A closed tap is flowing: how to fix the problem?

Even the best quality plumbing after a while breaks down. However, not everyone is able to solve the problem on their own and fix the leaking faucet. Do not delay the repair for a long time. After leaking increases the flow of water, spoils the appearance of plumbing with ugly smudges and traces of rust. You can repair the crane yourself. What is required for this and how to carry out repairs?

Preparation of sanitary engineering

If the tap is leaking, you can fix it yourself. First you should prepare everything. If the packing from the mixer has been preserved, then it is worthwhile to find it. As a rule, it will contain a detailed instruction describing the structure of the accessory and some recommendations for its repair. In addition, the packaging may include tools needed to repair the crane.

Before starting repairs, turn off the water. To do this, close the valve. At the same time, it is necessary to cut off the supply of not only cold water but also hot water. To collect the liquid will require a deep container, such as a basin. At hand during the repair should have a dry cloth or sponge for wiping the spray.

What will it take to repair

After the preparatory work, you can start troubleshooting the mixer. If the closed faucet is leaking, special tools will be needed to fix it. They need to be prepared in advance. To troubleshoot, you will need:

1. Wrench.
2. Flat screwdriver.
3. Adjustable wrench.
4. Crosshead screwdriver.
5. Item for replacement.
6. Sealing tape or flax.
7. Soft material.
8. Dry cloth.
9. Deep capacity.

This simple set of tools, as a rule, suffices to eliminate the leak. If there is no time to run after the new gaskets, then they can be made of leather or rubber. Usually the tap is leaking due to wear of this part. Soft material is required to protect the sink from damage. After all, the tool can slip out of the hands. As a result, products made of ceramics can be broken, and enamel on the metallic ones.

Two-valve: replacement gasket

Why is the tap running? Most often, such accessories wear liner or gasket. To replace it you need:

1. Unscrew the valve body. For this, the part must be turned counter-clockwise.
2. Now you can remove the damaged gasket.
3. From a piece of dense leather or rubber, a new part should be made. For a sample is to take a worn gasket.
4. The new part must be carefully installed in place of the old one.
5. At the stop edge, it is necessary to wind a little sealing tape. You can use flax.
6. In the end, it is necessary to replace the valve body. To do this, the part should be rotated clockwise.
7. The installed valve must be tightened well. You can use a wrench to do this.

If the faucet is flowing for a long time and you need a quick replacement, then a new gasket can be found in a specialized store. This will save time. As for the homemade part, it is more suitable for short-term elimination of breakage.

How to replace the stuffing box

The two-valve valve is leaking for several reasons: a worn gasket or the wear of the packing gland. If necessary, you can replace both parts yourself. Recognize the wear of the packing gland can be along the flowing water between the valve stem and the gland nut. To fix a breakdown, you need to:

1. Remove the nut of the stuffing box. This can be done with a screwdriver with a suitable tip.
2. From the seal PTFE tape it is necessary to make a new insert according to the old model.
3. The worn out part must be carefully removed.
4. The new liner should be wound on the valve stem.
5. Finally, tighten the nut.

If everything is done correctly, then the leak will stop. In this case, the valve will turn more smoothly.

How to replace the shower hose gasket

Often, a leak occurs at the place where the shower hose and mixer are connected. The main reason for this failure is the wear of the ring gasket. This part can be easily replaced. For this it is worth:

1. Disconnect the shower hose using the adjustable wrench from the mixer. Doing everything should be very careful not to damage the thread. Otherwise, you will need to replace the hose itself.
2. Now you can remove the worn part.
3. Place a new one in place of the old ring gasket.
4. In conclusion, it remains to screw the shower hose into place, acting neatly and not experiencing it.

To eliminate such a leak, experts recommend using a silicone ring gasket. The parts made of rubber are short-lived and wear out quickly.

If, when switching the flow of water to the shower hose, everything flows smoothly, then a replacement element is required. This part of the "crane-axle" is called. A locking element is located in the handle of the mixer. You can buy a crane-axle at a specialized store.

The main reasons for the failure of the single-lever ball valve

If the tap is running, the problem must be rectified quickly and efficiently. Otherwise, water can cause more damage and finally ruin the plumbing. Single-lever ball-type products can become unusable:

1. Due to wear of the gasket.
2. Skolas and cracks on the body, which arose as a result of mechanical damage.
3. A rusted aerator.
4. Accumulations of a lot of dirt.
5. The clog between the ball and saddles.

The defect on the body can be eliminated by applying cold welding or sealant. However, this is only a temporary measure. After a while, a complete replacement of the structure will be required.

If the cause lies in the rusty aerator, then it should be removed and then cleaned. You can do it with an old toothbrush. It is worth noting that after cleaning the pressure of water will become stronger.

If the ball valve has broken

The ball valve has a more complex structure and is different from the two-valve. Most often, these products are broken due to dirt accumulated inside the case. It is she who disturbs the work of the mixer. If water flows from the tap, then it must be disassembled, cleaned and reassembled. This requires:

1. Unscrew the screw securing the lever using a screwdriver with a suitable tip.
2. Carefully remove the lever and unscrew the screw with a screwdriver.
3. Then it is necessary to remove the sealant from the plastic and the dome of the mixer.
4. The gasket should be thoroughly inspected and then cleaned of plaque. If there are obvious damages, then it should be replaced.
5. Now you can remove the ball and inspect it. If the part is damaged, it is worth replacing it. You can buy the ball in any sanitary ware shop.
6. Using a thin screwdriver, you need to very carefully pull the seal, fixing the ball. If necessary, the gasket should be replaced.
7. All seals must be treated with a special composition recommended by the manufacturers before the crane is assembled.
8. In conclusion, it remains to collect the crane, acting in the reverse order.

Problems with the new crane

What if the tap is running? How to fix a new faucet? As a rule, such products can not be repaired. The main reason for their occurrence is a factory marriage. To solve the problem, remove the new mixer and take it back to the store. You must replace the damaged product. The main thing is not to throw away the check and documents until the first sample of the mixer. Repair the faucet, which has a factory marriage, at home can only a professional plumber.

Is it possible to avoid breakage

If desired, the mixer in the bath or in the kitchen can be repaired by yourself. This will save a decent amount. However, it is not always possible to repair the entire function of the crane. In most cases, a complete replacement of the mixer is required . In order to avoid frequent breakdowns in the future, you should pay attention to the choice of an accessory. Please note:

1. Constructions made of heavy metals, such as brass, are the most durable.
2. The most unreliable and fragile are mixers from silumin from Turkish and Chinese manufacturers.
3. Single-lever valves are much more convenient. Open the product with one hand. In addition, repair of such accessories can be done independently. In the single-lever mixer, there are significantly fewer parts.
4. Avoid frequent crane breakdowns possible. The main reason for the failure of sanitary ware - pollution, which comes from the water main. To prevent this, a filter designed for rough cleaning should be installed. Such a device will allow to keep the crane intact for a long time.

In conclusion

The current tap in the bathroom or in the kitchen is unpleasant. Constantly dripping water irritates and spoils the appearance of plumbing. You can solve the problem yourself. The main thing is to clearly visualize the structure of the structure and have the necessary tools at hand. Repair of the product depends also on its variety. Most often out of order are ball and dvuhventilnye mixers.