The second life of the crane box. DIY repair

Features of ceramic faucets

Modern cranes, instead of capricious and often breaking worm gears, have a ceramic element called crane boxes. There are no rubber gaskets in them, the water supply is regulated in this case by two ceramic discs equipped with through holes.

If the holes on the disks match, water enters, but if the handle is turned, the holes will move relative to each other and the water will be reliably blocked. As a rule, they serve for years without requiring repair.

If water leaks are found, then it is usually necessary to slightly tighten the locknut on the body to solve the problem.

Single Lever Faucet Repair

The main element of lever devices is a non-separable cartridge. In the event of a failure, the entire assembly is replaced. It is impossible to fix it with your own hands. If the device is operating normally, and the problem is a leak, this is most likely caused by worn o-rings. Repair of a single-lever crane is carried out according to the following scheme.

A screwdriver or something sharp pry off a decorative plug located on the body. Beneath it lies a hex screw that secures the lever. It is undesirable to use a screwdriver and a hammer (in the absence of a key) to remove the latch. The consequence of such actions is damage or flaring of the mounting bolt.

After unscrewing the latch, it is necessary to remove the lever and cap. Doing this with bare hands is sometimes problematic. You can loosen the lever with moderate hammer blows. To prevent damage to the case, a wooden nozzle must be used.

Next, the washer is unscrewed - the cam, after which the remaining parts of the crane are removed. O-rings are located under the cartridge. The new gasket should be slightly wider than its intended slot. The sealing ring must be firmly seated in its place.

In order to avoid repeated repair of the crane, it is important to inspect all components for defects. If necessary, a worn cartridge or settled springs are replaced

All parts are cleaned of plaque, which is also the cause of the leak. After troubleshooting, the mixer is assembled in the reverse order. Clamp the fasteners should be sensitive, the use of excessive force will lead to thread breakage.

The design of the worm valve heads for the mixer

The bushing crane device for both types of mixer is simple. In worm gears, when the valve handle is turned, the stem is set in motion. It extends and presses or releases the rubber gasket. That, in turn, closes or opens the mixer valve seat, and with it the water supply.

Gaskets are made from various types of rubber. Their reliability and service life depend on this. Gasket wear can be determined by the characteristic sound in the pipes during water supply.

axle box crane

The main disadvantages of a rubber axle box crane include:

• short service life;
• unlike ceramic, in order to open or close the tap, it may take several turns of the handle, which is not always convenient.

Some of the clear benefits of this product include:

• it is usually not difficult to find the required model for your mixer on sale;
• ease of repair or replacement: you can do everything without outside help;
• rubber gaskets are easily made on their own, a suitable material is enough;
• the prices for such valve heads are the lowest.

How to prepare for renovation

Before you repair the crane, it is worth preparing for the work, so that later you will not be distracted by trifles. The preparation process is as follows:

• If the packaging from the faucet installed in the shower or in the kitchen has been preserved, then it should be found.Firstly, in this box, most likely, you will find an instruction that will describe in detail how to repair the faucet in the bath. Secondly, there may also be a repair kit, which many manufacturers complete their products with. Using the parts from the repair kit, you can easily fix a dripping faucet.
• So that you do not repair on the water supply, you first need to turn off the water supply by turning off the valve. Turn off the supply of both hot and cold water.
• It remains to prepare a basin or other low container to collect flowing water and dry rags to wipe the splashes that will certainly form during the repair process.

Advice! For those who do not know how to fix the bushing crane and are faced with the need for repairs for the first time, it is worthwhile to first visually see how the work is going on the video.

Two-valve faucet repair

In two-valve models, mixing water to the desired temperature in the kitchen is carried out manually. The main node of such equipment is a crane - axle boxes. In modern mixers, two types of taps are used - axle boxes: "worm" (with a rubber gasket) and ceramic. Each of the equipment has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Repair of the "worm" crane box

The flow of water in the "worm" type device is held back by a rubber gasket. As the seal wears out, the seal between it and the mixer body is broken. To shut off the water supply, the valve has to be clamped harder each time. As a result, the gasket quickly "sits down", is damaged and ceases to cope with its task.

It is not difficult to make a seal on your own and install it on a mixer. The troubleshooting algorithm is as follows:

1. With a sharp object, a decorative valve cap is hooked and removed
2. The screw located inside is unscrewed with a screwdriver
3. The valve is removed, the axle box is removed (open-end wrenches are used)
4. According to the model of the old gasket, thick leather or rubber is cut out and a new one is installed. Or use the factory gasket.
5. Reassembly of removed elements

Another sign of rubber seal wear is a hum in the pipes at high pressure in the pipeline. Noises arise as a result of gasket resonation.

Attention! The consequence of constant clamping of the valves is the failure of the internal thread. In this case, you need a complete replacement of the node

Repair of ceramic crane box

The installation of such equipment in the kitchen is due to the convenience of its operation. Ceramic plates have a long service life. But on the other side they are very sensitive to water pollution. In the absence of pre-treatment of water, small particles penetrate into the mixer, which have an abrasive effect on ceramics. The sealing of the plates is broken and a leak forms between them.

Sometimes the failure of the faucet-boxes is due to the wear of the gasket that presses the swivel ceramic pair. As a result of the weakening of the rigidity of the seal, the pressing force on the plates decreases. A blockage accumulates between them, which does not allow the plates to cling tightly. Water seeps through the cracks. The problem is solved by the method of "building". One or two layers of electrical tape are glued to the gasket

It is important not to forget to make holes for the movement of water.

In some cases, repair of the node is impossible or impractical. Eliminate the leak in the kitchen will allow the installation of a new axle box. The procedure for repair work with a ceramic mixer is similar to the algorithm for removing / installing "worm" devices.

When purchasing new spare parts for a crane, it is advisable to have old parts with you as a sample.

How not to make a mistake when choosing a crane box

First, take into account the size of the part, because. they are different (1/2 and 3/8 inches).

Secondly, do not neglect the matching of the mixer and the crane box. Depending on the manufacturer, valves are “under the square” and “under the slot”.The first is suitable only for our faucets, and the second is suitable for faucets of foreign manufacturers, so they cannot replace each other.

The valves themselves are made of plastic or metal. When buying a crane box, you need to rely on the dimensions - the length of the crane and the stem. In order not to buy the wrong thing, you should take an old axle box and a flywheel with you. Parts come in different sizes, and the bolt may have a different thread pitch, so you need to check compatibility right in the store.

Finally, find out or remember if you have a water filter. Without it, it is undesirable to install ceramics.

If, on the contrary, you already know exactly which axle box you are planning to install and choose a mixer, turn the flywheel and count the turns: in a ceramic valve you will not even count to one.

The device of ceramic valve heads for the mixer

As the name implies, the ceramic faucet bush has ceramic parts in the design. Only disks or inserts are made of such material, which block the flow of water or open the flow. They have the following disadvantages:

1. Demanding on water quality. If its composition is not suitable, they can fail faster than a worm axle box crane. Breakage is possible, for example, if there is sand or other impurities in the water. To prevent this and improve the quality of water, you can additionally install a special filter that purifies it.
2. They cost a little more than worms.

However, despite the existing disadvantages, the ceramic bushing crane is still a product of a new generation. This suggests that it also has the following advantages:

• under suitable conditions, it will last longer than a worm gear, that is, it is distinguished by increased reliability;
• works without noise;
• to open or shut off the water supply, no effort is needed, half a turn is enough, unlike a worm.

How to choose a crane box

If it is necessary to replace the crane box, it is necessary to perform a number of measures:

• Recall or determine according to the documents of the mixer manufacturer and its purpose;
• Determine the type of box. In a ceramic-metal product, white ceramics is visible through the side holes; in addition, at the end of the fitting there will be gaskets of various shapes and different materials. Threaded products are equipped only with a rubber gasket of increased thickness; silicone or rubber is used for ceramic devices;
• Remember the beginning of the fitting - equipped with a square or slotted head.

The external threaded part on the body (bolt), designed for fixing in the mixer, has dimensions ½ "or 3/8".

The number of splines on the head of the fitting is 20 or 24. Moreover, this type of flywheel mounting is most often used on imported mixers.

Main types and sizes

What is a bushing crane? In appearance, the valve heads are very similar to each other. However, their internal structure and characteristics may differ. Depending on the design, there are two main types:

1. The worm-drive crane box photo is an older model, widely used in Soviet times. Inside there is a rubber gasket designed to block water. Because of this feature, it is also called a rubber bushing.
2. The bushing crane is ceramic - it has two disks in the design, made of this material. One of them is motionless, the other, when the handle of the mixer tap is turned, closes the hole between them.

On sale you can find a large number of valve heads of both types. They can differ in the following ways:

1. Differences of valve heads:
   • by manufacturer: Russian, foreign;
   • limiting operating temperature;
   • maximum water pressure;
   • the ability to pass a certain amount of water per unit of time;
   • the number of slots that the stem has for installation on the flywheel (crane handle): 20 or 24;
   • the dimensions of the product itself;
   • sizes, thread types: 3/8, 3/4 and 1/2 inches.

Faucet leaking Repair of the crane box once and for all, checked

On sale you can find mixers of different price levels:

• In inexpensive models, the case of which is made of silumin (an alloy of aluminum with silicon), as a rule, the internal parts are made of cheaper materials - stainless steel, plastic, rubber. Such mixers are not very durable.
• More expensive varieties of mixers are made of copper alloys - brass, bronze. Mixer parts are usually chrome-plated or coated with other types of metals, and high-quality polymer material is used for the manufacture of gaskets.

Single-lever models are more reliable than two-valve ones. However, the latter are no less popular because they are great for decorating interiors in a romantic or retro style. Single-lever faucets, on the other hand, stylishly complement modern and avant-garde interiors.

Do-it-yourself faucet repair in the kitchen

There is a seal under the nut. The old one should be removed. But if the length of the nut is enough, then you can simply add a new one.

For the repair of oil seals, there are special packings - braided cords made of linen, impregnated with graphite lubricant, threads, or from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) ropes. As a gland packing, you can use FUM tape, which is cut into rings and placed around the stem. Then it is clamped with a stuffing box nut. The second option: loosely wind the linen thread, after soaking it with any lubricant (for example, graphite).

If, instead of a nut, a bracket keeps the stem from falling out, a rubber ring is used here as an oil seal.

To replace it, we take out the bracket, disassemble the axle box crane and replace the rubber ring (of which there may be several) with a new, suitable size. Such rings can be purchased at plumbing or auto stores. And in the auto shop, the choice of sizes is much larger.

Construction of a ceramic crane box

The part consists of a body, which in plumbing is called a jumper, a connecting part of the components of the crane box - a fitting and a hollow hexagon - a rod. The body of the crane box has a thread with a gasket for easy connection to the mixer. The front part of the jumper looks like a hexagon for a wrench. The fitting is attached to the body with a washer, which also plays the role of a bearing and protects against falling out of the mixer.

In ceramic faucet boxes, the body has the shape of a cylinder with holes on the sides. The fitting has two protrusions that will connect to one of the polished discs - movable.

Both disks have water supply holes. When the flywheel is turned, the discs either overlap each other (then water does not flow) or open at the same time (then water flows).

The tightness of the ceramic crane box is achieved due to the fact that a rubber gasket is located between the disks. If the gasket becomes unusable, a characteristic noise appears.

How to repair a faucet with ceramic discs

A water tap is one of the most commonly used types of valves. It is the tap that ends the water pipes, and it is through it that water enters the houses and apartments. There are hundreds of different types of faucets available in stores today. They differ not only in appearance, but also in the internal structure. What is the device of the water tap and mixer? Consider the most common types of structures.

In colloquial speech, the concepts of "faucet" and "faucet" often replace each other. In fact, these terms hide different concepts. The tap is used for installation only on a hot or only on a cold branch of the water supply.

The mixer is connected immediately to both pipes, by adjusting the level of supply of cold and hot water, you can easily achieve the required temperature. Today, faucets are rarely installed in apartments, since it is more convenient to use mixers.But simple ones are used quite widely - in dachas, production, etc.

Blitz Tips

Tip 1. With a soured (sticky) thread, the latter can be treated with a chemical preparation, for example, WD-40. After 15–30 minutes, in most cases, the axle box can be unscrewed.

Tip 2. In the absence of a waterproof lubricant, it can be replaced with graphite.

Advice 3. Most often, crane-boxes fail at cheap mixers, about the quality of which one can say: “that it is not cheap, but cheap.”

Tip 4. It is not worth neglecting the installation of a mechanical filter, especially if water meters are installed, this will save nerves, time and finances in the future.

Do-it-yourself faucet repair

Hygienic shower for the toilet - types and methods of installation

Choosing the Right Valve Head

Bush crane types, sizes and other characteristics are diverse. It is difficult for a person who is not sufficiently versed in plumbing to not get confused in the large assortment of valve heads offered by sellers. The first and easiest thing to advise is to come with an old part.

When replacing, consider:

• Soviet mixers more often use structural elements that are different from modern ones, so new bushings may not be suitable;
• valve heads made by foreign companies are usually not suitable for modern domestic faucets, as they have different handles.

When choosing the same axle box for the mixer, you should look at the manufacturer. The quality and expected life of the product depend on this. However, the most important condition is the size. Obviously, if the dimensions are not observed, the installation will simply be impossible.

Of course, it is important to know what type of axle box faucet was in the mixer. If in doubt, you can conduct a small experiment

To completely shut off the water (open) with a ceramic valve head, only half a turn is enough, while with a worm head it is 3–4. Although for convenience it is quite possible to replace the old worm gear with a new ceramic one. However, this is not always possible, but only if the sizes match.

It is worth considering the type of attached flywheel (handle). They are of two types:

• "under the slot" - mainly found on foreign-made devices;
• "under the square" - more common with Russian models.

In some cases, the axle box crane with a flywheel may be of different standards. When making a purchase, you also need to know this. Before sending to the store, be sure to perform a few more actions:

• measure the length of the valve and stem;
• find out the thread: there is a certain thread in the mixer body, therefore, on a new faucet box, it must also have the appropriate type and pitch.

A purchased suitable part is usually not difficult to install in place. To replace or repair, it is enough to familiarize yourself with one of the instructions presented on the network, the advice of friends or the seller. Although the design is simple and everything is often clear on an intuitive level. Most importantly, do not forget about safety.

Ceramic products

This is a more modern version. They are produced with the possibility of installing valve-type axle boxes with the same installation dimensions instead of a crane. Principle of operation: two round plates with cut out holes in the form of a sector, one of them is fixed. Rotating, the water passes when the holes match.

From below, these plates are pressed against each other with a rubber gasket, which also serves to hermetically install the faucet-boxes into the mixer body.

Malfunctions: in case of leakage of the stuffing box, the repair actions are the same as with the faucet axle box of the valve type. Breakdowns associated with damage to the plates are solved by replacing them. If the rubber gasket is worn out, it is restored by applying a thin layer of silicone to it.

single lever mixer

They are only ceramic, structurally they are more complicated, their repair is not provided, only replacement with a new one.The principle of operation is the same: the water flow is regulated by combining the holes of the plates.

To remove the faucet axle box of a single-lever mixer, you need to remove the handle by removing the plug and unscrew the screw holding it. To do this, use a set of hexagons or a flat screwdriver. Then, removing the protective cap, unscrew the nut.

A feature of mixers with ceramic faucet axle boxes is that to completely shut off the water, you need to turn the handle at an angle of less than 90 degrees, while valve-type models turn several turns.

When trying to adjust the water temperature, the knob must be turned with an accuracy of several degrees, which can be inconvenient. But this is due to the fact that in houses with old communications, the supply pipes are clogged unevenly. The cold water pipe clogs more and the water pressure in it is less.

It is necessary either to install a pressure regulator, or to replace the mixer with a thermostatic one. In such mixers, the temperature is set by a separate knob and is very precisely regulated by internal automation.

Any, even the highest quality plumbing, fails over time, and the owners have to face the problem of how to fix the faucet in the bathroom or in the kitchen. It is not worth postponing the solution of the issue indefinitely, because if water drips from the tap, the water consumption increases, and the appearance of the sink or washbasin deteriorates, as ugly smudges appear on it.

Probably, everyone is familiar with such a situation when a tap drips in the bathroom or in the kitchen - how to fix the failed equipment? Many decide to repair plumbing fixtures on their own.

Let's figure out how to fix a faucet in the kitchen, in the shower or on the washbasin in the bathroom. It is not difficult to repair a conventional model, but if a ball valve is installed, then difficulties may arise.

Preparatory work

Initially, care should be taken to prepare a set of appropriate tools, which includes:

• Pipe wrench;
• Screwdrivers (flat and Phillips);
• Open-end wrenches (12 - 19 mm);
• Hex key (for lever tap);
• Sealant or rags;
• Pliers.

Next, you should find out the place of the leak and determine the damaged node. This is done visually. If water flows from the gander, then the faucet box will need to be repaired. Leakage in the places of threaded connections is eliminated by replacing the gasket or using seals (winding). In the presence of mechanical damage to the body or gander, it will be necessary to replace the corresponding components.

After identifying the problem, turn off the hot and cold water supply with taps that precede the faucet to be repaired. If the equipment has not been used for a long time, then its valves may not be able to turn

They should be developed carefully, using lubricant.

Attention! The use of large forces or all kinds of tools (hammer, chisel, etc.) to turn blocked valves can lead to their failure and additional problems

Step-by-step instruction

1. Turn off the water supply.
2. Remove flywheel. First you will need a screwdriver to twist the fixing screw under the cap. After the flywheel is removed from its original place, access to the crane box is opened.
3. The crane box is removed with a 17 mm key. Some ceramic designs may have a locknut that can be loosened with an adjustable wrench. With a 7 mm wrench counterclockwise, the crane-box “under the square” is unscrewed. Difficulties can arise even at the initial stage, when you need to remove the screw on the faucet handle. Under the influence of water, the device rusts, turns sour, and the place where the screwdriver should be inserted cannot be found. A drill will help to cope with this situation. She makes a hole in the head of the screw, and it is easily removed. In very difficult situations, when the rust has penetrated too deeply, the crane box will have to be treated with a solvent so that it can be removed.But before installing a new part, you need to thoroughly clean the installation site, threads, flywheel from rust and solvent residues.
4. The new part must not be tightened too tight, it is better not to hold out a little.

Sometimes the mixer starts to flow not due to a breakdown of the faucet box, but due to the abrasion of the gasket. In this case, repairs can be made without disassembling the structure to the end.

Replacing the gasket in the valve seat

First you need to turn off the water supply - this is a prerequisite for even the most minor work. Using a flathead screwdriver, carefully pry off the top cover of the valve. Then the screw is unscrewed and the flywheel is removed. Now there is access to the crane box, and you need to unscrew its upper part from the saddle.

It is in it that there is a bolt with a rubber gasket put on it. The old gasket must be removed, a new one installed and the structure assembled.

Replacing the Ceramic Plate Gasket

This type of repair is required if the leak comes from the mixer itself, and not the valve. To fix the problem, you will need to disassemble the crane box completely.

You need to do the same operations as when replacing the gasket in the crane seat, with only one change: unscrew not part of the crane box, but the entire part. The crane box is already divided into two parts outside the mixer - upper and lower - a gasket is found between the upper disk and the housing, and replaced with a new one.

Replacement of ceramic discs

Discs are changed when the seal between them is broken. This happens if there is some grain of sand between the disks. Therefore, in addition to the replacement of disks, you need to clean the parts well.

Procedure:

1. Shut off the water.
2. Unscrew the fixing screw and fixing ring of the mixer with a gas wrench.
3. Remove swivel mechanism.
4. Take out the ceramic discs.
5. Rinse new discs and replace old ones.
6. Apply lubricant or silicone to the mechanical parts of the mixer, avoiding contact with the discs themselves.
7. Contact with a ceramic bushing crane does not require any special knowledge, skills or tools. Armed with our recommendations, you can safely proceed to the repair of this part.