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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.
The cartridge is an important element of any mixer
The faucet cartridge is represented by a small plastic cylinder, in the upper part of which there is a rod, and in the lower part there are three holes. Cold and hot water flows through them. The cartridge is designed to regulate water pressure and temperature.
The ease of opening and closing the tap depends on how accurately the cartridge plates are ground and adjusted
Inside the mechanism there is a special plate, which, when rotated, ensures mixing of cold and hot water flows. If this disk is displaced, the pressure changes. Some cartridge models may have a small roller installed instead of plates. When the element rolls, it can close the hole with cold or hot water. The stem is a continuation of the faucet handle.
The locking mechanism can be replaceable or integral with the mixer. The price of a cartridge for a replaceable type faucet is higher. However, if the system malfunctions, which usually occurs due to failure of the internal part, you can replace the faucet cartridge, restoring the functionality of the entire water supply system.
Any cartridge consists of a plastic body, a bushing with a rod, upper and lower ceramic disks, a washer for the upper plate, holes, which are supplemented with rubber seals that ensure a tight fit of the parts together.
A metal mesh can be installed on the holes of the internal spare part for a bathroom faucet to prevent the cartridge from clogging with small abrasive particles that may be in the water. If the faucet is intended for a shower, it includes a switch that redirects the flow of water to the shower or faucet.
The cartridge stem is a continuation of the faucet handle
Ceramic plates fail most quickly, which is due to the presence of small sand impurities in the water. The period of operation of the cartridge is determined by the tightness of these disks. Convenience when opening and closing the tap depends on how accurately the plates are adjusted and ground.
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.
Classification of cartridges according to the design of the internal locking element
Depending on the internal structure, there are different types of cartridges for faucets, such as ball and disk. The first version of the product is represented by a hollow metal ball equipped with communicating holes. The operation of such a locking mechanism is as follows. At the moment the lever moves, the ball closes the holes from the cold and hot water supply channels, due to which the flows are mixed.
At this time, the flow rate and temperature conditions are set. The larger the combined area, the stronger the water pressure. The temperature changes by tilting or turning the pipes.
Important! This version of the cartridge for a 35 mm mixer is typical for single-lever designs.
Malfunctions in the operation of the ball product are associated with the accumulation of deposits in its cavity. This negatively affects the smooth operation of the device, reducing its service life.
Cartridges for mixers come in two types: ball and disk
For disk cartridges, the locking mechanism is represented by a special ceramic disk, which can rotate when operated on a lever, opening or closing the water flow channels, and move, adjusting the pressure. This version of the product is installed in both single-lever and double-valve mixers.
The plastic housing of the disk cartridge can be collapsible or non-removable. In the first case, the structure consists of two parts connected to each other using a rubber seal. The elements are fixed using plastic rivets. The inserts are located in the holes in the lower part.
Depending on the material of manufacture of the internal locking part, ceramic and metal locking mechanisms are distinguished. The ceramic faucet cartridge is a simple design in which the main elements are two or three plates. Such ceramic discs fit tightly to each other, providing, thanks to the presence of three holes, regulation of the intensity of the water flow and its temperature. These cartridges are more durable, characterized by silent operation and the ability to smoothly regulate the water pressure.
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.
Types of cartridges depending on the principle of operation
Based on the principle of operation, there are types of cartridges designed for single-lever, double-lever faucets and thermostats.
Based on the principle of operation, the cartridges are intended for single-lever, double-lever faucets and thermostats
The most common type of locking device is the one-arm faucet. It is activated by a lever that rotates in different directions to change the position of the internal lock of the cartridge, which can be disk or ball. Single-lever faucets are installed on bathtub sinks, kitchen sinks and shower stalls.
The double-lever cartridge is used primarily for shower stalls. It is also called a divertor. The cartridge for a shower faucet is characterized not only by three flow mixing positions, but also by four or more, which is determined by the number of connected devices. For example, if a hydrobox is installed, the diverter can operate in five positions. To switch operating modes, a brass rod equipped with plates is used. It is capable of rotating around its axis 360 degrees, thanks to which the device can combine several positions.
Important! It is better to entrust the repair of the shower cabin cartridge to a specialist so as not to disrupt the performance characteristics of the product.
The thermostatic mechanism is installed in faucets equipped with a thermostat. On one side of the device body there is a temperature scale where the required parameter is set. The shut-off element is constantly in the specified position, ensuring the set temperature and the required pressure. This option is mainly used in public bathrooms. The device is convenient for families with elderly people and children.
The single-lever mixer is activated by a lever, which rotates to change the position of the internal lock of the cartridge
Each mixer option requires the use of a cartridge of a certain size, which is regulated by the current standard. The size value is determined by the diameter of the internal locking mechanism. For showers or washbasins, it is customary to use a locking mechanism measuring 28.32 and 35 mm. The shower stall is characterized by the installation of a 40 mm and 45 mm faucet cartridge.
Important! Some foreign manufacturers produce cartridges for 25 mm faucets, which are used for certain models of plumbing fixtures.
Dimensions
Typical dimensions of mechanisms for different devices are divided according to certain standards, which are different for each model. For example, for washbasins or showers, models with standard sizes of 28, 32 or 35 mm have become widespread. Bathroom faucets are most often equipped with cartridges with sizes ranging from 40 to 45 mm. At the same time, the mixers themselves look identical.
One rule applies to almost all mixers: the larger the cartridge, the more efficient it is. Chinese taps (for example, Frap) have large diameter cartridges, as well as a large spout size. At the same time, the large diameter of the cartridge of branded models Fiora, Iddis, Sedal and other options does not always mean quality
Here it is important to pay attention to other technical characteristics of the products. For example, for a high spout, the optimal cartridge diameter is 35–40 mm
Cosmetic repairs or complete replacement of the cartridge in the mixer
The average period of operation of a cartridge in a faucet is 4-7 years. The fact that the internal locking mechanism needs to be replaced will be indicated by the lack of smooth movement of the lever, difficulty adjusting the intensity of water flow, poor mixing of cold and hot flows and the presence of leaks in the device in the closed position.
The last sign may indicate that the sealing gasket has worn out. To eliminate the problem, it will be enough to replace it. If a leak from the device is observed again after this, this state of affairs indicates the need to replace the mixer itself. The cartridge or the plumbing device itself needs to be replaced if significant damage to the mechanism body is detected.
Incorrect operation of the mixer is not always a reason to completely replace the cartridge
If there is a creaking or hum when operating the faucet after replacing the cartridge in the faucet, this indicates that the shut-off device is not sized correctly. Because the valve's outlet diameter is smaller than its outlet or the stem is too long, the lever will not rotate normally around its axis. The situation can only be corrected by replacing the cartridge.
Important! The faucet can make a lot of noise due to a sharp pressure drop in the system, which is easy to fix by replacing the sealing gasket.
Incorrect operation of the locking mechanism is not always a reason to completely replace the device. If there is wear on the decorative rings or clogging of the working surfaces, it is enough to perform cosmetic repairs to the mixer cartridge.
You can reduce the friction force and extend the life of the cartridge by lubricating the plates with a special oil composition or a sealed mixture. If the working surfaces of the discs become clogged, remove the debris using a regular toothbrush or cotton wool soaked in vinegar. If the thermostatic cartridge is not working correctly, you need to reset the settings and readjust its operation. Failure may occur as a result of frequent use of the device and poor quality water passing through it.
If the cartridge is not selected in size, there will be a creaking or hum when operating the mixer
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.
How to change a cartridge in a mixer: work sequence
Before replacing the cartridge in the mixer, you should prepare tools and materials such as a new locking mechanism, a flat-head screwdriver, an adjustable wrench, pliers, and thick rubber.
At the first stage, the supply of cold and hot water is shut off, which will prevent flooding. Under the swing arm there is a decorative plug that is simply inserted into the hole. To dismantle it, you will need a screwdriver, with which you need to pull out the element.
Under the plug there is a screw that holds the lever of the ceramic locking device. It should be unscrewed, after which the cover should be carefully removed. Under the lever there is a decorative clamping nut that can be easily unscrewed by hand. The tool should not be used to prevent damage to the outer surface and threads. Under the nut there is a decorative ring and a regular nut, which can be unscrewed using an adjustable wrench.
The lever and its elements may become stuck to the mixer body, which complicates its dismantling. This is a consequence of element oxidation or rust. To solve this problem, you can pour hot water over the connection point. In this case, oxygen-containing compounds or vinegar will also help. The threaded connection can be heated with a hair dryer.
At the first stage, use a screwdriver to dismantle the decorative plug, which is simply inserted into the hole
You can unscrew the lever using a key. To avoid damaging the body of the product, a woven material should be placed on it first. Sometimes the tap is struck with a hammer at a certain point.
Now you can remove the cartridge itself and inspect it. To do this, perform light rocking effects on the element upward and to the side. If cracks, chips or other visible damage is found, it should be replaced with a new device.
Important! The new cartridge must be identical to the old product or match it in terms of material and size.
Before replacing the cartridge in the faucet with a new mechanism, the inside of the faucet must be cleaned of dirt. A new cartridge is installed in the seat by inserting the protrusions of the device into the grooves of the mixer body. Correct installation of the element will be indicated by a characteristic click, which will require some effort to achieve. Then you need to screw on the fixing nut and ring. The final step is to install the lever and then secure it with a screw. Next, the hole should be closed with a decorative plug.
The decorative clamping nut, which is located under the lever, can be easily unscrewed by hand
Bonus
With legs
There is another type of cartridges - the so-called. "with legs."
Remove the bottom
The device is the same as a regular one, only the plastic bottom is different: the water comes out of it not just into the hole at the bottom, but into a large chamber:
This design is slightly larger in size, but allows you to choose a place for water outlet along the entire bottom or in the lower part of the wall surrounding the cartridge. Compare faucet bodies for a regular cartridge (left) and a two-legged one (right):
Diameters
Cartridges come in different diameters; in Russia, 35 and 40 mm are the most common. Theoretically, the larger the diameter, the greater the throughput, and therefore the flow rate (although the difference of 5 mm, after all, is not so significant).
Through hole in plate
It happens that the hole in the ceramic plate is not blind, but through and is plugged from above with a plastic plate with an elastic band. This bipedal cartridge has just such a case.
Yes, pay attention to the plastic pins , they act as a noise suppressor .
Dovetail Ledge
Some cartridges have a dovetail on the inside of the body that fits into a slot in the driver (pictured: KCG cartridge).
The leash is located above the outlet. Due to this additional limiter, when the “hot/cold water” ratio changes, the driver rotates not around the axis of the cartridge, but around the axis of the outlet hole. It turns out that the plates move like windshield wipers on a car.
Ball cartridges
At one time, some manufacturers tried to make truly spherical cartridges with a main assembly made of a stainless steel ball, but now they have mainly switched to cartridges with ceramic plates, which work on approximately the same principle.
Important tips for long-term use of the cartridge and faucet
To ensure the longest period of operation of the mixer and the internal shut-off element, certain rules should be followed. The cartridge primarily fails due to constant exposure to an aggressive environment, which is water. It often contains large amounts of fine suspended matter and sand. Such impurities scratch and wear out the ceramic plates of the cartridge, causing system malfunctions.
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If the part is not dismountable, its damage will be the reason for installing a new element, which will bring additional financial costs. To prevent the negative effects of poor quality water, coarse filters should be installed for the faucet.
For proper operation of the mixer, it is recommended to flush the entire system at least once a year and clean the internal elements with a special solution or dishwashing liquid. Vinegar will remove limescale deposits well.
Important! To clean the internal locking mechanism, do not use abrasive cloths or metal sponges, which can damage the protective layer.
Lubricating the cartridge plates with an airtight mixture will extend its service life.
Ceramic plates should be periodically treated with mixer cartridge oil lubricants. If there are significant chips, scratches and cracks on the locking mechanism body or its elements, or the rod is broken, the part must be replaced immediately.
If, after installing a new cartridge, leaks are detected from under the mixer, the cause may be the presence of grains of sand between the parts of the device or a loose nut. The problem can be resolved by re-disassembling the mixer and installing it back.
A little history
The ancient Greek mathematician and mechanic Heron invented a mixer that looks completely different from modern taps, but differs little from them in terms of functionality. The ancient Roman story about mixer taps says that the taps of Roman inventors repeated the principles of Heron in action, but were more comfortable. In the Middle Ages, taps were out of the question, personal hygiene was low, which is why the spread of epidemics led to millions of victims in Europe. Then we had to remember about sanitation, water and, of course, taps.
Since taps for supplying water for personal needs were available only to wealthy people, the main attention in manufacturing was paid to their appearance. At the end of the 18th century, the Englishman Joseph Bram created a new mixer of 3 taps: the first supplied hot water, the second - cold, the third - mixed
Such taps survived until the beginning of the twentieth century, when William Thomson improved Brahm's ideas into a two-valve tap.
In the recent past, most mixers were controlled by axle-box cranes. Although they have not disappeared, and are often revived in a luxurious retro style, lever faucets, easy to operate and quickly change water supply modes and temperature, have firmly taken their place in mass consumption. The main element that carries the main functional load is the cartridge that mixes and supplies water. It is controlled by light movements of the lever, which ensures the desired temperature and water supply.
How to choose a cartridge for a faucet: useful recommendations
The cartridge can be dismountable or non-separable. The latter option is characterized by wide distribution and availability. The device does not require cleaning and lubrication, the gasket cannot be removed, so this product cannot be repaired. When considering how much a non-separable cartridge costs, you should take into account that a cheap mechanism is not durable.
Helpful advice! When purchasing a mixer, you can additionally purchase a spare cartridge so that later you will not have difficulties finding a new device.
There are both universal cartridges that are suitable for any mixer, and unique ones for specific models.
The new product must be similar to the old model. If you choose another modification, the size of the cartridge for the mixer must correspond to the seat. When choosing a new mechanism, you should pay attention to the shape, number and location of the holes for the rod. Models of the same type of locking device from different manufacturers may differ. If the old element is equipped with a leg, then the new cartridge should have this part of the same size.
Important! There are universal cartridges that are suitable for any faucet, as well as unique models designed for installation in a specific model of plumbing fixture.
If the size of the cartridge for a single-lever mixer or two-valve device is selected incorrectly, the device will not work correctly, which is associated with tight rotation of the lever and the occurrence of squeaking. This mixer is inconvenient to use. Failure to properly regulate the pressure can cause damage to the shower hose or rapid wear of the threads on the faucet.
It is better to purchase a mixer repair kit from well-known manufacturers, whose products are presented in many specialized stores. In addition, many companies provide a long warranty period. Large companies produce high-quality products, which are accompanied by an ISO 9001:2000 certificate. You should also pay attention to the presence of a document indicating that the internal shut-off part of the mixer has been tested for a working pressure of 3.5 atm.
If the shape and size of the cartridge are chosen incorrectly, the mixer will not work correctly.
Cartridges for faucets from Grohe, Vidima and other manufacturers
Plumbing equipment from the German company Vidima is very popular. It produces high-quality shower sets, various types of mixers and accessories for them. The company produces exclusively ceramic locking elements. Cartridges for Vidima faucets are reliable, practical, wear-resistant, durable and affordable. The entire range of products undergoes strict quality control to ensure compliance with European standards.
The German company Grohe offers high-quality cartridges that are characterized by an increased resource. Ceramic plates are manufactured using innovative technology, according to which their surface is repeatedly sprayed. In this regard, Grohe cartridges are characterized by increased strength, wear resistance and durability.
The AM.RM company produces a wide range of cartridge sizes with increased throughput, which is about 43 l/min. This is 2 times more than standard models. The manufacturer also specializes in the production of mechanisms with a thermostat, characterized by a diameter of 35 mm.
Helpful advice! High capacity cartridges are best suited for bathrooms.
Cartridges from Grohe are of high quality and are characterized by increased resource
The Finnish company Oras offers high-quality sanitary products and accessories. Faucet cartridges are practical and durable. Products are assembled from high quality elements from European suppliers. Strict quality control is carried out at all stages of production. The only drawback is their high cost.
Hansgrohe sanitary ware and cartridges for faucets are distinguished by their reliability and affordable price. You can find models from this manufacturer in any specialized store.
Chinese manufacturers that offer internal locking devices with a good price-quality ratio are Potato, Frap, Santide, Tivoli.
Cartridges for Vidima faucets are wear-resistant, reliable and durable
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)
