Popular cartridge sizes
When buying a replacement element, it is important to pay attention not only to its shape, but also to the location of the holes for the stem. Standard sizes of replaceable cartridges are standardized for each faucet model
Most manufacturers of single lever faucets use 28mm, 32mm and 35mm cartridges in their assembly. In the products of the brands "Kaiser" and "Grohe" you can often find functional mechanisms with dimensions of 40 mm and 46 mm.
Among the most frequently purchased products are products with a diameter of 40 mm. They are marked d40. In addition to standard sizes, many original models often have 18 mm, 20 mm and 22 mm accessories.
When purchasing a cartridge, check whether the return of products is provided and whether there is a guarantee for it. Please note that if the device does not fit, it can be returned or replaced in the store no later than two weeks from the date of purchase.
How to replace the ball mechanism
Most of the steps for changing the ball cartridge in the mixer are similar to those described when repairing disk devices.
The main stages of replacing the ball mechanism:
- On the crane lever, remove the decorative plastic trim with a screwdriver.
- The locking screw located under the overlay, depending on the configuration of the head, is unscrewed with a hexagon or a Phillips screwdriver.
- Remove the mixer lever.
- The pad located under the lever, fixed on the valve body by means of a threaded connection, is unscrewed with an adjustable wrench.
- Using pliers with a narrow working part, a ball valve is removed by the stem.
- Inspect the rubber seat of the cartridge and, if defects are found, replace it with a new one.
- The ball is removed and inspected for surface defects. There shouldn't be any flow. The cavities in the ball are cleaned with a rag from accumulated debris.
- Replace the rubber gaskets and assemble the structure in reverse order.
In the future, in order to protect plumbing equipment from premature failure, coarse filters should be installed at the inlet of cold and hot water.
Although many modern faucets often already have a filtration system built in, installing an additional barrier for large elements present in the water never hurts.
If the implementation of simple repair operations did not lead to the desired results, you will have to go to the store for a new device. The article presented by us will acquaint you with the steps for installing a new mixer.
Common causes of breakdowns
Problems that arise during the operation of both types of devices, as a rule, are associated with the wear of moving elements. The reasons for this may be poor-quality materials used in the manufacture, mechanical damage to the equipment and the impact of water hammer, creating excessive loads on the elements of the "core".
In conditions of worn out and outdated plumbing systems, the average cartridge can last no more than 4-6 years.
The following signs will indicate that it needs to be replaced:
- the lever stroke became less smooth (with jamming or jerking);
- it is difficult to regulate the pressure of the water flow;
- water flows do not mix, regardless of the position of the faucet handle;
- Water continues to trickle even when the faucet is closed.
The reverse situation can also indicate the failure of the mechanism, when, with the lever in a static position, the water flows spontaneously change the temperature.
The cost of a faucet cartridge is negligible compared to the price of the plumbing fixture itself.Periodic replacement of this element is a cost-effective measure, which can be implemented on your own, without the involvement of plumbing workers.
Types of faucet cartridges
The main purpose of the cartridge is to mix hot and cold water flows, as well as to regulate the intensity of their supply, ensuring the smooth operation of plumbing equipment.
When equipping single-lever mixers, two types of devices are used: ball and disk. In terms of service life, they are approximately equal. But still, the bulk of mixers for domestic use are equipped with disc-type mechanisms.
This is due to the fact that in the legal plane with the production of ceramic disk mechanisms, the situation is much simpler. Not all manufacturers have a license for the manufacture of ball types of devices. In order not to pay for the right to release, it is easier for companies to stamp disk devices that are in demand on the market.
Steel ball devices
The design of the ball joystick is a locking element in the form of a hollow steel ball, equipped with three openings that communicate with each other: two inlets and one outlet.
The temperature and pressure of the flow are set depending on the position of the openings of the inlet nozzles and the cavities of the ball. The larger the overlap area, the stronger the flow.
When the lever is turned or tilted, the walls of the ball close one or both holes, allowing flows from pipes with hot or cold water to enter and mix inside the cavities of the locking element.
The main disadvantage of ball devices is their vulnerability to deposits that form and accumulate inside them during operation. They worsen the smoothness of pressing the mechanism, provoking the failure of the joystick.
Based on the diameter, height and seat, these types of devices on the market are presented in a large assortment.
Therefore, when changing the cartridge on the mixer, it is important to select and install a completely identical spare part.
In order to protect yourself from mistakes when choosing, leading to unplanned waste, buying a new “core”, it is advisable to take a used old one with you for a sample.
Disc "cores" made of ceramic plates
Disc cartridges are equipped with two smooth and tightly adjacent plates made of cermet. The lower plate is securely fixed in the “core”, and the movable upper one is connected to the control rod, due to which it freely rotates around its axis.
In the mixing cavity is a metal mesh, the main purpose of which is to suppress noise. In some models, the role of a noise suppressor is performed by curly protrusions.
The stem acts as the basis for fixing the handle of the single-lever device itself. It is attached to the upper ceramic disc and can be removed if necessary.
Adjustment of the water pressure in the cylindrical "cores" is carried out by moving the top plate. It is equipped with protrusions and depressions that cover the holes of the lower disc. The more the holes are closed, the weaker the pressure.
To increase the tightness of the structure, most models have rubber gaskets at the bottom of the mechanism. To extend the "life" of ceramic elements, a metal mesh is provided. It acts as a coarse filter.
A similar device for cartridges for showers. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the design and features of their repair.
Differences between cartridges from different manufacturers
The difference between this replacement part in a mixer from different companies is usually insignificant. However, some try to understand the main differences as much as possible in order to buy a quality and reliable cartridge to replace it in the faucet.
- Grohe produces cartridges with carbon crystal coating located on the plates, which makes the cartridge more durable and reliable, and installation is easy.
- The oras cartridge is standard, so if a cartridge breaks, you can find it quickly and easily.
- The manufacturer Vidima offers customers cheap designs of faucet cartridges, but, unlike the previous ones, they quickly break down, and it is impossible to repair them.
- A brand called Boltic sells the best cartridges that, with a special mounting method, will last you for many years.
When choosing a cartridge for a faucet located in the kitchen, in a bath or shower, it is worth considering not only the price, but also the quality of the product, which determines the duration of the faucet, installation and reliability of the design.
Single lever mixers and their repair
Today, most bathtubs, sinks and other sanitary ware designed for this purpose are equipped with single-lever faucets. They have replaced the faucets with 2 valves that were recently present in apartments, houses and many public institutions. They were designed to mix hot and cold water. This required several times to turn one or the other valve, after which you can take a bath, wash the dishes or just wash and brush your teeth.
Assembly diagram of a single-lever mixer.
Now it’s a completely different matter: just one movement of the hand is enough, and water of the desired temperature is already pouring from the tap. But even such a seemingly ideal object is not able to protect itself from wear and tear. Time does not spare him either.
The most wear-prone mechanism here is the cartridge. It cannot be repaired, so the only way out of this situation is to replace it with a new one.
Replacement in the shower faucet
The cartridge in the faucet can break not only in the kitchen, but also in the bath. It is not difficult to independently repair and replace the faucet in the shower. Most often, single-lever mixers are installed in the bath, which differ slightly in design, design and replacement of parts from ball ones. But, nevertheless, it is quite easy to replace the cartridge in such a mixer, especially if you turn to the best photos and videos for help, which can briefly describe the process and show the replacement of the upcoming faucet repair.
Turn off the water in the mixer.
Just in case, we check the health of the cartridge.
Remove the plastic part and unscrew the screw (see photo).
We take out the handle and unscrew the rest of the parts that prevent the cartridge from being pulled out.
After that, we clean the faucet device from scale and sand (how to do this, see the photo)
It is important to do this as you install the cartridge so that the device does not clog.
Then we check the seal rings on the cartridge, because if they are installed incorrectly, the mixer will leak after repair.
We put a new cartridge in the mixer and check if it fits in size. When installing, it is important to check the holes in the cartridge, the device of which must match the mixer (see the photo for how its device looks).
After that, we return the crane to its original state and check the quality of your repair.
As you can see, it is not difficult to change the part - see the photo for the replacement process.
Such a cartridge replacement in the mixer is not much different from the previous repair. And if you still get acquainted with thematic videos and photo tutorials, you can quickly replace the cartridge and check the mixer device for damage.
The design of a single-lever faucet is much more understandable than a ball faucet, so you can easily replace the faucet in the shower without the help of specialists, especially since it is much easier to do in the bath than in the kitchen.
Do-it-yourself cartridge replacement in a mixer video
How to replace the cartridge in the faucet yourself? Actually, it's easy.The main thing is to know the components of the faucet design and then you will be able to quickly repair the mixer by replacing the cartridge in it.
Before starting to replace the cartridge in the mixer, it is better to familiarize yourself with the photos and videos in order to have an idea about the upcoming repair.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=WtdmHYunkaw
- Shut off the water in the faucet.
- Remove the plug (plastic).
- Use a screwdriver to unscrew the screw, and then gently pull out the handle.
- Then unscrew the decorative cover located under the tap lever.
- Under it you will see a fixing washer, which also needs to be removed from the crane structure using an adjustable wrench.
- Then we take out the cartridge. If the adjacent gaskets have settled, it will be quite difficult to pull out the cartridge (see photo).
- We wipe the vacated space under the cartridge from sand, plaque and other debris.
- Now we are replacing the cartridge: carefully insert a new cartridge into the device and fix it with a washer, and then with a decorative cover (if you need to change the gaskets, you need to do it right now).
- Then we put the handle in place and fix it with a screw.
Now we insert the plug and check the operation of the mixer and cartridge. You did everything right if the faucet does not flow and the handle turns smoothly. This completes the repair of the crane design device and the replacement of the cartridge.
It is worth noting that the installation of a similar faucet can be carried out both in the kitchen and in the bath and shower, so in this case the repair and replacement of the cartridge will be identical (especially since changing it in any “part of the house” is equally easy).
To visually see the work ahead, view the best photos of replacing the cartridge in the faucet, as well as familiarize yourself with its installation process and understand its device as best as possible.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
Some useful tips for repairing faucets with your own hands.
Video #1 How to properly disassemble the mixer and eliminate the leak:
Video #2 An example of replacing a cartridge on a Chinese faucet and familiarity with common breakdowns:
Changing cartridges in faucets installed on kitchen sinks and in showers is practically no different. But if your faucet has a more complex design and is equipped with sensors and thermostats, you should entrust the work of replacing functional elements to professionals.
Do you want to share the nuances of replacing a cartridge known only to you or tell you about the repair of a single-lever faucet made by yourself? Please write in the box below. Here you can ask questions and post photos on the topic of the article.
