Do-it-yourself ball valve repair

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

Single-lever faucets attract with their laconic design and easy control of the water flow. Turning on the water, changing its temperature and pressure - all this with one turn of the handle. These devices are reliable, have a solid service life - some branded ones give a 5-year warranty. Nevertheless, repair of a single-lever mixer is periodically necessary.

Despite the external similarity, rotary or single-lever mixers are of two types - with a cartridge (cartridge) and ball - with a ball inside. You can repair any of them, but for this you need to disassemble them first. And so that you can not only disassemble, but also assemble, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the internal structure of each.

The design may be different, the structure remains the same

Cartridge mixers are so named because their locking and regulating mechanism is hidden in a special cartridge flask. In more expensive models of faucets, the cartridge body is made of ceramics, in cheaper models it is made of plastic. What these models are good for is ease of repair, but it is not always easy to achieve the required pressure with them - you need tighter control of the handle. But changing the temperature of the water is very easy - with a slight movement of the hand.

The structure of a single-lever faucet with a cartridge is simple. If you go from top to bottom:

Switch with fixing screw.
Locking (clamping) nut.
Cartridge. It mixes water flows, the same device shuts off the water.
The body of the mixer, in which there is a "seat" place for the cartridge.
Fasteners, studs and gaskets to ensure tightness.
Outflow (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 still installed from below and there is another part of the body.

Video (click to play).

What is a single lever cartridge faucet made of?

The cartridge itself contains several (usually 4) specially shaped ceramic or metal discs. A rod is welded to the upper disk. By changing the position of the rod, we change the position of the plates relative to each other, changing the amount of water passing through the holes in the plates.

In order for the faucet / mixer to work normally, the plates are lapped very tightly. For this reason, cartridge single-lever mixers are very demanding on water quality. The ingress of foreign fragments between the plates leads to the fact that the valve flows or stops working altogether. To avoid this, some manufacturers put filters on the inlet pipes. But, it is better to put filters on the water supply and get clean water that can be safely supplied to household appliances.

It got its name because of the element in which water is mixed - a ball with cavities. The ball is usually metal, hollow inside. Its outer part is polished to a shine. There are three holes in the ball - two for the entry of cold and hot water, one for the exit of already mixed water. A rod is attached to the ball, which enters the cavity on the handle. This rod with a rigidly attached ball changes the temperature of the water, its pressure.

The structure of a single-lever mixer with a ball mechanism for mixing water

It is easier to adjust the parameters with such a device - the parts are well ground in, the handle moves easily. Mixers with a ball mechanism are less critical to the presence of mechanical impurities, but do not respond very well to the presence of hardness salts and excess iron.So for normal operation, pre-filtering is also required here.

Repairing a single-lever cartridge faucet often consists of overhauling and cleaning the o-rings. Salts are deposited on them, debris and dirt accumulate because of which the faucet begins to leak. To eliminate this trouble, the mixer is disassembled, all parts are wiped from dirt (with warm soapy water), rinsed, dried, put in place.

The sequence of installation of parts in a cartridge single-lever mixer

Let's figure out how to disassemble the cartridge faucet. First turn off the water, and then the procedure is as follows:

Remove the decorative cap on the handle. Just pry it off with a screwdriver.
Behind it is a mounting screw. We unscrew it with a hex wrench and take it out.

First unscrew the fixing screw

Actually everything. Dismantled single-lever mixer with cartridge. As you can see, there are not many details. The main working part is the cartridge. In it, inside, mixing takes place.

The cartridge itself has a sealing gasket - a rubber saddle at the bottom, which ensures a snug fit to the body. Over time, rubber loses elasticity, water begins to ooze. If this is the problem, you can first try to clean this ring from the salts and deposits that have formed on it. Put the cleaned part in place, check the work. If the leak does not stop, you will have to change the cartridge.

Cartridges for "one-handed" mixers

Faucet cartridges have different diameters, inlets and outlets are located differently in its lower part. Therefore, if you need to replace it, first you disassemble the mixer, get the treasured part and go to the store or the market with it. You need to choose exactly the same model without any deviations. At home, install the cartridge in the case, turn it slightly until you feel that it “sat” in place. Next - assembly, it goes in the reverse order.

Install the clamp nut first. Actually, at this stage, you can check how the new cartridge works. Turn on the water, adjust the temperature and pressure with the rod. To make it more convenient, you can put a handle on the stem. If everything is fine, continue the assembly.

The single-lever ball mixer was invented just over 40 years ago. Its design is simple and reliable - actually there is nothing to break. If problems arise, it is only because of poor-quality water - particles of dirt settle on the rubber saddles on which the ball rests. Contact deteriorates, water seeps in and the faucet starts to leak.

How to Disassemble Single Lever Ball Mixer

Some ball valves are also implemented with a cartridge. Only inside the cartridge are not plates, in a ball. Disassembly of this type is no different from that described above. All the difference is hidden inside the flask. There are also other types of faucets. In them, the locking ball is installed directly in the rubber seat. There are some minor differences here.

The tap lever is removed in the same way - first remove the plug, then unscrew the screw with a hexagon. Pull the lever up, remove it. After the action is very simple and similar to those described above:

We unscrew the cap, preferably with our hands, since it is usually made of thin metal, it is easy to bend it.
We unscrew the clamping nut, there is a washer under it, we remove it too.
Opened access to the ball. We pull the rod, we take out the ball.
There are two saddles under the ball, with springs so that the rubber bands are pressed against the ball more tightly.

All disassembled. Next is the repair of a single-lever mixer. In theory, the problem is that deposits have accumulated at the point of contact between the ball and the seat. They must be removed - carefully clean, wipe. There may be issues with the springs. They also sometimes accumulate dirt, but more often they simply lose their elasticity.

The third source of problems is the ball itself. In general, it should be made of stainless steel, respectively, it only needs to be cleaned of deposits. In reality, this is not always the case - cheap taps have appeared even with plastic balls or cheap metal. In this case, peeling of the surface or other similar troubles may be observed. Such a locking element will no longer work normally. It must be replaced. With the ball, you also go to the store, select a replacement of the right size. Assembling the mixer in reverse order: springs from the saddle, there is no place for the saddle, there is a ball on them, etc. When assembling the entire structure, carefully center everything - the skew will lead to rapid wear and the faucet will leak again.

Faucets with a swivel spout are installed on sinks in the kitchen or bathroom. From time to time, a leak starts from under it. The locking mechanism in this case is not to blame, just the gaskets have lost their elasticity or the lubricant has dried up.

Repair of a single-lever mixer with a movable spout

In this case, disassemble the mixer as described above, then remove it by pulling up the spout. Remove all old gaskets. If they are stuck, you can use a flathead screwdriver or even a knife blade. You need to remove them, but they still need to be replaced. On the removed gaskets, select new ones. It is desirable that they be made of silicone, not rubber. Silicone is more elastic, retains its properties longer, better tolerates contact with water.

Lubricate new gaskets with sanitary silicone grease, install in place. Install the spout in place. It must be pressed down well so that it rests against the union nut on the mixer body. Next is the assembly of the rest of the mechanism.

A faucet suddenly leaked? What to do in such a situation, we will tell our readers.

Ball valves are widely used in the installation of intra-house or intra-apartment water supply and heating.

No matter how reliable the ball valve is, there are situations in which you need to repair the product yourself.

Structurally, the device is fundamentally different from conventional valves, but it is not difficult to carry out repairs on your own.

You just need to have a minimum stock of knowledge:

crane device (about the regulating passage is written here);
design features;
principle of operation.

Most are accustomed to the idea that polymer gaskets are changed in taps.

After that, the device works again.

ball fittings contains sealing gaskets, but other malfunctions are also possible.

This type of shut-off valve consists of several parts:

frame,
lever arm,
spherical locking mechanism.

Different positions of the ball inside the body allow you to block or let water through.

Do you know about reverse osmosis, harm or benefit, what does purified water bring to our body more? Read the useful article for recommendations on the operation of mini-complexes for filtering fluid extracted from wells, wells or open reservoirs.

The sizes of sanitary hatches invisible under a tile are specified on this page.

Mixers have the option supply liquid from two inlets to one outlet.

In case of problems, repairs are entrusted to an experienced plumber (about the control valve for a heating radiator is written on this page), who will complete the task in a timely manner and give a guarantee against leaks.

Self repair will reduce financial costs.

If cracks appear on the body, the valve must be replaced. Chassis damage is beyond repair.

A similar situation occurs with cheap products made from low quality materials.

If you notice a decrease in pressure water from the tap, do not rush to disassemble or change the device.

Perhaps the pressure in the water supply has decreased. This is verified by opening other locking devices.

In cases where utilities lower the pressure, you will need to install a pump to increase the water pressure in the apartment.

The second reason is a clogged aerator (grid) at the outlet of the crane.

In this case, the mesh is removed and cleaned of rust, scale or debris.

A liquid with mechanical impurities, rust (read about iron removal of water with your own hands here) is the cause of malfunctions of valves.

The following problems occur in the ball device:

fittings are leaking;
weak pressure from the tap;
improper mixing of water of different temperatures.

The appearance of leaks due to clogging of the space between the ball and the gaskets.

A small grain of sand or a piece of rust can damage the integrity of the device.

In the event of a malfunction, the mixer ball valve is repaired and the seat of the locking element is cleaned.

Otherwise, solid debris can destroy the rubber gasket, resulting in the need to replace the sealing insert.

The pressure drop is caused partial clogging of the shutter. The solution may be to install a strainer at the entrance to a house or apartment.

Do you know which one is better to buy a hot water meter with a temperature sensor? A useful article describes popular and reliable models of domestic manufacturers.

Do you need ventilation for sewerage - find out the answer here.

Faults in temperature control appear as a result of clogging of one of the holes with rust, scale, sand or other solid particles.

There may be cases when it is not possible to determine the cause of the malfunction, but the valve is faulty.

In such situations, the product is replaced.

Such devices can crumble with minor mechanical stress.

Therefore the right choice is of fundamental importance. High-quality ball valves will last longer without repair or replacement than several cheap models.

When troubleshooting yourself, you must follow the following sequence of actions:

water supply shut off per device;
the screw holding the rotary lever is unscrewed.
The next step is to remove the lever;
then we open the threaded part, which we unscrew with a screwdriver clockwise;
with pliers, remove the dome and remove the polymer element;
the seal is inspected for wear or solid debris.
The gum is cleaned carefully, trying not to damage the gasket;
take out and inspect the ball element.
If chips, cracks or other damage are found, we change the ball;
remove the seals that fix the rotary structure.
To do this, use a flat screwdriver.
If we find defects in gaskets or springs, then we replace the elements with new ones.

According to the same scheme, faucets are repaired in the bathroom (it is written about the installation of the mixer here) or in the kitchen.

Assembly is done in reverse order.

It is advisable to replace the gaskets, even if there is no visible damage.

We apply a layer of lubricant suitable for this fitting to the seals.

Before applying lubricant, read the composition.

Otherwise, the composition may cause damage to the device.

IMPORTANT!
Self-repair of a ball valve must be carried out carefully - look at each structural element.

Close attention pay attention to the presence of debris in the rotary element and on the surface of the gaskets.

After the repair is completed, it is necessary to check the fittings for tightness. The tap is connected to the water supply and a test run of water is carried out.

Watch the video filmed during the restoration repair of valves with your own hands.

Liked the article? Subscribe to site updates via RSS, or follow the updates in Vkontakte, Odnoklassniki, Facebook, Google Plus or Twitter.Most owners are accustomed to solving the nuances of household repairs with their own hands, without resorting to the help of various “masters for an hour”. And it's not just about saving, fixing minor problems with modern plumbing is an interesting and quite feasible task even for a beginner.But in order to succeed, you need to know the principle of operation of the device and its weaknesses. Let's try to analyze in detail one of the problems - how to repair a ball mixer in the bathroom or in the kitchen.The faucet with ball mixer has a clean and modern look, which allows it to organically complement any kitchen or bathroom interior.But its main advantage is comfortable use. Indeed, unlike the valve design, in order to adjust the pressure and temperature of the water flow, you do not need to turn the knobs in search of the “golden mean”, but simply set the switch in the optimal position and put it into operation with one movement of the hand.The design of a typical ball valve consists of the following mandatory elements:

The control lever is a rotary knob that sets the flow force and water temperature. It is attached to the body with a screw closed with a decorative cap, on which the designations of cold and hot water are indicated in color or letters.

A metal cap that secures the valve mechanism to the body.

"Cam" - a plastic part with a figured washer, which ensures the movement of the "ball" in a certain range. The washer itself has a domed shape and is equipped with rubber seals.

The mixing chamber is a steel hollow "ball" fixed with a system of saddle valves and springs. It has several openings: two for hot and cold water inlet and one for the outlet of the mixed flow through the faucet spout. In some designs, the “ball” is enclosed in a special protective capsule - a cartridge.

Metal body with spout.

Circular nut fixing the body on the sink.

The system is operated by a lever. When it is lifted, the “ball” inside the faucet begins to rotate, and when the holes are aligned with similar recesses in the saddles, water is supplied to the spout. Depending on how complete this coincidence was, the pressure and temperature of the flow are regulated.In more detail - about the troubles that happen with a plumbing fixture, and how to eliminate them.Although ball valves are considered one of the simplest and most reliable designs, from time to time they fail due to natural wear of parts or under the influence of external factors. Consider the most common breakdowns that may occur during the operation of such a mixer.If the mixing of hot and cold flows occurs in a chaotic mode, the problem lies in the failure of the ball cartridge or rubber "saddle". The cause of the breakdown is most often the blockage of the space between the "saddle" and the holes of the "ball".The crane will have to be disassembled to inspect the parts for damage. If such are found, the gaskets or the entire “ball” will have to be replaced - no putty with sealant and other tricks will give a long-term effect.Such breakdowns most often occur due to the poor quality of water treatment in the water supply system at home. And we are talking not only about mechanical inclusions - particles of rust and other small litter. The problem may be in the increased hardness of the water.If water with an excess of mineral impurities is supplied to your region, it would be useful to study the mixer passport before buying - many manufacturers specifically indicate acceptable hardness for the smooth operation of their products.For a bathroom where water is used mainly for technical purposes, the simplest mechanical filter is quite enough, which simply protects the plumbing from impurities.But for the kitchen, you can install a system that improves not only the quality, but also the composition of water, enriching it with deficient trace elements. There are many options here - from simple cartridge filters to reverse osmosis systems.The reason may not lie in the faucet itself, but also in the low pressure in the water supply system of a house or apartment. Therefore, before disassembling the structure, make sure that water comes from other taps with good pressure. If, nevertheless, it was confirmed that only one mixer was “to blame”, check if the aerator on the spout is clogged.In the water sometimes comes across sand, rust particles from worn pipes or limescale, which accumulates on the mesh and interferes with the free flow. To make sure that the aerator is the cause, remove it and turn on the water again.If the flow has increased to the required value, you just need to thoroughly rinse the grid and install it in its original place. Of course, if the part is broken or rusted, it is better to replace it with a new one.But if cleaning the aerator did nothing, and the water pressure was not restored, most likely, the reason lies in the internal blockage in the channels of the mixer, pipes, flexible hoses, or heavily pinched gaskets on the liner. In a word, you can’t do without disassembling the crane.Another frequently encountered operational nuance of ball mixers is the annoying sound effects that accompany the flow of water. The reason for this phenomenon is the vibration of rubber gaskets due to the interaction of air and water flows. There are several solutions to this problem: install a special filter, reduce the water pressure, or choose more tightly fitting gaskets.Before embarking on a repair, it is important to determine the source of the leak, and at the same time pay attention to what position the control knob is in.If water seeps out from under the lever when the faucet is opened, the gasket may be worn out. It can fail over time or due to poor-quality knurling of the faucet cover - sharp edges easily damage rubber. To eliminate the defect, you need to disassemble the mixer and install a new gasket.

If water drips from the faucet when the handle is in the blocking position, there are several options:

The easiest is when water appears from under the cap of the swing arm. To fix this problem, it is enough to tighten the connection well with a wrench. Has the leak stopped? Well, it means that the reason lurked precisely in a loose mount.

If it flows from under the faucet body, but no cracks were found on the metal itself, the problem most likely lies in the wear of the sealing gasket under the nut. To replace it, you need to unscrew the fixing nut of the body and disconnect the mixer from the inlets (of course, after cutting off the water supply). After that, the used consumable is replaced with a new one, and if the gasket diameter is chosen correctly, it will be installed in the groove with force. Then the crane is assembled and tested for performance.

If a crack is found on the body itself that allows water to pass through, then the tap will have to be completely changed. Of course, you can cover up the defect with some kind of waterproof sealant and even “cold welding”, but such a repair can only be temporary - the leak cannot be eliminated in this way.

A crack in the control lever - this problem can be completely solved by replacing the handle, which will cost much less than buying a new faucet.

Please note that external damage to the body may not be visible to the naked eye, but even microscopic cracks will leak and cause puddles at the base of the faucet. Therefore, examine the metal with a magnifying glass - with an increase in defects, it is much easier to identify defects.The following photo selection will acquaint you with the features of replacing a hinged mixer:Having ensured the fit of the mixer parts to the seals, we assemble the device in the reverse order:Next - about the intricacies of disassembly and diagnostics.If neither tightening the nut nor cleaning the aerator helped fix the problem, then you will have to change the gaskets or the “ball” itself. As already mentioned, the mixing chamber cannot be partially repaired - it is non-separable. And to replace it, you will have to disassemble the entire mixer, and at the same time check the safety of other internal elements.To work, you will need the usual tools from the home master's set: an adjustable wrench, pliers, a screwdriver (straight, cross-shaped or hex - depends on the screw that the faucet is equipped with).Step-by-step instructions for disassembling the ball mixer:Then it remains to assemble the upper part of the faucet: screw on the metal cap, install the handle, fix it with a screw and close it with a decorative cap.

The situation when it is necessary to independently repair a ball valve at home is quite common. By design, it differs from conventional similar devices. However, repairing it is not difficult for any man who has minimal skills. For this you need to know:

How is a ball valve arranged?
what parts it consists of
how water is supplied.

Many people are used to the fact that in a conventional faucet you need to replace the rubber or silicone gasket, and the device can be used. A ball design can have similar problems, but there are other reasons for its poor performance.

The ball valve consists of the following main parts: A locking device in the form of a metal ball with holes for the passage of water is mounted inside the mixer or tap. Turning this ball increases or decreases the water pressure or completely closes the device. The faucet has two holes for cold and hot water. And at the outlet there is one hole for the withdrawal of water of the desired temperature.

Ball valve device

Therefore, if difficulties arise, then the repair of ball valves should be entrusted to plumbers, who will do everything quickly and efficiently. But you can save money, and fix all the problems with your own hands.

If the ball valve device has obvious damage in the form of cracks on the body, then the valve can no longer be repaired and must be replaced. This defect is often found in cheap devices that are made of low-quality materials. If the water pressure has decreased, then you should not immediately disassemble the faucet and look for problems inside. First you need to determine if the pressure has become less due to a decrease in water pressure in the system. To do this, you should see what pressure the other taps in the house have. Another reason may be that the aerator (mesh) on the outlet channel is clogged and just clean it.

In the event that rusty water flows from the tap, then most often the cause of the problem lies in the water supply system, and not in the tap.

The most common malfunctions in a ball mixer are:

water flows from the mixer;
weakened water pressure from the tap;
water temperature is incorrectly adjusted.

Water leakage is more often due to the fact that the space between the rotary element (ball) and the rubber gaskets in the cartridge is clogged. A fine grain of sand is enough, and the tightness of the structure will be broken, as a result, there will be a leak.

Therefore, in this situation, it is necessary to disassemble the mixer and clean this place, otherwise, the leakage will increase due to the fact that the grain of sand deforms the rubber gasket over time and it will have to be changed.

The reason for the decrease in water pressure may be a partial clogging of the shutter. To avoid this situation in the future, you should install a filter in front of the mixer or at the entrance to the house.Changes in water temperature may cause one of the holes to become clogged with sand particles or pieces of rubber gasket.

If it is not possible to find the causes of the malfunction, then it is necessary to replace the tap on the water riser. The reason for this lies in the fact that some people buy the cheapest faucets and faucets. And such devices are made of cheap material - silumin , which has low strength and often just crumbles even with a slight mechanical impact.

It is better to buy a normal device once than to change or repair cheap faucets often.

The sequence of disassembly of the ball valve:

first of all, you should turn off the hot and cold water in front of the tap;
the screw that holds the faucet swivel lever must be unscrewed. Then you should remove the lever by applying some force and swaying it a little from side to side;
after removing the lever, the threaded part of the device opens. Unscrew it with a screwdriver by turning it slightly clockwise.

At the same time, do not forget about the water hoses - when turning the tap, they can be damaged.

using pliers, it is necessary to remove the dome of the mixer and remove the plastic element;
in the event of a leak, carefully inspect the seal, which may be worn or clogged with sand particles or lime deposits. Cleaning work must be done very carefully so as not to damage the seal;
then you need to remove the ball from the mount, and if it is damaged, replace it;
the next step is to dismantle the seals that fix the rotary element. Seals and springs are easy to remove with a flat screwdriver with a thin sting.
If the gaskets are damaged or deformed, they should be replaced with new products.
It is necessary to carefully inspect the springs, if they have become less elastic, then they also need to be replaced.

This is how you can repair a faucet in the kitchen or in the bathroom. Assembly is carried out in reverse order. In this case, all gaskets, old or new, should be coated with a thin layer of grease that is suitable for a particular type of faucet or faucet.

The composition of the lubricant from different manufacturers may be different. Therefore, you need to carefully look at what the mixer is lubricated with. Otherwise, it will lead to breakage of the crane.

Repair of a ball mixer must be carried out very carefully, carefully looking at all the elements and parts of the structure.

Particular attention should be paid to the presence of foreign particles in the rotary element and on the seals.

After assembly, the tightness of all connections and elements should be checked and tested with water connected. If the faucet or faucet is working properly, there are no leaks, the water pressure is normal and the temperature is regulated, then the repair is done quite correctly.The kitchen faucet is one of the most frequently used plumbing fixtures in an apartment or house, so it is not surprising that it often fails.A rotary one-handed faucet in this case needs preventive maintenance with the replacement of components, sometimes the malfunction cannot be fixed and the plumbing fixture has to be completely changed.Almost every homeowner can do this at-home job without calling a paid plumber. To do this, you need to know how to disassemble a kitchen faucet with one handle and have a simple construction tool available.Single lever kitchen mixerIn modern kitchens, the main type of faucets are single-handled types, which have practically replaced the inconvenient two-valve designs and are more practical than touch devices.The device of a single-lever faucet for the kitchen is not complicated, the main nodes are the body (it has a low tide, seats for installation in the sink and water supply) and a built-in adjustment unit.In the event of failure, the repair of a single-lever mixer in most situations consists in a simple change of a unified switching unit or its parts.The manufacturer supplies the market with single-lever models for mixing liquids with only two types of control units: ball and plate ceramic cartridges.It can be noted that ceramic cartridges, due to their high technical characteristics and performance, have practically ousted spherical models from the market.A high-quality ceramic block can regulate the water supply for up to 10 years without loss of operational properties, budget Chinese crafts can fail the next day and need to be replaced much more often.Appearance of structural elements of ceramic cartridgesA ceramic cartridge is a prefabricated connection of parts installed in a plastic cylindrical body, at the top of which there is a lever on which a rotary handle is attached. In its lower part there are three holes: water enters into two of them, and from the third the mixed liquid is directed to the ebb and flows out.The main components of the cartridge are two slotted ceramic plates that fit snugly together. When one of them rotates around its axis, the inlets through which cold and hot water enters overlap to varying degrees - thus, the temperature regime is adjusted.If the movable plate is displaced along its axis, both inlets are simultaneously blocked - this is how the pressure is regulated.The main advantage of equipping a kitchen faucet with a cartridge is its ease of replacement and high maintainability - its cylindrical body can be easily disassembled.The principle of operation of the ceramic blockBall control units consist of one main part - a metal ball with three holes for water and a rod for installing a rotary handle. During operation, the ball rotates in a spherical body seat, which has three holes: two for water inlet and the third for pouring out the mixed liquid.Adjustment of the temperature regime and pressure occurs similarly to moving the handle in ceramic models; spring-loaded rubber rings are inserted into the area of the inlets for sealing.The advantage of one-handed ball valves is the simplicity of design, long service life and excellent maintainability - the metal ball itself theoretically cannot fail, so the repair of the mixing device consists only in installing new gaskets.Features of the device of ball nodesTo avoid risks during the purchase and operation, it is better to purchase sanitary equipment from well-established manufacturers in the market - this ensures that it will last a long time without breakdowns and malfunctions.Usually, the control unit is already installed in the plumbing fixture upon purchase, and given that all their models are unified, the right decision would be to purchase exactly such a device right away. This will allow, if the old node breaks down, immediately replace it with a new one, and if the situation repeats, assemble a working device from two faulty devices with further use of the repaired one.When operating a kitchen faucet, in most cases, water is supplied using flexible reinforced hoses, which are not always of high quality. To avoid flooding of the premises in case of damage to the water hoses, you can install an Aquastop valve at the outlet of the pipes.It should be borne in mind that the principle of operation of the valve is to shut off the water flow at high pressure, that is, it is effective if the water hose falls off the mixing body or pipe. In other situations, with a leak, the apartment can be successfully flooded with Aquastop protection.To carry out repair work, you will have to disassemble the faucet without removing it from the sink, sometimes it may be necessary to repair the kitchen spout, which in one-handed models can be carried out without disassembly operations.When dismantling the crane, you have to remove the handle, unscrew the fixing nuts and hoses - this requires the right tool, consumables and accessories.Tools and supplies for plumbing repairsFor repair work, you will need the following tool:

Adjustable wrench for unscrewing the nut from the body of the mixer and dismantling the flexible hoses.

Socket wrench or flat wrench for tightening and removing bolts on mounting studs.

Phillips screwdriver or hex wrench for dismantling the crane handle.

When removing the mixing body from the kitchen sink, removing the underwater hoses, one often encounters difficulties associated with the contamination of the dismantled parts with limescale or their corrosion. Before carrying out work, it is better to treat their surface with household chemicals to remove rust and limescale - this will simplify the dismantling and further installation of equipment.

The presence of gaskets in the underwater hoses and the mixing body eliminates the use of various types of additional seals in the form of synthetic and linen tape, rubber rings.During repair work, it is often necessary to change underwater hoses that have become unusable; for replacement, it is better to purchase types with a stainless steel braid and a union nut with fittings made of non-ferrous metals (copper, brass).The internal structure of a single-lever cartridge mixerRepairing a faucet with a built-in cartridge, depending on its malfunction, requires a different approach. If the tap does not close well or constantly flows, in most cases the cartridge needs to be replaced. When the shell or ebb is damaged, you will have to remove the mixing device and purchase a new faucet with subsequent installation.The main components that most often fail during operation are the adjustment unit and spout. The control assembly can be damaged as a result of long-term operation with poor quality or from the ingress of contaminated water with sand into the plumbing system. The main reason for its malfunction is the breakdown of the built-in plastic parts and the stem on which the handle is attached.The ebb most often fails as a result of clogging of the filter nozzles at its outlet - in this case, the water pressure breaks its thin-walled tube and a leak forms.When carrying out repair work, it is often necessary to disassemble a single-lever mixer, the process consists of the following steps:

Using a knife or a flat screwdriver, remove the plastic plug in the side of the handle, the fixing screw can have a head for a Phillips screwdriver or a hex key. Unscrew the fixing screw with a suitable tool; before work, it may be necessary to pre-treat it with household chemicals against limescale and rust.

After removing the handle, unscrew the decorative nozzle. It is designed for manual removal, but in the process of long work, water gets into the thread and plaque prevents twisting. To facilitate removal, you can use an adjustable wrench, after placing a soft cloth under its lips to prevent scratches on the chrome surface.When carrying out work on dismantling the cap, excessive efforts should be avoided - this can lead to deformation of the thin-walled lining.

Under the cap is a clamping nut with a hex ring in the upper part - it is simply unscrewed counterclockwise with an adjustable wrench. Removing the cartridge is easy - it is removed from the mounting slot with your fingers by the lever.

Dismantling a faucet with a ceramic cartridgeBefore changing the cartridge in the mixer, the internal parts of the mixer body are cleaned of plaque and dirt with a rag and household chemicals. Replacing the cartridge with a new one is quite simple - during installation, the body protrusions are combined with the recesses in the mounting socket.It often happens that after a seemingly correct assembly, the cartridge does not work correctly. This happens due to the fact that the protruding rubber gasket in the lower part during installation prevents the two fixing protrusions on its body from getting into the mounting sockets. The crane will have to be completely dismantled again, set the block in the correct position and press down harder with your hand when tightening the clamping nut.During installation, it is important not to pinch the clamping nut - this can lead to a tight joystick movement and compression of the body shell, causing rapid wear of internal parts and, in extreme cases, their cracking - if the joystick moves tightly, you should immediately loosen the clamp.How to disassemble a faucet in a ball-type kitchenThe main repair of a ball mixer in the kitchen with your own hands is the replacement of gaskets, with significant damage to the ebb or body shell, leading to leaks, the plumbing will have to be changed.Before repairing a ball valve, prepare ordinary tools and consumables in the form of rubber cylindrical gaskets and a dome washer. Household chemicals may be needed for pre-treatment of parts covered with plaque and corrosion.The main malfunctions of ball types include:

wear of the upper dome gasket;

hollow metal ball defects;

abrasion of saddle valves;

weakening of the springs.

If we repair the mixer with our own hands, then, unlike cartridge types, to accurately determine the faulty part, it requires preliminary disassembly.When disassembling a single-lever ball-type mixer, the following operations are performed:

Remove the decorative trim on the handle, completely unscrew the fixing screw and remove the handle.

Unscrew the top cap with an adjustable wrench, installing it in the outer slots.

A plastic washer with a domed rubber ring and a ball are removed from the body, the seat gaskets with springs are removed with a screwdriver.

How to disassemble a ball mixer - replacing sealsIn self-repair, the instructions for connecting the crane can help, having studied which it will be much easier to repair it.But even in its absence, the repair is not particularly difficult, mainly perform the following operations:

Most often, valve seats are changed. To do this, they are inserted into the body recesses along with the springs.

If the ball is damaged, any ball repair is ineffective - it is replaced with a new one.

Wear of the upper dome washer is very rare, when abrasion is needed, replacement is necessary.

To speed up the repair time without conducting a preliminary examination of the ball valve with its disassembly, it is better to purchase a standard repair kit from the distribution network in advance.Before installing the ball, it is useful to use silicone grease, which is coated on its surface to better seal and reduce abrasion of rubber parts.Repairing single-lever models of kitchen faucets with your own hands is a fairly simple task even for an untrained homeowner. The main types of faucets - ball and cartridge, have similar disassembly and assembly processes using the same plumbing and household tools.