Do-it-yourself sensor faucet repair

In detail: do-it-yourself sensor faucet repair from a real master for the site my.housecope.com.

Automatic mixers (faucets) are often called mixers, to which it is enough to bring a hand (or substitute a body) to supply water.

They are also called sensory, but this is not entirely accurate. A sensor is a sensor in general, and it is more correct to call them optoelectronic (although this is not entirely true).

Another variation: infrared mixers, because they have infrared sensor (as, for example, on a TV), where the signal from the emitter arrives (as from a remote control). Such a scheme is not often used, usually for urinals: one emitter and several taps with sensors are installed.

Most often used in automatic cranes induction sensor.

It creates an induction field that changes when hands (or the whole body) get into it.

The sensor captures the change in the field and transmits a signal to the electronic control unit, which sets the operation algorithm, for example: open the solenoid valve when the field changes and close when it normalizes.

The water flow is opened by a solenoid valve. Consider his device:

Schematic diagram of a large valve, options may be different

As can be seen from the figure, at the end of the core there is a membrane that blocks the flow of water. As soon as the core with the membrane rises, the water comes out.

What makes the heart rise?

An electric voltage is applied to the electromagnet coil, it works and draws the metal core into the solenoid. If the voltage is turned off, the core with the membrane will fall back and the water will shut off. Thus, in the event of a breakdown or when the batteries are discharged, the valve closes automatically.

Video (click to play).

Taps, as a rule, are powered by conventional batteries or from the mains through a transformer (or both options are combined). Since the electricity consumption is low, it is easier to use batteries - they are safer. Usually, even in a busy public place, one "bookmark" is enough for several months, unless, of course, you buy very bad batteries.

Since hot and cold water are mixed before the solenoid valve, a check valve is installed at the inlet to prevent backflow of water.

Most often, sensor faucets become clogged with dirt: particles get on the rubber membrane, and the water does not shut off. In this case, it is enough to disassemble and clean the membrane, as well as install / check a coarse filter (sump).

If the mixer began to behave strangely, it is worth checking to see if the sensor is dirty.

Under certain conditions, automatic faucets can “fail”: for example, if a sink is shaped like a lens and at a certain arrangement of light sources, a sink and a faucet, the reflected beam hits the sensor directly, then it will not work correctly. To correct the situation, it is necessary to slightly change the relative position of the tap, sink and light bulbs. In the Varion mixers, a chrome-plated brass ring gasket about 5 mm thick is included in the kit - it is enough to substitute it under the tap during installation, and the “glitch” disappears.

The rarest category of automatic faucets. Instead of an induction sensor, there is a piezoelectric element. Looks like a smooth chrome surface.

By pressing on the case, a person displaces the crystals under it, from their friction against each other, a weak electrical signal arises, as when amber is rubbed against wool. Further - everything is like in an induction tap.Such products are used where increased vandal resistance is needed: in prisons, psychiatric hospitals, in aggressive environments.

It is better to set, as is the case with any decent mixer.

When is a sensor mixer not suitable?

In ordinary at home sensor faucets are not so practical: you have to wait a fraction of a second until the water turns on, and sometimes it is completely required that the water does not turn off when you remove your hands, which directly contradicts the principle of operation of such a faucet.

What is the flow rate of a sensor mixer?

1. Touch basin mixer 9340890 (monobloc) and 9346890 (with swivel spout):

Consumption - 6 l / min at a pressure of 3 atm.

2. Sensor taps for urinal:

The water supply cycle starts 2 seconds after a person enters the sensor trigger zone, the water supply cycle lasts 4 seconds, during which time approximately 0.5 liters. After a person leaves the sensor trigger zone, after 1 second, a water supply cycle begins, which lasts 7 seconds, during this time approximately 0.8 liters. Every 24 hours there is a sanitary flush of water.

The water supply cycle starts 3 seconds after a person enters the sensor trigger zone (50 cm), the water supply continues for 3 seconds, during which time approximately 0.5 liters. After a person exits the sensor trigger zone, after 3 seconds, a water supply cycle begins, which lasts 3 seconds, during this time approximately 0.5 liters. Every 24 hours there is a sanitary flush.

The water supply cycle starts 5 seconds after the person leaves the sensor trigger zone, the water supply continues for 15 seconds, during which time approximately 2.25 liters. Every 24 hours there is a sanitary flush.

The usual 4 AA cells of 1.5 Volts are suitable

Regardless of the quality of the faucet installed in your bathroom or shower, from time to time it will need maintenance and minor repairs. Plumbing is not able to serve forever, especially since this technique is the most in demand in the house. In most cases, you can repair the mixer with your own hands, without involving specialists. This article will show you how to troubleshoot.

Apparently, the main reason for the breakdown of the mixer is the dubious quality of the product itself. The market is overflowing with Chinese-made low-quality sanitary ware, such a product in itself is not able to last for a long time. When buying a new faucet, the desire for savings can greatly fail in the future. It is better to spend money right away and buy high-quality plumbing, and not change the faucet or its components every six months in the event of an emergency.

Mixers are two-valve, non-contact and single-lever. The most common mixer failures are:

weak jet of water;
tap water leaking;
water enters the gander and shower at the same time, or the switch does not work at all;
the switch is broken;
button mechanism does not work.

This is perhaps the most harmless and easily fixable flaw in the bathroom faucet. The decrease in the volume of the water jet, most likely, provoked a clogged aerator - a special nozzle at the end of the spout. The aerator saturates the water flow with oxygen and contributes to its less splashing in different directions. Made from metal or plastic.

To return the water jet to its former power, it is necessary to unscrew the aerator and clean it from blockage: rust, pieces of small debris and salt deposits. After the cleaning procedure, the aerator is screwed into its original place. Rusty aerator mesh is best replaced with a new one. Plaque can be easily removed with special chemicals.

A sign of a faulty shower switch is the impossibility or stiffness of switching the mechanism, and also if, in any position of the switch, water continues to flow simultaneously from the gander and the shower.Repair of the switching mechanism will depend on the type of switch:

ball;
axle box;
eccentric;
cartridge;
separate block from the shower.

Ball mechanisms are the most reliable, but they cannot be repaired, therefore, in the event of a breakdown, the entire mixer will have to be replaced. All other switches are repaired as follows:

Remove the plug on the mixer switch handle. It can be easily removed by picking it up with a fingernail or a clerical knife. Unscrew the fixing screw. In many models, the plug may be a bolt.

The removed cartridge is checked for operability. We change the faulty mechanism to a new one and assemble it in the reverse order.

The switch in the form of a separate block changes completely:

unscrew the shower hose;
unscrew the nut connecting the switching unit with the mixer;
remove the spare part together with the gander;
turn off the spout;
install a new switch mechanism.

Advice. If, after removing the mixer switch, water oozes out from under the nut, then most likely the cartridge is in order, the nut has loosened, which must be carefully tightened.

When the gaskets are worn or destroyed, a leak occurs at the junctions between the mixer and the hose or between the watering can and the hose. The gasket can be rubber or paronite. If the hose itself is leaking, then it must be completely replaced with a new one. To repair the damage, you will need pliers, a piece of cloth, a FUM sealing tape, a new gasket.

Pliers unscrew the clamping nut of the shower hose. Under the pliers, it is necessary to put a cloth so as not to damage the decorative coating of the nut.
Remove the old gasket and install a new one.
A little sealing tape is wound on a clean thread and the clamping nut is tightened.

The cause of the leak may be caused by a foreign particle that has entered the core of the mixer - the cartridge. Any mixer core has two fixing rods and three openings: two for cold and hot water inlet and one for mixed outlet. The only difference is where the water will be mixed - in the cartridge itself or in the body of the mixer.

Any single-lever faucet has a certain type of cartridge that cannot be replaced with another. The cartridge can be ball or ceramic. Ceramic is subject to complete replacement, and ball can be repaired on your own. After dismantling, inspect the seal and other parts of the ball cartridge, remove blockages and replace unusable parts with new ones. The following signs indicate that it is time to replace the cartridge:

hot or cold water does not flow;
the temperature of the water changes by itself;
the lever does not open fully or does not close completely;
the lever switches tight, with additional effort;
there is a leak under the mixer lever.

To replace a cartridge, do the following:

Remove the decorative cap.
Under the cap there will be a screw that holds the lever. Unscrew the screw with a hexagon or a screwdriver.
Unscrew the decorative cover.
Unscrew the washer that presses the core.
Now you can take out the core for inspection.
The new cartridge is installed in the reverse order.

Classic mixers have two working units in their body - a core with a ceramic or rubber gasket. The core is also called a crane box. Failure of this assembly leads to leakage. It is better to replace the core with a ceramic gasket completely, since it is very difficult to find a suitable gasket. The rubber gasket can be cut yourself from a suitable piece of rubber or bought at a store.

Unscrew the plug on the valve.
Carefully unscrew the screw from the valve.
Remove the valve handle.
We dismantle the decorative overlay.
We unscrew the core with a key.
Replace the core or rubber gasket.
We assemble the structure.

Advice.Rubber and ceramic cores are often interchangeable, so you can pick one that suits your needs.

Classic two-valve bathroom faucets often have a flat or round movable spout. Due to the hardness of the water and the wear of the rubber gasket under the clamping nut, a leak occurs in this place over time.

To replace the gasket you will need an adjustable wrench and FUM tape.

Unscrew the clamping nut of the spout.
Inspect the spout, remove the old gasket and insert a new one.
Wrap some sealing tape around the threads of the spout.
Secure the gooseneck with the clamping nut.
In a flat spout, after unscrewing the clamping nut, it is necessary to unscrew the inner sleeve of the spout in order to get to the sealing gasket. You will need a hex wrench. The sleeve after unscrewing is removed together with the nut. Now you can replace the gaskets and install the gander in its original place.

Touchless bath and shower faucets are considered more reliable than other types of faucets - single lever and valve. This is not surprising, because they simply do not have mechanisms that are mechanically affected by the user. After all, it is not in vain that manufacturers give a guarantee of at least 5 years for contactless models. But there is a downside: if such a mixer fails, it will not be easy to find a good master, because not every plumber is able to figure out the device of a non-contact mechanism and find the cause of the breakdown.

During operation, over time, sensors responsible for turning the water on and off when hands approach the tap may become unusable. In this case, it is better to resort to the services of a specialist, but it is easy to break the aerator yourself, based on the instructions for repairing other types of mixers.

Work on the dismantling and assembly of parts of the mixer is almost entirely done by hand. Twisted connections are slightly tightened with keys. Excessive tightening forces can lead to the destruction of parts. Understanding the principle of operation of the mixer, troubleshooting yourself is not so difficult.

Installing a sensor faucet is a great solution to improve the design of the bathroom. This device meets all sanitary and hygienic standards, because it does not require tactile contact. It is enough just to put your hand to the tap, and water will flow from it. We will talk about the features of choosing this device and about installing a sensor mixer later.

A sensor faucet is a faucet that does not have levers or valves to control the flow of water. Its work is carried out through the presence of photocells, ultrasonic or infrared sensors that detect the presence of foreign objects. These components are installed on the crane and look like a sensor.

The mixer is characterized by the presence of a sensitivity zone, for which individual parameters are selected. The average sensitivity is 20-25 cm.

Faucets have the function of adjusting the water temperature, for this there is a valve or levers.

If soap or shampoo is accidentally tipped over onto the washbasin, water will not flow, since the photocell can only respond to movement.

The inside of the sensory washbasin faucet contains a 9V lithium battery that lasts about 20-24 months before it needs to be replaced. It is capable of cycling water on and off about 4000 times.

The mixer set contains a battery, an electric block, twists and other components, depending on the cost and functionality of the device.

Some models have a remote control that allows you to turn the water on and off from a distance.

The mixer consists of an induction sensor and a control unit.The sensor, depending on the settings, creates a certain magnetic field, if a foreign object gets into it, it transmits a signal to the control unit. The control unit opens the water, after the end of the signal, the water will automatically stop flowing.

The opening of the water occurs with the help of a solenoid valve. This valve is characterized by:

solenoid coil,
shield coil,
core tubes,
membranes,
saddles,
seals,
corps,
body covers,
core,
springs,
fixative,
tip.

During the lifting of the core and membrane, the opening of water occurs. This process is explained by the supply of electrical voltage to the electromagnetic field, which affects the core. If the batteries run out, the water supply is shut off.

The crane is powered through the mains or by installing conventional batteries. The second option is more secure.

To prevent backflow of water, a check valve is installed at the inlet.

The main advantages of using sensor mixers:

1. Convenience, comfort - such devices are more convenient, for example, a faucet does not require opening if your hands are dirty, you just need to bring your hands to the device.

2. Sensor faucets are the most hygienic and meet the requirements of all sanitary standards. In public places where there are a large number of people every day, a lot of bacteria and microorganisms collect on ordinary taps, in the case of touchless faucets, this problem is easily eliminated.

3. Such devices allow you to save water, because at the time when the hands are not under the tap, the water does not flow.

4. No need to worry about someone in the family forgot to turn off the faucet.

5. The ability to automatically adjust a certain temperature allows you to use such a faucet, even for small children, without fear of hypothermia or burns.

6. Touch faucet will add comfort and modern look to the interior.

Disadvantages of sensor mixers:

1. Inconvenience of installation in the kitchen: sensor faucets allow you to set one water mode, the kitchen requires either cold or hot water, so changing the temperature every time is inconvenient.

2. Inconvenience with regular filling of the sink or bath. It is required to constantly hold hands until the sink or other vessel is full.

restaurants, cafes,
shops, supermarkets,
cinemas,
hospitals,
bathroom sinks,
kitchen sinks.

In relation to the purpose, sensor mixers are divided into:

sensory kitchen faucet comes with a swivel or U-shaped spout;
taps for urinals, divided into: external, built-in;
toilet faucets - start to supply water after 5 seconds, for 10-15 seconds.

Depending on the appearance of the device, there are:

a mixer with a touch button type sensor - controlled using a touch screen, have many functions and settings;
mixers are touch-sensitive, non-contact, some models provide the ability to install additional lighting, in the form of a single-color LED lamp.

In relation to the length of the jet, mixers are distinguished:

long, jet length exceeds 35 cm;
medium from 20 cm;
fixed,
shortened
rotary,
design.

Depending on the principle of operation, sensor mixers are divided into devices:

with separate taps
single lever type
electronic type,
with double spout.

The simplest is the first option, which consists of several taps. They are adjusted using a valve or handwheel. Such mixers are the most reliable and have a low cost.

Faucets with only one lever require temperature control. There are two types of such devices:

ball type,
ceramic type.

Devices with a double spout look like a single-lever mixer, they are distinguished by a special valve that helps in obtaining filtered water.

Electronic type mixers are distinguished by such advantages as:

automatic water supply,
temperature control,
aesthetic appearance.

Disadvantages of electronic mixers:

power supply is required
low reliability,
high price.

Depending on the type of program, there are:

mixers with a constant supply of water, such devices supply water from the moment the palms are raised until there is no movement;
intermittent mixers - react only to the appearance of the palms, but work for a few seconds, and then turn off.

In relation to the type of sensor, mixers are distinguished:

with an infrared sensor
with ultrasonic sensor
with a photocell.

The first and second options differ in higher reliability, since the mixer with a photocell has a large number of false positives due to light hitting the surface.

1. To select individual settings, choose mixers with adjustable sensitivity.

2. Pay attention to the presence of additional functions, such as operating time, water supply time, turning the mixer on and off.

3. Choose models with adjustable water temperature.

4. Touch faucet price depends on such factors:

number of additional features
availability of remote control,
the material from which the mixer is made,
jet length,
device size,
appearance,
company manufacturer.

5. Pay attention to the faucet system, it can be single-pipe and two-pipe, if you have both cold and hot water, select the second option.

6. Choose a faucet made of high quality materials, ask for a certificate of conformity to sanitary and hygienic standards.

7. When choosing a faucet in a room that already has another faucet, pay attention to their complementarity.

To install a sensor mixer, two stages of work should be carried out:

body part installation
connection to the plumbing system.

Before installing the faucet, shut off the water supply.

The housing is installed in a specially prepared hole on the sink. When replacing an old mixer, it should be dismantled. A mandatory element is the installation of a mounting gasket, which is placed between the sink and the new faucet.

The lower part of the device is mounted on a gasket, plates, and fixed with a nut. The kit should have additional fasteners on which the control box is installed.

The minimum distance between the box and the floor is 55 cm. The mixer and the control box are connected with a flexible hose.

For the faucet connector to the plumbing system, connect the nipples to the water pipes. Install a gasket at the junction of the faucet and control box.

For the correct operation of the solenoid valve, the sensing wire must be connected to the control board using a nut. To do this, unscrew the four bolts, remove the upper part of the case. Install batteries or lithium and replace the cover.

Turn on the water supply and check the operation of the faucet.

In the event that water does not shut off, the device should be disassembled and the membrane cleaned of dirt and small scale particles. Install a new sump after cleaning.

If the mixer malfunctions, check the sensor.

If the faucet accidentally hits the reflection of light from the sink, it works, the light source should be removed.

You can repair the bathroom faucet yourself. If there are any problems, you can correct the situation on your own with not too serious malfunctions.It is important to understand in more detail the possible breakdowns of the mixer and the factors that led to this.There are various models of mixers. They differ in the type of fastening.

Wall. They are fixed on communications coming out of the walls. More suitable for the bath.

Preinstalled. They are connected to the outlet hoses through the holes made by the manufacturer.

Mortise. Holes are pre-made where the model is mounted and fixed. Used for non-standard room layout.

There are types and according to the principle of action. This affects the functionality of the locking element.

Single lever. At the heart of the swivel 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. The classic version, in demand;

Touch. It is based on a photocell that reacts to the hand that is brought to the spout. The option is more expensive and uses high technology.

Mixers are different, so each has its own instructions

There are several main reasons why a mixer may break. They are reflected in the table.

Refers mainly to manufacturers not widely known. They may use poor quality materials in the production of the model.

Use of old consumables

Rubber products have a shorter service life than silicone products. More prone to deformation, may collapse due to drying out.

The quality of water greatly affects the mixer, on its service life.

Use of water with high hardness

Reflected on the internal elements of the product. As a result, deposits appear, seals crack.

It is useful to know the design of a bathroom faucet with a shower. After all, this will allow you to find the cause of the formation of a breakdown and fix everything. A shower saves a lot of 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. Work 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 fails. An expensive faucet can also fail. The main and most common cause is the quality of the water used. It can ruin even a high-quality model. Sometimes the injury from bad water is so severe that repair is not possible and the product must be replaced with a new one.

It is better to know the mixer device in advance, so it will be easier to fix it

The basis of the design in this product are crane boxes. Troubleshooting isn't that hard. The water pressure is regulated by a rod. Leakage 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 notch of the channel.

Leakage may be due to a leaky gasket. To change it, cut a new seal from a special kit. It is important that there are no protrusions on the circle. Loosen the screw on the stem. Sometimes you need to pry the rubber band with a screwdriver to pull 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 principle of operation. One of the key elements is the faucet box, its ceramic pair and rubber seal. The latter thickens over time due to frequent compression.As a result, a gap is formed, where the leakage of water begins. You can change the shutter assembly. But its cost is higher than that of a standard box. Therefore, it is worth renovating. To disassemble the structure, the seal is pulled out. Remove the lock washer from the stem neck. Knock out the rod with a light blow from the channel. The rod is washed, all lime is removed. You will need silicone or solid oil, which needs 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 a ceramic plate that fits into the stem plug. The shutter assembly is assembled, the actions are performed in the reverse order.

You can repair the mixer yourself, its design is not complicated

In joystick models, the shutter cartridges cannot be repaired. You just need to change them. The device of such a mixer looks unusual. You can try to cope on your own, but not everyone decides on this, preferring to entrust this to plumbing.

In most models, the screw is located under the lever. If you unscrew it, the cap will become available to you. A joystick moves around it, which controls the pressure of the water.

Shutter cartridges in such models cannot be repaired, they must be changed

The cap should be screwed on. The top of the cartridge will become visible. You will also see a hexagon. Unscrew it. After 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 notches in the same way. Otherwise, when solid particles get under the seal, a leak will occur. If you do not clean the threads of the fixing nut, the same problem may appear. Therefore, before replacing with a new element, it is important to clean everything in order to avoid leakage in the future.

Before installing a new cartridge, thoroughly clean the slot

The water jet may be weak due to clogged aerator. Then you should unscrew it. Take the aerator mesh and blow it through. 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 itself and the rings. Dealing with such a problem is not difficult. The key difficulty that you may encounter will be the search for a rubber ring for the spool. It is not often found on sale. Usually, some spare parts are included with the mixer. 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. Therefore, be sure to purchase a quality item.

The water jet may be weak due to clogged aerator

If such a leak appears, you can fix the problem with your own hands 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 thread.
Collect everything back. It is enough to screw the hose into place.

After that, the leak should turn.

With this problem, you need to change the gasket

Disk cartridge failure can be caused by worn out plastic moving parts. Plates made of ceramic last longer. They don't wear out as often as rubber. 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, in any case, a new part will be needed.

The cartridge cannot be repaired, it can only be replaced

You can determine that the cartridge has become unusable by such signs.

The water does not mix properly. It can only flow either cold or hot.
There were irregularities in the water supply. If you turn the lever to any extreme position, the flow of water does not occur.
If the lever is in a fixed position, constant changes in water temperature occur.
When you turn on the water, you can not make it at full pressure.
Problems with complete shutdown of water. It fails to do so.
There is water leaking under the handle.
It takes some effort to turn the lever.

The life of the mixer is directly affected by water. Harmful impurities with which it can be rich lead to the formation of limescale, 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 or delay its occurrence as much as possible, it is worth using filters that make the water softer and purify it mechanically.

The quality of the mixer is directly affected by water.

The reasons for the appearance of such a leak.

The crane box is out of order.
The rings in the crane box are very worn out.

To get rid of such a nuisance, it is important to follow a few simple steps.

Shut off the water completely. To do this, you need to use the riser;
Remove the plugs.
Remove the screw from the valve. Be attentive and careful. In the process, it is important not to spoil the thread.
Open the faucet. To do this, you need to use the key.
If the ring or the crane box itself is faulty, it is necessary to replace them.

In many cases, the repair of the mixer is simple, it is only important to know the design of the part.

When all of the above manipulations have been completed, assemble everything in the reverse order and check how well the crane works.

Any mixer model will not last forever. From time to time there will be problems and breakdowns. You can repair the faucet in the bathroom with your own hands. In many situations, this is not difficult. It is only important to understand the cause of the malfunction and eliminate it. Usually it 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 right one.