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.
Replacing the cartridge in the mixer; detailed repair instructions in photos and videos
The popularity of convenient and stylish single-lever faucets is growing steadily. They are confidently replacing the usual valve structures, decorating kitchens, bathrooms and toilets. However, like any household device, they do not last forever. Sooner or later, the owners of this new plumbing product will need to replace the cartridge in the faucet, since most often it is this element that fails.
How does a single lever faucet work?
The cartridge can be called the main part of a single lever faucet. Thanks to it, you can control the flow of water using a single handle, which is much more convenient than alternately turning two valves with cold and hot water. In addition, the fixed position of the mixer handle eliminates the need to restore the ratio of hot and cold water flow each time.
Inside the cartridge there are two ceramic plates that fit tightly together. Unfortunately, over time, extremely unpleasant phenomena may appear, for example, when pressing the lever, it is not possible to completely block the flow of water, moisture leaks from below, etc. Obviously, the device has failed. By figuring out how to change the cartridge in your faucet, you can save a lot of money.
Possible causes of cartridge failure
In practice, it turns out that the mixer can fail much earlier than its owners expect. It can break down for reasons such as:
- the quality of water entering the system does not meet the manufacturer’s requirements;
- the presence of impurities in water from metal oxidation;
- salt deposits;
- frequent water hammer;
- violation of the operating conditions of the mixer;
- end of service life;
- low quality design.
To extend the service life of a single-lever mixer, you should remember these problems already at the stage of purchasing the device. For example, you should give preference to an expensive branded model rather than a cheap fake created by hardworking Chinese. A regular household filter will help to significantly increase the service life of the faucet; it will remove salts, pieces of rust and other impurities that can impair the performance of durable ceramic plates.
Finally, some of the breakdowns are due to the carelessness of the mixer owners themselves. Do not use excessive force when pressing the lever, especially if you do not drop heavy objects onto the device.
How to replace a cartridge
The problem of replacing a cartridge has a fairly simple solution. You don't need any complicated specialized tools, just a couple of screwdrivers, a hex wrench and an adjustable wrench. Actually, repairing a mixer cartridge is no more difficult than replacing a worn gasket in a traditional valve design. To do this you need:
Remove the decorative plug from the faucet, on which hot and cold water are indicated in red and blue. A thin screwdriver is suitable for this.
The decorative plug is carefully removed using a screwdriver
Now you can carefully remove the mixer handle.
There is a protective ring attached under the handle. It can be easily unscrewed simply by hand.
The clamping nut is carefully unscrewed with an adjustable wrench or wrench.
After this, you should carefully clean the mixer, removing accumulated salt deposits and other contaminants.
Having removed the faulty cartridge, you can go to the store to buy a suitable analogue
- All that remains is to replace the working cartridge and do all the above operations in reverse order, i.e., replace the clamping nut, screw on the protective ring, fix the handle, and then insert the decorative plug in its original place.
- Restore the water supply and check the operation of the device.
The cartridge has two small protrusions.
Thus, changing the cartridge in the mixer can be done even by a novice master. Of course, all operations must be done so as not to damage the decorative coating. Upon completion of the repair, the device will look and work like new, and the family budget will practically not feel the consequences of the repair.
Is the faucet with the cartridge leaking? - replacement!
If the mixer is leaking, then you need to tighten the nuts; if this measure obviously does not help, then you need to change it... But what to change depends on the cause of the breakdown.
Situation 1:
The bathroom cartridge faucet has a leak. I disassembled it, replaced the cartridge (35 mm, without legs) - the problem was solved.
Conclusion: The cartridge was indeed faulty, and replacing it solved the problem.
Situation 2:
The faucet (single-lever mixer) in the kitchen began to leak (drip). When I removed the lever from above, the old cartridge was completely filled with water. Well, of course, the old cartridge was leaking. However, after purchasing a new cartridge and installing it, the mixer stopped dripping and out of curiosity, I decided to remove the lever and see if the cartridge was leaking under the lever.
I looked in and saw that there was water there. I returned the cartridge to the store and bought a new one. I checked - the same thing. In short, I tested 4 cartridges in this way - the result was the same. Moreover, if you don’t use a mixer, everything is fine. You start to turn on/adjust/turn off the water, water gradually appears under the lever. Is this normal? How to fix the problem?
Answer from the Plumber Portal website: Of course, you could have received a defective part, but not 4 pieces in a row! The problem most likely lies with the mixer itself. The tap needs to be replaced.
Conclusion: If the fourth cartridge in a row leaks, then the faucet needs to be replaced.
Situation 3:
The cartridge in the faucet in the bathroom began to leak. I changed the part, but a couple of drops still seep out and a 1-2 mm layer of water is always present. The problem manifests itself specifically on the cartridge levers. I thought I was pinching the brass nut that secures the cartridge on top. But even I tried to clamp it very loosely, water still came out. How to repair a faucet?
Answer from the Plumber Portal website: If the problem was in the cartridge, then replacing it would solve the problem, which means the problem is in the mixer. After prolonged use, there is a high probability that micro-sinks have formed in the faucet seat. It will have to be replaced, and the old cartridge, by the way, could be working. It was necessary to try to adjust the fit of the metal-ceramic plates with a fixing screw.
Conclusion: If adjusting the plates does not solve the problem of small leakage, then the cartridge seat may be worn out. It's worth replacing the part. If the cartridge is new, but there is still a small leak, then the tap needs to be replaced.
Thus, having studied all three situations, it becomes clear that if the faucet is leaking and adjusting the plates does not give any result, then either the cartridge or the entire faucet needs to be replaced. In any case, a leaking single-lever faucet is a bad sign.
Instead of replacing parts, repairing a faucet with a disc cartridge sometimes involves reassembling and cleaning the O-rings, on which dirt and debris accumulate and salts are deposited. To eliminate a leak, the faucet must be disassembled, all elements wiped with soapy warm water to remove dirt, rinsed, dried and reassembled. If these measures do not help, then there is no escape from replacement.
DIY faucet repair
Single-lever faucets operate without breakdowns for a very long time, but due to sand and small particles passing through them, the seal is sometimes broken and they begin to leak.
Video:
In this case, you just need to change the cartridge in the mixer. The price of this part is very low.
To find out which cartridge is right for you, you need to know its characteristics.
These parts may vary:
- diameter;
- landing part;
- rod length.
To buy a new part, remove the old one and take it with you when you go to the store.
This way you will be able to select and buy a new one, and easily replace the cartridge in the mixer. Photo:
How to replace the cartridge:
- Before starting repairs, shut off the cold and hot water supply lines. Open the tap and release the remaining water;
- Remove the decorative plug located on the front of the faucet lever. To do this, you can pry it off with a screwdriver and it will come off easily. After this, unscrew the handle locking screw using a hexagon;
- Remove the lever from the body under which the faulty part is located. If the lever does not come off, it means it is stuck to it. Pour hot water onto the lever, it will expand and come off, or spray with WD-40. While the lever is in place, you will not be able to remove the cartridge from the mixer;
- The nut holding the cartridge to the body can be unscrewed using pliers;
- Remove the faulty cartridge and install a new one. It should snap into place without any effort. Be sure to check whether the holes of the replaced part and the mixer are aligned correctly;
- Put the nut on and tighten it;
- Install the faucet handle onto the cartridge stem;
- Tighten the locking screw and insert the plastic plug into place.
Properly installed replacement cartridges for faucets will allow them to last for several more years.
Cartridge - what is it, where is it located?
Mixers with a rotary lever are confidently conquering the market, displacing plumbing fixtures with two traditional valves from bathrooms and kitchens. Their key advantages are ease of use and practicality.
The cartridge is located in the core of the mixer. It doesn’t matter whether a single-lever faucet is used for a bathroom or a kitchen, its design is practically the same. The cartridge is responsible for mixing hot and cold water in the selected proportion and supplying it to the spout under pressure. The working elements of the device are protected by a plastic case. In its upper part there is a rod responsible for connecting the mixer lever to the upper ceramic disk. This disc moves due to the movement of the mixer handle. The second disk fits tightly to the first and always remains motionless. Both parts are equipped with holes through which water flows.
When the user lifts or turns the lever, the rod moves, rotating the first disc. Thanks to this, hot and cold water are mixed in the required ratio, and the pressure of its supply is regulated.
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.
Which model should you choose?
The purchased cartridge must correspond to the modification of the faucet on which it will be mounted. Ball, hydroceramic and simply ceramic are suitable for single-lever mixers, and bronze or ceramic axle-box taps are suitable for double-valve mixers. Sealing elements can be rubber or paranite. The following three parameters are of great importance:
- number of holes;
- rod diameter;
- rod length.
Cartridges are either collapsible or non-separable. The latter are more reliable in operation, but cannot be repaired. Experts advise purchasing ceramic models equipped with metal levers and rods. They completely satisfy the price-quality ratio. If we talk about specific brands, then cartridges from Blanco, Grohe, Kaiser are considered the best. The lower the water quality, the more reliable the cartridge should be. Inexpensive models will be able to last the stated warranty period only where the water supply fully satisfies high standards of purification. In areas with poor water quality, it is recommended to install only good cartridges.
Operating principle of a single lever mixer
As the name implies, the functions of both heads, which are typical for a two-valve device, are performed by one lever. When it is turned from side to side, raised up or down, the temperature and pressure of water from the tap are regulated. It consists of the following elements:
- lever handle,
- frame,
- rod with a nut and washer so that the part fits snugly,
- ball cartridge. It is held in the housing by rubber seats and has three outlets: for hot water, for cold water and for supplying mixed liquid. A ceramic faucet cartridge is sometimes called a disk cartridge; it is much more common than a ball cartridge.
It cannot be said that one of them is preferable to the other. All types of faucet cartridges have one weak point: they easily become unusable if the water is not filtered before entering the tap.
What should prompt you to think about the necessary repairs?
- The principle of regulating the water temperature is violated. That is, a single-lever mixer operates arbitrarily, regardless of the movement of the handle.
- When the water supply is blocked, it continues to leak.
- The usual pressure disappeared, but there were no failures in the operation of the water supply system.
Before you go to the store to buy a new faucet cartridge, you should remove the old one and take it with you. The fact is that this part may differ from different manufacturers:
- along the length of the rod,
- landing part,
- diameter
Is the faucet running slow? – lubricate moving parts!
Situation 4:
After two months of use, the cartridge in the kitchen faucet began to creak and jam. The first cartridge lasted a year and was thrown into the trash. This is the water...
Lubricant was purchased along with the second cartridge. I tried smearing the parts of the ceramic washers that are visible in the hot and cold water inlets, but it looks like almost nothing got between the washers. After my manipulations, I began to rotate more easily, but I still feel tension. Can you please tell me how to apply the lubricant correctly?
Answer from the Plumber Portal website:
- Firstly, if you have water that renders plumbing parts unusable within a year, then we advise you to install a filter at the inlet.
- Secondly, the problem may not be a lack of lubrication, but rather pressure. Install the gearbox and you will be happy.
- Thirdly, there is no particular point in lubricating ceramic plates. All other moving parts need to be lubricated - water does not touch them. Perhaps the crane axle box is jammed. Rub the lubricant over the rubbing and rotating parts.
Conclusion: If the tap begins to turn tightly after a while, then you need to lubricate all rubbing and rotating parts. It would be a good idea to install a reducer and a filter at the inlet.
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.
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.
Manufacturers and prices. Design Features
The ball cartridge for a single-lever mixer is a hollow round part that fits snugly onto rubber seat mounts. The water pressure ensures a tight fit. It is made of stainless steel and is a reliable and durable mechanism. Replacing the cartridge in the mixer will be necessary if its sealed seal is broken, for example, due to the ingress of scale. Ball mechanisms are less common on sale, since the manufacturer must have a license to install them.
Therefore, it is much easier to find a replacement ceramic analogue than a cartridge for a ball mixer. It consists of two disks tightly adjacent to each other. During movement of the faucet handle, the upper plate moves relative to the lower one, shutting off the supply of hot or cold water to varying degrees. The pressure is adjusted using the same principle.
The design differences in cartridges from any manufacturing company are small. But among professional plumbers it is generally accepted that replacing the cartridge on the faucet will be required much earlier if the product is in an inexpensive price category. Well-known brands can afford to invest in the development of their own technologies to increase the service life of their products, but the price for this is correspondingly high.
So, what is the average price of a single-lever faucet cartridge?
- Grohe disc cartridges are distinguished by the fact that carbon-crystalline coating is applied to the plates. This makes the already reliable ceramic cartridge even more durable. Depending on the diameter of the model 46 or 35 mm, the price ranges from 1300 to 2000 - 2500 rubles.
- Plumbing fixtures from TM Vidima (Bulgaria) do not belong to the elite category, but the manufacturer’s quality guarantee for cartridges is impressive - 5 years. For products whose price, regardless of diameter and installation location, does not exceed 950 rubles, this is a very commendable characteristic.
- If you're lucky, you can find a cartridge from the Finnish company Oras for 2,800 rubles. But you won’t have to go looking for a replacement part soon; it will last a long time. All mechanisms of this brand are standard, so there will be no problems purchasing a cartridge.
- Plumbing fixtures from the German brand Handgrohe are created in accordance with the national principles of thoroughness and thriftiness with consumed resources (water and electricity). Such “smart” cartridges cost from 3 – 3.5 thousand rubles, but the design of the faucet itself assumes a long service life of the entire mechanism as a whole and its components in particular.
- Replacing the cartridge in the Damixa mixer will not take a long time. The Danish company is distinguished by its desire for innovation, and in the production of their plumbing fixtures, they use, among other things, technologies patented for the creation of spaceships. Changing a cartridge at Damix plumbing will cost from 2 to 4 thousand rubles.
It is worth thinking about the upcoming repair at the stage of choosing a mixer. Replacing a cartridge in a faucet is an inevitable procedure even for expensive brands. Therefore, if you are on a limited budget, you should choose among offers in the mid-price category. It would be useful to find out about the availability of replacement spare parts for free sale, so as not to order the required one through official distributors, wasting time waiting for its delivery.
Structure of a cartridge disc mixer
This model of faucet with a cartridge is good because they are easy to repair or replace if repair is impossible.
The structure of single-lever disk cartridges with ceramic plates is not complicated. Top down:
- Switch with fixing screw.
- Locking (clamping) nut.
- Cartridge. The water flows are mixed in it, and the same device shuts off the water.
- The mixer body, which has a “seat” for the cartridge.
- Fasteners, studs and gaskets to ensure tightness.
- Spout (gander). It can be a separate part - in rotary models for the kitchen or part of the body - for sinks in the bathroom.
- If the spout is separate, gaskets are also installed below and there is also part of the body.
The disadvantage of a disc cartridge for a single-lever mixer is its high demands on water quality. If even a small foreign fragment gets between the plates, the faucet will leak or stop functioning altogether. In addition, setting the required temperature can sometimes be very difficult.
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.
Why faucets fail: main reasons
The most common causes of device failure:
- The appliance has been used incorrectly or installed without following the instructions.
- Poor quality water contributes to the deposition of salts in the cartridge, which leads to its failure.
- Errors were made when assembling the mixer in production.
- Wear of moving parts of the structure.
- Rust forms in the movement channels and on the moving parts of the mixer.
To more accurately determine the cause, you need to remove the mixer.
Replacement procedure
Replacing the cartridge in a faucet with your own hands is a process accessible to any home craftsman. Before starting work, you need to turn off the supply of hot and cold water and drain the remaining liquid from the tap.
- The single lever mixer needs to be disassembled. To do this, remove the decorative plug, which is located on the front side of the faucet lever. It is made of plastic and sits tightly in the recess, so it can be carefully pryed off with a screwdriver or knife. It not only serves as an indication of which way to turn the handle to get warm or cold water. It closes the shut-off screw, so its loss risks the fact that household members and guests will have to constantly see the internal structure of the mixer.
- After removing the plug, access to the locking screw is open. It must be tightened using a hex wrench. It is better to use a special tool to avoid damaging the parts.
- Before removing the cartridge from the mixer, it remains to remove the lever from the faucet body. The faulty part you are looking for is located directly below it. It can be difficult to unscrew the faucet if the parts have become stuck to each other during operation. In this case, it is recommended to water the lever with hot water for a while - it will expand a little, now you can treat it with an aerosol preparation WD-40. It dissolves rust and oxide, after which the handle can be easily removed and you can change the cartridge in the tap.
The principle of replacing faulty parts in various modifications of single-lever mixers is identical. It may differ in a couple of details, but the essence is the same.
- Now, in order to change the cartridge in the mixer, you need to remove the decorative nut. You can handle it without a tool, by hand, if you apply a little effort.
- The clamping nut prevents you from removing the cartridge from the mixer. You will need a spanner wrench, and if you don’t have one, gas or pliers will do. The clamping nut ensures a tight fit of the cartridge inside the faucet, so during the assembly process it will need to be tightened especially carefully.
- Now you can remove the cartridge from the mixer by simply pulling it out of the fastenings.
- The seats on which the cartridge rests are equipped with holes. On the old and new parts, protrusions are clearly visible, which should clearly align with the holes in the fasteners. To replace the cartridge in the faucet correctly, you need to carefully insert it into the seats so that all the recesses of the seat correspond to the recesses on the part. No effort is required during cartridge installation. If the spare part is purchased correctly, it will easily take its place inside the mixer.
- Now you can begin the reassembly process. The clamping nut and then the decorative nut are put on and tightened. The faucet handle is placed on the stem and the locking screw is fixed. The plastic plug returns to its place.
If you need to replace the cartridge in a mixer with a ball system, then steps 1 to 5 are carried out without changes. Once access to the ball is gained, it is removed and the rubber seals are inspected. If they wear out, they must be replaced, as well as the springs that secure the ball. If the seals are in good condition, you can carefully clean them, then replace the new ball and reassemble the mixer.
Replacing the cartridge in a shower faucet follows the same principle as in single-lever faucets on a kitchen sink or sink. The only caveat is that the part can become unusable not only due to bad water, but also due to water hammer. And ceramic cartridges in shower stalls have to distribute water onto a flexible hose. In this case they are installed in the diverter. If this part is faulty, then repairs will not be possible and you will have to purchase a new diverter.
Changing the cartridge in the mixer, if it is selected correctly, is not difficult. Anyone can cope with this task in a short time.
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.
How do cartridges from different manufacturers differ?
The differences in cartridge designs from different manufacturing companies are insignificant.
But some use their own technologies to make their products more advanced:
- Products from Grohe are popular; many sellers advise buying a cartridge for a grohe mixer with carbon-crystalline coating on the plates, which makes the surface more durable;
- The reliable and practical cartridge for the oras faucet, produced by the Finnish sanitary ware manufacturer, is standard, so if the old one breaks, it will be very easy to find a new one;
- The price of Vidima plumbing fixtures is one of the lowest, but the ceramic cartridge for the Vidima faucet rarely needs to be changed. They are guaranteed for five years;
- The hansgrohe ceramic faucet cartridge is equipped with a safety function and saves energy and water. In case of repair, it is easy to replace it with your own hands;
- The Hansgrohe brand has patented the Boltic system: thanks to a special method of attaching the handle and lever, the faucet of this brand works for many years without loosening or failure.
When buying a faucet, you need to pay attention to its details, since it cannot last forever, and replacing the cartridge in the faucet will someday still be necessary. To do this, find out whether you can buy a similar one in free trade for a replacement or whether you will have to order it from an official distributor
To do this, find out whether you can buy a similar one in free trade for a replacement or whether you will have to order it from an official distributor.
Find out if there are official representatives of this product in your city.
It all depends on the mixer
There is a wide variety of different taps; each manufacturer has its own subtleties and nuances in creating plumbing fixtures. But it is the cartridges that differ little in their internal structure; their quality and service life are affected by the material from which they are made.
For the disk type, it is important that the strength of the disks is at a high level, which is why many well-known brands are trying to improve their quality through carbon-crystalline coating. It allows you to improve the performance of the cartridge; its disks have higher strength and a specific, smooth surface.
When choosing a mixer, you need to pay special attention to its design. The methods of installation and fastening of the lever and handle play an important role. When purchasing a branded faucet, you should ask in advance where and how you can order replacement parts in case of need and whether parts from other companies can be suitable for repairing the faucet. Of course, it is better to purchase a faucet from a well-known brand or trademark, since these manufacturers have proven themselves well in the world market and have a high reputation.
Of course, the cost of such a product is quite high, but it is worth understanding that high-quality and durable plumbing fixtures can last for quite a long time without replacing parts or repairs, while economy-class faucets require, if not complete, then partial replacement almost every year or two.
Mixer components
Often manufacturers of plumbing fixtures from well-known brands produce different series of products; there are luxury products, and there are also budget options. The main thing is that in both cases the manufacturer uses high-quality materials and modern technology to produce their goods.
The most famous global brands in the plumbing market are rightfully considered to be German manufacturers, as well as Swiss, Bulgarian and Spanish.
The following global brands are highly appreciated and have a well-deserved high rating:
- Grohe.
- Hansgrohe.
- Axor.
- Roca.
- Iddis.
- Gustavsberg.
Expensive products are usually equipped with a high level of protective water filters and are made of high quality material. So if you have to make repairs, it will be in the most extreme and rare cases.
Replacing the faucet cartridge in the shower stall
Involves a preliminary check of the possibility of holding this event. Replacement cannot be carried out when the thread is either completely torn off or has been deformed during operation. In this particular case, you have to completely change the tap. If the thread is intact, you can safely purchase a new cartridge, guided by the advice of experts. In addition, you must have at your disposal a set of wrenches, a set of screwdrivers, an adjustable Swedish wrench, and powerful pliers. These tools should be prepared or purchased in advance. Otherwise, it will simply be impossible to replace the cassette.
Step-by-step instruction
The action algorithm implies strict adherence to a certain sequence. Work begins only after the centralized water supply is turned off. Each cartridge model has its own characteristics, but the general procedure remains the same.
Step 1
Remove the plug from the cartridge handle. It covers the fixing bolt for the cartridge handle. Using a hex wrench or screwdriver, unscrew the fasteners. Using a screwdriver with the appropriate profile, unscrew the small screw located in the hole. Next, remove the handle from the structure.
Step 2
To open access to the cassette, remove the decorative nut. For this purpose, unscrew the protective metal casing and remove the cartridge. This is often difficult to do. This happens when the casing becomes sour and cannot be unscrewed.
In this case, a gas wrench will help to remove the casing, but first, be sure to throw a piece of clean and soft cloth over the part. You must act extremely carefully. Excessive pressure may damage the housing
Its design is quite thin and fragile. If excessive force is applied, the housing will become deformed. The decorative trim is held in place by a nut. This hardware is removed and then the clamp is unscrewed. Disassembling the mechanism takes quite a lot of time. The “bucket” allows you to facilitate and speed up the process of unscrewing old threaded connections. Many masters use it. It is sold in every auto parts store and has a low cost.
Step 3
Quite a lot of dirt forms inside the plumbing fixture and solid deposits accumulate. Therefore, exit surfaces must be cleaned. For this purpose, detergents are used. This can be regular dishwashing liquid. The main thing is not just to clean the device, but also to rinse it thoroughly so that no traces of the cleaning agent remain.
Step 4
Instead of the removed cartridge, a new device is installed. The main thing is to position the part correctly. To insert the cassette and not mix anything up, there are two grooves on the walls and a pair of protrusions at the entrance. This design feature prevents the cassette from being inserted in the wrong position.
The cartridge is held with your finger by the handle in the required position and clamped with a nut. When it is placed in place, turn on the water supply and check the functionality of the cassette. If there are no leaks and the mixer is working properly, close the cartridge with a nut (decorative) and put the handle in place.
Which cartridge lubricant should I choose?
The problem of the faucet being difficult to operate can be solved by removing the ceramic cartridge and coating the discs inside with lubricant.
Let's look at what types of lubricating compounds are better and what they are:
Tsiatim-221 is a plastic composition made in accordance with GOST. Perfectly suitable for metal parts, rubber, plastic, ceramic, as well as for friction units. This lubricant is often used not only for mixers, but also for bearings in electrical machines and aggregate bearings in aircraft.
The consistency of Ciatim-221 is such that it does not dissolve in water. Resistant chemical composition - provides good lubricating quality, even at a pressure of 600 Pa it is not washed off. Temperature changes from -60 to +150 degrees will also not cause harm to the composition.
Due to its characteristics, Tsiatim-221 is in great demand, so purchasing it is very problematic, and sellers offer a less effective analogue - Tsiatim-201.
Silicone Grease. This composition is used to fill the space between the plates of the ceramic cartridge - the gap is too small, and without lubrication it is impossible to even move the handle from its place. This consumable material softens the rotation of the lever and allows it to be turned freely. If you feel like the lever is sticking when turning, then you need to update the silicone lubricant.
Silicone grease is a white, translucent paste. Do not confuse it with silicone sealant under any circumstances, otherwise the faucet will have to be thrown away. One application of paste should be enough for 50,000 lever revolutions. It is usually sold in auto parts stores and car markets. Price 8-10 dollars.
When applying silicone grease to the top plate, for convenience, the cartridge should be held upside down, but keep in mind that in this position it will be the bottom plate - there is no need to pour it into the holes. Next, you need to distribute it evenly; to do this, rotate the rod in the cartridge. If necessary, you can apply a little more.
If, after applying the composition, sand or rust still gets between the plates, then you need to buy a new cartridge.
RAVAK – Teflon lubricant. It is also insoluble in water, but is washed out over time, so the frequency of the need to lubricate parts increases.
But thanks to the list of advantages, Teflon grease is in demand among consumers:
- wide temperature range - withstands where others fail;
- It is enough to apply one drop on the face - ergonomics;
- its property does not allow it to turn yellow over time, as is usually the case with pastes;
- It can also be used to lubricate door hinges and shower enclosures, shower frames, and door handles.
This information will help you select and apply faucet lubricant correctly to prolong the operation of your plumbing fixtures.
Why does a cartridge become unusable?
Water quality is the most important reason why you need to replace the cartridge in the faucet. Cleaning filters must be installed without fail, then even the most budget plumbing fixtures will last much longer.
Ceramic cartridges quickly fail when abrasive particles get between the discs day after day. They scratch the surface of the plates, worsen the seal, and lead to uneven abrasion of the cartridge elements.
Changing the cartridge in a mixer with a ball system is required due to blockage between the element itself and the seats. Even if the seal is not immediately compromised, the rubber stops may subsequently become deformed, which will still lead to a leak. The shutter can also be clogged, but sometimes to fix operational problems it is enough to disassemble the mechanism, clean it and put everything back in place.
Water may leak from a loose lever cap connection. In this case, repair actions will be reduced to a tight connection of the unit. When water comes up at the base of the faucet, the O-rings are likely worn out. In this case, replacing the mixer cartridge is not necessary; it is enough to purchase a repair kit. The ball itself may crack - this is direct evidence that it is time to proceed directly to replacing the cartridge.
Practical advice
As you have already seen, the service life of cartridges is greatly influenced by the quality of water, its hardness and the presence of hard impurities - debris, sand, rust, etc.
Sediment, plaque and the presence of foreign particles wear out the plates and seals, which complicates the operation of the lever, leads to leaks or “squeezing”, when the hot flow with excess pressure displaces the cold flow through the cracks formed in the tap.
Experts strongly recommend finding out the composition of the water and the impurities in it and, if necessary, including a cleaning filter at the inlet in the water supply wiring diagram.
Wear and tear also depends on the quality of the products purchased. You shouldn’t save a lot, as this can ultimately result in much larger expenses not only for repairing the faucet cartridge, but also for your and your neighbors’ bathroom or kitchen.
Brief technical characteristics of cartridges
Cartridges are installed in cold and hot water mixers and distributors (divertors). The more consumers a shower cabin has, the more complex the diverter.
Faucets with diverter
Disassembled diverter
Rotary diverter for mixers
Devices can be made of plastic, non-ferrous alloys, hard polymers with increased wear resistance, or have combined options. Rubber rings are used to seal the switching.
| Parameter | Short description |
| Number of switching modes | From 2 to 5, the most modern devices have the ability to include six consumers. Moreover, the temperature of the water supplied to each consumer can vary. |
| Cartridge diameter | 32–40 mm. Steps from 0.5 mm to several millimeters. |
| Rod length | 33–87 mm and more. The stem can be plastic or metal. |
| Handle fixation method | For slots or square. The splines have only metal rods. |
| Cartridge length | 30–50 mm. The length change step is from one to several millimeters. |
cartridge for shower cabin
As you can see from the brief descriptions, the range of products is huge, which creates great difficulties when choosing.
Practical advice. Never buy a cartridge based on your measurements or “by eye”. The only way not to make a mistake is to have an old cartridge with you for comparison and buy a completely identical one. Do not expect that you will be able to purchase a spare part by brand name; the same manufacturer has a large number of different installed cartridges.
Mixer 5 modes
Mixer 1 mode
The most common breakdowns and troubleshooting methods
As we already mentioned above, there is no difference in the design principle of all types of cartridges, the only difference is in the sizes and materials of manufacture of individual elements. As for the different number of existing modes, they depend only on the number of holes. And the principle of operation of a device with six modes is the same as with three. Accordingly, all types experience the same malfunctions, and the methods for eliminating them are also identical.
Brass faucet for shower cabin
| Fault name | Reasons and methods of repair |
| Leaking from under the position switch handle | The seal in the socket has become unusable, there is a crack in the housing, the rubber rings on the roller are extremely worn, the fixing nut has come off. When the seals wear out, they can be changed; if there is a crack in the housing, it is much easier to buy a new one. Attempts to seal often become useless, you will only waste time. |
| The distributor is jammed, the flywheel does not rotate at all or rotates, but the water is not redirected to the required consumers. | The reason is a mechanical failure of the flywheel; this element cannot be repaired. The cartridge needs to be replaced. |
| Leaks in threaded connections. | If the reason is a loose fastening, then it should be tightened. If there is a crack in the case, then the device needs to be replaced. |
| Mixing cartridge failure. | May have the same reasons as those described above. Often occurs due to high calcium content in water. If the device is made of cheap plastic and has been used for more than 2-3 years, then it is better to change it. |
| Destruction of the integrity of the clip | The most unpleasant breakdown, water flows under strong pressure. Possible flooding of the bathroom and neighbors below. The best option is a complete replacement. |
Hard water can cause cartridge failure
Repair of shower cabin switch (divertor) cartridge
In addition to the one described above, it may experience another malfunction - water leakage from under the switch. The reason is small cracks in the top cover of the case; the spare part has not lost its strength, but water is leaking through them.
Step 1. Remove the cartridge from the housing. If all other functions work normally, then there is no need to completely disassemble it. Take a close look at why and where exactly the water is flowing. If the switch handle has oxidized on the thread and cannot be unscrewed, then use a paddle.
Handle removed (upper arm)
Unscrewing the cap
Step 2. In our case, water enters through the cracks and flows out into the gap between the cartridge and the fixing cap. You need to select a rubber O-ring according to the diameter of the thickening of the upper part of the cartridge body. When screwing the fixing cap, it will press tightly against the surfaces and prevent water from leaking. The thickness of the ring should be selected so that it compresses.
Remove the cartridge
Crack on the liner
Removing the liner
Disassembled liner, black O-rings clearly visible
The o-ring is shown in white on the body
Repair nut. The washer and small nut are tightened so that the part can be secured in the drill and sanded inside
Practical advice. The reverse side of the cap that presses the cartridge has very sharp edges; when tightening, they can damage the rubber ring. To prevent this phenomenon, sharp edges should be chamfered. To do this, fix the cap in a drill and grind off the chamfer using sandpaper. Just not very large, otherwise the ring will sink into the chamfer and will not press.
Inside, the sharp edge was sanded off with sandpaper.
We put on the o-ring and tighten the metal parts
We tighten
Step 3. Insert the cartridge into place and try to tighten the cap by hand. You should feel the moment when he begins to squeeze the ring. This should leave about a quarter turn for final tightening. If this condition is not met, then you need to select a seal that is a little thicker or thinner, but with the same internal diameter.
Step 4. Tighten the cap until it stops and check for leaks. This is easy to do - blow air into the output of the control lever with your mouth. If the air escapes, then you have repaired the cartridge poorly. Find the cause and eliminate it.
Now you can assemble the device, everything will work fine.
Cartridge after repair
There are also cases when water drips when the faucet tap is closed. The reason is poor-quality rubbing elements of the cartridge or excessive natural wear between them. As a rule, cheap plastic products have such problems; ceramic ones last a long time. This problem can also be eliminated by slightly increasing the compression force of the plates. Select a thin rubber gasket of the appropriate diameter and install it between the upper part of the housing and the movable plate. This will increase the pressing force and water will stop constantly dripping from the shower. The cartridge should be easy to assemble; if this does not work, then the thickness of the rubber gasket should be reduced. Due to such simple repairs, you can at least double the service life of the mixer.
During each repair, carefully inspect the device. Sometimes you have to solve not one, but several problems at the same time. Find them and decide on the repair method. Study the types of bathtubs, shapes and sizes, photos at the link.
Installing a new faucet
For an experienced specialist, installing new equipment will not be particularly difficult and it will take him a minimum of time. In addition, professional plumbers have a set of necessary devices and tools that greatly facilitate the task.
To replace the faucet you need access to the rear wall of the shower stall
Installing new plumbing fixtures in a shower enclosure can be a bit of a hassle, as it requires easy access to the rear wall of the structure.
Often, the installation of a hydrobox has certain subtleties and is carried out directly in the bathroom. In some cases, you will have to completely disassemble the shower installation in order to replace the faucet with a new one.
The cost of such an event may be equivalent to installing a new hydrobox and connecting it to communications. Therefore, it is advisable to leave the necessary clearance between the wall and the body of the shower stall so as not to encounter similar problems when repairing and replacing plumbing equipment. This will help avoid unnecessary complications.
