How to disassemble a single-lever mixer for bath and shower?

Single-lever mixers are increasingly installed in bathrooms and kitchens. Such cranes have recently become a perfect replacement for the usual old stuffing box mixers. Ball valves are convenient in that they have only one handle for controlling head and water temperature. Despite the convenience, the cranes are often broken, and calling plumbing is not always possible. Therefore, every man should know how to disassemble a single-lever mixer in the kitchen and bathroom.

Types of cranes

Usually in apartments mixers of one kind from two are established: single-lever or gland, having two cranes.

Single lever mixer allows you to adjust the water head and its temperature by tilting and turning the handle. Mixers of this type are divided into two types: ceramic and ball. The device of the ceramic mixer is quite complicated, it has cermet plates that are close to each other and ensure tightness and force of the water pressure. Balls acquired their name from the structure used: the head and temperature are regulated by a ball mechanism having three holes.

In the stuffing boxes, the water needs to be adjusted with two handles each time it is switched on.

Tool that is necessary for work

If there is a weak pressure in the faucet, or the mixer itself is leaking, repair is necessary. You do not know how to disassemble a single-lever mixer ? Stock up with the following tools and materials:

- the screwdriver is flat;

- Allen key;

- Pliers;

- Sealing grease;

- adjustable wrench;

- Working gloves;

- A fabric for removal of the chromeplated details.

Pros and cons of single lever mixers

Each mixer has some pluses and minuses in operation. The advantages include a divided adjustment of the water flow and its temperature. The presence of only one knob at the mixer allows to leave the tap in the given position after the chosen optimum temperature and not to adjust any more, but only to change the flow strength. No less important plus will be a relatively small cost with good reliability, as well as a large assortment that will satisfy even the most capricious buyer.

The disadvantage is the strong friction between the gaskets when adjusting, when solid particles enter the water, the hermeticity of the mixer is broken, which requires the installation of a water filter.

If you know exactly how to disassemble a single-lever mixer, you can avoid many problems while working.

Mixing device

Before disassembling a single-lever mixer for a bath or shower, you need to find out how it is arranged. The design of such a mixer consists of a large number of elements, despite the fact that this is a rather small mechanism.

Durability and reliable operation in the crane provides a non-separable cartridge of ceramics, which is one of the elements of the design. There are no seals in the single-lever mechanism, because all its elements are precisely matched to each other. In fact, in such a mixer there is nothing to break, but more often breakages occur because of the appearance of scale in the locking mechanism. That's why, when making repairs, you have to change the crane's rotary head and its lever.

Step-by-step disassembly of the mixer

Consider how to disassemble a kitchen single lever mixer, and how to do it correctly. All the tools necessary for work must be prepared in advance.

A special valve blocks the supply of cold and hot water, otherwise flood the neighbors. Having opened the mixer, it is necessary to make sure that the water is turned off and does not flow. Then remove the decorative plug on the mixer. After this, the screw that fixes the lever is unscrewed, using a hexagon or a flat screwdriver. Then the lever is gently lifted up, with a slight swing from side to side. The protective screen is turned anti-clockwise, it can be turned off by hand, if it does not lend itself - you can slightly tap the hammer. Carefully watch that the screen does not turn, otherwise it can damage the water hoses under the tap.

Using pliers, remove the chrome-dome, try not to damage the 4-ring under it. Remove the ball from the mixer, afterwards the sealing springs, if necessary, they must be replaced. The screwdriver removes the seals and is later replaced with new ones. After the mixer has been disassembled, it is necessary to inspect it for rust, scale or defects. If any of the above is found, the part needs to either be replaced or cleaned. If necessary, replace the cartridge.

To collect the tap, you will need to do the actions in reverse order.

A single-lever mixer for a shower or bath is disassembled in the same way. The disassembly method can differ only depending on which modification of the single-lever crane is installed.

Helpful Tips

Get a general idea of how to disassemble a single-lever mixer in the kitchen, in the shower or in the bathroom, not enough. It is still necessary practice and some practical advice.

When the locking nuts are not unscrewed due to rust or scale, the application of excessive force deforms or breaks the mechanism of the mixer. Professionals are advised to apply WD-40 compound to the place of an unbreakable compound, it will help to remove rust and scum, after which the locking nuts will easily be unscrewed.

There are times when the composition of WD-40 is useless. Then there is the only option - to cut a nut with a bulgarian across. And then, using a wrench and pliers, carefully remove it.

Inspecting the parts of the disassembled mixer, you need to pay attention to the cartridge, which is the most likely cause of leakage of the crane. From the mixer it can be removed with a hexagonal wrench or a small screwdriver.

The surface of the mixers is mainly chrome plated, so when removing such parts, use a cloth to avoid accidentally leaving scratches.

Inexpensive mixers are made of light and thin metal, which is very easy to deform during disassembly. This must be taken into account when dismantling the mixer and replacing some elements in it.

Try to consider these tips when you study the material on how to disassemble a single-lever mixer.