Parts for mixer tap

It is believed that a good understanding of the design of plumbing equipment is necessary only for professional plumbers. The average person needs to know only the most basic things, for example, how to change the gasket in a dripping faucet or how to clear a clog in the pipe. However, knowledge of the structure and operation of some plumbing fixtures can serve you well when you need them. By repairing a simple plumbing problem yourself, you can save money on the work of a plumber and save yourself the often lengthy wait for professional help. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the design of the faucet and its parts.

Typically, a faucet for the bath, sink or kitchen consists of:

• aerator - nozzle on the faucet, which forms a stream of water, limiting its flow;
• spout - The "tap" itself, from which a stream of water flows;
• one or two valves - The handles that activate the mixer mechanism;
• two plugs or cartridges - devices for starting or stopping the water flow.

Choosing spare parts for the mixer should be especially careful, because with the modern wealth of choice presented on the shelves of plumbing stores, it is not difficult to get confused.

• Aerator The aerator is needed also for the water jet to be enriched with air and to be more pleasant to the touch. Aerators are made of plastic and metal. It is considered that plastic aerators are more durable and cope better with the task of mixing water and air. Metal parts are considered by specialists to be less reliable. In addition, when choosing the aerator it is necessary to take into account its diameter and thread type - these parameters should coincide with the spout.
• The spout The spout of the faucet is rarely replaced, as it is usually more reasonable to buy a new faucet. If you still decided to limit yourself to replacing only this part, then when buying, focus on the quality of the materials from which it is made. Obviously, the higher the quality of the product, the longer it will last. Choosing a mixer spout, you can come across a variety of models, which differ mainly in length. A long spout takes up more space, but allows you to wash dishes in the sink or wash your head without problems. A short faucet is more compact, but it is better to use it only for washing your face and hands.
• Valves faucet valves seldom fail, and therefore do not need to be replaced. Much more often the problems with the work of the faucet are caused by the breakage of one of the faucet's jambs. These parts are made of ceramic and metal. Ceramic faucet buxes are a more modern version. They allow you to save effort, they work more smoothly, but, in case of breakage, such a part will be impossible to repair and you will have to buy a new one. If your home has hard tap water or you have noticed impurities of sand, then you should refuse to buy ceramic faucets, as they are quite sensitive and with poor water quality quickly fail.
• Faucet nozzles made of metal are equipped with rubber sleeves, which must be replaced if they wear out. You will need a little more effort to open-close the faucet. The rubber gaskets, which are consumables, are very inexpensive. They can be changed in a matter of minutes. Despite the occasional need for minor repairs, metal faucets are considered more reliable.

In order to be able to perform minor repairs to the faucet at any time, you should always have the necessary consumables on hand. Replacement parts for faucets are sold in hardware stores, most often in sets called "repair kits." Usually such a kit includes:

• rubber spout ring - a gasket that is put on the base of the spout; it will wear out over time from the many turns of the faucet left and right;
• spout locking ring - O-ring which seals the water shutoff mechanism;
• valve head gasket - usually comes in two pieces;
• stop gasket - rubber sleeve, which is put on the metal faucet head;
• valve head washer - metal fasteners sealing the water shut-off mechanism;
• check valve gasket;
• eccentric gasket;
• bolt - 5x8 metal fasteners;
• water indicator button - Replaceable red and blue plastic liners.

The faucet can be repaired by your own hands if:

• mechanical damage to the spout or valve was found - cracks and chips can be treated with a sealant for plumbing;
• the single-lever mixer cartridge is broken - in this case the part should simply be replaced;
• the gaskets are worn out - here you will need a set of seals from the repair kit;
• the aerator is clogged - you need to rinse the part under a strong stream of water;
• the bath-shower mode switch does not work - in this case you will need to replace one of the gaskets.

In the case of more serious malfunctions, it is better not to experiment, and to seek help from a professional, as the consequences of self-repair can be very serious. It should be noted that the breakage of the faucet to serious cases does not apply and professional help in this situation you may need only if you have absolutely no time or lack the most basic skills of minor repairs. It is advisable to call a plumber in the following situations:

• You need to install or replace water meters;
• You need installation of water and sewage pipes;
• a burst pipe;
• a clog in the pipes;
• You need to repair or install the heating system.