Rules for the step-by-step repair of the shower switch in the mixer
Experts aren't born to fix a shower switch in a mixer set. They are becoming. Each home craftsman started from the basics, understanding the complexities of the profession. For the operation to be successful, not only experience is required, but also knowledge of the subject. Modern bathroom fixtures differ in price, appearance and design. Together we study the intricacies of plumbing repair.
Varieties
Modern mixers, for various reasons, differ in design features. Traditional, reliable and economical mixers are available for all tastes and budgets. The following types are distinguished:
- with a coil;
- suberic;
- with cartridge;
- exhaust.
Accordingly, an individual approach, a specific "processing method" is applied to each type of switch.
Zolotnikovy
Citizens mainly dealt with such switches in the Soviet years, now they are practically squeezed out. The unit is located in the middle between the cold and hot water supply valves. It is still sometimes found in budget variants, with thin-walled cases. It's not very reliable.
Suberic
Cork switches fall into the category of obsolete: you won't find them on new mixers. The principle of operation is based on the alignment of the cutout in the rotating assembly, the cap, with the counter-tubes in the mixer. In terms of dimensions, it exceeds spool valves, it does not differ in compactness.
Cartridge
One of the most reliable switches. It has a non-separable ready-to-use unit for mixing, water supply from a shower or a tap, a cartridge. The advantages of the design are offset by the fact that this type cannot be restored. Replacement only.
Exhaust
The device of a push button or a pull switch is no different in complexity: it acts in direct accordance with its name. When the taps are open, the knob is pulled back, which is then held by the water pressure, and you can use the shower. When the faucet is closed, the spring returns the switch rod to its original position, the shower head is turned off again.
There is nothing to complain about the design: everything works well, almost without human intervention. But over time, the switch button begins to get stuck, it is not clearly fixed in the extreme positions.
The main causes of failure
Recently installed chrome mixer suddenly stopped performing its functions, failed.What is the reason - a factory defect or improper operation of the mixer? In reality, there is more than one factor affecting the failure of a switch, the valves. These include increased water hardness, the use of cheap materials in construction, and general pollution. Let's consider them in detail.
Poor quality material
Modern manufacturers sin by the desire to replace steel, non-ferrous metals with cheap silumin alloys and even plastic. In this case, the durability drops catastrophically. It is impossible to know whether it is metal or plastic covered with an anti-corrosion layer without professional expertise and knowledge. Consulting sellers, reviews of the manufacturer can help. The understated price should alert the buyer: there is definitely some kind of trick lurking there.
Dirt
Contamination trapped in the switch cannot have a positive effect on its operation. These include salts, dust, grease - all together complicate the normal operation of the device. After all, this is not a tank, it will not work in extreme conditions.
hard water
Plumbers know that hard, salty water is a potential source of trouble. Reacting with metal, it forms stable compounds, simultaneously destroying the structures of the mixer and the switch. Rubber seals and rings suffer from water, lose their elasticity and become hard.
In rare cases, you will need to replace the entire assembly. Therefore, it is important to pay attention in time, to carry out cleaning, preventive maintenance of the mixer.
Tool required
Before proceeding with the "treatment", you will need to assemble and prepare the instrument.Surely you will need a screwdriver or even several, pliers, wrenches, a knife for cutting wallpaper with a thin blade, as well as special hexagonal nozzles. This is the minimum kit needed to refurbish a faucet or shower switch in a bathroom.
Flat screwdriver
Using a flathead screwdriver, the assemblies are disassembled (the screws are unscrewed). It can also clean minor deposits of dirt, salts, pick up a decorative cap that covers the inside of the mixer, switch.
pliers
It is convenient to unscrew stuck bolts and hexagons with pliers. They are also used if you want to hold the part on one side, and tighten (unscrew) on the other. The wavy notch on the jaws is firmly pressed against the surface, preventing it from slipping.
wallpaper knife
A special knife with a narrow retractable blade is suitable for cleaning the threads, it also cuts the seal. During operation, the cutting part extends from the body and is fixed. After the end, he hides again. Such a knife is as safe as possible.
adjustable wrench
A wrench with a variable distance between the jaws (adjustable) is convenient because it works in a wide range. Control is carried out by rotating the lamb: it is much more convenient than constantly holding keys of different standard sizes, depending on the specific size of the switch rod to be unscrewed, the head of the bolt .
gas key
Additional gripping strength is created by bringing the gas wrench handles closer together. By the principle of action, it is similar to a key. With a certain degree of skill, they can bend (hold) smooth cylindrical parts. But the jags will inevitably remain on their surface.Therefore, it is not recommended to work with soft brass with a wrench, only as a last resort!
Hexagons
In modern mixers, in addition to unified screws, with Phillips or flat-head screws, they use fasteners with a recessed hexagonal recess. For such a bolt, a specific key is needed, it usually does not unscrew to unscrew it.
How to fix yourself
If the shower switch on the faucet has gone bad, stopped working normally, do not rush to panic. With a high degree of probability, it is possible to restore it, instead of buying a new one. But first, the diagnosis: the type of switch, the "symptoms of the disease", the search for a solution.
Replacing the shower switch cartridge
Everything is good in a cartridge faucet or shower switch: it works smoothly, offers maximum comfort of use and is durable. But in the event of a breakdown, it will not be possible to repair it. Replacement only. Symptoms of a malfunction are leaks under the lever, a tight switch.
First, the plug is removed, covering the hole to access the lever mounting bolt. This is done with a wallpaper knife, a screwdriver. Then, raising the lever to the upper position (after blocking the water to the mixer), unscrew the bolt with a hexagon until it is possible to remove the handle from the cartridge rod. Then the decorative skirt and nut holding the switch assembly are removed. The old cartridge is removed and a new one is put in its place in the same way. The assembly is done upside down.
Shower Switch O-Ring Replacement
Often the cause of leaks, the malfunction of the shower is the wear of the gasket.In plumbing, rubber rings are still used, no alternative has been found. To restore, you will need a set of new rubber bands, as well as a clear understanding of what exactly needs to be dismantled for this. Acting carefully with keys, they get to the damaged unit and make a replacement. In this case, it is important not to exceed the recovery volumes, so as not to damage anything.
How to replace a switch
Before replacing the shower switch, two important conditions must be met:
- know the type of node;
- Buy a new one.
Next, you need to remove the old switch, being careful not to damage anything. In some cases, the entire mixer is replaced, especially for obsolete designs (spool or cork). The coupling threaded transitions must match in diameter, it will not work to hammer them with a hammer.
What to do if the aerator gets dirty
The aerator is a sleeve with a set of threads through which water passes. Over time, they clog, which affects the pressure. To clean the aerator, it must be carefully unscrewed, rinsed and, if necessary, cleaned with a toothpick and a fine awl.
Replacement of gaskets
Gaskets are not used in modern mixers, only in obsolete coil designs. Any decorative plugs, levers or thumbs must be removed to gain access to the unit being restored. Then the switch cover is removed. And already under it is installed (screwed) a coil with a gasket.
Removing the handle
Disassembly begins with an inspection: how exactly the handle is attached to the switch.Usually the screw that holds it is hidden under a special cover. It is screwed or snapped. Using a tool, it is removed to gain access to the bolt. Then it remains to unscrew it and remove the handle.
Replacement of gaskets
A coil is installed in the switch housing. It is carefully unscrewed, the gasket is replaced (it must correspond in diameter and thickness to the old one), then assembled in the reverse order.
Mixer set
When the mixer coil is screwed in, they try not to leave the factory settings. Too deep installation reduces the number of turns when fully opening the tap, shallow - on the contrary, increases them. Then the cover is installed, all the nuts are tightened. At the very end, the switch lever is mounted, fixed with a screw.
How to replace the shift spring
Unstable operation of the switch assembly, a sudden “pop-out” indicates wear of the spring or O-rings. To disassemble the assembly and then remove the spring, you must operate with confidence and caution. You will need to completely remove the button with the rod, install a new spring to replace the old one, then assemble the assembly in the same order.
Rules of maintenance and operation
In order for the shower switch in the bathroom to work for a long time and without failure, it must be cleaned of dirt, salt deposits and lubricated. O-rings are replaced as they wear out, it is unavoidable.In general, the durability and simplicity of the switch directly depends on the invested funds, the selected manufacturer, the brand of the mixer.