How to replace the cartridge in the mixer

You can call a plumber whenever water flows from your tap, without overlapping completely, only if you do not know how to use the tools at all. In all other situations, if you have a single-lever crane in your apartment (and they are gaining more and more popularity in our country due to their beautiful ergonomic shape and relatively low cost), you can solve the problem yourself. For this, it is only necessary to know how to replace the cartridge in the mixer.

In addition, it should also be remembered that the cartridge in such a crane cannot be repaired, and you will have to replace it with a new one. In order not to sit without water for several hours (during this time you should have time to go to the store and buy the cartridge you need there), it is better to purchase it in advance.

Cartridges from different manufacturers. What are the differences

Depending on the manufacturer of the cartridge, their replacement method may differ, as they have a different design. Consider the most common brands of mixers:

• Grohe. Products of this company offer cartridges with carbon-crystalline sputtering on the plates. As a result, the product turns out to be very durable, and, therefore, durable.
• Oras. Finnish manufacturer produces reliable and practical cartridges. Moreover, if you buy a mixer from this company, you can freely find a new one when the cartridge breaks down.
• Vidima. Prices for such plumbing are relatively low. However, this does not mean that the quality of individual parts is low. For example, ceramic cartridges from this company are guaranteed for 5 years.
• Hansgrohe. The cartridge of this company is made of ceramics. It is also equipped with a safety function, due to which you can save water energy. If you need to replace it, you can do it yourself.
• Hansgrohe – Boltic. The patented system is able to work for many years without obvious signs of loosening and failures. This is achieved thanks to a special technology of mounting the lever and handle.

Regardless of the brand of the mixer and its components, it is important to remember that they do not last forever. Sooner or later they will need to be repaired. Therefore, to have an idea of ​​how to change the cartridge is very important if you do not want to spend money on expensive service.

The only thing that should be taken into account when purchasing a mixer, is the presence of replaceable cartridges in our country. Otherwise, if you have to order this item from the official distributor, it can be quite expensive, and wait for delivery for a long time.

Types of cartridges for single lever mixer

Cartridge for single lever mixer is made of 2 types:

• ceramic;
• ball

If we talk for the ball cartridge, it adjusts the hot / cold water. So it will be easy for you to adjust its comfortable temperature. Due to its design and shape, it is less sensitive to polluted and hard water.

The principle of its operation is as follows: water enters the ball through a spring-loaded Teflon saddle and two supply channels. Inside the ball a stream of hot and cold water is stirred, and then it goes outside.

The ball is very sensitive to corrosion. This is one of the main drawbacks of the spherical cartridge device. In addition, Teflon seals wear out quickly due to chlorinated water.

Another cartridge option is ceramic. It consists of two washers (plates), which are made of aluminum oxide. Water should not leak between these plates. Such cartridges can last for about 10 years without disruption.

This device is used in showers. He distributes water to the shower watering can. The cartridge is located in the diverter. If a breakdown occurs, the diverter will need to be replaced. If it is installed in the kitchen or bath, the principle of replacement is described in this article.

Tool

You will not be able to disassemble the mixer with a single screwdriver, so you should start working only if you have a adjustable (pipe) or adjustable wrench. The screwdriver should be small and you can use a hexagon instead.

Replacing the cartridge in the bathroom and in the kitchen

Before starting the disassembly of the tap, be sure to shut off both cold and hot water, since it is impossible to replace the cartridge in the mixer with running water without flooding the room and those who live on the floors below. If even after you close the corresponding valves, water continues to flow from the tap, you will still have to use the help of plumber who can turn off the water in the riser running through all the floors of your entrance. After that, you can begin to replace the cartridge.

The following describes the principle of replacing the cartridge, which is also applicable in the shower. 

• At first glance, it seems that such a single-lever mixer is simply impossible to disassemble, since it lacks any openly located screws and bolts. In fact, they are, just hidden behind a decorative two-color plastic cap (blue-red). Gently pry the cap with a screwdriver and remove it from the mixer. Set it aside so you do not accidentally lose it when replacing the cartridge.
• Removing the cap, you will see the locking screw. It can be unscrewed with a special hexagon or with a small screwdriver. Act carefully, trying not to apply a lot of force, otherwise you risk damaging the entire mixer. The screw can not be completely removed from its recess, just enough to loosen it.

• After removing the screw, the mixer handle is removed quite easily. Make sure that the locking screw is inside the handle (lever) and is not lost when removing it.
• The next step is to remove the decorative nut. In order to unscrew it, you will not have to use any keys, as it does not hold very tightly and is easily unscrewed by hand. If it is not possible to cope with it, then before you apply force and use a wrench, put a piece of cloth under it (so you will not scratch it).
• After getting rid of the decorative nut, you will see the following nut, which presses the cartridge to the mixer body. And you have to unscrew it with a spanner (or its equivalent). Turn the nut slightly counter-clockwise, and then complete the process manually.
• Now you have reached the most important point - the old defective cartridge that needs to be removed from the mixer. Since he is no longer withheld, it is very easy to do.
• Wipe the inside of the tap with a cloth to clean it. Make sure that nothing closes the holes located inside the mixer.

• Take a new cartridge in your hands and find on its lower surface two protrusions ("tenons"). Insert the cartridge in its place so that the "spikes" fall into the recesses intended for them. To make sure that the cartridge has risen to the place allotted to it, try turning it a little (if the spikes fell into the fossa, then you will not be able to do it).
• Reinstall the clamping nut. First, twist it a little by hand, and then with an adjustable wrench. Do this carefully, because an excessively applied force can cause the body of the new cartridge to simply burst and have to be changed again (and you can only determine the need for this after you have fully assembled the mixer and turn on the water).
• Replace the decorative nut by tightening it manually. Do not use the key - it is not necessary.
• Put on the previously removed lever and tighten the locking screw (the lever should be in its upper position).
• Cover the hole with a decorative cap (do not confuse the positions of hot and cold water).

After you replace the cartridge in the mixer, open the valves that shut off the water and make sure that the valve is working. Check not only whether water flows from the tap, but also the presence of hot and cold water, as they are supplied through different pipes.

Video

Below you can watch a video tutorial on cartridge replacement:

Scheme