaks, just tighten the lock nut on the body and the problem will be solved.
But, when buying a new crane axlebox, it is better to take the old one with you, for which you need to dismantle it. Based on characteristics such as the height and diameter of the threaded part, the number of slots for the handwheel handle, the presence of a decorative cap on top of the head, our manager will select a new faucet axle .
You can select cranebooks here.
