How to choose a cartridge for the mixer?

Cartridge - the main part of any modern mixer. This part is responsible for the uninterrupted operation of the entire device. This element of the mixer has a wide variety of models. The main difficulty with the need for replacement is the difficulty of choosing the right cartridge for the mixer. In this article we will consider in detail the types and subtleties of the choice of this integral part of sanitary equipment.

The main feature of the mixer - design. Such diversity does not mean a big difference in the technical characteristics of devices: the functional features of most models are unlikely to differ.The only thing you should pay attention to when buying is whether the cartridge is replaceable or solid.

Devices with replaceable cartridges are considered convenient and reliable to use. They are usually more expensive in price, but are always in demand. An element that can be replaced, is beneficial in that it allows you to quickly restore the performance of the entire device. Normal operation of the device will not be possible if the cartridge is selected incorrectly. Therefore, before buying a new part, it is important to understand the characteristics of the device.

It is also important to understand what this item is for. The main task of the cartridge is to mix water with different temperature conditions. Also, this detail is responsible for the intensity of pressure. It turns out that this element receives the most load. That is why this system often stops working. If the existing mixer with a replaceable cartridge, replace the mechanism will not be difficult.

Manufacturers in their devices often use disc ceramic cartridges. There are practically no advantages over the ball types. The quality of manufacturing and service life of the product are identical. It is easy for manufacturers to manufacture disc cartridges easier, and they are more practical in production. Let us consider the criteria for choosing a cartridge device in more detail.

An important criterion for choosing a cartridge device is its size. To choose a device for the kitchen, shower or bath, it is worth understanding that different models can be completed with details with parameters from 28 to 35 mm. The largest cartridges are usually mounted in the mechanisms for the bathroom, they are the size of from 26 to 40 mm. At the same time, the size of the cartridge is in no way connected with the size of the mechanism itself. In identical devices, mechanisms of different sizes can be installed.

Some experts believe that the size of the mechanism affects the quality of use: the larger the size of the cartridge, the better the durability characteristics.Therefore, the size of the cartridge is of great importance in the selection. Another criterion may be the basis for the manufacture of the cartridge. They are made of ceramic or metal. Also another criterion should be the type of the device itself. Cartridges are suitable for thermostatic devices, single-lever valves, double-lever devices with flexible hoses.

By the way, the basic elements of a conventional folding mechanism are:

• housing;
• ceramic plates;
• covers;
• stock;
• silicone gaskets.

The service life of the cartridge depends on the tightness of the ceramic plates. Convenience of opening and closing the mixer depends on the accuracy of fitting and grinding these plates.

As mentioned above, cartridges come in two varieties: disc or ball type. The disk ceramic cartridge has the equipment in the form of a plastic case, and this part can be dismountable or non-demountable. If the item is collapsible, then there will be two parts in it, and they will be connected by means of a rubber seal. Inserts are located in the bottom holes. Parts are held together by plastic rivets.

There is always a stock inside the product., which is also called the leg, mounted on it the handle of the mixer. The lower part of the rod is fastened with a disk-type fixer made of ceramics. Rod these upper disk devices are controlled. Thus, it has the ability to rotate and move, and the disk itself remains in a fixed state. The disk is fixed in the bottom part of the ceramic case.

If we consider the process of mixing temperatures, then it will consist of a specific sequence of actions. So, the holes on the disk devices are aligned when turning the top disk. In this case, the displacement of the upper disk devices entails a change in the intensity of the water pressure.Sooner or later, cartridges, even in the most expensive mechanisms, require repair or replacement. The process of replacing devices is simple, but we will analyze it in more detail later.

The ball-type device looks like a hollow steel ball, having the equipment in the form of communicating holes. Usually one of them is output, and two - input. Depending on how the holes are located, set the temperature and flow. With a larger area of ​​combination water flows more strongly. Fluid temperature changes when the nozzles are turned or tilted. Inside the cavities of the reinforcement mechanism, the fluid is mixed.

The ball-type cartridge mechanism often breaks down due to accumulated deposits. They are formed inside the empty ball, which decreases the smoothness of the mechanism. Under the action of such a device, the joystick of the single-lever crane can break.

Typical sizes of mechanisms for different devices are divided according to certain standards, which are different for each model. For example, models with sizes 28, 32, or 35 mm are used for washbasins or showers. Bathroom faucets are most often equipped with cartridges with sizes from 40 to 45 mm. At the same time, the mixers themselves look identical.

Practically for all mixers there is one rule: the larger the cartridge, the more effective it is. Chinese cranes (for example, Frap) have large-diameter cartridges, as well as a large spout size. With this large diameter cartridge brand models Fiora, Iddis, Sedal and other options - does not always mean quality. It is important to pay attention to other technical specifications of products. For example, for a high spout, the optimum cartridge diameter is 35–40 mm.

The market offers a huge range of products from various manufacturers.Mechanisms can be metal or ceramic. The most convenient way to order the desired mixer in the official online store selling goods of the respective manufacturer.

The following trademarks are popular:

• Oras;
• Damixa;
• Frap;
• Iddis;
• Kludi;
• Blanco;
• Vidima;
• AM PM

The cheapest models are Chinese: Iddis, Frap. The company offers its customers ceramic products suitable for any mixers. Of the benefits, users note reliability and durability. At the same time, few people find cons in these products.

Models AM. PM are universal mixers. However, many users attribute the high cost of these products to minuses. In general, the cartridges are rated positively.

Widespread models of the company Oras. This is a Finnish manufacturer, which is famous for the good quality of the assembly of parts. However, at the cost of these products are also inaccessible.

If the price is the criterion of the same importance as the quality, you can pay attention to the products of the Bulgarian manufacturer - “Vidima”. The corporation offers consumers a wide range of products that will have strict compliance with all European standards.At the same time, the price of high-quality products is not as high as that of a German or Finnish manufacturer.

Good quality characteristics have models of firms: Damixa, Kludi, Blanco.

Typically, the life of a conventional cartridge is about 4–8 years.

The following signs will tell that it should be removed and replaced:

• lack of a smooth movement of the lever;
• difficult adjustment of pressure;
• poor mixing of hot and cold water;
• water leakage in a closed device.

The sequence of actions of the installer will be as follows:

• removing the plug with a standard screwdriver;
• unscrew the locking screw with a thin screwdriver;
• disassembly of the knob from the rod;
• removal of the chrome ring, which plays the role of decorative;
• unscrewing the brass nut with a repair wrench;
• removing broken mechanism.

Removing the nut can be difficult due to the lack of lubrication inside. To handle such a device will require a special liquid. Grease better WD-40, while the liquid must be kept for some time. The processed nut will be unscrewed without difficulty, and the cartridge will turn out to be taken out of its place.

The removed mechanism is desirable to inspect. There may be cracks and other troubles. If there are any, then you need to go for another mechanism. It is important to install it so that the projections and holes in the mixer are identical. If this condition is not taken into account, the device will begin to flow.

New part needs to be fixed as follows:

• you first need to bait it, then screw the mounting nut;
• install a protective case to your point;
• install the handle and screw it;
• tighten the locking screw;
• place the decorative ring in its place.

Everything, now it is possible to organize trial inclusion of water.If this does not generate leaks, then the installation of the cartridge was successful. If all installation conditions are met, and a leak does appear, check the gasket. It may have ceased to fulfill its purpose, and there is no tightness between the joint and the mixer body. Replacing the seal solves the problem that appears.

Replacing the ball device is almost identical to the repair of the disk mechanism. Here you also need to first remove the decorative plastic ring. Then you need to unscrew the retaining screw and remove the mixer handle.

Then you need to remove the pad, which is usually fixed on the body. Then you need to remove the ball valve. In case of defects, the device is replaced. But in most cases in a ball it is enough to clean the cavity with a cloth, to remove accumulated nodules. Assembly takes place in the reverse order. The mechanism will last longer if filters are installed on the water inlet to ensure at least coarse cleaning.

Changing devices installed in the kitchen or in the shower, is identical. If the mixer has a complex shape, has touch-sensitive equipment or a thermostat, then it is better not to carry out the replacement of the functionality with your own hands, especially if you do not have the relevant experience, but trust the professionals.Take into account our other tips that may be in the selection and replacement of the mixer.

Sometimes it is not necessary to dismantle the cartridge, and it is enough to make a cosmetic device repair. This will help, for example, when clogged work surfaces or wear decorative rings.

There are several options for cosmetic actions.

• Lubricate the plate. This will help reduce friction and prolong the period of the device. In this work, useful special oily mixtures or hermetic formulations.
• Thermostatic cartridge can be adjusted. This will help when the device has reset settings due to frequent use or poor quality water.
• If the cause of the malfunction was a litter, then you can remove it with a regular toothbrush. Can help in the work and vinegar.

When choosing a device, you need to take into account its characteristics. If they do not match, the mechanism may tightly rotate along its axis.As a result of a wrong choice of the mechanism, the crane will simply fail faster. Because of this violation, the performance of the entire mixer will also decrease. It also happens that the flexible eyeliner cracks or the thread wears out.

Carefully study the shape and number of holes in the faucet - this is the main parameter for the identification of the cartridge. The number of grooves and projections can be different, as models for the shower, bathroom or kitchen often differ. Mechanisms with other hole options will simply not be able to be mounted into an existing device.

Experts advise installing models of cartridges from a European manufacturer. Of the Chinese devices, as already mentioned above, Frap cartridges have proven themselves well.

To learn how to disassemble a single-lever flag mixer and replace the cartridge, see the following video.