The structure of the kitchen faucet. Troubleshooting and faucet installation
It is difficult to imagine a modern home without this invariable, but almost imperceptible device. With the advent of a centralized water supply, there was a need for shutoff valves, a prominent representative of which is an ordinary water tap. How this device works, its varieties and main selection criteria, plumbing types - all information is given in this article.
All the variety of configurations and colors cannot be described even in the most detailed article, while the internal structure of all existing water taps can be divided into four main types.
single valve
The simple and reliable design of such a mechanism has been time-tested and is still used to supply water. The principle of operation of such a valve is based on the reciprocating movement of the valve, which presses the rubber gasket inside the body to a special "saddle". These models can regulate the water supply, but not its temperature, as they are installed on only one pipe.
A more advanced model has a ceramic faucet inside - an axle box, in which two plates with holes are located. When the faucet lever is rotated, one of the plates turns and when the holes match, water is supplied. Faucets with ceramic "stuffing" are more reliable and break less, but their cost is slightly higher than older models with a worm valve.
Two valve mixer
For ease of use hot water, it is more expedient to use special taps - mixers. The name itself already indicates that this device can mix two streams, so most often you can find just such universal taps.
The structure scheme of a two-valve water tap is practically no different from the previous design, only in this case the water comes out from one tap, to which two locking mechanisms are connected. The flow pressure and temperature are manually adjusted. Such cranes are still in demand, successfully competing with more modern models single lever mixers. The principle of operation of such a mixer will allow you to use it for the bathroom. In this case, it is necessary to choose models with a flow switch to a shower hose.
On the video - repair of water taps:
Single Lever Ball Mixer
Such devices appeared relatively recently, but have already become incredibly popular. The design of such taps is an internal spherical cartridge with three holes. Two are for hot and cold water, through the third mixed flow goes outside.
The pressure and temperature are adjusted manually, but unlike valve taps, it does not take much time: just turn the lever to the right or left, and to increase the water supply rate, lift the handle up more.
The ease of use of such models guarantees their stable popularity. This gave rise to another phenomenon - a large number of counterfeit products, so when buying, you should carefully study all the details of the mechanism. Poor-quality material is usually lighter, the thickness of the metal is minimal, there are minor defects in the coating and joints of parts. If there is any doubt about the quality of the goods, such a purchase should be canceled.
Mixers with thermostat
Progress has even covered such a universal device as water taps, so improved models of lever mixers have already appeared with a special function - adjusting the water temperature.
In the case of the device there is a special thermoelement that automatically regulates the supply of hot and cold water so that the output is a stream of a given temperature.
The thermoelement is programmed from the outside with a special lever, just like the water speed. Such faucets will cost much more than a standard mixer, and it is also problematic to purchase them, because this innovation is still practically unknown to buyers. It is advisable to install such devices in children's and medical institutions as well as for home use.
Contactless (sensor) faucets
A similar innovation occurred with the advent of photocells, which can react and give a signal to the approach of an object. In this case, when the hands approach the faucet spout, the indicator goes off and water flows. If you remove your hands, the flow will automatically shut off. This is very convenient in public places, because less water is spent and there is no likelihood that a “flood” will occur due to the negligence of one of the visitors.
It is also very good from the point of view of hygiene, because people do not touch the tap directly. Most often, such mixers are installed in large companies, as well as restaurants and crowded places. The cost of such devices is quite high, and temperature regime programmed separately. This means that the water supply occurs with the same pressure and temperature.
How to choose a bathroom faucet
We have already familiarized ourselves with the principle of operation of the main types of water taps, so you can proceed to the direct purchase. For the bathroom and kitchen, the same model may not be suitable, since there are certain criteria for comfortable use in certain conditions.
On the video - the mixer tap device:
For a bathroom equipped with a shower hose, it is necessary to choose special models of faucets, in which the changeover of flow and temperature indicators also apply to the shower system. The basic principle of operation of such valves will be either valve or ball, only the main manufacturers, material and design distinguish. By the way, the cost may depend on the appearance even more than on the quality of the equipment itself.
The video shows how to choose the right faucets:
For a washbasin, a conventional faucet of any design will suffice. You will not use this appliance as much as, for example, a kitchen faucet, so the power and type will not be as important. The length of the spout should correspond to the size of the washbasin so that there is no next construction “blunder” when water hits the floor directly, bypassing the too narrow sink.
Estimated cost of some types of bathroom faucets:
Item No.: | Material: | Design features: | Manufacturer: | Cost, $: |
1. | Brass. | For bath and shower. | Volle (Spain). | From 62. |
2. | Brass. | For bath and shower. Equipped with a thermostat. | Deante (Poland). | From 68. |
3. | Brass. | For bath and shower. | Ferro (Poland). | From 31. |
4. | Brass. | Hansgrohe (Germany). | From 118. | |
5. | Brass, copper. | For bath and shower. Economical water consumption and protection against limescale. | Imprese (Czech Republic). | From 51. |
6. | Brass. | For bath and shower. Equipped with aerator, economical water consumption. | Kludi (Germany). | From 168. |
7. | Brass. | For bath and shower. Equipped with a water aerator. | Rozzy Jenori (China). | From 26. |
The external design of each of the models is attractive in its own way, so choosing the right one is not difficult. The cost of each type may vary depending on the region and supplies. Goods are imported, so currency fluctuations should also be taken into account.
In the photo - types of water taps:
How to choose a kitchen faucet
If everything is more or less clear with the bathroom, then completely different requirements will be priority for kitchen operation. First of all, it is the reliability of the design, the relatively long “nose” of the tap, which will allow you to draw water into a deep container, as well as the extremely precise adjustment of pressure and temperature.
The video shows how to choose a kitchen faucet:
Comfortable use of the kitchen faucet is the key to productive work, so it’s worth trying here with a choice. A sample list of popular manufacturers is presented below.
Estimated cost of kitchen faucets
Item No.: | Material: | Design features: | Manufacturer: | Cost, $: |
1. | Brass. | Equipped with aerator, economical water consumption. Turn limiter hot water. | Kludi (Germany). | From 184. |
2. | Brass. | Imprese (Czech Republic). | From 34. | |
3. | Brass. | Equipped with aerator, economical water consumption. Limescale protection. | Ferro (Poland). | From 18. |
4. | Brass. | Equipped with aerator, economical water consumption. Limescale protection. | Deante (Poland). | From 53. |
5. | Brass, ceramics. | Equipped with aerator, economical water consumption. Limescale protection. Suitable for sinks with two bowls. | Plados (Italy). | From 50. |
6. | Brass. | Equipped with an aerator. | Rozzy Jenori (China). | From 14. |
The price range is quite wide, so it is important to choose the perfect combination of price and quality. You should take into account the possible frequency of use of the crane and choose a more reliable model, the warranty period of which is at least 5 years. Thus, you will insure against fakes and further disappointments.
Water faucets are an integral part of the plumbing system, and their failure does not bode well. In order to be able to repair a broken faucet on your own, thereby protecting yourself and your neighbors from below from a possible flood in the apartment, you must first carefully study the device of the water faucet, which we will try to convey to the reader in this article.
Water taps are usually installed on washbasins, bathtubs, sinks, bidets, etc. They should not only look attractive, but also be easy to use. For example, ease of adjustment of water pressure, water temperature, as well as noiselessness in operation is of primary importance.
There are four types of faucets and faucets:
- simple mixers;
- simple taps;
- thermostatic mixers;
- mixers with one handle.
Taps of a simple type are capable of supplying one type of water - either cold or hot. A simple mixer is equipped with hot and cold water regulators, as well as a faucet. The temperature of the water flowing from the tap can be adjusted manually.
A single handle faucet simplifies the task of adjusting the flow and temperature of the water. Thanks to the ceramic discs located inside the mixer, it is possible to avoid sudden drops in water when adjusting.
The device of the mixer tap, equipped with a thermostat, allows you to maintain the set temperature of the water flowing from the tap, thereby preventing the possibility of scalding with hot water.
The attachment of bath mixer taps and water taps is carried out in different ways.
- to fix a simple tap, it is enough to have one hole;
- to mount the mixer, you will need to drill 2-3 holes - for attaching the tap and for the mixer adjustment knobs.
Faucets in the bathroom and shower can be fixed to the wall.
According to the principle of operation, cranes are divided into:
- reciprocating;
- rotational translational.
Simple faucet device
The device of the crane may vary depending on the design features of a particular model, but the principle of their operation, as well as the composition of the main functional elements, remains unchanged.
The crane consists of the following elements:
- fixing screw;
- valve handles;
- stuffing box;
- faucet covers;
- gland packing;
- spindle
- nuts on the faucet body;
- gaskets;
- faucet spout;
- crane seats.
The valve (handwheel) of the crane is connected to a vertical spindle. The lower part of the spindle, 20 mm long, is able to move inside the nut. The outer part of the nut is screwed into the valve body. At the end of the spindle there is a spool, which consists of a disk with a gasket.
The gasket is fastened with a nut or a button. When the faucet handle is turned, the spindle is screwed in, thereby shutting off the faucet: the gasket is in close contact with the metal protrusion - the faucet seat, and creates a barrier to water flow.
To exclude the possibility of water penetration up the spindle when the tap is opened, a stuffing box is provided, which is located in the upper part of the spindle. Water isolation is created using stuffing box packing - a waterproof material that tightly isolates water.
faucet leaks become foreign particles deposited between the valve seat and the sealing gasket, and leading to the destruction of the gasket. Also, the gasket can be damaged by excessively screwing in the tap.
Advice! Due to faulty taps and drain tanks, the loss of clean tap water is up to 20%. For this reason, it is necessary to deal with leaks that have begun in a timely manner.
Troubleshooting leaks and other faucet problems due to gasket failure
If the valve began to leak due to the expected wear or damage (rupture) of the gasket, the following measures are taken:
- the main valve shuts off the water in the apartment (the valve is usually installed in the toilet or under the sink);
- unscrew the clamping nut using an adjustable wrench;
- then unscrew the handle with the spindle and remove the gasket;
- install a new gasket - for a cold water tap - rubber, hot water - leather;
- the diameter of the gasket should exceed the diameter of the valve seat by about a millimeter, which is enough to ensure its snug fit and retention in the seat;
- the edge of the gasket to be installed is cut with scissors at an angle of 45 degrees around the circumference.
In some cases, gasket replacement is not required, but repair is still necessary. Often you have to deal with the "roar" of pipes. The gasket is also to blame here. To eliminate extraneous sounds, you should know, and again cut off the edge of the gasket at an angle of 45 degrees.
If you can’t get a new gasket in the store, then you can take on its manufacture yourself.
How to make a gasket for a water tap with your own hands:
- they look for a small piece of hard sheet rubber (soft as a material for a gasket is not suitable), for example, they use the sole of an old, unusable shoe for this;
- put a piece of rubber on a wooden board and cut it along a predetermined circle with a well-sharpened knife, or make a notch from a metal tube, the diameter of which matches the diameter of the required gasket, sharpen one of its ends on emery, apply the tube to the rubber and cut out the gasket by hitting it with a hammer blunt end of the tube in the tube in the body of the tube, you can also make a recess for more convenient removal of the punched-out gasket.
Repair of a water tap in case of valve malfunctions
With prolonged use of the faucet, the walls of the faucet socket may crumble. If most of the circumference is damaged, the valve cannot be repaired, since the gasket is not centered in such a seat, fidgeting in the seat, as a result of which it starts.
In such cases, the valve is purchased in a store or machined on lathe from brass. When self-grooving the valve, it is necessary to provide for the presence of the so-called undercut - the diameter of the base of the socket should be 1-1.5 mm larger than the diameter of the edge of the socket, which allows the gasket to be securely held without using a screw.
You can also change the valve by removing it from an old faucet head, which may be in stock from the last repair.
During the unscrewing of the head, the valve may remain in the valve seat. To remove it, use a wire hook or tweezers.
Advice! The hole should not be riveted and the shank should not be driven into it, as the valve is deliberately fixed in the hole motionless to ensure even wear of the gasket.
To prevent the valve from falling out of the spindle, it is necessary to wind the shank with linen winding and insert it into the spindle with force. Linen threads will wear out over time and come out with water.
Water faucet repair in case of spindle failure
How to repair a water faucet if a powerful jet of water flows from it, and when twisting, the pressure does not stop:
- Shut off the water in the apartment and turn the faucet head. This usually occurs when a certain number of end threads of the outer thread of the spindle on the flywheel side are abraded.
- Since the outer part of the spindle still has a usable thread area, you can continue to use the part by installing a thick spacer (at least 6 mm in thickness) in the socket. Such a gasket is difficult to find, for this reason, washers with a total thickness of 1.5-3 mm can be added to a conventional gasket. The inner and outer diameters of the washers should be selected according to the diameter of the valve stem and seat.
- An alternative solution to the problem is to change the spindle. In this case, remove the flywheel cover, unscrew the screw, remove the flywheel and slightly unscrew the stuffing box. The whole spindle is screwed in carefully so that the thread of the spindle matches the thread of the head body. You can also make a complete replacement of the head.
Faucet repair in case of problems with the body and sleeve
The thread located directly on the faucet body is also subject to abrasion. Although, as a rule, the case is able to "survive" at least 2 spindles. Often, when the tap is opened, drops start from the stuffing box.
If drops get into the sink, washbasin or sink, this can be tolerated for some time, but when the water drains beyond them, emergency measures should be taken. First of all, they try to tighten the tap bushing, but not too much, otherwise the spindle will not be able to rotate.
If this does not help, update the packing of the gland groove:
- Completely close the tap (at the same time, it is not necessary to shut off the water supply to the apartment).
- Remove the flywheel cover and unscrew the fixing screw, after which the flywheel is removed.
- The sleeve is turned out with a key, while holding the body by the chamfers with the second key. If the sleeve is screwed in weakly, you can handle it with one key, and the body must remain motionless.
- With an awl or thin wire, the gland ring located between the sleeve and the packing is removed.
- They do not get rid of the old stuffing, they add a new one to it.
- If there is a special ring in the sleeve, the direction of the spindle winding with linen threads does not matter, but it is better to try to lay them in the direction of twisting the sleeve.
- After laying the coil of packing, it is rammed with a screwdriver. Care must be taken not to overfill the housing groove.
- Having laid a part of the packing, the sleeve is screwed in, thereby pressing the packing, then the sleeve is turned out and more packing is added.
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A properly repaired faucet can sometimes last longer and better than a new one, therefore, one should not rush to get rid of the head and other parts that have become unusable. Some elements may still be useful in the future, and you will not need to reinstall the faucet.
- Main components
- single valve valve
- Double valve design
- Ball options
- Devices with a thermostat
The water tap belongs to the types stop valves. Through it, water enters our housing. A faucet, or faucet, is a specific mechanism that is needed in every home.
Designers are constantly creating the latest versions of its design, but the internal structure of the crane is not diverse. Having studied its device, it will become easier to choose the right model and even install it yourself or make repairs. Sometimes it becomes necessary to replace the mixer.
The reason may be different:
- breakdown of the old device;
- desire to change it to a new one.
To do this, you need to have the right tools and know how a faucet works. Until recently, only two of their options were on sale: a valve device with one lever or two. A simple ball valve was in most cases installed in the heating system. There are several types of home products:
- with horizontal water supply;
- vertical water supply;
- mixers.
Main components
All designs with which you can adjust the stream of water in the pipeline, as well as completely stop it, and there are taps. Current products are mixers - devices with two pipes connected to them, for cold and hot water. Their mechanism provides the ability to regulate the water jet and its temperature.
Regardless of external differences, the principle of operation and the main composition of the working elements of all devices are approximately the same. These products have as part of the design:
- a housing with a water jet control element placed in it;
- spout, in other words, a spout, water flows through it;
- valve or lever that controls the mechanism;
- locking device located in the housing;
- fixing screw;
- pad;
- spindle;
- saddle;
- stuffing box and packing;
- lid.
When the handle of the device is turned, the spindle is screwed in and the water is shut off. The gasket is pressed closely against the valve seat, thereby forming an impenetrable barrier to the penetration of the coolant.
In the device of all mixers there is a special part located at the top of the spindle, a stuffing box. It prevents water from seeping up.
Gland packing helps to isolate water.
The material has waterproof properties, due to which water does not flow out of the product.
Often the spout has a divider or aerator, which is a mesh that more evenly distributes the water jet. The main difference between various types of mixers and taps is the design of the locking device and levers.
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single valve valve
Such valve taps have a simple design, have great reliability. Single-valve models are used for products only with hot or cold water. In a case made of brass or copper there is a locking device that looks like a crane box:
- ceramic;
- worm.
In the worm version, the valve is driven by a stem, which presses a leather or rubber gasket to a special “saddle”. Most often, such a valve breaks due to gasket wear. To eliminate it, it is enough to change it to a new one.
Crane box made of ceramics has two plates with clearance. One is fixed motionless, the second rotates with a valve. The gaps in them, when they coincide, contribute to the flow of water into the spout. These devices break very rarely, because ceramics have high wear resistance.
It happens that the nose of such a crane, together with the body, is cast as a monolithic device, then it becomes motionless. However, valve taps with a tube-like spout are more popular. In the body of the structure, it is fixed in a vertical position, with the help of two plastic hinge rings, it is held in special holes. There are devices for sale made of steel and brass. Brass has better corrosion resistance.
Each bathroom, kitchen sink and showers are equipped with special devices for transporting water. The device of the tap is very similar to the design of a water mixer, but at the same time, there are significant differences both in appearance, as well as the principle of operation.
A faucet is one of the types of valves. It is necessary to control and ensure water supply. The design of the faucet is represented by the following parts - spout, valves, locking mechanisms (balls or cartridges) and handles. These devices can be classified according to their design:
- Single valve;
- Two-valve.
The principle of operation of a single-valve faucet is considered very simple, since it is used to supply only one type of water - either cold or hot. Such mechanisms are equipped with special axle boxes made of ceramic or metal. Ceramic bushing crane consists of a pair of plates that are tightly pressed against each other. When the valve is turned, one of them changes its position and water begins to flow. In this case, the worm part performs as the valve rotates translational movements, due to which access to the water pipe is opened.
Photo - single lever faucet
It should be noted that the operation of such a water tap will be longer if it is possible to change cartridges (in ceramics) or plates (in a worm mechanism). It is desirable that the faucet spout be made of durable, corrosion-resistant materials - copper, brass. Even alloyed steel becomes covered with rust flakes over time, which in the future will cause spout leaks.
A two-valve faucet for water is an analogue of a mixer, they have the same device. Unlike, it is intended for mixing, therefore it can be used for installation in various conditions - shower, bath, etc. The body is made mainly of brass coated with a thin layer of chromium - this increases the durability of the alloy and gives the spout a beautiful shine. Flow control is carried out by two bushing valves, which can be ball or plate type.
Each water pipe(for hot and cold water) is connected to a separate outlet - its own valve. The hole is closed with balls or ceramic cartridges. When the valve is turned, the locking mechanisms open the pipe. Mixing is carried out directly in the spout, which is equipped with a spout.
Photo - the principle of operation of a two-lever crane
There is also a shower type model. It differs in that its design, in addition to two axle boxes, also includes a watering can. The watering can is also equipped with a special aerator that breaks the flow of water into a large number of streams, which ensures better distribution of the liquid. In order for the flow to enter the shower spout, an additional valve is used. But it does not work without axle boxes. First you need to open the taps that supply water, and then the shower drain valve. Its principle of operation is based on the overlap of one channel and the opening of another. It also comes in ball and plate type.
Photo - valve retro model
Ball type model
Lamellar are considered the most affordable of all known options for valves, but they do not differ in durability. In addition, their functionality does not always meet the needs. For example, not every bathroom has the ability to install a single-lever model. Therefore, we propose to consider the device in more detail. ball valve, as an excellent alternative to obsolete plates.
Photo - ball type device
This model has only one lever, but due to the ability to mix water of different temperatures, it is suitable for installation in the bathroom, shower or kitchen. The device of the locking mechanism is represented by a ball. This ball is made of either corrosion-resistant metal or alloy (copper, brass, chrome steel) and is connected to the valve with a thin stem.
Photo - standard ball device
The rod is connected to the lever and when the position of the handle changes, it moves the ball. Depending on the direction, it can:
- Change the water temperature (right-left);
- Open-close the stream (up-down).
Due to the special design of the device, it does not require the installation of an auxiliary crane box. In the body of such a mixer tap there are two holes - for cold and hot water, respectively. These holes lead the liquid into one pipe where the mixing takes place. A ball having a diameter larger than the holes, when changing its position, opens access to the spout, while slightly opening any pipe.
Special Models
In addition to classic valve devices, more modern cranes are now widely used:
- With thermostatic operating principle;
- Touch.
In thermostatic devices, a thermostat is connected to the locking mechanism. It comes with valves (for domestic use) and without them (for use in public places). During installation, the desired water temperature is set, according to the instructions or your own preferences, and, further, as it is used, it does not change. You can change the settings if necessary.
Photo - model with thermostat
The device of touch models does not require touching handles or valves. They are equipped with an infrared indicator of the active type of action, which constantly monitors the space around the sink. If you bring your hands to it, the locking mechanism will open and water of a certain temperature will flow (again, due to the thermostat installed in the spout).