Repair of the faucet in the bathroom: switch breaker in the shower

Sooner or later, each person can be overtaken by such trouble as breakage of the faucet in the bathroom, in particular the water switch to the shower. Modern faucets are simple enough, so the repair of a small technical damage can hold almost every person who has minimal skills in this area. To eliminate the damage, you need to have a standard set of tools.

There are three main types of switch.

This is a type of switch from a gander to a shower, in which there is a special mechanism - a valve. In this mechanism, as the special rod rotates, the flow and pressure of the water are regulated.Nowadays, this type is used less and less, because it is inconvenient and impractical.

The switch resembles a spool analog, but it has a useful feature due to which it is used more widely. Its feature is a spring that holds the rod. When the switch is raised, it stretches and clamps the rod, thanks to which the water pressure starts to flow. When you turn the valve water from the shower goes back to the main mixer.

This is a modern shower switch. The locking mechanism (cartridge) regulates the flow of pressure, changing its position. This type is divided into two subspecies: ceramic and ball.

Push-button - the most modern look. It works thanks to pressing a special button, which is automatic in some of the most modern mixers. It automatically switches the flow of water when it is turned off.

If the switch is broken, you need to find a place of breakage. There are many reasons why the switch does not work or does not work well. Of all, you can select the main ones.

The established stereotype that all the best was produced in the USSR does not always work. In many cases, the use of materials of the new sample provides much more advantages. For example, the use of silicone pads brings more practical benefits than the use of the same pads of rubber. To less often observe breakage and leakage of the crane, it is better to use more modern materials.

Nowadays there is a huge selection of mixers with various switches on the market. However, most of these products are substandard, which brings many problems. It is worth buying goods of famous brands that are tested and meet all quality standards.

In many cases, breakdowns occur precisely because of the water. Most pipes that supply water are used for a long time. Because of this, dirt accumulates in them, which gradually reaches the apartments. If dirt gets into the mixer, it may cause complete or partial breakage. To avoid this, you can install special filters on the water that will stop the dirt itself.

Water may not be dirty, but hard. Stiffness also has a considerable effect on the overall condition of all plumbing (the occurrence of deposits and the deterioration of the quality of gaskets).

Each type of water switch can have breakdown reasons peculiar to it.

• Spool - poor fixation of the swivel rod, wear of the elements of the mechanism, wear or poor attachment of the base.
• Suberic - bad fit of the cork to the switch, mechanical damage to the button.
• Cartridge (ceramic and ball) - damage to the mechanism, erased joints (ceramic plates or ball and plate), breakage of clamps.
• Exhaust - the switch of the button type can have a breakage or a strong stretching of the spring, deterioration of the seals, improper location of the button.

Repair mixers and switches can be made by hand. Depending on the type of switch and the type of breakdown, it is necessary to carry out various types of work.

In the presence of special sealing rings in the switch, many face the problem of their wear. Most often this happens in push-button switches.

To replace such a ring, you need to perform several manipulations.

• To make an accurate removal of the button with a wrench. This should be done without effort to avoid complete breakage of the mechanism.

• Next, you need to completely disassemble the switch into components and remove the stem.
• Then remove the old sealing elements and replace with new ones.
• At the end it is necessary to assemble the mixer in the reverse order, observing accuracy and attentiveness.

If the cartridge breaks down, you will have to carefully replace it with a new one in the correct sequence.

• First you need to remove the upper cap.
• Then, unscrew the retaining screw that holds the entire base.

• Next you need to remove the lever.
• Then you need to remove the lock nut.
• After that, you must carefully remove the old cartridge and replace it with a new one.
• Finally, the mixer should be reassembled in the correct sequence.

Another problem is spring breakage.

Its replacement is somewhat more difficult:

• It is necessary to remove the shower and the shower hose with a wrench, then remove the adapter.
• It is necessary to remove the cap and the screw-lock.
• Next, you need to pull the broken spring out of the stem and replace it with a new one.
• Then you need to collect everything in reverse order. It is important to do everything carefully and prudently so as not to damage the rest of the mechanism.

If water flows at the point of attachment of the screw with the case, an additional sealant must be installed (see the instructions above).

If water is leaking from the mounting nut, you need to disassemble the mixer and understand the reason:

• First you need to remove the mixer.
• After that, unscrew the mounting nut and shower.
• If the thread of the nut is clogged with something, it must be completely cleaned and re-installed.

• If the thread is worn out, you will have to change the nut to a new one and clean the new thread.
• For fidelity, the details of the mechanism can be greased with grease.
• At the final stage it is necessary to carefully assemble the mixer back.

To carry out repair work on any of the types of switches, you need to be able to properly disassemble each of them. Before starting work with any of the mixers it is imperative to turn off the water in the whole apartment.

Sometimes there is a need to disassemble the switch.To date, the spool type is not particularly popular. Therefore, to find parts for its repair is now quite difficult. It's easier to buy a more modern mixer and install it.

If you decide to leave your old switch, repairing it, it should be done according to the scheme:

• Use the wrench to separate the bottom of the case from the other part.
• It is necessary to remove the lock-nut by separating the hose and the switch.
• Then you must separately remove the switch itself.

Here the scheme of actions for the analysis of the cork analogue consists of several points:

• First you need to remove the outer decorative part of the mixer.
• Using an adjustable wrench, unscrew the locking nuts.
• Then you need to carefully pull out the switch itself.
• The next step is to remove the plastic washer that holds the spring, then remove the spring itself.
• After completion of work, the assembly occurs in reverse order.

The sequence of actions for parsing a ball analogue consists of several steps:

• First you need to remove the fastening nut with a flat screwdriver.
• Then you need to remove the special plate.
• After that, you must remove the handles, and then remove the clips from under them.
• After these actions, you can easily remove the stock and repair it.

To avoid such problems in the future, it is necessary to constantly carry out the prevention of the switch and the mixer as a whole. It is necessary to constantly monitor the quality of the water supplied to the house, if necessary, install special filters. It is necessary to use only high-quality materials from proven manufacturers. High-quality mixers will last longer. They will not cause permanent problems.

It is necessary to carefully treat each of the types and firms. The more accurate to handle plumbing, the longer it will last. When repairing the switches and parsing the mixer, you should carefully handle each element. It is advisable to do everything manually so that the tools do not spoil either the external or the internal appearance.

If the quality or pressure of the water deteriorates, the aerator should be checked. This is a filter located on the edge of the gander. It has the ability to be clogged with various particles of dirt. When buying new parts, it is better to take the old one with you to the store so that it is easier for the seller to find the right product and not make a mistake.To find out the cause of a leak, the place where water leaks, as well as the type of breakage, you can unscrew the knob and turn on the water. The leak will be visible immediately.

When repairing a water switch on your own, you should always have on hand at hand:

• gasket seal;
• new cartridge;
• suitable stock;
• spring;

• pliers;
• adjustable wrench;
• rags;
• FUM tape;
• universal screwdriver with various nozzles;
• torch.

When a water switch on a shower hose leaks or malfunctions, every person who has little experience in such work can fix the problem, repair and bring sanitary equipment back to normal. Do not forget about safety, because when working with plumbing, it is especially important.

How to repair the faucet in the bathroom, see the following video.