Single lever mixer: top manufacturers + crane disassembly instructions

For many decades, sinks and wash basins have traditionally been equipped with taps with two valves. However, recently in kitchens and bathrooms more and more often you can see a more modern plumbing accessory - a single lever mixer, which attracts with its practicality and ease of use.

You will learn all about choosing a lever mixing device from our article. We will talk about its design features and operational advantages. Independent home craftsmen will find a guide for disassembling and repairing this type of kitchen faucet.

Single lever device design

A distinctive characteristic of this type of mixer can be considered a lever that simultaneously performs the functions of two heads at once. With its help, the temperature and pressure of the supplied jet are regulated.

In the first case, the crane handle moves to the right or left, in the second - up or down. Usually these processes are combined, allowing the user to set the most comfortable option for him.

The design of single lever accessories is extremely simple. Typically, such a device consists of the following parts:

• body - can be made of different materials;
• spout - depending on the purpose of the crane, it can be low, high or medium;
• switch - the lever with which the temperature and flow rate are set;
• cartridge - to regulate the flow of water, which is an analog of the crane box.

In addition, in single-vent devices, service elements, such as gaskets, are also used. Often, such accessories are also equipped with additional components that increase comfort in use. Among them aeratorssaturating the current stream with air, built-in dispensers for detergents and much more.

Single lever mixers can be made from a variety of materials. Particularly popular were chrome models, but in the market you can also find accessories made of copper, brass or imitation granite

Options for locking elements

In models with one lever, two types of units that regulate the flow of water can be used. Consider their device in more detail.

Ball Lever

A similar assembly is a ball made of stainless steel, in which special holes and fasteners are provided, with which a sleeve with a ball located inside is attached to the structure.

When the lever is turned, the holes on the ball are displaced, blocking or freeing the path for the movement of cold and hot water, due to which the temperature and pressure of the flow are regulated.

Schematic representation of a single lever crane with a ball-mounted functional unit, with detailed lighting of all fastening, safety and other service elements

Ball-mounted lever cranes water hammer.

However, such models have a number of disadvantages, which include:

• relative high cost;
• rapid accumulation of scale on the ball element;
• intensive wear of rubber gaskets.
• the complexity of the repair, because of which it is often necessary to dismantle the old and pick up a new mixer.

Due to these disadvantages, faucets of a similar design are less and less used in everyday life and in production. Unlike them Ball Valvesinstalled in front of the plumbing on the water supply pipes to control the water supply, almost completely replaced the valve models.

Disk models of cranes

Such accessories are preferred by consumers and specialists. The operating mechanism of such mixers is ceramic disk cartridges, similar to ceramic disk mechanisms that are used in dual-valve devices.

The disk mixer, a schematic representation of which is shown in the figure, is considered a more practical functional model, since it allows the replacement of a cartridge

Outwardly, this element looks like a plastic cylinder, usually blue. However, under the body are two plates made of snow-white, carefully polished ceramics. One of these discs can move depending on the change in position of the lever.

In order for water to enter the spout, it is necessary that the holes on the upper and lower parts coincide. If this does not happen, the flow is blocked and does not enter the tap.

Disk models have several advantages:

• moderate cost;
• the opportunity cartridge replacementthat facilitates repair;
• a tendency to scale, which almost does not accumulate on ceramic surfaces.

The weak point of such structures is their sensitivity to foreign inclusions in the water stream, as well as to sharp pressure surges in the water network.

Cartridge disks are made of well-polished ceramic, which ensures a good fit. The life of the mixers is largely dependent on the quality of these parts.

How to disassemble a single lever device?

To repair models with one locking mechanism, it is necessary, first of all, to disassemble the structure in order to get the damaged element. It is being replaced by a similar new part. Lever Mixer Repair carried out quite easily, but you need to act very carefully.

Disassembling a disk product

To dismantle the accessory, you need a set of the following tools - a screwdriver and a hex key.

The following algorithm of actions is applied:

• First of all, it is necessary to block the pipes with hot / cold water.
• You should free yourself from the plug, which is removed with a screwdriver.
• The screw part connecting the lever with the rod, where the water is regulated, is unscrewed with a hexagonal wrench.
• Having done this, you can manually remove the crane lever. Then it is necessary to unscrew the ceramic nut, as well as the clamping nut, which secures the upper plate.

This opens up access to the mixer disc. You can get it, and insert a new cartridge into the space formed, while you need to monitor the correct position of the holes on this part.

Then all operations are carried out in reverse order. Having assembled the faucet and having completed the manipulations, you can turn on the water and turn it on to check the correct assembly.

Going to the store for a new cartridge, it is advisable to capture a failed disk. Models may vary in diameter of the holes and clips that are located on the lower edge of the product. It is better to give preference to cartridges with a silicone gasket, as they are better resistant to water

Disassembly of the ball mixer

A similar process is performed similarly to the above, but there are some nuances. First of all, you must also shut off the water. After that, using a screwdriver, the decorative plug is removed, the fixing screw is unscrewed and the nut is removed, which holds the crane mechanism in the correct position.

It should be borne in mind that with a serious breakdown of the ball accessory, you will have to change the entire mixer. Ball Repair only possible if the problem is caused by a worn-out rubber gasket or clogging of the valve with abrasive materials.

In some models of the mixer, the handle fits snugly into the control rod. To release the part, it is recommended to gently pry it with the end of a screwdriver

Constantly dripping water from the tap usually indicates problems with the gasket.

To resolve the issue, the following steps should be taken:

• As described above, the screw is unscrewed, the lever is removed.
• The connection is taken out of the thread, after which the screw is unscrewed with a screwdriver. If plaque is detected on it, it must be carefully removed with a soft cloth.
• The ball is removed from the structure, after which the worn-out gaskets are carefully removed, which are replaced by new parts.
• At the end of the process, the ball is put back in place, and the seals are attached using a plastic nut.
• The lever is placed again, and then the screw securing this part is screwed.

After performing these operations, the crane is checked.

A problem with clogging of the ball mixer is indicated by a thin trickle of water even at the maximum pressure of the tap.

In this case, follow the instructions below:

• unscrew the nut from the mixer spout;
• pull out the net and rinse it thoroughly with water;
• insert the part back, then re-tighten the nut.

If the manipulations described above did not solve the problem, you must replace the device and put a new mixer in the kitchen or in the bathroom.

Special care must be taken when unscrewing and tightening the fixing nuts. Excessive effort can easily damage elements

Prevention of damage to single-lever models

Since replacing a crane is quite expensive, you need to think about simple preventive measures that can extend the working period of this important part.

These include:

• regular inspection of mixers to detect the slightest signs of leakage;
• installation of filtering equipment to improve water quality;
• elimination of increased humidity in the places of plumbing.

Before self-assembly or disassembly, and even more so before carrying out repairs, it is necessary to carefully study mixer device and instructions and strictly follow directions. All connecting nodes must be sealed with special compounds or fum tape to avoid leaks.

The condition of the tap is positively affected by an aerator that mixes water with air.If the model does not have an integrated device, it can be purchased separately and installed on the mixer

It’s also important to take a responsible approach to a choice of models for the bathroom or kitchen. When buying a crane, it is better to avoid silumin products made from an alloy of aluminum with silicon. Although such models are inexpensive, they quickly fail.

It is better to give preference to models made of brass, copper or chrome steel, produced by well-established brands.

The best manufacturers on the market

Modern single-lever models are very popular, so they are presented in the collections of leading companies involved in the production of plumbing accessories. Among the most well-known brands in different price categories are the following.

GROHE - wide functionality and high quality

None of the ratings of mixers is complete without models of the German Groe brand. Despite the rather high cost, they have earned the attention of consumers with a modern design solution, durability and reliability.

Accessories of this brand are often equipped with many additional options, which ensures comfortable operation. Among the wide range of single lever kitchen appliances, users most often mention the Concetto 32663001 model with a 45-cm retractable spout that almost replaces the retractable watering can.

The mixer uses a virtually silent aerator and a reliable SilkMove ceramic cartridge. A popular bath model is the Euroeco 32743000 faucet with an aerator and a special regulator for saving water.

Grohe mixers and other accessories are characterized by a classic design, which makes them easy to fit into any room design.

LEMARK - Original Solutions

The Czech company Lemark mainly produces single-lever products with a high spout, which are convenient to use in the kitchen. Sometimes they also provide a mortise dispenser, where liquid detergents are poured. Models are available in a wide range of shades, which allows you to choose a faucet for the color of the sink.

At the same time, the catalog also contains traditional chrome products, which serve as a universal option. According to users, the Comfort LM3061C kitchen faucet is included in the top best models, as well as the Pramen LM3318C shower unit.

The owners of these devices note the impressive design of the devices, thoughtful design and high quality. Some claim that they have been using Lemark accessories for several years without any repair.

Lemark single-lever mixers are often equipped with additional accessories and accessories, for example, a pull-out watering can, which provides additional ease of use

OMOIKIRI - Japanese Technology

Plumbing accessories of the Japanese brand Omoikiri impress with their unique design, as well as the highest quality and long service life. The manufacturer gives a five-year warranty on all products. Many models have a double spout, thanks to which tap water is supplied separately from drinking water.

The Tonami-C single lever mixer, made of chrome-plated brass, does not contain lead, in the rating of the best models for the kitchen. The accessory has a double spout with a rotation angle of 360 ° and a built-in aerator. At the same time, users note the reliability and durability of the crane.

Although the cost of Omoikiri products is quite high, users find it justifiable. Models are reliable, long-term operation, as well as original appearance

IDDIS is the best Russian manufacturer

Products of the Russian company are very popular due to the diverse assortment and affordable price. They also have acceptable quality and with proper care can do without repairs up to 5-7 years.

Among the accessories that have earned high user reviews, one can note the universal single-lever crane IDDIS Vane VANSBL0i10 with a swivel spout, a retractable watering can with a square shower, and an aerator nozzle.

The robust and simple Alborg K56001C kitchen faucet is also popular. Due to its low spout, this model is best used in shallow sinks.

IDDIS models are usually made in a classic design and have a chrome surface, which makes them perfectly combined with common stainless steel sinks

KAISER - German quality at an affordable price

Under the Kaiser brand, a wide range of mixers is produced, which have various types of spouts - retractable, stationary, rotary, flexible. Products differ in their magnificent appearance, while their cost is quite budget.

Among the presented models, users especially noted the Kaiser 13044 kitchen faucet with a body made of high-quality brass.

In addition to its excellent appearance, this sanitary ware has two built-in aerators and a water filter. The high spout has the ability to rotate 360 ​​degrees, which guarantees easy access to all corners of the sink.

The Kaiser catalogs show not only traditional chrome options, but also stylish accessories made in bronze or granite

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

The video below describes in detail about the device of a single lever mixer, its disassembly and correction of the most common breakdowns:

Single lever taps - a modern type of sanitary ware, which has gained popularity due to excellent consumer properties. The advantages of such devices include a long service life and ease of maintenance.

The ability to properly disassemble an accessory will help to quickly replace a failed part. Thanks to this, the life of an expensive product is extended and there is no need to replace it.

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