Bath Shower Switch - Varieties and Repair

Bath and shower faucets have a bath-shower switch that switches the flow of water between the spout and the shower. The problem is that this design element often fails and water may not be distributed in the correct directions.

If you understand all the intricacies of the bath-shower switch, you can use the instructions to troubleshoot it. This article describes the main types of switches, possible malfunctions and how to repair them.

Was quite common at the time of the Soviet Union and now many faucets are produced with this type of switch. Today, this type is found in thin-walled valve-type faucets. A characteristic feature of the spool-type switch is a plastic or metal handle that is placed between the valves of the faucet.

The cork-type switch is now obsolete and rarely used in production. The handle for switching water is placed in the middle and is longer than the spool type. The main part is considered to be the plug with a cutout. When it is rotated, the cutout is aligned with the water inlet and outlet holes, and water flows into the faucet. It is worth noting that some modern faucets, which are made in the classic style, have a handle like a cork switch, but the core is used only spool.

The cartridge switch is usually found in Russian-made faucets. It is very difficult to repair this type of switch, because it is very difficult to find replacement parts or a new cartridge. If it breaks, it is better to buy a new faucet.

The extractor or push-button switch is designed to mix cold and hot water that comes through a centralized water supply system. Several varieties are available on the plumbing market:

• automatic switch is used for cartridge faucets of well-known brands. It can be in a separate unit or on top of the swivel spout. The main feature of this switch is that if you shut off the water, it will remain in the "spout" position or return from the "shower" position. The button is responsible for switching: if it is pulled out, the water will pour from the shower head; if it is pressed, the water supply will switch to the "spout" position;
• simple switch mainly used on low-priced faucet models. The appearance is the same as that of an automatic switch. To determine the type of push-button switch, just pull out the button and shut off the water, if it stays in place, it is a simple type of pull-out switch;
• Soviet switch for the shower can be found only in old models of Soviet faucets, which today are not relevant.

If the water flows synchronously in the two "shower" and "spout" positions, the reason is that the spool valve gaskets are worn out and no longer perform their function.

Replace them with new ones:

• shut off the water supply;
• disconnect the hose;
• disconnect the spool;
• unscrew the adapter;
• remove the valve handle;
• remove the spool;
• Remove the old rubber rings;
• new rings should be wetted with normal water;
• put the rings back in their place;
• assemble the faucet valve.

If water leaks when using the pushbutton switch, the reason may also be the unserviceable rubber rings.

To replace the rubber rings, you must:

• shut off the water supply;
• unscrew the spout;
• Disconnect the adapter, using an Allen wrench;
• Remove the cap;
• take out the screw
• remove the button;
• remove the valve;
• remove the old rings from the valve
• install new rings;
• reassemble the switch.

If the bathtub has a push-button switch and its button does not return to its original position when you turn off the water or when you switch the mixer mode, the breakage is most likely due to a weak or broken spring.

The process for installing or replacing the spring is:

• shut off the water;
• unscrew the spout and hose;
• disconnect the adapter from the switch with a spanner wrench;
• Remove the cap of the product;
• remove the screw
• unscrew the button;
• pull out the stem together with the spring;
• to replace the broken spring;
• assemble the switch.

If you hear turbulent noises when you open the faucet, the cause is wear of the rubber gasket. Unscrew the head and cut off the worn edge of the gasket.

If the water flows continuously from the faucet, the brass valve may be broken or small particles may have clogged the gap between the valve and the gasket. The valve must be replaced or the dirt inside the faucet must be cleaned.

If there is no water coming in when you open the faucet, the reason may be that the rubber gasket has dried out. First, you can try a simple method - open the faucet and hit it with a wooden object. Otherwise, you need to cut off water access, remove the valve head and pry or turn the gasket itself a little.

If it is not possible to open the valve by twisting it, the reason is that the threads of the stem came into disrepair. It is necessary to replace the stem or wind a wire, if the threads are not completely worn out.

Spool Switch Repair. When using the spool switch, water can leak from under the handle if it is positioned between the shower and spout positions. The main causes of leaks are:

• The rubber rings, which are placed on the crank handle pivot rod, are worn out or missing altogether;
• The rubber gasket that is located on the switch box and serves as a seal is worn or missing;
• The special crank screw or the mixer box is loose.

If the water is leaking where the special screw or box with the body is attached, then most likely you need to put a new gasket for the box, and for the special screw to make an additional winding. There may be leakage when the pivot rod comes out of the special screw or the spool, then the entire spool or spool should be removed with a wrench or a gas wrench to replace the sealing rings on the pivot rod.

If water is leaking in one of the switch modes, then the reason may be that the seal gaskets on the spool have simply already worn out or the spool cannot move because of the water stone. Therefore, the spool needs to be pulled out to clean out the rock formation and replace the rubber gaskets.

Button-type switch repair. To begin repairing this type of switch, you must first close the valve heads securely, then remove the cap from the switch, unscrew the screw, remove the button and remove the spring.

There may be several reasons for the malfunction:

• The spring has become less resilient or broken. To be sure of this, the water must be shut off. If the button does not return from the "shower" position to the "spout" position, the reason is definitely the spring. This part should be replaced with a new spring. If this is not possible, it is necessary to put shims under the screw, so that the spring again properly performs its function. There is another possibility. To restore the spring elasticity you need: stretch it well, heat it at a high temperature and immediately drop it into a metal jar with cold water to harden it and cover it with a lid. Some craftsmen make a new spring themselves, using wire from special spring steel. When the spring is ready, it is heated and cooled to create a stable elasticity of the product.
• The valve rings become unusable.then the water flows synchronously to the shower and spout positions. It is necessary to disconnect the spout, insert the rod with six facets in the adapter. Then carefully remove it while holding the angle piece. Next, use the stem to push the valve out. If the rings have become brittle or eroded, they must be replaced with new ones.

Repairing the cork switch. Often, if the plug is not properly seated against the body, water may be leaking. The main causes include: poor lapping, erosion, small defects or particulate matter.

To correct the problem, the switch has to be disassembled:

• unscrew the screw;
• Remove the handle;
• unscrew the coupling nut;
• Remove the locking washer;
• Remove the plug.

Now, before you start the inspection, you must wipe the plug and the body inside with kerosene. If the plug will be damaged, then abrasive paste is used to lapping it against the housing. If the cork is normal, you can just grease it with paraffin or vaseline.