Flywheel for mixer: purpose and types

The knob on the mixer performs several functions. With its help you can regulate the heat and pressure of the water supply, and it also decorates the bathroom or kitchen. Unfortunately, this part of the mixer is often replaced. Sometimes the fault becomes a breakdown, although there is simply a desire to refresh the interior decor.

For the correct replacement of plumbing equipment should understand its characteristics. It is impossible to begin repair work without understanding the design of the crane.

There are two main types of mixer controls.

• Lever arm. It is presented in the form of "one-handed" joystick. The heat of the water is regulated by turning it left and right, and the pressure up and down. One-handle version can be used in many design solutions.
• Flywheel. It is presented in the form of two valves that are familiar to everyone from Soviet times. One valve is responsible for the pressure of hot water, and the second - for the pressure of cold. For mixing, both valves must be open at the same time.

Two-handed flywheel systems use a crane. The valve head is also used to supply and shut off water. Since there are several ways of attaching the flywheel to the crane box, it is easiest to disconnect the valve and come with it to the store. Experts will help you choose the right flywheel.

There are other types of mixer controls.

• Contactless control of the mixer.Sensitive socket on the crane picks up the movement and turns on when approaching her hands.
• Portion or pressure mixers. They are usually installed in trains. Press the pedal on the tap, it gives a portion of water.

The choice of this sanitary product is carried out depending on the capabilities of the faucet, the design of the bathroom or kitchen and the desire of the owner. Despite the practicality of the lever, the flywheel is popular, especially as a detail of the decor. Therefore, it is a lot of types of flywheel. In the form of isolated cruciform and faceted flywheels.

"Cross" is the most practical and popular due to its convex shape. Its blades prevent the hand from slipping during rotation, because it is easily caught by the fingers. The indicator of hot – cold water can be both color and text. More common are flywheels with the inscriptions “hot” (hot) and “cold” (cold).

Depending on the number of faces on the handle and the design, there are several varieties.

• "Trio". It is presented in the form of a valve with three faces, which contributes to a more convenient rotation. The role of the indicator of hot or cold water is played by a blue or red cap.Also, this cap decorates the screw that holds the flywheel together with the rest of the design. This model is slippery, so you should consider this drawback.
• "Kvadro." The handle resembles a square with 4 indentations for fingers. This model is laconic and simple, and also more convenient than the "Trio". The square option is quite popular today.

• "Maria". The valve has a sophisticated design. No wonder it is named after the girl. He has 7 notches for the location of the fingers. The basis of the form was taken truncated cone (narrow part of the mixer). The design solution of “Maria” consists in a cap-indicator off-center and a beautiful ring located around the perimeter of the handle.
• "Erika". An octagonal prism with 8 grooves is an ideal anti-slip option. The water temperature indicator is different here. In this embodiment, the indicator is made in the form of a ring of blue or red.

It is necessary before buying to determine the material from which the flywheel is made. The most commonly used metals. For example, stainless steel, brass (they make a crane-box from it). If you want to emphasize the high status, then you should give preference to the valves made of bronze, silver or gold. Such decorative elements will be a bright accent of the interior. Ceramics is a resistant material. It does not require special care, and is also characterized by ease of cleaning. On sale are often ceramic models.

Many models are made of plastic. Old Soviet shells with white handles with blue and red indicators were made of plastic. Now found as white plastic, and with a dusting of chromium. This material is not particularly resistant. A plastic handwheel is a suitable option for a washbasin in a village. Plastic has a low price, and therefore is popular.

Wooden models are made from solid wood. They will help add a warm comfort to the bathroom. They are pleasant to the touch and beautiful in appearance. This option would be nice to look in the Scandinavian-style bathroom or with a bronze faucet. The price is from 1500 rubles and above.

Also often used glass.These pens also look great and are also easy to use. The only thing is that they can break away, but for this you need to try hard.

After buying a flywheel of suitable shape, design and material, you can begin to install it, namely, unscrew the old handle and attach a new one. This type of plumbing work can be performed both independently and with the involvement of a specialist. But if you do it yourself, you will need a screwdriver and a knife (or a flat-head screwdriver).

It is necessary to perform several actions to install the flywheel.

• Shut off the water before dismantling. But it is important to follow the sequence of actions. First you need to turn on the water supply on the tap, turn off the water in the pipe. When water stops flowing from the tap, close the mixer valve. These actions are designed to avoid excessive pressure in the pipe.

• Use a knife or flat-head screwdriver to pry and remove the cap-indicator of water temperature.
• Under the cap is a screw that connects the handle-flywheel with the rest of the construction of the crane-axle box. Loosen the screw, holding the handle to the side to avoid its rotation.
• Old handle removed.If you need to replace the crane-axle box or further analysis of the mixer, you can proceed to it.

The installation of a new valve takes place in reverse order.

• It is necessary to separate the indicator cap from the new flywheel.
• Connect the flywheel to the crankshaft with a screw.
• Install the cap. Before installing the plug (indicator), make sure that the connecting screw is screwed on tightly enough and will not over tighten.
• Turn on the water.

When ordering via the Internet it is difficult to be sure that the products will be of high quality. Risks should be minimized.

If the shape and material of the flywheel is already selected, it remains to determine the manufacturer. It is not necessary that the handles and the mixer are from the same manufacturer. Most often, the handles are universal, so they are suitable for any cranes. You should check the availability of warranty on the product from the selected manufacturer It is better to trust only original sites of manufacturers or proven online stores.

It is better to get acquainted with well-known manufacturers in order not to stumble upon a low-quality product. Also, an expert can tell you that it is better to pick up if you bring an old flywheel with you. When choosing a flywheel, you must understand the design of the mixer, for which it is purchased, and trust your design sense.

How to change the crane in the mixer, see the following video.