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How to fix a faucet

A mixer is an extremely simple piece of equipment; breakdowns are usually not very complex and can be easily repaired. To avoid this, it is best not to buy cheap equipment, but only high-quality ones, but even in this case, the gaskets can wear out and need to be replaced. What to do if the faucet is leaking? There are several options for how to fix the problem yourself.

Installing a faucet with your own hands does not take much time and does not require special skills.

Repair when a leak is detected from under the nut

If water flows from under the mixer nut, then the reason for this is damage and wear of the faucet gasket, which is made of rubber or paronite. The size of this gasket is 3/4. To work, you need to prepare a new plus FUM tape for sealing and an adjustable wrench.

This bathroom renovation is as follows:

Water tap diagram.

• First, the special clamping nut is unscrewed, which secures the gib to the body, after which it is necessary to carefully remove the gib;
• the gasket is removed and replaced with a new one of the required size;
• FUM tape is wound onto the thread;
• The gander is mounted in place, the nut is screwed on, after which it is necessary to check the functionality.

The bathroom is a place where all equipment requires attention and inspection, otherwise not only leaks are possible, but also flooding of neighbors.

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Repair if a leak is detected from under the lever

If the mixer leaks from under the lever, it means that the internal installed cartridge has broken down. To repair a faucet, you need to purchase a new cartridge that matches the model.

You should take the following tools:

• regular pliers;
• hexagon or screwdriver.

At the same time, do not forget that all cartridges differ in appearance, so it is better to first disassemble the mixer in order to take the old cartridge to the store.

The repair process is as follows:

Single lever mixer diagram.

• it is necessary to remove the plug from the body (this is a red-blue element located on the cylindrical part);
• after this, the fixing bolt is removed and the lever is carefully removed;
• the cartridge is replaced with a new one (do not forget to ensure that it fits the mixer);
• Now the body can be assembled, a control check can be carried out, making sure that water no longer flows from under the lever.

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Repair when a leak is detected in the shower switch from the gander

In the bathroom, leaks can occur because the switch from the gander to the shower hose is broken. To, in this case, you just need to replace the rubber or paronite gasket. To perform this simple repair, you should prepare the following materials and tools:

• a new gasket to replace the worn one;
• hex wrench;
• special FUM tape.

The size of the spacer can vary, but it is usually about a half inch.

The process of repairing a bathroom faucet is as follows:

Manual valve diagram.

• first you need to carefully unscrew the water switch from the mixer body;
• after that, unscrew the special fixing screw from the lever;
• There are some models of mixers in which the lever is screwed on without a screw, but in this case the work is only simplified, since the lever is simply removed from the body;
• the old gasket is easily replaced with a new one, after which a new layer of FUM tape must be wound onto the fastening site, having first removed all traces of the old winding;
• the lever is screwed onto the thread or simply installed in place.

For similar renovations in the bathroom, when FUM tape is used, one simple rule should be followed.

To ensure a tight and reliable screw onto the thread, you only need to make two or three screws.

Otherwise, it will simply be impossible to tighten the nut or the connection will be loose, and the mixer will continue to leak.

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Repair for leaks from under the valve

Crane design diagram.

If water flows from under the mixer valve, then the faucet axle is broken or the sealing ring on the faucet is worn out. These reasons arise when the crane box is made of non-ceramic materials. If the material used to make the faucet axlebox is ceramic, then it is necessary to disassemble the mixer and then determine why it is leaking. To do this, you need to carefully inspect all the ceramic discs that are inside the axle-box crane and inspect them for damage. Such disks are clearly visible through a special hole in the body of the structure itself.

To do this, if there is a leak from under the valve, you need to prepare a screwdriver, a regular adjustable wrench, an oil seal or a new valve axle.

The process of repairing such a mixer is as follows:

Scheme of a mixer with a ball mechanism.

• first you need to remove the special plug from the valve, then carefully unscrew the screw fixing the valve;
• the valve is removed from the body, the installed valve body is unscrewed;
• Now you can carefully examine the valve axle and determine why water is flowing from under the valve;
• most often a complete seal is required, you may have to make do with just changing the sealing ring;
• after this, a valve is put on the mixer;
• the screw is screwed into place, a decorative plug is mounted, the mixer itself must be checked for functionality.

There is probably no person who has not once discovered dripping water from a tap. The problem crept up unnoticed and, as always, at the most inopportune time.

We put off repairs, we also don’t have time to call a locksmith, and ultimately the modest “drip-drip” turns into an outright stream. Then there are rusty stains on the bathtub and sink, or even a spontaneous flood. But in most cases, fixing the problem yourself is not at all difficult.

We look for the cause of the leak and eliminate it

First of all, you need to find out why the faucet is leaking in the bathroom and what caused it. Naturally, we immediately look at where it’s dripping or trickling from. Later you will have to find out what kind of part (or parts) are located in this area.

Note!
Before you rush to deal with the leak, turn off the water supply to the faucet.
Every owner should know where the cut-off valve is located, in the mine or in the basement.

The gasket has become unusable

Many apartments still have taps of the old valve type, with rubber gaskets. Typically, a faucet leak in a bathroom occurs due to abrasion of the seal. The gasket comes into contact with water, rubs against metal parts, and sometimes dries out.

It has to be changed once every year or two, or even more often.

1. Remove the protective cap from the valve. The blue plug is on the cold water tap, the red plug is on the hot one.
2. Under the cover you will see a screw securing the faucet handle.. Unscrew it and remove the handle.
3. If there are decorative trims, screw them too, then you will see the crane axle box. It can be removed using a gas wrench or an adjustable wrench.
4. There is a round gasket attached to the back of the axlebox, which is why the faucet in the bathroom began to leak.. It is secured with a screw and needs to be removed with a screwdriver.
5. After removing the old gasket, replace it with a new one. Moreover, a ready-made store-bought one can be replaced with a homemade one by cutting it out of a piece of rubber or thick leather.
6. All subsequent assembly steps are performed in reverse order..

Note!
When disassembling the tap, the parts are unscrewed counterclockwise.
When reassembling - clockwise.

Replacing seals

Rubber seals often leak at the junction of the mixer and supply pipes.

And this trouble can be fixed with your own hands, using an adjustable wrench and a screwdriver.

1. Shut off the water supply to the mixer, having first identified the location of the leak.
2. Unscrew the fixing nut connecting the pipe and the mixer.
3. There is a rubber ring inserted inside, it will have to be replaced.
4. After carefully fitting the new ring, reassemble the system. Be sure to use a winding (tow or fum tape), then the joint will be absolutely airtight.

Changing the shower hose gasket

Most often, the shower leaks at the point where the hose connects to the faucet.

1. Unscrew the shower hose with an adjustable wrench.
2. Be careful not to damage the hose threads by removing the seal.
3. Insert a new gasket and carefully screw the part into place.

Note!
Instead of rubber gaskets and rings, the instructions advise purchasing silicone analogues.
They are more durable and stronger, less responsive to abrasion and mechanical stress.

Ball valve is leaking

Lever devices have appeared relatively recently, gradually replacing the usual valve devices. Now we see one pedal that simultaneously regulates both the pressure and the temperature of the flow.

How to fix it if the faucet in the bathroom is leaking, if you are completely unaware of what’s inside?

1. Most likely, the existing ball or cartridge is leaking. Often pieces of scale get between it and the body, creating cavities large enough for water to leak through.
2. Pull out the decorative cover and unscrew the screw with a screwdriver.
3. Remove the lever from the faucet and unscrew the threaded screw.
4. Separate the dome and plastic seal.

1. There is most likely accumulated plaque on the seal gasket and should be cleaned.
2. Rinse the parts with hot water and reassemble the system.

Note!
If, when examining a disassembled device, you find one or more parts in a very worn condition, try to replace them with new ones.
Otherwise, even a cleaned faucet will break completely in the very near future.

Many unpleasant situations can be avoided if you use plumbing correctly and occasionally take preventive actions.

A thrifty owner knows not only how to eliminate a leak from a bathroom faucet, but also how to prolong its service life as much as possible.

1. When purchasing plumbing fixtures, be sure to ask for a warranty card. You should not buy faucets and spare parts from random people; they are not responsible for defects.
2. Do not wait until the leak reaches its maximum; repair taps at the drip stage.
3. If for various reasons you do not use one or more taps for a long time, periodically open and close them. This will prevent the system from “boiling” and jamming.
4. Don't waste money on replacing a broken element. Its price is in any case lower than the cost of a new mixer.
5. When repairing plumbing equipment, you often have to rush to the store to get the right part. Be sure to take the broken one with you and show it to the seller. He will understand exactly what to offer you in return.
6. If you doubt your abilities, invite a specialist from the housing office. You are unlikely to be able to make a claim against a master you don’t know for bad work.

Conclusion

With every drop of water your money flows away. You can easily prevent this by paying attention to your plumbing equipment. Research shows that repair costs are many times less than the bills.

The proposed video in this article will teach you how to properly repair and prevent problems.

A bathroom is a room where a large amount of plumbing fixtures and household appliances are concentrated. For comfort, a modern person needs not only a sink with a washing machine. All these devices are quite reliable, but as we know, nothing can work flawlessly forever, so sooner or later some leaks occur.

In an emergency, it is important not to get confused and quickly figure out what to do if the faucet in the bathroom is leaking. According to experienced plumbers, every homeowner should know the algorithm for simple steps, as well as have the necessary tools that will help repair a current mixer or tap.

Reasons for leaks

So, you noticed that the faucet is leaking in the bathroom, the shower or faucet is leaking, or maybe water is leaking through another place. A leak is a dangerous situation that must be quickly detected and repaired on your own or with the assistance of professional technicians. The most common causes of various types of leaks are:

Important! When a bathroom faucet leaks, it is important to determine the nature of the leak. If a lot of water leaks, then the situation is emergency, then you need to urgently turn off the water, and also call professional plumbers. You can repair a slightly leaking one with your own hands.

Consequences of leaks

Often people simply turn a blind eye to the dripping faucet in the bathroom for years without taking any action. In fact, “chronic” leaks usually lead to much bigger problems. Therefore, a leaking shower mixer or faucet can lead to an emergency and extensive leakage. The most negative consequences of plumbing leaks in the bathroom are:

Remember that in the event of a leak, you must first accurately determine the location and cause of the breakdown, and then quickly turn off the hot and cold water supply to reduce water losses. Then you can without haste purchase all the necessary parts and replace them yourself. If you determine that the faucet in the bathroom is dripping, but you don’t know how to fix it yourself, it’s better to call a professional.

Actions in case of leakage

Any plumbing fixture has its own service life or safety margin, so sooner or later it fails, and bathroom faucets are no exception. In this situation, it is important not to panic, but to clearly understand what needs to be done to quickly resolve the emergency. The service life of faucets is indicated by the manufacturer, but it also depends on the intensity of use, correct installation and the quality of tap water. When answering the question of how to fix a bathroom faucet, we recommend proceeding according to the following plan:

Please note that if, before repairing the faucet in the bathroom, you disassembled it and discovered several problems at once, for example, cracks in the body and a clogged cartridge, then it would be more advisable to replace the device completely, since most likely it has simply expired.

Preventive measures

If you determine that the faucet in the bathroom is leaking, but you don’t understand how to fix it yourself, and the leak is emergency, simply turn off the hot and cold water, and then call an experienced technician. In the future, to extend the service life of plumbing fixtures and prevent leakage, it is better to use preventive measures to protect them. To ensure your faucet and faucet lasts as long as possible, follow these tips:

Important! According to statistics, leaks from faucets most often occur precisely because of improper installation of equipment, in particular due to mismatched diameters of pipes and seals. Therefore, before you do the installation yourself, think about whether you can cope with this task efficiently.

Video instruction

Over time, even the highest quality faucets fail. The most common problem with the device is water leakage. In this case, you can contact a plumber. However, in some cases, you can deal with the breakdown yourself; it is only important to familiarize yourself with the information on the design and repair of the device. How to fix a dripping faucet in the bathroom, as well as the features of various designs and recommendations for repair work will be discussed in more detail in this article.

Peculiarities

If a faucet leaks in the bathroom, not everyone is in a hurry to fix it quickly. However, such a small problem can lead to a number of more significant problems. After some time, a plumbing fixture may completely fail. There is also a possibility that a large flow of water will break through and the tap will break under such pressure. If the faucet is dripping, the problem must be corrected promptly.

Features of repairing faucets in the bathroom are primarily related to the design of plumbing fixtures. In the kitchen, faucets have a simpler design. The bathroom fixtures additionally have a shower switch, a shower hose and a shower head. Exceptions may be models for the sink.

Possible reasons

The reasons for a leaking faucet can be very diverse. First of all, it is necessary to pay attention to the operating conditions of the plumbing fixtures and the design features of the equipment.

The most common reasons for device leakage include several.

• The valve seat is damaged or covered with scale. If the element is seriously worn out, it will have to be replaced with a new one. For minor defects, you can simply clean the saddle thoroughly.
• The gasket of the device has deteriorated. This problem occurs especially often, since the rubber gasket does not have a long service life. If necessary, you can make such an element yourself by cutting it out of a bicycle tire.

• Damage to the seal. Determining the malfunction of this element will not be difficult. If in the closed position the mixer does not leak, and when turned on, water flows simultaneously from under both flywheels, the sealing element has become unusable.
• The crane axlebox is worn out.
• Rust formation.

However, the cause of a leaking faucet is not always the malfunction of any part. If you purchased a poor quality plumbing fixture, it will quickly fail. The installation of the mixer is also of great importance. If installed incorrectly, even a high-quality, expensive faucet can quickly fail.

If you use the crane incorrectly, you can damage the structure yourself. If you turn the valve or press the adjustment lever with great force, you can damage the locking mechanism, which will lead to water leakage.

Before starting repair work, it is first important to correctly identify the reason why the faucet is leaking. Sometimes, to eliminate a leak, it will be enough to tighten the nut that secures the valve axle. However, there may be more serious causes of leakage that will require a thorough repair of the device.

Types of structures

When talking about plumbing equipment for water supply, the first thing you need to consider is the difference between a faucet and a mixer. The design of the faucet implies the ability to supply water from a hot and cold pipe. The mixer, in fact, performs similar functions and is a type of faucet with some design features. The difference is that the mixer can supply water from two pipes at once, mixing it and adjusting the temperature.

All cranes, depending on the control method, are divided into the following types:

• single lever devices;
• two-valve models.

Single-lever mixers, in turn, are divided into ball and cartridge. The main element of the ball structure is a small metal ball. The ball is located in the mixer body. This element has several holes for cold, hot and mixed water flow. The design of this type of device is very reliable and therefore rarely breaks. In cartridge faucets, the main element is two ceramic plates, which represent the cartridge. The bottom plate has three holes for water flow. The top of the cartridge performs the mixing function.

Single lever devices are very easy to use, so they are becoming increasingly popular. Using the control lever, you can easily adjust the water supply power and its temperature.

Double-valve designs differ from single-lever devices in the way they supply and regulate water pressure. Double-valve models have two handles, one of which is responsible for supplying hot water, and the other for supplying cold water. Such devices are divided into several subtypes.

Devices are classified depending on the type of locking mechanism in the handles. The first type includes devices whose locking mechanism is based on elastic rubber seals. The second type of two-valve models has a locking design in the form of ceramic plates.

When repairing a faucet, it is important to consider the type of construction of the device. The repair process for different types of devices will be different, even if the problem is the same.

Repair of single lever options

Single lever faucets come in ball and cartridge types. For ball models, the most common problem is wear of the rubber seals. To avoid faucet breakdown, it is recommended to replace the seals every two years.

Tap water may contain various elements(such as sand) that may clog the device. If the metal ball is less sensitive to sand and other small particles, then the ceramic plates can quickly fail and then the cartridge will need to be completely replaced. For this reason, it is recommended to purchase special filters for single-lever faucets.

The ball mixer can be periodically cleaned from accumulations of abrasive substances. To do this, you need to remove the nut at the junction of the gooseneck and the mixer body, remove the mesh from the tube and clean it well. After such simple manipulations, the structure can be put back together.

To repair a dripping single-lever faucet yourself, you need to understand its structure. It is also important to be able to properly disassemble the device for further repairs or replacement of any parts.

A cartridge-type device is disassembled in a certain way.

• Using a flat slotted screwdriver, you need to carefully pry and remove the plugs, which are painted blue and red.
• Use a key to unscrew the screw that connects the lever and the adjusting rod.
• The handle is removed from the faucet, allowing access to the top ceramic plate. There are two nuts on the plate that need to be removed.
• Now you can remove the disc cartridge from the mixer. It is necessary to replace the element only in case of breakdown.

A single-lever ball-type device is disassembled in a similar way, the process consists of the following steps:

• Using a screwdriver or knife, you need to pry off the multi-colored plug and pull it out.
• In place of the plug there is a fixing screw, which also needs to be removed.

• Then the water supply adjustment lever is removed.
• Using an adjustable wrench, you need to remove the part that visually resembles a dome and is located under the faucet handle. You need to remove the plastic ring from the dome and inspect it for defects or contamination.
• Next you need to get a metal ball. The structure is inspected for damage. If necessary, certain parts are repaired or replaced. After which the mixer can be put back together.

If the faucet in the sink begins to leak, most likely a crack has formed in the body of the device. The housing may simply wear out from prolonged use and constant exposure to water.

Before taking any measures, you first need to make sure that the problem is related specifically to the leaky housing. If the device really has cracks, then the problem can only be fixed temporarily.

It is more advisable to immediately replace a cracked faucet. If this is not possible, a special sealant or glue may be a temporary solution. Damaged areas must be repaired with a suitable mixture (for example, “cold welding”). It is worth considering that a faucet treated with sealant will not look very aesthetically pleasing, and the sealing layer will deteriorate over time and will require replacement.

When water oozes from underneath the faucet, the reason is not always related to cracks in the body. Sometimes the problem lies in the seal between the tap and the flexible water supply. Replacing the gasket is not particularly difficult. First of all, you need to turn off the water. However, there will be some water left in the device that needs to be drained. To do this, you need to lift the lever and wait for the water to drain.

Then you need to unscrew the flexible hoses through which water flows to the plumbing fixture. It is worth placing a bucket under the liner or placing a dry rag on the floor, as water may also remain in the hoses. The next step is to remove the nut, which is located under the sink and secures the mixer. There will be a rubber seal under the fixing element.

The gasket must be carefully inspected for defects. If the element is damaged or worn, it must be replaced. Before replacement, it is recommended to clean the installation site of the new gasket from dirt. After successful installation of the new element, the entire structure is put back together.

If your shower head is constantly dripping water, the problem is most likely due to a worn top gasket on the fixture. Fixing the defect is quite simple. It is necessary to unscrew the fastening nut and remove the shower hose. The old rubber seal is removed, the area is cleaned of dirt and a new gasket is installed.

However, there are also more complex cases. For example, when it is necessary to replace not the upper, but the lower gasket of the device. A malfunction of the shower switch may indicate the need to replace this element. The lever cannot be switched and locked in the desired position, which prevents the flow of water from the shower head.

To replace the bottom gasket of the faucet, you first need to turn off the water. Then the nut and shower head are removed, the adapter and the gib of the device are removed. All components must be removed from the mixer to gain access to the gasket. After which the rubber element is replaced and the mixer is assembled.

If water continuously drips from the gander when the faucet is turned off, most likely the internal gasket of the spout has become unusable.

To replace the rubber gasket, you must perform the following steps:

• to remove the gib, you need to carefully unscrew the nut that secures the part to the mixer using an adjustable wrench;
• the worn rubber ring is removed from the gander, and a new gasket of identical size is installed in its place;
• The spout is screwed to the mixer.

How to fix a two-valve design?

The most common problem with two-valve designs is wear of the rubber gasket. Eliminating this cause of leakage is not difficult; you just need to replace the damaged element with a new one. First you need to turn off the water in the bathroom, after which you can begin repair work.

The gasket replacement process is as follows:

• It is necessary to remove the decorative plugs from the screws, under which there are bolts that secure the mixer flywheels.
• The mounting bolts are unscrewed. Using an adjustable wrench, remove the valve body.
• The old gasket is removed and a new one is installed in its place.
• After replacing the seal, the structure is put back together.

In some cases, the cause of a faucet leak may be a poorly secured axle box. To eliminate the malfunction, it will be enough just to tighten the lock nut on the part. If the cause of a dripping faucet is a broken axle box, this element must be completely replaced.

This process includes the following steps:

• Decorative plugs are removed from the mixer handles. This allows access to the fixing elements.
• The mounting screws are turned out and the valves are removed.

• Using an adjustable wrench, the axle box is unscrewed. To avoid damaging the faucet, movements should be slow and careful. Removing the faucet from an old mixer can be quite problematic, as the part becomes covered with scale. In this case, you can pour vinegar over the axle box, which will slightly dissolve the resulting deposit and make it easier to remove the part.
• A new one is installed in place of the old axle box. It should be exactly the same as the previous part. Otherwise the valve will not work.
• After replacing the part, the mixer is put back together.

How to repair a shower switch?

Bathroom taps have a separate bath-shower switch. If the breakdown of this element is not repaired in a timely manner, the entire mixer may fail.

Based on their design features, the following types of switches are distinguished:

• Spool type. Such switches are produced complete with valve taps.
• Cartridge. This type of switch usually comes with Russian-made mixers.
• Cork type. This design is almost never produced by modern manufacturers of plumbing equipment.
• A push-button switch allows you to mix water from a hot and cold pipe.

When repairing any type of switch, the first and mandatory action should be to turn off the water.

The most common cause of a leaking pushbutton switch is a damaged gasket. In this case, you can remove and thoroughly clean the old rubber ring, but it will be most effective to replace it with a new one.

Repairs are carried out as follows:

• First of all, you need to remove the button. To do this you will need an adjustable wrench. All manipulations must be done with great care so as not to damage other parts.
• Use a wrench to unscrew the entire switch.
• There should be rubber gaskets on the retractable switch rod. Worn rings must be replaced with new ones.

• The last step will be to assemble the switch.

If for some reason it is not possible to replace the gasket with new material, the old ring can be softened. First, the rubber must be thoroughly washed with soapy water, then soaked in gasoline or solvent for several minutes. However, it is worth remembering that such manipulation will only achieve a temporary effect. After some time, the switch will start to drip again, and even then replacing the gasket will be inevitable.

The cause of failure of the switch of a conventional single-lever faucet is most often the internal cartridge. Unfortunately, it is not possible to repair this element. In this case, the cartridge must be replaced.

We use faucets in the kitchen and bathroom quite often. Sooner or later, any equipment becomes unusable and breaks down. Water taps are no exception. If there is leakage from the faucet in the bathroom, it means it needs to be repaired.

If the tap is leaking, this increases water consumption, and there is also a risk of flooding the neighbors below. You need to act immediately. It is better to call an experienced plumber who can effectively fix the problem. But such an opportunity is not always available and you often have to wait a very long time for a specialist. Therefore, you can try to repair the faucet and replace defective parts yourself. In this case, you need to find out the causes of the leak, and also take into account the features and structure of the tap.

Causes of faucet leakage

A bathroom faucet can leak for several reasons:

• poor product quality;
• wear of equipment (seats, gaskets, oil seal ring);
• presence of rust and limescale;
• installation error.

Faucet quality

If you wanted to save money when purchasing equipment, it is quite possible that it was made from low-quality materials. Their service life is usually short. In plumbing stores there are many cheap Chinese analogues of well-known brands at low prices, which are not of high quality.

Installation errors

There are times when even expensive and high-quality taps leak. It is possible that they were installed incorrectly. In such cases, reinstalling the faucet will correct the situation.

Exploitation

Water will start to leak if the tap is not used correctly:

• Do not tighten the valve all the way;
• twist at the wrong angle;
• press very hard on the tap;
• press on the spout.

On a note! As practice shows, it is violation of the rules of use that leads to leaks and frequent breakdowns of the tap.

Wear

The aging process of equipment is a natural phenomenon and cannot be avoided. Good faucets, when properly installed and operated, can last quite a long time. In some cases, replacing only worn parts can save the day. But more often the faucet needs to be completely replaced.

Features and rules of repair

Bathroom taps are more complex than kitchen taps. The faucets include a cold and hot water shut-off unit and a switch (shower/bathtub/sink).

To determine if a faucet is leaking, you first need to stock up on all the necessary components and tools to disassemble the unit.

Repair is needed if:

• an open tap hums;
• the valve rotates poorly;
• weak water pressure;
• water flows when the tap is turned off.

Valve mixer

More often, such mixers have defects in the conical plug and valve axle box. Usually the problem is due to a worn rubber gasket. The condition of the tap depends on its integrity. The new gasket should be at least 4 mm thick. You can purchase a new product in a store or cut it from a piece of sheet rubber. The template may be a gasket that requires replacement. But the new one should be 1 mm larger in diameter (the deformation of the old gasket is taken into account).

The resulting edge is cut around the circumference, where it contacts the saddle at an angle of 45º. This will ensure the seal fits firmly into the hole. After installing the new gasket, you need to reassemble the faucet axle box and mixer with a wrench.

Half turn valve

In conventional valves that are unscrewed, the rubber gaskets usually wear out or the stuffing box becomes unusable. To eliminate a leak, it is often enough to simply tighten the oil seal. It is necessary to tighten the nut at the base of the valve axle clockwise until it stops. If this does not work, unscrew the oil seal ring. Wrap the gland packing onto the valve stem. Screw the ring back carefully.

If the water does not stop flowing, the valve seat (the cavity into which the faucet box is screwed) may need to be repaired. If scratches or cracks appear, they can be worked out with a milling cutter. After this, the mixer needs to be assembled. If the milling is done correctly, the tap should not leak.

Water switch failure

It needs to be replaced with a new one. First, the faucet is disassembled and the broken part is replaced. If deformation of the conical plug is detected, it also needs to be changed. During repairs, you need to shut off the water supply to the tap. There is no need to remove the mixer from the mount in case of such malfunctions.

Fixing a leak near the union nut

First you need to try just tightening the nut. Turn on the water supply and check if the leak has gone away. If it remains, the nut needs to be unscrewed and the mixer moved along the pipe to the wall. Remove the hose from the bracket. When moving the mixer, you need to look at the end of the pipe, relative to which the location of the device changes. Move the mixer until it is possible to remove the old gasket adjacent to the nut. It is unlikely that you will be able to remove the gasket without touching the mixer because it will stick to the pipe.

If the gasket is pressed through, it will not be possible to remove it without removing the mixer. You need to unfasten the shower from the wall. Turn the mixer, loosening the nuts on it. Separately, cut the gasket from rubberized pieces 3-5 mm thick. There should be free space on the nut for 2 threads.

Lever models

Today, more modern and practical lever joystick faucets are usually installed in the bathroom. In order to set the desired water temperature and pressure, you just need to turn the knob. Instead of rubber gaskets, lever valves have special disk or ball cartridges. They do not need to be replaced as often as gaskets.

To find out the cause of the leak, you need to turn off the water supply. Drain the remaining water from the faucet. Unscrew the screw, lever, remove the handle. Do everything very carefully, slightly loosening the lever. It can be completely removed when it comes out easily without resistance.

When reinstalling a replacement cartridge, you need to make sure that its protrusions coincide with the protrusions on the faucet. Disc cartridges rarely need to be replaced. Their service life can reach 10 years. Although taps with such consumables are quite expensive.

Shower Troubleshooting

Troubles can happen due to wear of individual parts, breakage of the shower hose, watering can, or poor quality of tap water.

Weak water dispersion

As a rule, water flows poorly through the shower mesh due to clogging. The mesh needs to be removed. Clean it with a needle or awl. Screw it back. To remove plaque and stains, wipe the remaining parts of the shower with a vinegar solution.

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Leaking hose and drain

If the winding or internal part is worn out, then there is no point in repairing it. They need to be changed. If the shower and drain are leaking at the same time, the joint between the body and the plug may be loose. First you need to remove the locking screw. Tighten the union nut. In this case, the leak will be eliminated, but it will become difficult to switch the tap from the drain to the shower. It is necessary to grind the plug to the mixer body with special lapping pastes.

Faucet replacement algorithm

If a significant breakdown occurs and replacing one part (gasket, oil seal, etc.) does not solve the problem, you need to replace the mixer completely.

Replacement scheme:

• turn off the water, drain the remaining liquid from the tap;
• Using an adjustable wrench, disconnect the mixer from the water supply;
• put gaskets;
• connect the new mixer first by hand, then with an adjustable wrench;
• turn on the water supply and check the strength of the fastening;
• joints can be sealed with plumbing tape;
• screw in the switch;
• connect the shower hose and watering can;
• attach the taps.

All parts should be attached to each other tightly, but you should not overdo it so as not to break the thread.

If a leak appears in the faucet, plumbing repairs cannot be put on hold. You can invite an experienced technician or find out the causes of the problems yourself and eliminate them. To ensure that faucet leaks in the bathroom happen as rarely as possible in the future, you need to monitor the quality of the supplied water (install a filter if necessary), operate the faucet correctly and promptly change worn parts.

Find out more useful information on how to fix a leaking faucet in the bathroom after watching the following video.