It is very difficult to imagine a bath without faucets. These mechanisms often break down and the reasons for the breakdown vary. You can fix the faucets yourself. To do this, you need to know what to look for when inspecting and repairing a broken device. Let's find out how to repair a faucet at home.

Basic faults

The frequency of breakdowns is determined by the quality of the product. If you buy a cheap mixer, you shouldn’t count on long-term use. But even the most expensive product can be broken if used incorrectly. The operation of the mixer is influenced not only by the person, but also by the quality of the water. Prolonged exposure to hard water will damage the device. To prevent this from happening, ceramic inserts are used.

Another common mistake is incorrect installation.

There are these types:

1. Contactless.
2. Two-valve.
3. Single lever.

They are all different in their structure. Therefore, breakdowns can occur due to various reasons.

Aerator clogged

If the water does not flow well, then your aerator is clogged. This is the attachment that is located at the end of the gander. To fix this problem you need to unscrew the aerator. Then clean it.

Leakage from under the gander clamp nut

This occurs due to wear of the gasket. This is a round piece with a hole. To remove a leak you need to do the following:

1. Remove the ring that secures the pipe to the faucet.
2. Remove the gasket and its remains from the pipe.
3. Attach a new one.
4. Wrap the pipe threads with tape so that there are no gaps between the parts.
5. Install all components in place.
6. Secure with a ring.

Leakage from under the lever of a single lever faucet

This failure occurs due to a cartridge malfunction. This is a cylinder-shaped part with holes through which water passes. It is also mixed in this cartridge. These cylinders come in ball and ceramic types. The leak passes through the rod installed on the cartridge. In order to fix the leak, you need to replace the device.

Replacing the cartridge

Signs indicating a breakdown:

1. Water is supplied at the same temperature.
2. Uncontrolled water temperature.
3. The faucet does not open or close completely.
4. Lever leaking.

Choice

In order to choose a new cartridge, you need to find out whether it will suit you. To do this, take the old mechanism and consult with the seller.

The quality of the product is important. European-assembled devices have proven themselves well.

You can repair ball cartridges yourself, but ceramic ones cannot even be disassembled. Since the second type is more reliable, it is not susceptible to the harmful effects of hard water.

It is not possible to simply replace the cartridge in the mixer with another type. You need to make a choice before purchasing the mixer itself.

Replacement

To remove such a leak you need to:

1. Remove the plug with the water temperature indicator. This is done using a screwdriver.
2. Find the screw.
3. Unscrew it without damaging the thread.
4. Remove the lever from the body. To do this, pull it up.
5. Remove decorative parts.
6. The cartridge is pressed to the body by a nut. It needs to be unscrewed. Do this using an adjustable wrench.
7. Remove the old cartridge.
8. Replace with a new one.
9. Attach all parts.

Shower-faucet leak

This indicates wear of the other gasket that is located between the switch and the housing. To replace it, you need to do the following:

1. Unscrew the fixing screw.
2. Remove the lever.
3. Remove the worn gasket and its parts.
4. Wrap the thread with tape.
5. Place all parts back and tighten.

Leaking from under the valve of a two-valve mixer

Such leaks occur due to two reasons:

1. Breakage of the crane axle box.
2. Wear of rings in the crane box.

Water procedures are very comfortable thanks to modern plumbing, but, unfortunately, it sometimes requires repair, and for this it is very important to know the structure of the bathroom faucet.

Based on the principle of operation, they can be divided into 3 types: valve, lever and touch.. The first ones are familiar to everyone, since it is difficult to find a house where there would not be at least 1 such design with two taps, with the help of which the rotary cores of the crane axleboxes are manipulated. The second type is based on the operation of a cartridge, which, in addition to rotating the locking mechanism around an axis, also moves it from side to side to adjust the water pressure. This number of possible positions requires that the core be fitted perfectly.

Faucet in the bathroom

As for touch-sensitive faucets, the valves in them are actuated by special sensors that require electricity. Failure of such delicate devices usually leads to their replacement.

The same applies to switching to shower mode. Typically, switching the water pressure between the spout and the watering can hose is done using a rotary lever. This option differs little from conventional axle-box valves; the access of water to one or another channel is blocked by rotating an eccentric that moves the spool on which 2 gaskets are installed. Push-button switches also have an O-ring that is replaced in case of leakage. In some cases, for example, in completely closed faucet housings, repair is impossible, as is replacement; all that remains is to completely change the entire plumbing fixture.

Most often you have to deal with a situation where, when you turn on the water, you observe how, simultaneously with a powerful stream pouring from the end of the “spout,” a thin stream, emerging from under the nut, snakes along the spout. The same picture can be observed at the junction of the shower hose with the watering can or with the mixer body. There is only one reason - a damaged o-ring. To replace it, just unscrew the nut in any of the indicated places and, having removed one gasket, replace it with another. Moreover, you will have a choice of two materials: rubber or latex. It is better to give preference to the second option, since the latex seal lasts about 5 years even in hard water.

The faucet is leaking at the base

The second trouble that can arise, regardless of what kind of mixer you have installed, is a leak at its base, where the body connects to the water pipes. Here, too, the reason most often lies in the gasket, and the repair will consist of replacing it. However, it may also be that the eccentrics were initially incorrectly positioned at , and water did not leak only due to the softness of the O-ring, which was very tightly pulled by the nut. After removing the plumbing, you must make sure that the eccentrics will not create distortions when screwing the nuts. These fittings may need to be tightened to center their position.

Sometimes a leak can appear due to a burst nut, due to solid particles getting under the gasket, or due to broken threads at the junction of individual plumbing units. The first type of problem is the easiest to detect, but it is not always possible to eliminate such a breakdown. The fact is that below the nut, each connection point has a belt, by which it is pulled when tightened, and it is this that prevents you from removing this fastener and installing a new one.

Therefore, due to a burst nut, sometimes the entire mixer body has to be replaced. Broken threads also cannot be restored and require the purchase of new plumbing fixtures. It is easier to eliminate a leak due to a solid particle trapped under the gasket; just rinse the channel, and perhaps the same seal will last for some time. To prevent the nuts of plumbing fixtures from bursting, you need to very accurately measure the forces when tightening them, trying not to overtighten the threaded connection.

As already mentioned, the basis of the design of such plumbing is made up of faucet axle boxes, which are the easiest to troubleshoot compared to other types of valve units. The water pressure is adjusted using a rod - a rod equipped with a worm screw, moving inside the body of the faucet head. The cause of the leak may be too large a gap between the rod and the walls of the channel through which it moves; this can be determined by a free or, conversely, smooth rotation.

DIY faucet repair

If such a gap occurs, the only thing you can try to do is to wind tow or Fum tape over the screw part, soaked in grease. It is also worthwhile to simultaneously lubricate the groove of the channel under the worm turns with sealant. But it is better to replace such axle box. Basically, leaks occur due to a leaky gasket, which is easy to replace. To do this, a new seal is cut from a special kit so that there are no protrusions around the circumference. The screw holding the old, used gasket is unscrewed on the rod (it can be stuck with rust, so you need to act carefully and apply force). The rubber is located in a special socket and is additionally held by the low sides of the platform, so you may have to pry it off with a screwdriver. We place a new one in place of the removed o-ring, push the screw into the hole and tighten it.

A quarter-turn valve works somewhat differently, which rotates 90 degrees. Inside there is a faucet with a ceramic pair and a rubber seal, which, in fact, provide water pressure when the rod rotates. However, over time, the rubber becomes somewhat compacted under constant compression, and a small gap forms between it and the plates, into which water begins to leak, which then oozes out from under the faucet’s flywheel. It would seem that the easiest way is to replace the entire bolt assembly, but it costs more than a regular axle box. Repair may turn out to be much easier. To disassemble this structure, you need to pull out the seal, and then pull out the locking washer from the stem neck. Then, with a light blow, the rod is knocked out of the channel, pushing the ceramic pair in front of it.

The simplest thing remains. We set aside all the filling and lubricate the 2 oil seals in the center of the rod with silicone or grease, which must first be washed and wiped off from lime and slag. The channel is also cleaned and lubricated. Now, on the ceramic plate to which the rod plug is connected, we glue 2 thin strips of electrical tape, one on top of the other. This will allow the valve to be pressed more tightly against the rubber gasket. Now we assemble the valve assembly, proceeding in the reverse order, that is, we connect the plates with the core and insert it all into the channel, put on the locking washer and, finally, push the o-ring into the lower part of the body.

The valve cartridges in joystick plumbing devices cannot be repaired, they simply need to be replaced. But the design of such a mixer tap for a bathroom with a shower looks so unusual that not everyone undertakes to repair it and calls a plumber for this. You can cope on your own. The screw is usually located under the lever; unscrewing it gives you access to the cap, around which the water pressure control joystick actually moves.

Lever mixer

We unscrew the decorative cap and see the top of the cartridge, as well as a brass hexagon that needs to be unscrewed. Actually, this is the last obstacle, and having eliminated it, you can pull out the bolt assembly. Before installing a new one, be sure to clean the cartridge socket with a brush, as well as all threaded notches, since if solid particles get under the seals of the water supply channels, a leak will certainly begin. The same thing will happen if the thread of the fixing nut is clogged.

Repairing the shower mode switch

Earlier we mentioned what types of these kinds of switches exist. To fix a leak that has arisen from under the lever, it is enough to change the oil seal. If there is no corresponding diameter, you can try wrapping the old seal with Fum tape against the direction of twisting the eccentric. If, when turning, the water does not switch to the shower or back, most likely the gasket on the spool is worn out. To remove it, you need to remove the lever, remove the eccentric from its socket, and then unscrew at least the shower hose (preferably also the “gander”).

Any other problems, such as jamming or, conversely, free movement of the lever, cannot be repaired; the entire mixer must be replaced. Push-button switches have a rod that moves progressively in its channel. Pressing is fixed with a special lock, the reverse movement is ensured by a return compression spring. If, after pressing, water continues to ooze out of the tap while entering the shower, you need to change the gasket on the rod. To do this, remove the button and unscrew the axle box from which we remove the core. If the button throws back after pressing, you need to shorten the spring. There is an O-ring at the base of the axlebox below the thread; it is replaced in case of leakage from under the button.

A bathroom is a room where a large amount of plumbing fixtures and household appliances are concentrated. For comfort, a modern person needs not only a sink with a washing machine. All these devices are quite reliable, but as we know, nothing can work flawlessly forever, so sooner or later some leaks occur.

In an emergency, it is important not to get confused and quickly figure out what to do if the faucet in the bathroom is leaking. According to experienced plumbers, every homeowner should know the algorithm for simple steps, as well as have the necessary tools that will help repair a current mixer or tap.

Reasons for leaks

So, you noticed that the faucet is leaking in the bathroom, the shower or faucet is leaking, or maybe water is leaking through another place. A leak is a dangerous situation that must be quickly detected and repaired on your own or with the assistance of professional technicians. The most common causes of various types of leaks are:

Important! When a bathroom faucet leaks, it is important to determine the nature of the leak. If a lot of water leaks, then the situation is emergency, then you need to urgently turn off the water, and also call professional plumbers. You can repair a slightly leaking one with your own hands.

Consequences of leaks

Often people simply turn a blind eye to the dripping faucet in the bathroom for years without taking any action. In fact, “chronic” leaks usually lead to much bigger problems. Therefore, a leaking shower mixer or faucet can lead to an emergency and extensive leakage. The most negative consequences of plumbing leaks in the bathroom are:

Remember that in the event of a leak, you must first accurately determine the location and cause of the breakdown, and then quickly turn off the hot and cold water supply to reduce water losses. Then you can without haste purchase all the necessary parts and replace them yourself. If you determine that the faucet in the bathroom is dripping, but you don’t know how to fix it yourself, it’s better to call a professional.

Actions in case of leakage

Any plumbing fixture has its own service life or safety margin, so sooner or later it fails, and bathroom faucets are no exception. In this situation, it is important not to panic, but to clearly understand what needs to be done to quickly resolve the emergency. The service life of faucets is indicated by the manufacturer, but it also depends on the intensity of use, correct installation and the quality of tap water. When answering the question of how to fix a bathroom faucet, we recommend proceeding according to the following plan:

Please note that if, before repairing the faucet in the bathroom, you disassembled it and discovered several problems at once, for example, cracks in the body and a clogged cartridge, then it would be more advisable to replace the device completely, since most likely it has simply expired.

Preventive measures

If you determine that the faucet in the bathroom is leaking, but you don’t understand how to fix it yourself, and the leak is emergency, simply turn off the hot and cold water, and then call an experienced technician. In the future, to extend the service life of plumbing fixtures and prevent leakage, it is better to use preventive measures to protect them. To ensure your faucet and faucet lasts as long as possible, follow these tips:

Important! According to statistics, leaks from faucets most often occur precisely because of improper installation of equipment, in particular due to mismatched diameters of pipes and seals. Therefore, before you do the installation yourself, think about whether you can cope with this task efficiently.

Video instruction

In most cases, valve and lever mixers are used in bathrooms, where the water flow is controlled by faucet axle boxes or cartridges. In my case, we will talk about shut-off valves, or more precisely, about how to fix a leak from under a valve or spout yourself, without the help of a plumber.

We repair the mixer

Today I want to talk specifically about the repair, and not the replacement, of the crane axle box.

Crane axle box

Before we start repairing shut-off valves, let's figure out how a faucet-axle with a ceramic pair functions. There are two types of such constipations, but currently almost 100% of faucets are made with a ceramic pair.

Such a device is much more reliable, since it has a longer service life, and the tap is semi-revolving, that is, it is more convenient to use:

A ceramic pair consists of two plates - movable and fixed

• the ceramic pair itself consists of a movable input disk, which is attached to the rod (in the photo I am holding it in my hand) and a fixed adjustment disk (it lies on the table on the right);
• the contacting surfaces of these discs are polished to a state and easily rub against each other;
• The essence of the adjustment is as follows - when the holes on the two plates coincide completely, then maximum water flow is ensured. But when turning, the input disk moves around its axis, gradually blocking the holes and the flow, and accordingly weakens;
• when completely blocked, the holes in the plates do not match at all;
• the discs are pressed together by a sealing ring (in the photo it is red), which in turn rests on the inner wall of the mixer chamber;
• but over time, the rubber wears out, the stop weakens and leakage occurs.

The design of a crane axle box with a worm rod is much simpler. Here the rod moves back and forth using a worm gear, raising or lowering the valve with a rubber seal:

• the worm gear itself is located in the fat chamber and, thanks to it, water does not penetrate through the gaps;
• the main problem is the wear of the rubber ring on the valve, which is easy to replace;
• but there may also be wear on the worm gear, in which case the axle box must be replaced.

Let's start the renovation

Of course, first of all you need to turn off the water, and this needs to be done not only at the general supply, but also at the boiler or gas water heater in order to remove pressure from the system.

Then remove the decorative plug by prying it off with a knife or screwdriver. You will have access to the screw that holds the valve.

Now unscrew the Phillips head screw (for this you will need a shaped screwdriver). Together with this screw, the plastic cover will also be removed.

But if there is a lamb there, then there may not be a lid, but this does not change anything. You also remove the valve itself - it is mounted on a rod, and you can dismantle it with light force.

After you remove the valve, you will have access to the axle box - there is a grip on top in the form of a 14 nut for a socket, open-end or socket wrench.

Now unscrew the faucet axle counterclockwise and remove it from the mixer chamber.

Now we need to pull the rod out of the axle box body, but it will stay there well due to the salts. Therefore, we first remove the O-ring, and then lightly hit the handle of a screwdriver, pliers, or wrench on the shank of the rod and knock it out of the body along with the ceramic plates.

Wipe all parts with a napkin made of natural fabric, preferably wool. But under no circumstances use sandpaper - you will scratch the ceramics and there will be no tight fit!

At the moment, our goal is to improve the quality of the seal, but we cannot replace the rubber ring (there is nothing), so all that remains is to shift it (extend it).

To do this, we assemble the crane axle box backwards. And we put a washer between the fixed plate and the rubber seal - it will push the ring forward, therefore, the pressure on the couple will increase.

It is difficult to find a washer of this diameter, but it can be made from copper or aluminum wire with a cross-section of 1-1.2 mm (I made it from tin solder).

The photo shows how the sealing ring has moved out - now the plates of the ceramic pair will fit tightly, and when closed, water will not leak through the gap between them. Reassemble the mixer in the reverse order, open the water supply and test the tap. I'm sure everything will be fine!

I think you figured out how to repair a mixer using my example. If you have any questions, I’m waiting for them in the comments!

A leaking faucet in the kitchen or bathroom can cause a lot of hassle, including increased utility bills. If the damage is minor, then you can repair the mixer yourself. This will save time and money spent on plumbing services.

Single lever mixer

The most common type. It is a simple design where the locking mechanism is a ball or disk. Depending on this, such taps are:

1. Ball;
2. Disk.

The handle used to regulate the pressure and temperature of the water is called a flag. Therefore, the second name for such a mixer is flag.

The most common problem that owners of such a faucet encounter is that when the handle is raised, water flows out of it. This is a sign of a broken locking mechanism. Let's look at how to repair a faucet with a broken cartridge step by step:

1. The decorative cover is removed first. It is a flat small disk with red and blue markings. It is needed to visually determine the movement of the mixer when the water temperature changes;
2. The flag is installed on the body using a screw connection. The screw is located immediately under the decorative strip. Depending on the faucet model, it has a different shape - flat, cross, etc. The flag is carefully removed from the base;

   

3. If the faucet is old, then the screw is most likely rusty. In this state it will not be possible to unscrew it. The only thing left to do is remove the handle by force. At the same time, a plastic nozzle will also be removed from the base, which is responsible for the direction of movement and the rigidity of the flag’s movement. Remember that with such repairs there is no guarantee of 100% success;
4. The second decorative attachment is removed next. It acts as a cover and is installed on top of the body. It is installed using a ring nut, which in normal condition is easily unscrewed. Let's assume that the nut is rusty and cannot be unscrewed. Then the thread is simply torn off with a pipe tap or by hand. It has no constructive purpose and performs exclusively a decorative function;
5. Next, use an adjustable wrench to remove the ring nut;
6. The nut contains the cartridge. There are several protrusions on its surface - two or more. They perform the function of fixation - it is important not to damage them;

   

7. When the cartridge is removed from the mixer, you can tell from it whether it is suitable for subsequent work or not. If cracks, nicks, roughness are found on the surface of the part, or it does not hold tightly enough, the cartridge is replaced;
8. There is another option: in old faucets, corrosion can damage the internal mechanism of the faucet (the place where the cartridge is installed). Functionally, there are 3 holes for water passage and two or more grooves for installing a cartridge. In this case, repairs are impractical; it will be cheaper and faster to simply replace the mixer;

   

9. After installing a new cartridge, the mixer is assembled in the reverse order.

If the problem is the opposite, that the water flows under too little pressure, the aerator is clogged. An aerator is a metal mesh at the outlet of the faucet. It serves to spray a continuous stream of water into thin streams, filtering solid residues (lime, rust).

How to clean the faucet aerator step by step:

Sometimes, instead of specialized compounds, even a simple dishwashing detergent is used. But it only works in hot water. Similarly, you will also get rid of scale and sediment on the shower aerator using hydrogen peroxide or ammonia alcohol.