How to fix dripping faucet in the bathroom: features of various designs

Over time, even the highest quality cranes fail. The most common problem with the device is water leakage. In this case, you can contact the plumbing master. However, in some cases it is possible to cope with breakdowns on your own, it is only important to familiarize yourself with information on the device and repair of the device. How to fix a dripping faucet in the bathroom, also the features of various designs and recommendations for repair work will be discussed in more detail in this article.

In the event of a leak in the bathroom, not everyone is in a hurry to quickly repair it. However, such a small problem can lead to a number of more significant problems. After some time, the plumbing fixture can fail completely. There is also a chance that a large flow of water will break through and the tap will break under such pressure. If a tap drips, the problem must be fixed in a timely manner.

Causes of flow of the crane can be very diverse. First of all, it is necessary to pay attention to the operating conditions of plumbing and design features of equipment.

The most common reasons for the flow of the device are several.

• The crane seat was damaged or scaled. In case of thorough wear of the element, it will have to be replaced with a new one.For minor defects, you can simply clean the seat thoroughly.
• Damaged device gasket. This problem occurs especially often as the rubber gasket does not have a long service life. If necessary, such an element can be made independently by cutting it out of a bicycle tire.

• Damage to the gland. Determine the failure of this element will not be difficult. If in the closed position the mixer does not leak, and when it is turned on, water runs out of both flywheels at the same time - the sealing element has become unusable.
• Worn crane box.
• Rust formation.

If the crane is used improperly, you can ruin the structure yourself. If you turn the valve with great force or press on the adjustment lever, you can damage the locking mechanism, which will lead to water leakage.

Before starting repair work, first of all it is important to correctly identify the reason why the faucet dripped. Sometimes to eliminate the leak it will be enough to tighten the nut, which fixes the crane-axle box. However, there may be more serious causes of leaks that will require a thorough repair of the device.

Speaking of sanitary equipment for water supply, first of all you need to consider the difference between the faucet and the mixer. The device of the crane implies the ability to supply water from a hot and cold pipe. The mixer, in fact, performs similar functions and is a kind of crane with some design features. The difference lies in the fact that the mixer can supply water directly from two pipes, mixing it and adjusting the temperature.

All cranes, depending on the method of control are divided into the following types:

• single lever devices;
• two-valve models.

Single lever mixers, in turn, are divided into ball and cartridge. The main element of the ball design is a small metal ball. The ball is located in the body of the mixer.This element has several openings for cold, hot and mixed flow of water. The design of this type of device is very reliable, and therefore rarely breaks. In cartridge cranes, the main element is two ceramic plates, which are a cartridge. On the bottom plate there are three holes for water flow. The upper part of the cartridge performs the function of mixing.

Single lever devices are very easy to use, therefore, are becoming increasingly popular. With the help of the control lever you can easily adjust the power of the water supply and its temperature.

Two-valve designs differ from single-lever devices in the manner of supplying and adjusting the water pressure. Two-valve models have two handles, one of which is responsible for the supply of hot water, and the other for the supply of cold water. Such devices are divided into several subspecies.

Classify devices according to the type of locking mechanism in the handles. The first type includes devices whose locking mechanism is based on elastic rubber seals. The second type of two-valve models has a locking structure in the form of ceramic plates.

Single lever mixers are ball and cartridge types. For ball models, the most common problem is the wear of rubber seals. In order to avoid breakage of the crane, it is recommended to replace the seals every two years.

Tap water may contain various elements. (e.g. sand) that may clog the device. If the metal ball is less sensitive to sand and other fine particles, then ceramic plates can quickly fail and then you need to make a complete replacement of the cartridge. For this reason, it is recommended to purchase special filters for single-lever mixers.

Ball mixer can be periodically cleaned from clusters of abrasives. To do this, it is necessary to remove the nut at the junction of the gander and the body of the mixer, remove the mesh from the tube and clean it well. After such simple manipulations, the construction can be assembled back.

To fix the drip single-lever mixer, you need to understand its device.It is also important to be able to properly disassemble the device for further repair or replacement of any parts.

The cartridge type device is disassembled in a specific way.

• Use a flat-head screwdriver to gently pry and remove plugs that are colored blue and red.
• Imbus key unscrews the screw that connects the lever and the adjusting rod.
• The handle is removed from the mixer, opening access to the upper ceramic plate. On the plate are two nuts that need to be removed.
• Now you can get a disk cartridge from the mixer. Replace the element only in case of breakage.

The single-lever device of the ball type is disassembled in the same way, the process consists of the following steps:

• Use a screwdriver or a knife to pry a multi-colored cap and pull it out.
• In place of the cap is a locking screw, which also must be removed.

• Then removed the lever adjustment of the water supply.
• With the help of an adjustable wrench, it is necessary to remove a part that visually resembles a dome and is located under the crane handle. Remove the plastic ring from the dome and inspect it for defects orpollution.
• Next, you need to get a metal ball. The design is inspected for damage. If necessary, repair or replacement of certain parts. Then the mixer can be collected back.

If the mixer in the sink began to leak, most likely, a crack was formed in the body of the device. The hull may simply wear out from prolonged use and constant exposure to water.

It is more expedient to immediately replace the cracked mixer. In the case when there is no such possibility, a special sealant or glue can become a temporary solution. Damaged areas must be sealed with a suitable mixture (for example, “cold welding”). It should be borne in mind that the valve, treated with sealant, will not look very aesthetically pleasing, as well as the sealing layer will deteriorate over time and will require replacement.

When water trickles from under the mixer, the cause is not always associated with cracks in the casing.Sometimes the problem lies in the seal between the valve and flexible water supply. Replace the gasket is not particularly difficult. The first step is to turn off the water. However, the device will remain some amount of water that must be drained. To do this, lift the lever and wait for the water to drain.

Then it is necessary to unscrew the flexible hoses through which water flows to the plumbing fixture. Under the eyeliner, you should put a bucket or put a dry rag on the floor, as there can be water in the hoses too. The next step is to remove the nut, which is located under the sink and fastens the mixer. Under the locking element will be a rubber seal.

The gasket must be carefully inspected for defects. If the item is damaged or worn, it must be replaced. Before replacing it is recommended to clean the installation site of the new gasket from dirt. After successful installation of the new element, the entire structure is assembled back.

If water is constantly dripping from the shower head, the problem is most likely related to the wear of the upper gasket of the plumbing fixture. To eliminate the defect is quite simple.It is necessary to unscrew the fastening nut and remove the shower hose. The old rubber seal is removed, the place is cleaned of dirt and a new gasket is installed.

However, there are more complex cases. For example, when it is required to replace not the top, but the bottom gasket of the device. Evidence of the need to replace this element may malfunction of the switch to the shower. The lever can not be switched and locked in the desired position, which prevents the flow of water from the shower head.

To replace the lower gasket mixer first need to shut off the water. Then the nut and shower head is removed, the adapter and the gander of the device are removed. All components must be removed from the mixer to open access to the gasket. After that, the rubber element is replaced and the mixer is assembled.

If, with the mixer turned off, water is continuously dripping from the gander, the inner pad of the spout is most likely to become unusable.

To replace the rubber gasket is necessary to carry out the following steps:

• in order to remove the gander, it is necessary to unscrew the nut, which fixes the part on the mixer, using a adjustable wrench;
• a worn-out rubber ring is removed from the gusk, and a new gasket of identical size is installed in its place;
• Spout is screwed to the mixer.

The most common problem of two-valve designs is the wear of the rubber gasket. Eliminating this cause of the leak is not difficult, just enough to replace the damaged element with a new one. First you need to turn off the water in the bathroom, after which it will be possible to begin repairs.

The process of replacing the gasket is as follows:

• It is necessary to remove decorative plugs from the screws, under which bolts fix the handwheels of the mixer.
• Unscrew the mounting bolts. With the help of an adjustable wrench, the valve body is removed.
• An old gasket is removed, and a new one is installed in its place.
• After replacing the seal design is going back.

In some cases, the cause of the leakage of a crane can be a badly fixed bush. To eliminate the malfunction it will be enough to tighten the locknut on the part. If the cause of the dripping tap is a broken bush,This item must be completely replaced.

This process includes the following steps:

• Decorative knobs are removed from the mixer handles. Thus, access to the locking elements.
• The mounting screws are removed and the valves are removed.

• Using a adjustable wrench unscrews the bush. In order not to spoil the mixer, the movements must be slow and accurate. Removing a crankcase from an old mixer can be quite problematic, since the part is covered with scale. In this case, you can pour vinegar with vinegar, which will slightly dissolve the plaque and facilitate the extraction of the part.
• In place of the old axle box is installed new. It must be exactly the same as the old part. Otherwise the valve will not work.
• After replacing the parts, the mixer is assembled back.

Bathroom taps have a separate bath-shower switch. If it is not timely to eliminate the breakdown of this element, the entire mixer can fail.

The design features distinguish the following types of switches:

• Spool type.These switches are available with valve taps.
• Cartridge. This type of switch usually comes with Russian-made mixers.
• Cork type. This design is almost not produced by modern manufacturers of sanitary equipment.
• A push button switch allows you to mix water from a hot and cold pipe.

The most common cause of a leaking pushbutton switch is damage to the gasket. In this case, you can take out and clean the old rubber ring well, but it will be most effective to replace it with a new one.

Repair is carried out as follows:

• First you need to remove the button. For this you will need a wrench. All manipulations must be done with great care so as not to damage other parts.
• Use a wrench to unscrew the entire switch.
• On the retractable stem of the switch should be placed rubber gaskets. Worn rings must be replaced with new ones.

• The final step is to build the switch.

If for some reason it is not possible to replace the gasket with a new material, the old ring can be softened. First, the rubber should be thoroughly washed with soapy water, then hold for a few minutes in gasoline or solvent. However, it is worth remembering that such manipulation will only achieve a temporary effect. After some time, the switch will begin to drip again, and even then the replacement of the gasket will be inevitable.

The procedure will be as follows:

• first you need to remove the cap;
• use a screwdriver to unscrew the screw that secures the lever;
• further it is necessary to remove the lever itself;
• then the nut is unscrewed and removed, with which the cartridge is attached;
• old cartridge must be removed, and in its place to install a new one;
• repair work on this end, the final step will be assembling the device.

The spring, like the switch cartridge, cannot be repaired. Therefore, in the event of a breakdown of this element, it must be replaced with a new one.

Replacement occurs as follows:

• At the first stage, the hanger of the mixer and the shower hose are removed; this requires an adjustable wrench;
• then you need to remove the adapter;
• the next step is to unscrew the fastening screw and the cap;
• then remove the stem where the spring is located;
• the damaged spring is removed and a new one is installed in its place;
• After you change the broken part, the device must be reassembled.

One of the most common failures of the spool switch is to flow in place of the handle for switching water.

The reasons for this problem may be as follows:

• the rubber seal has deteriorated, which is located at the rotary crank stem;
• worn seal on the crane box;
• The screw that secures the crank or crankcase is loosely screwed.

To begin repairing a switch, you must identify the source of the problem.To do this, unscrew and remove the knob switch and let the water. Thus, it will be possible to discern the exact place from which water seeps.

When leaking in the area of ​​the crankcase, swivel rod, or mounting screw, the rubber sealing ring must be replaced. In the case of a weaker fixing of the crank, you need to tighten the screw more firmly.

Many problems with the mixer can be avoided with proper maintenance of the equipment. Also of great importance is the quality of the device. When buying do not need to save money and make a choice in favor of the cheapest option. Cranes of poor quality often break and quickly fail.

How to fix dripping faucet in the bathroom, see the following video.