What to do if the faucet is leaking? What to do if the faucet in the bathroom is leaking: causes of breakdown and methods of eliminating it. A regular faucet has started to leak, what to do.

As you know, water wears away stones, so any device that regularly interacts with it will eventually fail. It’s quite simple to understand what to do in the bathroom if you understand the principle of operation of the mixer.

The mixer can be:

lever;
valve;
combined with shower.

The main action of shutting off, mixing and supplying water is carried out by the cartridge, which is located inside the mixer body. They are controlled by an external valve or lever.

Valve mixers

Such plumbing equipment is made with a ceramic or worm axle box with a rubber gasket. Rubber quickly loses its elastic properties under the influence of water, which, due to wear of the gasket, flows from a closed tap. Faucets, for example from Hansgrohe, with ceramic parts, are more durable, but are also subject to wear. This is the reason why the faucet drips when the water is turned off.

Lever operated faucets

The design of such a mixer allows you to control the water pressure and temperature with one movement of the lever. The lever mixer cartridge is available in two versions:

on ceramic discs;
with a metal or plastic ball.

The design with a cartridge manufactured by Hansa is more durable, has fewer rubber gaskets and will be easier for you to replace.

Cartridge on ceramic plates. The main elements of this design are two polished, tightly ground plates. One of which is stationary, and the movement of the second is controlled by a lever. When the slots of the plates are aligned, water flows from the tap and streams of different temperatures are mixed. Making the element in the form of a non-separable cartridge leads to replacing the unit with a new cartridge in case of internal problems of the mechanism.

The faucet axle box on ceramic discs, which can be easily disassembled, can be repaired or its plates can be cleaned of debris. If the discs are deformed, they need to be replaced along with the gaskets, this will restore the functionality of the locking element.

Ball cartridge. The hollow ball, which is placed inside the cartridge, may have 3 or 4 holes. The two lower ones supply water at different temperatures, the two upper ones supply mixed water to the mixer or shower.

The holes that supply water to the ball are equipped with rubber seats. The entire structure is tightly ground in and low-quality water can introduce metal or other debris into the product. This is the reason why the ball valve is leaking from under the valve.

If yours is a collapsible structure, you need to clean the connections and replace the gaskets, this will help restore its operation. The cartridge version must be replaced with a new product when it is worn out. Despite their delicate design, ball valves regulate temperature and water pressure very smoothly. This will allow you to reduce the cost of wasted water when washing dishes or taking a shower.

Why water drips from the faucet tap, how to fix it yourself

The main reasons for leaking water taps:

wear of gaskets or seals;
incorrect installation, distortions or strong tightening of the nuts;
manufacturing defects;
contamination of ceramic discs or ball device;
wear of the metal parts of the mixer.

When the faucet in the bathroom is leaking, what should you do first - of course, turn off the water. This action precedes any work with water control mechanisms.

A set of tools and materials you need to fix problems:

a knife with a thin and durable blade;
screwdrivers with flat and Phillips blades;
adjustable wrench;
rubber and fluoroplastic gaskets;
sealing tape;
flushing fluid and lubricant.

Fixing a worn gasket problem

This is the most common cause of problems with worm-mounted crane axle boxes. In addition, there are rubber gaskets in ceramic axle boxes; they are used both as gander seals and in flexible hose washers. Contact of the gasket with metal parts in an aqueous environment, pressure on it from parts of the mechanism and possible drying out, in some cases, lead to deformation of the gasket. Due to the wear of the rubber, water leaks from the tap or it begins to hum.

When water drips from the faucet, what do you need to do to replace the gasket:

cut off the flow of water into the apartment;
using a screwdriver and a flat knife, disassemble the mixer and remove the damaged gasket;
change the gasket to a new product, it is better to use factory versions, although you can make the gasket yourself from suitable rubber;
assemble the mixer;
check the operation of the crane.

Replacing the crane axle box or cartridge

Before purchasing a new product, you need to decide what type of cartridge or axle box you have. And, of course, find out whether the reason is precisely the problem of the mechanism of this part.

If water flows from the gander when the faucet is turned off or the lever turns with difficulty, the cause of the malfunction is clearly in the faucet axle or cartridge. First of all, you need to remove the part from the mixer body, to do this:

remove the faucet handle by unscrewing the screw located under the decorative plug;
if there is a “skirt” covering the top of the part, unscrew it by hand;
Using an adjustable wrench, you need to loosen the connection of the axle box in the mixer body, then you can unscrew it by hand.

The cartridge is not much more complicated, you may additionally need a hex wrench, then:

remove the mixer lever by unscrewing the retaining screw with a hex key;
unscrew the locking ring by hand;
remove the clamping nut using an adjustable wrench;
remove the cartridge.

With the mechanical faucet assembly obtained, you need to contact a plumbing store. Having purchased an element that matches your mixer model, return it to its place. Check if the cause of the leak has been eliminated.

Any owner needs to know how to make a faucet so that water does not drip and money does not flow away.

Every home craftsman should know what to do if the faucet is leaking in the kitchen or bathroom. A prudent owner needs to be able to quickly and accurately determine the cause of a malfunction. After all, because of such a minor problem, it’s simply ridiculous to call a plumber and pay him money. Do you agree?

A set of tools for repairing faucets usually consists of screwdrivers, a set of open-end wrenches, an adjustable wrench and tape. This set, along with the necessary seals and components, will help anyone deal with most faucet leakage problems on their own. Here you will learn how to use them in practice.

We will tell you how to diagnose shut-off valves, mixing devices and adjacent water supply elements. For independent craftsmen, we have analyzed and outlined all the options for carrying out repair operations.

The sight of a leaking faucet evokes a variety of emotions in people: from a state of shock with a surge of adrenaline among housewives to a joyful anticipation of the upcoming repair among seasoned business executives. If the leak is strong, then you first need to completely shut off the water supply to the living space, and only then deal with the reasons for the breakdown of the mixer.

To diagnose a leak, you can gradually open the supply valve to determine the exact location where the water is dripping.

The variety of faucet designs allows us to classify leaks only according to typical breakdown locations:

Dripping water directly from the gander.
Leakage from under the valve (flywheel).
Leaks in the places where pipes or hoses are attached to the mixer body.
Leaking at the base of the spout tube.

When diagnosing the source of a leak, you need to remember that any faucet is a hollow, sealed device, and the only reason for water leakage is the depressurization of its constituent parts. Let's look at how to fix it if the faucet is leaking in the kitchen or bathroom.

A common cause of leakage in hinged faucets is a simple grain of sand stuck in the gap between the moving parts of the device. This is the simplest case, requiring only cleaning:

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Over time, even the highest quality faucets fail. The most common problem with the device is water leakage. In this case, you can contact a plumber. However, in some cases, you can deal with the breakdown yourself; it is only important to familiarize yourself with the information on the design and repair of the device. How to fix a dripping faucet in the bathroom, as well as the features of various designs and recommendations for repair work will be discussed in more detail in this article.

Peculiarities

If a faucet leaks in the bathroom, not everyone is in a hurry to fix it quickly. However, such a small problem can lead to a number of more significant problems. After some time, a plumbing fixture may completely fail. There is also a possibility that a large flow of water will break through and the tap will break under such pressure. If the faucet is dripping, the problem must be corrected promptly.

Features of repairing faucets in the bathroom are primarily related to the design of plumbing fixtures. In the kitchen, faucets have a simpler design. The bathroom fixtures additionally have a shower switch, a shower hose and a shower head. Exceptions may be models for the sink.

Possible reasons

The reasons for a leaking faucet can be very varied. First of all, it is necessary to pay attention to the operating conditions of the plumbing fixtures and the design features of the equipment.

The most common reasons for device leakage include several.

The valve seat is damaged or covered with scale. If the element is seriously worn out, it will have to be replaced with a new one. For minor defects, you can simply clean the saddle thoroughly.
The gasket of the device has deteriorated. This problem occurs especially often, since the rubber gasket does not have a long service life. If necessary, you can make such an element yourself by cutting it out of a bicycle tire.

Damage to the seal. Determining the malfunction of this element will not be difficult. If in the closed position the mixer does not leak, and when turned on, water flows simultaneously from under both flywheels, the sealing element has become unusable.
The crane axlebox is worn out.
Rust formation.

However, the cause of a leaking faucet is not always the malfunction of any part. If you purchased a poor quality plumbing fixture, it will quickly fail. The installation of the mixer is also of great importance. If installed incorrectly, even a high-quality, expensive faucet can quickly fail.

If you use the crane incorrectly, you can damage the structure yourself. If you turn the valve or press the adjustment lever with great force, you can damage the locking mechanism, which will lead to water leakage.

Before starting repair work, it is first important to correctly identify the reason why the faucet is leaking. Sometimes, to eliminate a leak, it will be enough to tighten the nut that secures the valve axle. However, there may be more serious causes of leakage that will require a thorough repair of the device.

Types of structures

When talking about plumbing equipment for water supply, the first thing you need to consider is the difference between a faucet and a mixer. The design of the faucet implies the ability to supply water from a hot and cold pipe. The mixer, in fact, performs similar functions and is a type of faucet with some design features. The difference is that the mixer can supply water from two pipes at once, mixing it and adjusting the temperature.

All cranes, depending on the control method, are divided into the following types:

single lever devices;
two-valve models.

Single-lever mixers, in turn, are divided into ball and cartridge. The main element of the ball structure is a small metal ball. The ball is located in the mixer body. This element has several holes for cold, hot and mixed water flow. The design of this type of device is very reliable and therefore rarely breaks. In cartridge faucets, the main element is two ceramic plates, which represent the cartridge. The bottom plate has three holes for water flow. The top of the cartridge performs the mixing function.

Single lever devices are very easy to use, so they are becoming increasingly popular. Using the control lever, you can easily adjust the water supply power and its temperature.

Double-valve designs differ from single-lever devices in the way they supply and regulate water pressure. Double-valve models have two handles, one of which is responsible for supplying hot water, and the other for supplying cold water. Such devices are divided into several subtypes.

Devices are classified depending on the type of locking mechanism in the handles. The first type includes devices whose locking mechanism is based on elastic rubber seals. The second type of two-valve models has a locking design in the form of ceramic plates.

When repairing a faucet, it is important to consider the type of construction of the device. The repair process for different types of devices will be different, even if the problem is the same.

Repair of single lever options

Single lever faucets come in ball and cartridge types. For ball models, the most common problem is wear of the rubber seals. To avoid faucet breakdown, it is recommended to replace the seals every two years.

Tap water may contain various elements(such as sand) that may clog the device. If the metal ball is less sensitive to sand and other small particles, then the ceramic plates can quickly fail and then the cartridge will need to be completely replaced. For this reason, it is recommended to purchase special filters for single-lever faucets.

The ball mixer can be periodically cleaned from accumulations of abrasive substances. To do this, you need to remove the nut at the junction of the gooseneck and the mixer body, remove the mesh from the tube and clean it thoroughly. After such simple manipulations, the structure can be put back together.

To repair a dripping single-lever faucet yourself, you need to understand its structure. It is also important to be able to properly disassemble the device for further repairs or replacement of any parts.

A cartridge-type device is disassembled in a certain way.

Using a flat slotted screwdriver, you need to carefully pry and remove the plugs, which are painted blue and red.
Use a key to unscrew the screw that connects the lever and the adjusting rod.
The handle is removed from the faucet, allowing access to the top ceramic plate. There are two nuts on the plate that need to be removed.
Now you can remove the disc cartridge from the mixer. It is necessary to replace the element only in case of breakdown.

A single-lever ball-type device is disassembled in a similar way, the process consists of the following steps:

Using a screwdriver or knife, you need to pry off the multi-colored plug and pull it out.
In place of the plug there is a fixing screw, which also needs to be removed.

Then the water supply adjustment lever is removed.
Using an adjustable wrench, you need to remove the part that visually resembles a dome and is located under the faucet handle. You need to remove the plastic ring from the dome and inspect it for defects or contamination.
Next you need to get a metal ball. The structure is inspected for damage. If necessary, certain parts are repaired or replaced. After which the mixer can be put back together.

If the faucet in the sink begins to leak, most likely a crack has formed in the body of the device. The housing may simply wear out from prolonged use and constant exposure to water.

Before taking any measures, you first need to make sure that the problem is related specifically to the leaky housing. If the device really has cracks, then the problem can only be fixed temporarily.

It is more advisable to immediately replace a cracked faucet. If this is not possible, a special sealant or glue may be a temporary solution. Damaged areas must be repaired with a suitable mixture (for example, “cold welding”). It is worth considering that a faucet treated with sealant will not look very aesthetically pleasing, and the sealing layer will deteriorate over time and will require replacement.

When water oozes from underneath the faucet, the reason is not always related to cracks in the body. Sometimes the problem lies in the seal between the tap and the flexible water supply. Replacing the gasket is not particularly difficult. First of all, you need to turn off the water. However, there will be some water left in the device that needs to be drained. To do this, you need to lift the lever and wait for the water to drain.

Then you need to unscrew the flexible hoses through which water flows to the plumbing fixture. It is worth placing a bucket under the liner or placing a dry rag on the floor, as water may also remain in the hoses. The next step is to remove the nut, which is located under the sink and secures the mixer. There will be a rubber seal under the fixing element.

The gasket must be carefully inspected for defects. If the element is damaged or worn, it must be replaced. Before replacement, it is recommended to clean the installation site of the new gasket from dirt. After successful installation of the new element, the entire structure is put back together.

If your shower head is constantly dripping water, the problem is most likely due to a worn top gasket on the fixture. Fixing the defect is quite simple. It is necessary to unscrew the fastening nut and remove the shower hose. The old rubber seal is removed, the area is cleaned of dirt and a new gasket is installed.

However, there are also more complex cases. For example, when it is necessary to replace not the upper, but the lower gasket of the device. A malfunction of the shower switch may indicate the need to replace this element. The lever cannot be switched and locked in the desired position, which prevents the flow of water from the shower head.

To replace the bottom gasket of the faucet, you first need to turn off the water. Then the nut and shower head are removed, the adapter and the gib of the device are removed. All components must be removed from the mixer to gain access to the gasket. After which the rubber element is replaced and the mixer is assembled.

If water continuously drips from the gander when the faucet is turned off, most likely the internal gasket of the spout has become unusable.

To replace the rubber gasket, you must perform the following steps:

to remove the gib, you need to carefully unscrew the nut that secures the part to the mixer using an adjustable wrench;
the worn rubber ring is removed from the gander, and a new gasket of identical size is installed in its place;
The spout is screwed to the mixer.

How to fix a two-valve design?

The most common problem with two-valve designs is wear of the rubber gasket. Eliminating this cause of leakage is not difficult; you just need to replace the damaged element with a new one. First you need to turn off the water in the bathroom, after which you can begin repair work.

The gasket replacement process is as follows:

It is necessary to remove the decorative plugs from the screws, under which there are bolts that secure the mixer flywheels.
The mounting bolts are unscrewed. Using an adjustable wrench, remove the valve body.
The old gasket is removed and a new one is installed in its place.
After replacing the seal, the structure is put back together.

In some cases, the cause of a faucet leak may be a poorly secured axle box. To eliminate the malfunction, it will be enough just to tighten the lock nut on the part. If the cause of a dripping faucet is a broken axle box, this element must be completely replaced.

This process includes the following steps:

Decorative plugs are removed from the mixer handles. This allows access to the fixing elements.
The mounting screws are turned out and the valves are removed.

Using an adjustable wrench, the axle box is unscrewed. To avoid damaging the faucet, movements should be slow and careful. Removing the faucet from an old mixer can be quite problematic, as the part becomes covered with scale. In this case, you can pour vinegar over the axle box, which will slightly dissolve the resulting deposit and make it easier to remove the part.
A new one is installed in place of the old axle box. It should be exactly the same as the previous part. Otherwise the valve will not work.
After replacing the part, the mixer is put back together.

How to repair a shower switch?

Bathroom taps have a separate bath-shower switch. If the breakdown of this element is not repaired in a timely manner, the entire mixer may fail.

Based on their design features, the following types of switches are distinguished:

Spool type. Such switches are produced complete with valve taps.
Cartridge. This type of switch usually comes with Russian-made mixers.
Cork type. This design is almost never produced by modern manufacturers of plumbing equipment.
A push-button switch allows you to mix water from a hot and cold pipe.

When repairing any type of switch, the first and mandatory action should be to turn off the water.

The most common cause of a leaking pushbutton switch is a damaged gasket. In this case, you can remove and thoroughly clean the old rubber ring, but it will be most effective to replace it with a new one.

Repairs are carried out as follows:

First of all, you need to remove the button. To do this you will need an adjustable wrench. All manipulations must be done with great care so as not to damage other parts.
Use a wrench to unscrew the entire switch.
There should be rubber gaskets on the retractable switch rod. Worn rings must be replaced with new ones.

The last step will be to assemble the switch.

If for some reason it is not possible to replace the gasket with new material, the old ring can be softened. First, the rubber must be thoroughly washed with soapy water, then soaked in gasoline or solvent for several minutes. However, it is worth remembering that such manipulation will only achieve a temporary effect. After some time, the switch will start to drip again, and even then replacing the gasket will be inevitable.

The cause of failure of the switch of a conventional single-lever faucet is most often the internal cartridge. Unfortunately, it is not possible to repair this element. In this case, the cartridge must be replaced.

Many of us associate the situation of calling a plumber with the film “Afonya”. Therefore, in the depths of my soul, a desire awakens to fix the faucet in the bathroom on my own. It is necessary to understand some of the intricacies of performing repair work: where to start, how to find out the location of the breakdown and why water is dripping from the tap. Having found the answers to the first questions, it will be clear whether it is possible to do the work yourself, and how to fix a dripping faucet in the bathroom.

It is very important to notice a breakdown in the bathroom in time. The consequences vary. The main thing is to decide how to fix a leak in the faucet quickly and whether you can fix the leak yourself, or you need to contact the experts, what are the causes of the leak.

Experienced plumbers name the reasons why the faucet runs:

The first reason is a defective plumbing product. If a breakdown occurs with a new product (water drips from the tap), this is a clear sign of a manufacturing defect. Not much time has passed since the purchase. Worry and exchange the defective product for another one under the terms of the warranty.
The second reason is loss of tightness due to abrasion of the gaskets. This occurs due to the long service life when the rubber bands wear out due to frequent friction or exposure to grains of water. Rubber gaskets lose strength, cease to perform functions and the faucet leaks.
The third reason is that saving money when buying a mixer leads to the installation of a low-quality plumbing unit. Over time, the faucet bursts and leaks from the crack.
The fourth reason is that the water is too hard, with impurities, which damages the ball mixer mechanism or the ceramic cartridge. These parts may simply become clogged with debris. Their breakdown can also be the reason why the faucet is leaking.

If the faucet is still not dripping heavily, then try to repair it yourself. In case of a strong stream, it is better to turn off the water and call a plumber to fix the faucet in the bathroom.

The result of a crane breakdown

Do not delay repairs. There are times when residents ignore a leaking faucet and choose not to pay attention. The situation can get worse, and if the faucet in the bathroom drips, then the breakdown slowly turns into a big problem with consequences:

Excess constant moisture in the room deteriorates furniture and finishing materials. A leaking faucet adds moisture to the air.
The sound of constantly dripping water has an irritating effect on the psycho-emotional state of residents. The sounds will be strong if the faucet in the bathroom is leaking onto metal plumbing products.
A non-stop stream of water from the tap increases water consumption and increases financial waste, increasing the amount of water bills.
A small leak that is not eliminated in time can develop into a major accident if the faucet in the bathroom drips. Not only can your living space be flooded, but your neighbors on the floor below will also suffer.

Repair work on faucets in the bathroom has its own characteristics and nuances, which differ from the process of restoring the operation of a faucet in the kitchen. This can be explained by the simplicity of the product in the kitchen from the bath model.

The bathroom faucet has water supply switches for the shower hose and the shower head. The answer to the question why the faucet is leaking in the kitchen and in the bathroom may be different.

Preparatory activities

As soon as a breakdown is discovered (a faucet in the bathroom is leaking), you need to immediately find out its cause and location.

Algorithm of action if the faucet in the bathroom is dripping:

From the first minutes it is necessary to shut off the flow of water. The valve levers, which are usually located in the toilet, are turned 90 degrees so that the faucet does not leak anymore. The lever must be turned with extreme care so as not to strip the thread. If difficulties arise, you need to drop some oil. It will help develop the valve. You need to apply effort to the lever gradually. Only when the water has completely stopped will it be possible to begin troubleshooting and repair the faucet in the bathroom.

Before you fix a leaking faucet, you need to prepare a set of the most necessary tools:

adjustable barb and nut;
screwdriver flat and cross.

Additionally you may need:

rubber or leather pieces for gaskets;
fluoroplastic tape seal;
soft cloth, dish soap, to wash places where dirt accumulates inside the faucet, if it is all dirty;
a piece of foam rubber or a large piece of soft material will come in handy when the question arises of how to protect plumbing fixtures from impact if a heavy tool accidentally falls.

Causes of failure of a two-valve tap

The reasons for the leakage of a two-valve faucet and a single-lever faucet can be completely different. Each model has “standard” breakdowns. So for a two-valve model, the most common failure is wear of the gasket. Replacing them will be the answer to what to do if the faucet in the bathroom is dripping and the result of repair work.

Gasket wear

If, when tightened tightly, the faucet in the bathroom still flows, then the reason is precisely the old gaskets. Replacing and repairing a bathroom faucet is not very difficult.

If you twist the valve body against the clock hand, you will be able to dismantle it.
An old worn out gasket is taken out.
Using the old gasket as a template, a new gasket is cut from a piece of rubber. A bicycle tire can be used as rubber.
The new rubber gasket takes its place.
The seal is wound around the edge of the stop.
In order to install the valve body in place, it must now be rotated according to the movement of the clock hand.
For strength, the valve is tightened with a wrench.

You can also buy ready-made gaskets for sale, but those made independently from rubber or leather are also quite suitable. Especially if the replacement was carried out urgently in a short period of time (the faucet was dripping more) and it was not possible to go to a hardware store.

The reason is the sealing insert of the oil seal

A deteriorated oil seal insert acting as a seal can cause the faucet to leak. The faucet leaks when open. A stream of water flows between the valve stem and the stuffing box nut.

The oil seal nut is unscrewed using a screwdriver.
Using second-layer plastic sealing tape, a sealing liner is made.
The old liner is removed.
The valve rod is tightly wrapped with a new liner.
Screw the nut back to its original position.

The result of quality work and the answer to how to repair a bathroom faucet will be a smoothly turning valve and elimination of water leakage.

Leaking shower hose

It is necessary to replace the O-ring if water flows at the junction of the faucet and the shower hose. This indicates wear of this part. Algorithm for fixing a dripping faucet in the bathroom:

Use an adjustable wrench to unscrew the shower hose. Movements must be smooth so as not to strip the hose threads.
The old seal is removed.
A silicone O-ring is installed. The wear resistance of such a ring is higher than that of a rubber ring. You can also use a rubber ring, but it is changed much more often.
Using a wrench, the hose is installed in its original position.

Replacing the crane box

The faucet in the bathroom was leaking even when the water supply was switched to the shower hose - the reason was the breakdown of the shut-off elements. They are located in the mixer handles. Plumbers call them faucets.

In order to eliminate the cause of the breakdown, you need to buy new faucets from the plumbing department. They must be identical to the old broken ones. Before going to the store, you need to get them. But before that, check why the faucet in the bathroom is leaking; perhaps it will be enough to tighten the nut tighter and the leak will go away.

Breakage of the locking elements can occur due to forceful hand pressure on the adjustment lever.

Single lever mixer repair

Modern faucets with one handle and a ball mechanism break due to small particles of dust and dirt getting inside the body. This makes the mixer difficult to operate. The principle of repair is to disassemble the product, clean it, and reassemble it in the reverse order.

Single lever faucet in the bathroom, how to fix it:

Use a screwdriver to remove the decorative point.
Using a screwdriver, the screw is unscrewed and the fixation of the lever is loosened.
Using careful movements, the lever is removed from the mixer.
The threaded screw is unscrewed.
The faucet dome and plastic seal are removed.
The seal is carefully examined and cleaned of contaminants.
A very outdated, worn seal must be replaced with a new one. It is purchased in the store.
The next detail that needs to be carefully studied is the ball mechanism. The damaged ball is replaced with a newly acquired one.
Seals for the ball are being studied. They are pryed off with a screwdriver. Worn parts are replaced and lubricated with a special compound, which is specified in the instructions for the mixer.
The repair work is completed by assembling the mixer in the reverse order.

Movements during work should be smooth and effortless. Faucet parts are easy to damage.

Replacing the cartridge

What to do if water leaks when adjusting the temperature of the water supply in the tap and the cause may be a broken faucet cartridge. Replacing the cartridge will be the solution to the problem and the answer to how to fix the faucet in the bathroom.

The part cannot be repaired. It is bought in specialized stores. Moreover, only an individual cartridge model is suitable for each mixer model. Therefore, to replace the cartridge, it is recommended to first remove the old model and go with it to buy a new one. The cartridges must be identical.

The replacement procedure itself is not very difficult.

The decorative plug on the lever is removed.
The screw on the lever, which is hidden under the plug, is unscrewed.
The lever is carefully removed.
Use a screwdriver to unscrew the nut that holds the cartridge. Movements must be smooth and careful so as not to break the thread. The nut may become stuck over time.
Access to the cartridge is free, the old one is removed. A new one is installed in place of the old one.
Assembly is carried out in reverse order.

Glass cartridges require even greater care due to their extreme fragility.

Crack on the body

If a crack is noticed on the body, the faucet is dripping and there is no way to replace the defective faucet with a new one, then the question arises of what to do. Use a special sealant or glue. You need to immediately understand that such repair work solves the problem for a while.

Of course, the ideal option would be to install a new faucet. A crack in the body is repaired by “cold welding”. A faucet that has undergone surface treatment with a special sealant takes on a less than attractive appearance.

If a faucet is leaking, you don’t have to call a plumber and pay for his work. In our article we will figure out how to disassemble a single-lever mixer and carry out repairs yourself. To carry out the work, you need to familiarize yourself with the structure of this sanitary fixture and prepare the necessary tools.

If it leaks from under the lever

Experts attribute the appearance of water from under the faucet lever to a broken cartridge. In this regard, we will need to disassemble the device and replace the cartridge.

At the initial stage of work, you need to remove the small rounded decorative cover. Usually on this plate there are two different colored dots (red and blue) indicating how to turn the faucet lever to add hot or cold water. If the direction of liquid supply does not match, the lid is turned over to the opposite side.

When the decorative cover is removed, a screw will be exposed inside the hole that holds the lever in position. This lock can be unscrewed using a regular or Phillips screwdriver. There are times when you will need a hex wrench to remove the faucet.

Note! If you cannot unscrew the screw with a screwdriver (the fastener is rusty or the thread is broken), then in this case you need to pull the lever forcefully. In this case, the base of the screw should come off the plastic attachment.

After removing the lever in one way or another, remove the decorative cover. It happens that this part also cannot be removed in the usual way. The insert can be loosened by hand; to improve the effect, place a soft, dry cloth at the place where the force is applied. If you cannot remove the cap by hand, you can use the following to pull it out:

Pipe wrench;
Pliers.

To protect the surface, the working part of the tool must be in contact with the part through the fabric. After several rotations in different directions, you can quickly remove the decorative cup.

Tightening or replacing the cartridge

After removing the protective cover, we see the cartridge in front of us. Now you need to unscrew the ring nut and you can remove the mechanism for supplying and mixing water. After pulling out this part, you can see the landing grooves on the bottom, which are used to install the device in its working position.

Grooves for cartridge installation

If, after removing the cartridge, wear and tear from metal corrosion is noticed, the mixer can be replaced with a new one. In some cases, water leakage from under the lever can be eliminated by tightening the nut.

Note! To resuscitate the mixer, you can cover the shells in the metal with silicone and wait for this substance to dry, after which the cartridge itself is installed according to the marks.

Reassembly

Assembling the mixer begins with installing a new cartridge. After this, tighten the circular nut and install the decorative cup. Next, install the lever or flag and secure its position with a screw. If the fastener was rusty or had damaged threads, then the lever must be pressed tightly onto the cartridge holder.

Important! Before purchasing a new cartridge, you should understand the design of the old model. The diameter of this part can be 35 or 40 millimeters, but there are devices with an additional sealing ring. That is, if replacement is necessary, you need to take into account the design features of the old cartridge model.

If it leaks after replacing the cartridge

The main reason for this fairly common phenomenon is considered to be corrosion of the metal in the seat. We have already said that you can try to cover such areas with silicone, but if this does not help, then you will need to change the entire mixer.

If the lever goes down on its own

Spontaneous lowering of the mixer lever usually tells us that it is broken. When you press the flag, water may flow in a thin stream or not at all. Many people believe that the main reason for this lever behavior is a cartridge failure, but this is not always the case.

All residents of a city apartment or country house use plumbing differently. Some open the taps carefully, others, for example, children, jerk the flag sharply. In the latter case, damage to the inner part of the lever, which fits onto the head of the cartridge, may occur. If damaged, the walls of the square insert diverge to the sides, which leads to a certain amount of free movement of the part; when lifted up, the crane begins to fall.

Note! To determine the breakdown, you need to remove the round decorative insert, unscrew the screw and remove the lever. After this, they look at the inside of the flag: if it is damaged, then install a similar part from the old mixer. If you have high-quality plumbing, lowering of the lever may be caused by wear of the cartridge, which will need to be replaced.

If it's leaking from under your shirt

In some cases, water may leak from under the faucet jacket. The main reason for this phenomenon is considered to be damage to the sealing gaskets, and liquid can leak both in the upper and lower parts in the area where the circular nut is located.

In this regard, when installing a single-lever mixer, you need to firmly tighten the circular nut. This part often gets unscrewed or loosened while the product is being transported, resulting in a small gap. Such a gap is quite enough for water leakage.

If the nut is tightened well, then the cause of the leak will be a faulty gasket. . To eliminate the problem, unscrew the nut and remove the nylon washer (serves to create a working gap between adjacent rotating parts of the housing). Next, remove the faucet spout along with the jacket and carefully check the installation locations of the gaskets.

There should be no traces of corrosion, sinks, etc. The only solution to the problem in this case is to replace the gander from the old faucet; in the worst case, you will have to replace the mixer completely.

The second reason for water leakage from the jacket is considered to be wear of the sealing gaskets.. Such parts are made in the form of a horseshoe, with their working part facing the water chamber. It is quite difficult to buy a new gasket for a faucet, but it is possible to repair a faucet.

Disassembling the mixer to eliminate leakage from under the jacket

To do this, several layers of fum tape are laid in the seats, which will increase the diameter of the seals and improve their tightness. Next, put on the gaskets, install nylon washers, and assemble the remaining parts of the mixer.

Before installing the tap in a permanent place, check its tightness. If the repair work is done correctly, the water does not flow, then the mixer can be fixed to the sink.