When equipping kitchen sinks and showers, single-lever faucets are most common. They are easy to install and convenient to use. The main functional mechanism of such models is the cartridge, the resource of which is limited.
You can install a new cartridge instead of a worn one yourself. We will tell you what steps are involved in replacing a cartridge in a faucet, and what nuances should be taken into account when repairing crane equipment. Our recommendations and step-by-step instructions will help you repair the device perfectly.
Types of cartridges for faucets
The main purpose of the cartridge is to mix hot and cold water flows, as well as regulate the intensity of their supply, ensuring the uninterrupted operation of plumbing equipment.
When equipping single-lever mixers, two types of devices are used: ball and disk. In terms of service life, they are approximately equal. But still, the bulk of faucets for domestic use are equipped with disk-type mechanisms.
In the event of a breakdown of the main functional mechanism of a plumbing fixture, you should replace the cartridge in the mixer as quickly as possible
This is due to the fact that the legal situation with the production of ceramic disk mechanisms is much simpler. Not all manufacturers have a license to manufacture ball-type devices. In order not to pay for the right to issue, it is easier for companies to produce disk devices that are in demand on the market.
Steel ball devices
The design of the ball joystick is a locking element in the form of a hollow steel ball, equipped with three interconnected holes: two inlet and one outlet.
The hollow element, seated in a cartridge sleeve made of high-strength rubber, is connected to the transmission mechanism using a lever
The temperature and flow pressure are set depending on the position of the holes in the inlet pipes and the cavities of the ball. The larger the overlap area, the stronger the flow.
When the lever is turned or tilted, the walls of the ball block one or both holes, allowing flows from the nozzles with hot or cold water to enter and mix inside the cavities of the shut-off element.
The main disadvantage of ball devices is their vulnerability to deposits that form and accumulate inside them during operation. They impair the smoothness of pressing the mechanism, causing the joystick to malfunction.
In the design of most models, the ball and seat are placed in a single cartridge body, but there are also options where the base is attached directly to the inner walls of the tap
Based on the diameter, height and mounting part, these types of devices are presented in a wide range on the market. Therefore, when changing the cartridge on a mixer, it is important to select and install a completely identical spare part.
To protect yourself from mistakes when choosing, leading to unplanned waste, when buying a new “core”, it is advisable to take a used old one with you as a sample.
Disc “cores” made of ceramic plates
Disk cartridges are equipped with two smooth and tightly adjacent plates made of metal ceramics. The lower plate is securely fixed in the “core”, and the movable upper plate is connected to the control rod, due to which it rotates freely around its axis.
In cylindrical devices, water flows are mixed due to the displacement of the disks relative to each other, as a result of which the holes completely or partially overlap
The mixing cavity contains a metal mesh, the main purpose of which is to suppress noise. In some models, the role of a noise absorber is performed by shaped protrusions.
The basis for fixing the handle of the single-lever device is the rod. It is attached to the upper ceramic disc and can be removed if necessary.
The water pressure in the cylindrical “cores” is adjusted by moving the top plate. It is equipped with projections and depressions that cover the holes of the lower disk. The more the holes are closed, the weaker the pressure.
At a given position of the lever, the depressions and protrusions of the “core” are tightly aligned, as a result of which the water supply from the tap is completely blocked
To increase the tightness of the structure, most models have rubber gaskets installed at the bottom of the mechanism. To extend the “life” of ceramic elements, a metal mesh is provided. It acts as a coarse filter.
Cartridges for shower stalls have a similar device. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the design and features of their repair.
DIY replacement
components of the cartridge
Detailed instructions:
- The mixer lever should be raised up.
- Remove the decorative insert (pry it slightly and pull it towards you), which represents the supply of cold and hot water. This will allow us to get close to the propeller.
- Taking the hexagon , carefully loosen the fixation of the lever, after which it can be carefully removed.
- We remove the decorative part and gain access to the location of the nut that secures the cartridge.
- Using an adjustable wrench, unscrew the nut and remove the cartridge by lifting it by the upper part. The removal process is complete and does not require complete dismantling of the crane, which is a definite advantage.
- Next , it is recommended to clean the internal area of the mixer from plaque and scale formation using an ordinary toothbrush and any specialized anti-plaque product.
cartridge replacement process
Now you can begin installing the cartridge by performing all the steps in reverse order:
- To begin , insert the new cartridge, ensuring that its grooves fit into the grooves of the mixer. There should be some kind of fixation at the bottom.
- The nut that secures the device in the upper part should be screwed in and tightened with an adjustable wrench.
- We return the decorative insert to its place and tighten it by hand.
- Then, insert the control lever into the device mount.
- The screw that secures the lever is tightened using a hexagon.
- We return the decorative element of the cold and hot water supply sides to its place.
- Be sure to check at the end of the work whether everything was done correctly. To do this, we test the functionality of the mixer by first opening the water pressure supply tap.
- At this point, the process of replacing the device is completed. If you follow the instructions, the process is completely easy to perform and does not require special knowledge and skills.
Popular cartridge sizes
When purchasing a replacement element, it is important to pay attention not only to its shape, but also to the location of the holes for the rod. The sizes of replacement cartridges are standardized for each faucet model.
For plumbing equipment from the Hansgrohe and Blanco brands, the shut-off devices may differ significantly even depending on the type of faucet installed
Most manufacturers of single-lever faucets use cartridges in sizes 28 mm, 32 mm and 35 mm. In products of the Kaiser and Grohe brands you can often find functional mechanisms in sizes 40 mm and 46 mm.
The most frequently purchased products include products with a diameter of 40 mm. They are marked d40. In addition to standard sizes, many original models often have components in sizes 18 mm, 20 mm and 22 mm.
The diameter of the product does not have a serious impact on the operating parameters of the mixer; it’s all about the dimensions and shape of the plumbing equipment
When purchasing a cartridge, check whether the product can be returned and whether there is a warranty for it. Please note that if the device is not suitable, it can be returned or replaced in the store no later than two weeks from the date of purchase.
Blitz tips
- If there is poor regulation of the water temperature in the operation of the mixer or the lever of the plumbing fixture is difficult to turn, then you should immediately begin replacing the cartridge.
- Each model of plumbing fixture has a certain type of cartridge installed, so in order to avoid purchasing an unsuitable model, it is recommended to go to a specialized store along with the failed device, which is quite easy to remove.
- All cartridges are equipped with small tabs to ensure correct installation. If the assembly steps were performed incorrectly, the device will not allow you to tighten the nut that directly presses it. This makes it easier to replace the part, since it is always possible to correct mistakes.
- When choosing a device for a mixer, you should pay attention to the availability of spare parts and warranty service. These seemingly insignificant nuances will help in case of breakdowns.
- When purchasing the most expensive parts from well-known manufacturers , you should not flatter yourself with the hope of eternal use. In the case when the water supplied to the pipes contains many impurities and does not meet good quality indicators, the parts of the plumbing fixture will accumulate rust (lime) and after some time will again disable the operation of the mixer. Therefore, it is worth remembering that price is not the key to long-term operation. The solution to this problem will be the purchase and installation of cleaning filters (filtration from 100 microns). They do not affect the drop in water pressure and in most cases are equipped with a self-flushing flask, which simplifies the task of removing blockages.
Common causes of breakdowns
Problems that arise during the operation of both types of devices are usually associated with wear and tear of moving elements. The reasons for this may be poor-quality materials used in manufacturing, mechanical damage to the equipment and the impact of water hammer, creating excessive loads on the “core” elements.
The key reason for the failure of the working part of both the disk and ball mechanisms is the low quality of tap water supplied by the central system
In conditions of worn out and outdated plumbing systems, the average cartridge can last no more than 4-6 years.
The following signs will indicate that it needs to be replaced:
- the lever movement has become less smooth (with jamming or jerking);
- it is difficult to regulate the pressure of the water flow;
- water flows do not mix, regardless of the position of the faucet handle;
- Even when the tap is closed, water continues to trickle out.
The failure of the mechanism can also be indicated by the opposite situation, when, with the lever in a static position, the water flows spontaneously change the temperature.
Equipment leaking, in which the gaskets remain intact, most likely indicates that the plastic housing of the mechanism has burst
The cost of a faucet cartridge is insignificant compared to the price of the plumbing equipment itself. Periodic replacement of this element is a cost-effective measure that can be implemented on your own, without the involvement of plumbing workers.
On a note
Devices that automatically regulate temperature are very popular, but such models should be purchased with caution. Such cartridges are sensitive to pressure level, quality of supplied water, frequency of use
They react especially negatively to calcium. This element is present in water in almost all regions of our country. An autonomous water purification system will not help correct the situation. It is effective only with low water consumption, and also has a high cost. The price of such a system may be higher than the entire shower stall. Models that respond to water pressure in the pipeline are not suitable for everyone. If the pressure is low, the cassette may simply not work. In addition, it is unstable to water hammer - load changes.
Repair of ceramic crane axle box
Is it possible to repair a ceramic faucet axle box? The answer is yes, although many craftsmen are inclined to believe that it is much easier to change it. But we are not looking for easy ways and will consider step by step how to repair it.
Valve repair
In most cases, the cause of leakage is wear of the sealing gasket. Over time, it loses its working properties and elasticity and must be replaced.
- First you need to remove the faucet valve. To unscrew the locking screw, you will need to remove the plastic decorative plug. This can be done with a knife, carefully picking it up. Removing the flywheel will require some effort.
- Remove the decorative cap - “apron”. To do this, we will use an adjustable wrench, first placing a piece of cloth under it so as not to damage the nickel-plated coating. Often, oxide forms on the threaded connection, preventing normal operation. To make work easier, you can heat the cap with a hair dryer or fill the thread with acetic acid.
It’s not possible to unscrew the axle box valve - read how to do it here.
- After gaining access to the axle box, you need to unscrew it. It unscrews counterclockwise.
- After removing the valve axlebox, it must be thoroughly cleaned of slag and washed. Only after this can you begin repairs.
If water oozed from under the valve, then the reason was a violation of the rubber seal - the gasket between the body and the valve seat of the axle box. Replacing it will not be difficult; you won’t have to disassemble the valve axlebox. You can buy a repair kit at any hardware store - for example, in Leroy, its cost is 50 rubles.
Replacing the pressure washer
To compensate for the gaps between the ceramic washers, a gasket made of fluoroplastic or caprolon is used. Since it bears a significant portion of the load, it becomes thinner and wears out over time, which immediately leads to water leakage.
- In this case, it is impossible to do without analysis. First, remove the locking half-ring and take out the rod.
- Remove the ceramic inserts and the pressure washer.
- We replace and reassemble in the reverse order, having previously lubricated the surface with a thin layer of grease.
Cleaning the crane axle box
Tap water contains impurities and foreign bodies that pass through the valve axlebox and settle on the inserts. To remove them you will also need to disassemble them. Then all parts are thoroughly washed. It is also worth carefully inspecting the plates for damage. If they are significant, then it is worth replacing them.
If it is not possible to purchase a repair kit, you can grind the plates yourself. To do this, you need fine abrasive powder, which is used to grind the valves. This powder must be mixed with machine oil and applied to a piece of glass. Then grind the ceramic inserts in a circular motion and assemble the valve axle box. It is also necessary to apply a thin layer of waterproof lubricant.
Damage to metal elements
If the analysis revealed such shortcomings as:
- Chips or cracks on ceramic inserts
- Violation of the integrity of the body of the crane axlebox
- Damage to threaded connections
All these shortcomings cannot be repaired and the valve axlebox assembly will have to be replaced.
Recommendations from the experts. Common mistakes
There are some subtleties in repairing and replacing faucet cartridges that are worth familiarizing yourself with:
- Before installation, be sure to clean the faucet and free it of accumulated debris. Otherwise, salt deposits and rust will not allow the new cartridge to be inserted hermetically;
- To clean scale, some experts advise heating the device over an open fire. This should not be done precisely to avoid damage to the eccentric;
- If the tap still leaks even with the knob tightly screwed on, unscrew it again and check whether all the grooves and protrusions are completely aligned;
- The cause of the leak may lie in the sealing gasket. If it is damaged and the joint seal is broken, water may continue to leak even if the device itself is working properly;
- If the faucet breaks frequently, the problem may be systemic. After all, ceramic plates can quickly collapse under the influence of water hammer. In this case, it is worth checking the pressure in the water supply and installing a pressure regulator.
Installing a pressure regulator will protect the system from water hammer
Criterias of choice
The best solution would be to purchase a cartridge similar to the one that was originally installed in the shower faucet, but this is not always possible. If the same model is not on sale, you should familiarize yourself with the selection tips,
What to look for?
In order to carry out a high-quality replacement and not face the imminent failure of a part, when making a purchase, we are guided by the following criteria: Material. The best option is cartridges made of ceramics and plastic. They have good wear resistance. The best choice would be a product made of stainless alloys; the worst choice would be one made of polymers. The latter are not reliable and wear out quickly. Cost and brand. Cheap models allow you to save on purchases, but after a year or even earlier they require replacement. Unscrupulous manufacturers use not only low-quality raw materials, but also molds. Flywheel stroke. If it sticks or jams, it means the part is defective. After installing such a cartridge, the tightness will quickly break down, which will lead to leakage. Inlet fittings. The quality of this element is evidenced by the cast construction and thick partition of the cage. The fittings must be perfectly smooth and even. In addition, the packaging must contain all the information about the manufacturer and full details. If it is an expensive model, then it comes with a warranty.
A little history
The ancient Greek mathematician and mechanic Heron invented a mixer that looks completely different from modern taps, but differs little from them in terms of functionality. The ancient Roman story about mixer taps says that the taps of Roman inventors repeated the principles of Heron in action, but were more comfortable. In the Middle Ages, taps were out of the question, personal hygiene was low, which is why the spread of epidemics led to millions of victims in Europe. Then we had to remember about sanitation, water and, of course, taps.
Since taps for supplying water for personal needs were available only to wealthy people, the main attention in manufacturing was paid to their appearance. At the end of the 18th century, the Englishman Joseph Bram created a new mixer of 3 taps: the first supplied hot water, the second - cold, the third - mixed
Such taps survived until the beginning of the twentieth century, when William Thomson improved Brahm's ideas into a two-valve tap.
In the recent past, most mixers were controlled by axle-box cranes. Although they have not disappeared, and are often revived in a luxurious retro style, lever faucets, easy to operate and quickly change water supply modes and temperature, have firmly taken their place in mass consumption. The main element that carries the main functional load is the cartridge that mixes and supplies water. It is controlled by light movements of the lever, which ensures the desired temperature and water supply.
Where to buy and how much it costs
If your “one-arm” has become faulty, it is not practical to repair the faucet cartridge, since it is difficult to select individual parts for it.
It is better to buy a new part, because its cost is low.
Therefore, it is better to buy such products from well-known brands, choosing from the middle price category if you have a limited budget.
If your wallet allows, then it is better to buy filters for water purification at the same time, then it will work flawlessly for a long time.
Video:
https://youtube.com/watch?v=sTBDCAe73WQ
Untreated water spoils the faucet, and therefore, without filters, you will soon have to buy a cartridge for the faucet and replace it.
It should be taken into account that each company installs its own cartridges, and therefore if you have one mixer, you will have to buy it from the same company.
Some large manufacturers produce these parts in several sizes, although the principle of operation is the same, they simply control water of different volumes, so the price of a faucet cartridge can vary greatly.
Sometimes you can find low-quality Chinese fakes on sale; their price is low, but the quality is incomparably worse than that of well-known brands.
