How to repair a faucet in the bathroom with a shower: causes and methods of troubleshooting

It is unlikely that you can find a bathroom where a faucet with a shower hose would not be installed, allowing you to conveniently take hygiene procedures. But, unfortunately, like all plumbing devices, it often fails. Want to fix it yourself?

We will talk about how to repair a faucet in the bathroom with a shower yourself. In our article, we describe in detail the common causes of malfunctions and how to eliminate their consequences. Based on our recommendations, you can easily restore your device.

Types of bathroom faucets

As a rule, bathrooms use three categories of models:

• traditional two-valve cranes;
• common single lever devices;
• innovative touch mixers.

For many decades, houses have been equipped two-valve mixers. Such devices are equipped with two handles-handwheels, one of which is designed for hot, and the second - for cold water.

As a locking mechanism, older models used a system of a seat and a valve on a stem equipped with a rubber gasket. When the valve was twisted, the valve blocked the seat, providing a path to the flow of water.

The stem with the valve had to be twisted, then twisted - it is long and inconvenient. Instead, they are now using a metal box crane or a device made of a pair of ceramic disks.

Two-valve models with a ceramic block, although they are more expensive than devices with rubber gaskets, have a number of important advantages. They are easier to manage, more durable and more reliable.

Single lever options currently gained great popularity. Lever or joystick mixers They have one locking-regulating mechanism that controls both mixing, flow and pressure of hot / cold water.

According to the locking unit, the range of such mixers can be divided into two categories:

• with ball unit;
• with a disk cartridge.

The second option looks preferable due to lower cost and maintainability. Its locking mechanism, by analogy with valve devices, includes two ceramic discs, with holes for mixing and shutting off water flows. If it fails, replacing the cartridge is quite simple.

Single lever ball mixers are more expensive, moreover, they cannot be repaired due to the difficulty of finding a locking mechanism. Plumbing shops offer it extremely rarely.

If the ball mixer fails, it will most likely have to be thrown away, and instead buy a new device. The selection criteria will be introduced by our recommended article.

But Ball Valvesinstalled on hot water and cold water pipes in front of plumbing to shut off the flow in case of repair, morally obsolete valves were almost completely replaced.

In appearance, it is almost impossible to distinguish a ball mixer from a cartridge one. In order not to make a mistake when buying, it is important to pay attention to the internal structure of the model indicated in the technical passport, or ask the seller

Device control touch mixer For the kitchen or bath with shower, there is a photocell, which turns on a stream of water when bringing hands to the tap and turns it off when they are removed. Repair of such plumbing fixtures requires experience and knowledge not only in the field of plumbing.

An exception to the rule is an aerator blockage, which manifests itself in weakening the flow of water. This problem, which we will discuss in detail below, can easily be fixed with your own hands.

Typical Causes of Malfunctions

Damage to plumbing fixtures is largely associated with poor quality products. You should not save on purchases when purchasing cheap mixers from little-known manufacturers. As a rule, when assembling them, low-quality components and consumables are used, which quickly fail.

We can advise you to abandon the usual options for gaskets in favor of new analogues: instead of rubber gaskets, it is better to use modern analogues made of paronite or silicone. Their service life is much longer, besides they are less deformed with time.

Installing a filtration system on water pipes will not only allow you to use high-quality water, but it can also increase the life of plumbing products

A common cause of malfunctioning mixing devices is also water flowing in the pipes. Extraneous inclusions, a high content of mineral particles leads to the formation of deposits, clogging of filters, cracking of seals.

Types of breakdowns and methods for their correction

We list the most common malfunctions in the operation of sanitary water faucets with detailed instructions on how to fix the problem.

Failure No. 1 - weak water pressure

It is inconvenient and not very pleasant to use the water flowing from the tap in a thin stream instead of a rapid stream. If the pressure on the stairwell is the same, the reason most likely is the clogging of the aerator.

This element is often included in the design of modern mixers. Mixer aerator saturates water with air bubbles, reducing its consumption and reducing spatter. To fix an aerator blockage will not take much time and labor.

If the metal aerator is covered with rust, it is better to replace it with a new one, especially since the cost of this part is not too high

To do this, you need to grab the aerator with pliers, unscrew it. Remove the filter mesh from the device, then rinse the parts thoroughly, cleaning them of small debris and plaque.After cleaning, the appliance is assembled and inserted back into the tap.

Failure No. 2 - leakage of the valve

A common cause of permanently dripping water from a mixer is a worn gasket. This insignificant detail plays a leading role in the old-style valve mixers, where it ensures a tight fit of the shut-off valve to the seat - an opening designed for water flow.

A similar problem can be easily fixed. It is only necessary to stock up on new high-quality gasket, as well as wrenches and lever wrenches.

You need to follow the instructions below:

• Reliably shut off the water supply system.
• With a wrench, carefully loosen the bolt securing the thumb.
• By moving the adjustable wrench counterclockwise, unscrew the leaking housing.
• Remove the worn gasket and insert a new one in its place.
• To take a sealant - the FUM tape, and to wind it clockwise under a persistent side.
• Reinstall the housing and tighten the bolt, after which you can turn on the water.

If, after replacing the gasket, the tap continues to flow, you need to pay attention to the "saddle". With long-term and frequent use of the mixer, this part begins to deform, covered with scratches, cracks, which can lead to leakage.

A detailed diagram showing the structure of a traditional two-valve valve mixer with a designation of all components and consumables

To solve the problem, you need to set the damage zone, and then with a little effort to scroll at the found place with a mill. Thus, you can align the plane of the "seat", so that the mixer will easily snap into place, and the flow will stop.

Failure No. 3 - the locking mechanism is faulty

Leakage from under the lever is usually associated with a breakdown of the locking mechanism, which must be replaced with a similar element.

To verify this, the following signs will help:

• difficult to control the lever due to unexpected resistance;
• cold / hot water supply stops;
• the pouring stream spontaneously changes the temperature;
• it is impossible to close or open the valve until it stops.

For cartridge replacement you need to use the following instruction:

• Remove the plug from the housing.
• Loosen the fixing screw with a Phillips screwdriver.
• Remove the lever and then remove the decorative nozzle.
• Unscrew the nut securing the cartridge in the housing with an adjustable wrench.
• Remove the defective assembly.
• Place a new element instead.

The final step is to assemble the device in the reverse order and installation on a regular place. Then the mixing armature is again connected to the water supply lines, after which the water is turned on and the work done is checked.

When replacing a cartridge, pay attention to the protrusions that are on this part. They should coincide with the recesses inside the case. If this condition is not met, the mixer will leak

It should be noted that the cartridges vary significantly in size and configuration. In order not to be mistaken when buying a new part, it is better to come to the store taking the old block.

Failure No. 4 - a problem with a ball mixer

If the ball device is leaking, which may be caused by a worn gasket, you can try to repair it. For ball mixer repair First of all, it is necessary to close the valves on the water supply system. After this, you need to unscrew the bolt on which the mixer is mounted, and remove the lever of the device.

Next, you will need to unscrew the connection on the thread and dismantle the dome of the crane. After that, you need to find the gasket and clean it of dirt. If defects are observed on it, this part must be replaced. The ball is also better inspected for damage. If they are found, you will have to change the tap.

Remove the mixer lever carefully and carefully. Loosening movements must be performed until resistance is weakened.After that you need to pull the lever up and pull it out

You should also consider the sleeve in which the ball is mounted. If necessary, replace worn seals around the moving parts of the device. After this, it is possible to assemble the fittings, performing the above operation in the reverse order, while the parts should be sealed with a special compound or FUM tape.

Failure No. 5 - the housing gasket is worn out

One of the most common failures in lever bathroom taps due to the fact that the spout is constantly in motion. Because of this, the rubber gasket located in the groove is quickly worn away. To change it, separate the gander from the body by unscrewing the fixing nut.

The damaged gasket is removed from the groove of the spout, after which a new part is installed there, and the gander is mounted in the housing. The thread of the fastening nut is wrapped in 2-3 layers with FUM tape, after which the part fixing the spout is twisted.

Failure No. 6 - repair of the tap-shower switch

Shower switch problems also often become sources of leaks. This is mainly caused by a damaged gasket that is placed between the housing and the switch.

For repair, you will need to disassemble the mixer, which is performed as follows:

• from the rod, which adheres in a fixed position, the button is removed;
• the valve and stem get;
• an oil seal is removed from the housing;
• a similar new part is installed in the intended place;

Next, it is necessary to perform manipulations in the reverse order, so that the shower switch is fully assembled. After that, you can turn on the water and check the quality of work.

The cause of malfunctioning slide switches is often a broken nut that holds this part. To cope with the situation, you should dismantle the tap, not forgetting to shut off the water. Remove the shower hose, switch handle.

Modern mixers can have a built-in or specially installed switch. The latter has a collapsible design, which greatly facilitates the repair. If the built-in unit breaks down, in most cases it is necessary to replace the entire accessory

Remove the nuts that secure the spool and switch. Replace the broken part with a new one. Strip the thread as well as the inner cavity of the nut with an emery. After lubricating all parts with solid oil or a similar composition, install the mixer in its original place, and then turn on the water.

If the button that turns off the shower does not return, the spring is out of order. To remedy the situation, it is necessary to disassemble the switch, as described above, and replace the broken element.

With the flow of water from the shower and the tap at the same time, without the possibility of switching, the reason is a faulty gland, which is located on the switch rod.

In this case, the following operations are required:

• purchase a new oil seal, turn off the water;
• remove the button and remove the stem;
• remove the old and insert a new oil seal;
• assemble the switch.

After doing mixer repair You can turn on the water to check the correctness of the work.

Failure number 7 - leaking shower hose

Sometimes water is flowing at the junction of the mixer / hose or hose / shower head. In such a situation, replacement gaskets will be required. After turning off the water, the clamping nut of the hose is unscrewed with pliers, and then the old gasket is removed.

Instead, a new part is inserted, and it is better to give preference to a more reliable paronite or silicone product.

The design of the shower head and shower hose does not imply the possibility of disassembling them. In case of malfunctions of these elements, it is impractical to carry out repairs, therefore it is better to replace them with new products

To seal the thread, 2-3 layers of FUM tape are wound, after which the clamping nut is twisted.In conclusion, water is turned on and a performance check is carried out.

Failure number 8 - other malfunctions

We list a number of other crane failures that users may encounter:

• A continuous stream of water may be called cartridge breakdown or a blockage that formed between it and the gasket. In this case, you need to disassemble the tap, clean all parts, if necessary - change the valve.
• Dry rubber pad may cause water to refuse to flow when the valve is open. To make sure of this, it is enough to knock on the open device with any solid object.
• With torn rod threads the valve starts to scroll. To solve this problem, you can try to wrap the thread with thread, however, cardinal assistance will only be provided by replacing the part.
• Damaged rubber gasket may cause constant noise in the tap. To fix the problem, it is recommended to change the gasket or cut off the worn edge from it.

As we can see, many malfunctions of the mixer are easy to fix with your own hands, using simple tools.

Before starting all work, it is important to carefully read, and if possible, look at the instructions, and carry out all the actions clearly and accurately.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

The presented video talks about how to repair the most common breakdowns of the mixer with shower:

The causes of breakdowns of faucets with a shower can be very diverse. In some cases, they are easy to fix on their own using common tools. In other situations, you have to resort to the help of plumbers.

Unfortunately, sometimes the crane cannot be repaired and has to be replaced. To prevent this from happening, it is important to take preventive measures, and when buying plumbing, choose modern models of well-known companies.

Tell us how you repaired a faucet with a shower hose with your own hands. Share known technological nuances that will be useful to site visitors. Please leave comments in the block below, post a photo and ask questions about the topic of the article.