How to choose a cartridge for a single lever faucet

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The cartridge is an integral part of a modern faucet. Its function is to regulate the flow intensity and temperature of the water flow. The faucet cartridge is available in a variety of options, which is determined by the design, material of manufacture and standard size. If the plumbing equipment malfunctions, you will need to replace its internal part. To do this, it is important to know how to choose the appropriate locking mechanism.

A faucet cartridge is a plastic cylinder with a rod at the top and three holes at the bottom.

Spherical cartridge

Expert opinion

Smirnova Ekaterina Anatolevna

7 years of experience in interior design, professional architect

The main part of the device is a hollow sphere with two holes at the bottom and one at the top. Cold and hot water entering inside are mixed and exited through the top hole.

The ball is located in special rubber saddles and rotates thanks to a lever on the tap. When it starts to move, the holes align to varying degrees and the already mixed water comes out through the tap.

Thanks to the special design and diameter of the holes in the ball, you can quickly set the desired temperature of the water flow.

Disc cartridge (ceramic)

In the domestic plumbing market, ceramic fixtures vary in shape, size and number of holes in the bottom of the cartridge. The systems have a plastic housing.

There are collapsible and disposable ones. The body of the first consists of two parts: upper and lower.

In several holes in the lower part there are rubber inserts that ensure the tightness of both parts of the product. However, such a crane element is practically beyond repair, and spare parts are difficult to find.

It is faster and cheaper to purchase a new design.

The cartridge for a single-lever mixer is used to mix water flows of different temperatures inside due to the position of metal-ceramic discs. Then the water flows into the spout.

The plates are processed by precise mechanical grinding and, due to their ideal smoothness, fit tightly to the working surfaces. This affects the smooth and silent operation of the mixer during operation.

A rod located inside the structure connects the valve lever and the upper disk holder. By controlling this mechanism, you can rotate and move the upper disk. The lower disk is stationary and located at the bottom of the cartridge.

The disks are located one above the other. The upper one is responsible for the water temperature, blocking access to cold or hot pressure to a certain extent. If both surfaces coincide with the holes, then the water stops flowing.

Two-valve faucets have two cartridges. Metal-ceramic discs are located in a metal sleeve. Water passes due to the displacement of the plates, which leads to the opening or closing of the hole.

Lever crane design

The function of plumbing equipment such as a faucet is to distribute the flow of water, regulate its temperature, and also direct the stream to the shower head.

Different types of faucets have their own type of cartridge.

Structurally, the device consists of two main parts - the outer housing and the cartridge. The body is usually made of sanitary bronze, covered with a layer of electroplated chrome plating. Plumbing equipment in the lower price segment can be made of aluminum-silicon alloy, the so-called silumin. Such products are of very low quality, since this material is very fragile and is highly susceptible to external factors, therefore, when purchasing a lever mixer, you should make sure that its body is made of brass.

Dimensions of a standard shower cartridge

Standard sanitary cartridges measuring 35–40 mm are usually made of plastic. They may have the ability to operate in several different modes. Devices with three or more switching modes are in greatest demand. In addition to plastic, the product may contain materials such as ceramics, steel and bronze. The structure of the shower cabin is such that it is better to use plastic cartridges for it, since metal parts will quickly fail with constant contact with water.

With regular use of a single-lever valve for a hydrobox, a number of malfunctions may occur, and knowing how to disassemble a faucet in a shower stall, you can accurately determine the causes of the breakdown.

Replacing the cartridge

Problems with the operation of the cartridge may arise during its operation, characteristic signs:

• The movement of the lever is difficult (you can feel strong rubbing of the parts) - the reason is the accumulation of debris on the plates. If a mixer with such a breakdown has been used for a long time, then the structure cannot be repaired.

Poor adjustment of water pressure is the cause of breakage of the grip hooks on the support antennae that lift the plates.

• The flow does not mix (only cold or hot water flows) - the reason is the breakdown of two antennae inside the cartridge, which are responsible for the movement of the disks.
• The presence of streams of water when the tap is closed means scale formation on the discs. This is the only damage that you can fix yourself.

The cartridge on the mixer cannot be repaired (with the exception of descaling the plates), but it is removable and can be easily replaced with a new one. Before you begin, you need to purchase the necessary tools: a knife, screwdrivers or hex keys (depending on the mixer model), an adjustable wrench, pliers, and lubricant.

To remove scale you will need WD-40 (can be replaced with vinegar solution).

1. Turn off hot and cold water.
2. Remove the color-coded decorative plug from the valve.
3. Unscrew the screw and remove the lever from the rod.
4. The decorative ring must be removed and the clamping nut unscrewed.
5. Dismantle the old model. Due to the fact that there are no edges on the cartridge nut, as a result of sticking to the mixer casing, it may simply not be unscrewed, so you can heat the body with a hairdryer.
6. Install the new product into the same puzzles, simultaneously aligning the protrusions with the holes in the mixer.
7. After installing the new element, reassemble the entire structure in the reverse order: tighten the nut, install the ring and lever, tighten the screw and put on the plug.
8. Open water access to the mixer, turn on the water, check operation and eliminate leaks.

If the cartridge still does not work correctly, it is possible that the protrusions did not align with the mixer when installing the product and you will have to repeat the entire process again.

Procedure during replacement

Before you start replacing the cartridge, you should turn off the water. This can be done using taps located in the house, and if this is not possible, then shut off the riser in the basement. When the water is securely shut off, you can begin disassembling the mixer.

To unscrew the handle, you will need to remove the decorative insert, which shows the water temperature symbol. This can be easily done by prying off the plug with a screwdriver. Sometimes the trim may have threads. In this case, it must be carefully unscrewed. As soon as the fixing screw becomes visible, you can turn it out. Afterwards the handle itself is removed.

The O-ring and clamping nut holding the cartridge in the capsule are now visible. It needs to be unscrewed. To do this, use an open-end wrench of the appropriate size. You can also use an adjustable analogue. The nut must be unscrewed carefully so as not to damage the threads and the mixer itself. As soon as the cartridge is free, it is removed and a new one is installed.

Then you should perform all operations in reverse order. If there is rust on the threaded connections, it is recommended to clean them before screwing the part. To do this, you may need a special liquid WD-40. It will soften the metal oxide and can be easily removed.

All about the faucet cartridge

The main component of any mixer is the cartridge. It is the mixer cartridge that ensures uninterrupted operation of the entire device. There are different types of similar elements, each of which has its own characteristics. Ball or plastic.

There are two main types of faucet cartridges. One of them is ball type, and the second is disk type. When choosing a cartridge for a single-lever type mixer, you can use both a ball and a disk version, and only a disk ceramic cartridge is installed on a two-valve accessory (it looks like a regular valve with a gasket).

The ceramic cartridge is more common in use. This has nothing to do with its advantage over a ball one - their quality and service life are approximately identical.

Not all companies involved in the production of cartridges have a license to produce ball-type devices, so it is easier and more practical to produce ceramic ones.

Why lubricate the plates?

The ceramic cartridge must be lubricated regularly. This is explained by the fact that the plates constantly rub against each other and wear out over time. It is thanks to the lubricant that the lever turns easily. If there is a feeling that when turning the handle begins to work slower than usual, this means that it is time to lubricate the parts. After several manipulations with the lubricant, the tap will turn again as usual. Do not forget that over time the lubricant can be washed off with water. Therefore, you need to ensure that the space between the plates is constantly filled.

There are several types of lubricant for ceramic cartridges. These include silicone, Teflon grease and cyatim-221. Each of them has its own advantages and can be used not only for faucets. The best and therefore most expensive is silicone lubricant. However, under no circumstances should it be confused with silicone sealant.

Characteristics of cartridge types

The ball or plastic cartridge has the following design:

• A hollow metal ball is fixed on the axis of the mixer lever. When the lever is turned or tilted, the holes in the ball are displaced and aligned with the holes in the cartridge part. Cold and hot water flows through the holes, which mixes inside the system and exits through the tap holes.

The ball version for the mixer has its drawbacks: over time, the mechanism loses smoothness, makes noise and is not particularly durable. The cost of this design is relatively low.

The disc cartridge in a single-lever mixer is used in this way:

• Water of different temperatures enters the system through tubes, where it mixes with each other and ends up in the spout. Ceramic-metal discs in the cartridge change position and thus regulate parameters such as pressure and temperature of the outlet water.

Under the influence of the lever, the upper disk moves relative to the lower one. In order for the water to stop flowing, it is necessary that the upper and lower disks tightly coincide with the protrusions and holes.

Expert opinion

Smirnova Ekaterina Anatolevna

7 years of experience in interior design, professional architect

In order to ensure the supply of water to the spout with varying degrees of intensity, the upper and lower disks, by means of a lever, take a position with varying degrees of immersion into each other.

The top disk also plays a key role in what temperature the water will be at the outlet: it blocks the access of cold or hot water to the desired extent.

Double-valve faucets have two identical cartridges, each for water at different temperatures. Metal-ceramic plates are placed in a metal sleeve. Their displacement relative to each other leads to the opening or closing of the hole through which water flows.

Single lever components are produced by almost all well-known manufacturers. Mixing water in this type of mixer is carried out using a device with ceramic discs.

Possible causes of problems in the bathroom

The main source of failure of the cartridges described above is water.

It contains scale, rust, sand and other contaminants. To extend the service life of both types of cartridges, there is a need to install filters that purify the water in the mains.

The quality of the metal and ceramics from which these key parts are made is of no small importance. The rubbing plates become thinner over time and cause leakage.

The fragile plastic in the cermet cartridge crumbles under the influence of high temperatures and its particles cause the rod to jam.

Design and principle of operation of a ceramic cartridge

Hot and cold water flows through water pipes into the cartridge. Water passes through the holes in the ceramic inserts and, mixing, exits through the spout.

The ceramic faucet cartridge differs in shape, size and number of holes located in its lower part.

• All ceramic systems have a plastic housing. There are both collapsible and non-collapsible cases. The collapsible one consists of two parts of the body – lower and upper. The tightness of the connection between the cartridge and the mixer is ensured by rubber inserts, which are located in several holes in the lower part. The lower part of the case is held in place by plastic rivets.
• The mixer handle is attached to a rod, which is located inside the structure. The lower part of the drain is combined with the holder of the upper ceramic disc.
• The upper ceramic disc is controlled by a rod, which can rotate and move it. The lower disk is fixed and located at the bottom of the ceramic cartridge body.

Mixing water and shutting off the flow occurs according to the following principle:

• The holes on the ceramic discs align when the top disc is turned - this is how the water is mixed. The displacement of the upper disk leads to an increase or decrease in the water pressure at the outlet. Shutting off the water occurs in the same way.

Ceramic cartridges are somewhat different from each other:

Diameter . A cartridge for a 40 mm faucet will be marked as d40 (products with a diameter of 35 and 40 mm are most often used) with a seat (when buying a new cartridge, it is better to take the old one with you - for a sample). Rod length.

Whatever type of faucet cartridge is chosen, each of them requires the installation of a cleaning system in the form of a filter on the water pipes. This will ensure a long service life of the structure, since the most common cause of failure is clogging with grains of sand or other small particles contained in tap water.

Manufacturers of modern faucets provide a built-in filtration system.

The cartridge with ceramics is, in fact, a collapsible structure, but cannot be repaired. Finding and selecting individual components is quite a difficult task; buying a new one is both easier and cheaper. Problems that may arise during operation are usually associated with wear and tear of moving plastic parts.

Such damage leads to the fact that the parts do not fit tightly together, resulting in water leakage. In other cases, wear may occur on the ceramic plates themselves.

If the design of the mixer does not include a filter for water purification, then the ceramic cartridge may fail due to grains of sand and large particles getting into it.

Criterias of choice

When buying a mixer, you need to pay special attention to what cartridge is installed in the housing, whether similar elements are available for sale, so that if it breaks, you can easily purchase a new one.

When choosing a mixer, you need to clearly understand the situation, because the availability of the device’s components for free sale will allow you to repair the product at any time. You need to ask the official representative of this product about the availability of all components in your region.

When purchasing expensive products, you need to know that they include high quality ceramic discs. They differ from the usual ones in that they have a high degree of conjugation and a long application time. Such positive qualities are achieved due to the use of high-precision equipment with further grinding using ultrasound.

The video explains how to choose a cartridge for a faucet:

What does such a device affect?

The main task of the cartridge is to provide the necessary pressure and temperature of water when mixing hot and cold flow. Manufacturers more often use ceramic disk parts for the reason that they are easier to manufacture and maintain.

Expert opinion

Smirnova Ekaterina Anatolevna

7 years of experience in interior design, professional architect

These products have no advantages over ball types. While the parts are identical in terms of workmanship and service life, there are significant differences in maintenance and repair.

Details, details, details

Now let’s “mentally” disassemble the cartridge and see how its elements interact.

Stock

The stem is a “continuation” of the mixer handle. Attached to the sleeve

rests against the hole in
the leash.

Axis

Holds the rod

in
the sleeve.

Sleeve

Rotates with the rod.

Frame

Connects to the bottom.

Leash

The rod fits into a groove in the center of the driver and moves it along with the movable ceramic plate.

Movable ceramic plate

Its movement changes the pressure and ratio of hot and cold water.

Silencer

Metal mesh (option: plastic pins). Located in the mixing cavity.

Fixed ceramic plate

“Sticks together” with the movable plate.

Upper rubber gasket

Provides tight flow between the bottom

and
a fixed plate.
Fixed on the inside
of the bottom.

Donyshko

Bottom rubber gasket

Ensures tightness of flow between holes in the bottom

and in the mixer body.

Sizes of different types of cartridges

To select a part for the kitchen, you need to take into account such features as the configuration of different faucet models. Since the dimensions of individual plumbing fixtures can be from 28 to 35 mm, the cartridge must be selected accordingly. The largest parameters are models for a 40 mm bathroom.

The size of the mechanisms and sanitary mixer is important, since this parameter can affect the quality of use: the larger the cartridge, the higher the wear resistance characteristics. Therefore, the size of the locking mechanism is of great importance.

• washbasins in the bathroom or shower – 28/32/35 mm;

Summarizing

Any faucet cartridge has moving elements, which means that friction will sooner or later take its toll and the cartridge will have to be replaced. Fortunately, such a device is inexpensive, and even a novice plumber can handle the replacement; just follow the suggested instructions. (See also the article How to choose a sink: features.)

The video in this article can be used as a visual aid on how to replace the cartridge in a faucet.

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How to choose a cartridge replacement type of device - tips and selection options

The choice of the mixer core is an important point that is worth paying attention to.

If you buy an inexpensive faucet with a built-in faucet axle with a rubber gasket, then this product will not last long. When choosing a replacement cartridge, look at:

1. Material. The optimal and universal option is ceramics, which will not let water through and will not leak hot water with high pressure.
2. Design. As already mentioned, collapsible parts are better because they can be changed. It is advisable to replace the ball one with a disk one, which is easier to maintain and lasts longer.
3. Size. Getting the right size is extremely important because if you install a large cartridge, the hose will burst or the threads will wear out. If it is small, there will be a water leak, the tap will break and leak.

Recommendations from the experts. Common mistakes

There are some subtleties in repairing and replacing faucet cartridges that are worth familiarizing yourself with:

1. Before installation, be sure to clean the faucet and free it of accumulated debris. Otherwise, salt deposits and rust will not allow the new cartridge to be inserted hermetically;
2. To clean scale, some experts advise heating the device over an open fire. This should not be done precisely to avoid damage to the eccentric;
3. If the tap still leaks even with the knob tightly screwed on, unscrew it again and check whether all the grooves and protrusions are completely aligned;
4. The cause of the leak may lie in the sealing gasket. If it is damaged and the joint seal is broken, water may continue to leak even if the device itself is working properly;
5. If the faucet breaks frequently, the problem may be systemic. After all, ceramic plates can quickly collapse under the influence of water hammer. In this case, it is worth checking the pressure in the water supply and installing a pressure regulator.

Basic faults

During the operation of the mixer, malfunctions arise that are associated both with the quality of the water and with incorrect operational features of the plumbing fixture. The axle crane takes on a large load, since water under high pressure passes through it.

If the spare part is of low quality, then after several months of active use the mixer will leak.

Frequent causes of faucet cartridge failure:

• hard water with a high content of salts and mineral scale, which accumulates on the core of the mixer, the cartridge simply “sticks” and becomes coated with plaque;
• pressure differences in water supply. With sudden jumps, the part quickly breaks and bursts;
• If the diameter of the faucet spout does not correspond to the size of the cartridge, then noise and crackling will be heard when water is supplied.

1. Lubricate the plates. This will help reduce friction and increase operation. Oily mixtures and sealants are used.
2. Adjust the thermostatic cartridge if the device has reset due to frequent use of low-quality water.
3. Remove clogs from the threads using an old toothbrush.

Switch

Button

There are the following types of this device:

Automatic type - used in the design of the latest cartridge-type products. This device is located in the area of ​​the independent block or on the outer part of the swivel spout. The peculiarity of the element is that its position remains unchanged when the water is blocked. The button implements a control option: when it is removed, water will begin to flow out of the watering can.

Simple type - used on cheap models of mixers. However, in appearance there are no differences from the automatic type switch. The difference between these devices is manifested in their operating features. To see this, you need to remove the button and turn off the water supply. In the case of its remainder in an immovable state, the device should be considered simple.

A push-button shower switch for a faucet can upset its owner in the following ways:

• Stopping turning off the water in extreme positions;
• Spontaneously switching from shower to gander with low water pressure.

The cause of the first malfunction in modern mixers is wear or destruction of the rubber valve. In this case, it needs to be replaced. Fortunately, in most new plumbing fixtures, the bath-shower switch for the faucet is made as a separate unit that is screwed directly into its body.

The switch is made as a separate unit on threads.

The cause of the second problem is that the return spring is too strong. You need to cut off one or two turns with side cutters.

You need to cut off a couple of turns from the return spring.

Lever

How to repair a faucet if the lever switch stops working (it can be easily recognized by the handle moving 90-120 degrees)?

Mixer device with lever switch.

To access the switch you need:

1. Remove the plastic plug on the handle;
2. Remove the handle;
3. Unscrew the nut underneath;
4. Pull the rod with the eccentric towards you;
5. Remove the gooseneck and nut under the shower hose;
6. Remove the barrel with gaskets.

The most common malfunction that prevents the switch from operating is the destruction of one or both gaskets on the barrel. They are replaced with new ones.

If the handle moves freely, but the water does not switch, the cause may be a broken eccentric lug that drives the gasket barrel. In this case, the switch changes entirely. The repair kit consists of an eccentric and a barrel.

Repair kit for lever switch.

What does it look like to repair a shower switch in a faucet if the handle periodically gets stuck in intermediate positions?

Alas, no way. The reason is the wear of the guides on the mixer body. The device is completely changed.

Ball

Alas, I cannot tell the dear reader absolutely nothing about its repair. The fact is that in my memory not a single switch of this type has broken yet. From here, by the way, comes a rather obvious instruction: if you are just going to buy a faucet for the bathroom, you should prefer a model with a ball switch. It is easily recognized by the handle, which turns a full turn.

Only faucets with faucets - ceramic and (less often) screw ones - are equipped with ball switches. Interestingly, the price of these extremely reliable appliances is on average lower than that of frequently broken faucets with push-button and lever switches.

Tips for choosing cartridge types

When choosing a shut-off sanitary device, look at the characteristics. If they are questionable, the mixer may break, and the mechanism will be difficult to rotate around its axis.

Due to breakdowns, the crane will also quickly become unusable. Sometimes the liner cracks and the thread wears out.

This happens due to low-quality materials used in the production of the spare part.

By studying the shape and number of holes in the faucet, you can determine the main parameter for identifying the locking mechanism. However, remember that the number of grooves and protrusions is not always the same. Mechanisms with a different hole arrangement cannot be installed in the device.

Breakdowns and their causes

Often breakdowns occur at switching points for other reasons:

• button failure;
• the passage of water simultaneously into the tap and shower hose;
• failure of the mechanism that controls the flow of water;
• abrasion of the gaskets in the push-button switch itself.

The leakage can be eliminated by changing the rubber rings. The push-button switch breaks due to the failure of the metal spring, which must be replaced.

Such units from reputable manufacturers are designed for a long service life, so it is recommended to buy plumbing fixtures on trading platforms that have a good reputation. Each unit of goods must always be accompanied by genuine quality certificates and guarantees.

It is worth distinguishing two types of cartridges:

Ball cartridge

It is a ball with three holes and a pin. Water enters the spout through the holes. The pin is in direct contact with the handle. By moving the mixer handle, we activate the ball, regulating the water pressure and temperature.

A ceramic cartridge (disc cartridge) consists of two plates in which holes are located. The plate material is metal ceramics.

When you turn the mixer handle, the holes on the discs are aligned and the water is mixed. Thus, the water pressure and its temperature are regulated.

If the disk cartridge fails, it must be replaced, because... it is not being repaired.

Ceramic cartridges differ from each other in the following quantities:

• different cartridge diameters. The diameter is indicated by the English letter “d” and the value is written next to it, usually 35 mm, 40 mm. The difference in diameters affects the throughput of the mixer. The smaller the diameter, the fewer liters of water flows per minute
• seat
• rod size (its thickness and length)

Ball and ceramic cartridges can fail due to poor water quality and the presence of abrasive particles. Therefore, in order to prevent damage to cartridges due to poor quality water, you need to install a coarse filter for hot and cold water.

If the cartridge nevertheless fails, this will be indicated by water leaking from under the mixer handle, then it must be replaced with a new original one, or an analogue with the same dimensions must be selected. When purchasing a new cartridge, we recommend taking the old one with you in order to correctly select the new one.

Please note that the adjusting rod can be plastic or brass. It is better to opt for brass.

It is worth noting that kitchen faucets, as a rule, fail more often, because... In the kitchen we often wash dishes, cook, wash fruits and vegetables. Modern kitchen faucets are mostly single-handle and with ceramic cartridges, so below we will describe the step-by-step replacement of such a cartridge.

How to replace a ceramic cartridge in a single-handle faucet

1. First, turn off the water in the apartment
2. Find the red and blue plug on the mixer handle, which indicates hot and cold water, and remove it. This is very easy to do, just pry it off with a screwdriver.
3. Unscrew the screw located under the plug. This way we will disconnect the lever (handle) from the cartridge rod.
4. Remove the lever from the mixer body.
5. Remove the decorative cap.
6. Unscrew the nut to release the cartridge.
7. Replace the old cartridge with a new one and assemble the mixer.

Now you see that replacing the cartridge is very simple and you can do it yourself, there is nothing complicated.

Peculiarities

At the moment, two types of mixers are used: double-valve and single-lever. The first option is more outdated; it is a classic faucet with two valves responsible for supplying hot and cold water. A single-lever mixer, accordingly, has one lever, and the water temperature in it is regulated by turning it left and right. The pressure is regulated by the height of the lever lift. This type of mixer is considered more convenient, as it allows you to quickly achieve the required water temperature thanks to the design of the lever itself, because it does not contain rubber gaskets that have low wear resistance. It allows you to maintain the desired position in the closed state, so there is no need to adjust it every time. And the obvious advantage is that one lever is still easier to regulate than two valves.

The cartridge is the main functional part of the mixer, responsible for mixing hot and cold water coming from different pipes. They also come in two types. Double-valve faucets involve the use of exclusively disc cartridges, while single-lever faucets use both ball and disc cartridges. In fact, there is no fundamental difference in these types of cartridges.

The ball cartridge works on the following principle: cold and hot water is supplied to the ball and mixed inside it, then it comes out, already having the required temperature. To produce a ball cartridge, you must have a special permit, so more often the manufacturer chooses a disk cartridge.

This type of cartridge is distinguished by its more complex device: most often it consists of two metal-ceramic plates, completely impermeable to water, enclosed in a plastic case. The plates are pressed tightly against each other. The lower plate always remains stationary, and displacement of the upper plate leads to changes in the water supply. It is connected to the mixer lever using a special rod, and as a result of the vertical displacement of this lever, the water pressure changes, and turning it to the side affects its temperature. When a breakdown occurs, many people think that it is worth replacing only the faulty part of the cartridge, however, this is irrational. Since there is no guarantee that it is possible to determine exactly what the problem is, and no one produces individual parts, since it is believed that it is easier to replace the entire part at once, accordingly, the cartridge is a non-separable part.

Disc cartridges come in diameters from 35 to 47 mm, but the most common are either 35 mm or 40 mm. There is no fundamental difference in them, but when replacing, it is worth considering the diameter in order to buy a cartridge that is suitable for a specific mixer. The cartridge manufacturer claims that its service life is about 10 years, although in practice it turns out that this period is greatly overestimated. Problems often arise within 4–6 years after purchase. To prevent a breakdown from taking you by surprise, when buying a faucet, you should take a spare cartridge for it. Then, in case of problems with its operation, there will be no need to waste time searching for a suitable part in the store. Moreover, this part is inexpensive - on average from 150 to 300 rubles.

Mixer element

The main functional element of the mixer is a replaceable cartridge that mixes water and adjusts the intensity of its supply.

Daily loads from water and pressure in the plumbing system affect the condition of the cartridge, the faucet begins to leak and drip. The cartridge should be replaced in accordance with the installed model and the recommendations of the manufacturer of plumbing fixtures.

The basis for choosing a cartridge are:

• valve material

• typical case diameter (from 35 to 40 mm)

• the length of the working rod and the specific configuration of the seat.

Replacement cartridges are distinguished by design. Types of cartridges for mixers: ball or plate, which in turn are divided into collapsible and non-separable models.

Useful tips

The operating principle of ball and plate (disc) cartridges is identical. The difference lies in the design: a ball cartridge has a ball at the base of the device with holes for water flow, while a plate cartridge has ceramic discs.

The blocking of the water flow in ceramic plate cartridges is carried out due to the tight connection of the protrusions of the plate holes. Naturally, there is a difference in price: cermet cartridges with a brass rod are cheaper than a thermostat cartridge.

Non-separable cartridges, unlike the collapsible model, cannot be repaired. They are replaced completely as a unit.

Popular manufacturers and their features

The last but not least important criterion for choosing a cartridge for a faucet is determining the equipment manufacturer. The most popular devices are those manufactured by the following companies:

Chinese manufacturers Iddis, Frap, Faciio. The devices are distinguished by a large number of sizes, low cost, durability, and reliability. Consumers did not identify any shortcomings;

Chinese Faciio cartridges

• Finnish manufacturer Oras. Reliable equipment can be installed both at home and in public places. The main disadvantage is the high cost;
• Bulgarian company Vidima. The manufacturer specializes in the production of ceramic cartridges for various types of faucets. Distinctive features: reliability, durability and economical cost;
• Spanish company Sedal. The production of cartridges for ceramic faucets is a priority activity of the company. Thanks to narrow specialization and long service life, the products are of high quality and affordable price;
• German companies Grohe and Hansgrohe. Excellent German quality at a relatively low cost. The products are most popular among professional craftsmen.

Equipment from a German company

You can also pay attention to such companies as Damixa (Denmark), Kludi and Blanco (Germany)