How to repair a faucet in a bathroom with a shower: causes and remedies for breakdowns

It is unlikely that you can find a bathroom without a faucet with a shower hose, which allows you to conveniently take hygiene procedures. But, unfortunately, like all plumbing devices, it often fails. Want to fix it yourself?

We will show you how to repair a bathroom faucet with a shower with your own hands. The article presented by us describes in detail the common causes of malfunctions and ways to eliminate their consequences. Based on our recommendations, you can restore your device without any problems.

Types of bathroom faucets

Typically, there are three categories of models used in bathrooms:

• traditional two-valve taps;
• common single-lever devices;
• innovative sensory mixers.

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

The locking mechanism in older models used a system of a seat and valve on the stem, equipped with a rubber gasket. When the valve was twisted, the valve closed the seat providing a path for water flow.

The stem with the valve had to be twisted, then twisted - it was long and inconvenient. Instead, they now use a metal crane axle box or a device from a pair of ceramic discs.

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 operate, more durable and more reliable

Single-lever options are now very popular. Lever or joystick mixers have one shut-off and control mechanism that controls both mixing, and the supply and pressure of hot / cold water.

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

• with a ball block;
• with a disk cartridge.

The second option looks preferable due to its 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 and cannot be repaired due to the difficulty of finding the locking mechanism. Plumbing stores rarely offer it.

If the ball mixer fails, it will most likely have to be thrown away and replaced with a new one. The article recommended by us will familiarize you with the selection criteria.

On the other hand, ball valves installed on the hot water and cold water pipes in front of the plumbing to shut off the flow in case of repairs have almost completely replaced obsolete valves.

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

The control element of the sensor mixer for a kitchen or a bathtub with a shower is a photocell that turns on the stream of water when hands are brought to the tap and turns 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 aerator clogging, which manifests itself in a weakening of the water flow. This problem, which we will talk about in detail below, can be easily fixed with your own hands.

Typical causes of malfunctions

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

You can advise to abandon the usual options for seals 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, moreover, they deform less over time.

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

Water flowing in pipes is also a common cause of malfunctions in mixing devices. Foreign inclusions, high content of mineral particles lead to the formation of deposits, clogging of filters, cracking of seals.

Types of breakdowns and methods of their correction

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

Breakage number 1 - weak water pressure

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

This element is often included in the design of modern mixers. The mixer aerator infuses the water with air bubbles, reducing water consumption and reducing splashing. Fixing a blockage in the aerator does 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 mesh filter from the device, and then thoroughly rinse the parts, cleaning them from small debris and plaque. After cleaning, the device is assembled and inserted back into the tap.

Breakdown No. 2 - valve valve leakage

A common cause of constantly dripping water from the mixer is a worn gasket. This minor detail plays a major role in old-style valve mixers, where it ensures the tightness of the stop valve against the seat - the hole designed for the flow of water.

This problem can be easily fixed. You just need to stock up on a new high-quality gasket, as well as wrenches and wrenches.

You need to act according to the following instructions:

• Securely shut off the water supply system.
• Use a wrench to carefully loosen the wing bolt.
• Unscrew the leaking body by moving the adjustable wrench counterclockwise.
• Remove the worn gasket and insert a new one in its place.
• Take a sealant - FUM tape, and wind it clockwise under the stop flange.
• Put the body back in and tighten the bolt, after which you can turn on the water.

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

To solve the problem, you need to establish the damaged area, and then, with a little effort, scroll over the found place with a cutter. This way you will be able to align the plane of the “saddle”, so that the mixer will easily snap into place and stop flowing.

Breakdown 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:

• it is 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 all the way.

To replace the cartridge, you need to use the following instructions:

• Remove the plug from the housing.
• Loosen the retaining screw with a Phillips screwdriver.
• Remove the lever, then remove the decorative cap.
• Use an adjustable wrench to unscrew the nut securing the position of the cartridge in the housing.
• Remove the faulty unit.
• Place a new element instead.

The final stage is the assembly of the device in the reverse order and installation in its original place. Then the mixing valves are reconnected to the water supply lines, after which the water is turned on and the work done is checked.

Note that cartridges vary considerably 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.

When replacing the cartridge, pay attention to the tabs that are on this part. They must line up with the grooves inside the case. If this condition is not met, the mixer will leak

Breakdown No. 4 - a problem with the ball mixer

If the ball is leaking, which can be caused by a frayed gasket, you can try to fix it. To repair the ball mixer, you must first of all close the valves on the water supply system. After that, you need to unscrew the bolt on which the mixer is mounted and remove the device lever.

Next, you need to unscrew the threaded connection and dismantle the crane dome. After that, you need to find the gasket and clean it from dirt. If there are defects on it, this part must be replaced. It is also best to inspect the ball for damage. If they are found, you will have to change the tap.

Remove the mixer lever carefully and carefully. It is necessary to perform swaying movements until the resistance weakens. After that, you need to pull the lever up and pull it out

You should also consider the sleeve in which the ball is installed. If necessary, replace the worn seals around the moving parts of the device. After that, the fittings can be assembled by performing the operations described above in the reverse order, while the parts should be sealed with a special compound or FUM tape.

Breakage No. 5 - the body gasket is worn out

One of the most common failures with lever faucets in a bathroom is caused by the spout being constantly in motion. Because of this, the rubber gasket in the groove wears out quickly. 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 body. The thread of the fastening nut is wrapped in 2-3 layers with FUM tape, after which the part that fixes the spout is twisted.

Breakdown No. 6 - repair of the faucet-shower switch

Shower switch malfunctions are also common sources of leaks. This is mainly caused by a damaged gasket that is placed between the housing and the switch.

For repairs, you will need to disassemble the mixer, which is done as follows:

• the switch button is removed from the rod, which is held in a stationary position;
• gets the valve and stem;
• the oil seal is removed from the body;
• a similar new part is installed in the provided place;

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

Spool switches are often malfunctioning due to the broken nut holding the part. To cope with the situation, you should dismantle the tap, not forgetting to turn 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 repair. If a 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. Clean the thread and the inner cavity of the nut with emery. After lubricating all parts with grease 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 to its place, then 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.

When water flows simultaneously from the shower and from the tap, without the possibility of switching, the reason lies in a faulty oil seal, which is located on the switch stem.

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 one and insert a new oil seal;
• assemble the switch.

After repairing the mixer, you can turn on the water to check the correctness of the work done.

Breakage # 7 - shower hose leak

Sometimes water flows at the junction of the mixer / hose, or hose / shower head. In such a situation, you will need to replace the gaskets. After turning off the water, the clamping nut of the hose is unscrewed with pliers, and then the old gasket is removed.

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

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

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

Breakdown No. 8 - other malfunctions

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

• A continuous stream of water can be caused by cartridge breakage or blockage between cartridge and gasket. In this case, you need to disassemble the valve, clean all the parts, if necessary, change the valve.
• A dry rubber gasket can be the reason why water refuses to flow when the valve is open. To be convinced of this, it is enough to knock on the open device with some hard object.
• When the stem thread is torn off, the valve begins to scroll. To solve this problem, you can try to wrap the thread with thread, but only the replacement of the part will provide cardinal help.
• A damaged rubber gasket can cause constant noise at 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 faults in the mixer are easy to fix with our own hands, using the simplest tools.

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

Conclusions

The reasons for the breakdown of faucets with a shower can be very diverse. In some cases, they can be easily fixed by yourself 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 fixtures, choose modern models of well-known companies.

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