Repair of the shower switch button in the faucet. Repair of the shower switch in the faucet. Replacing the O-rings of the shower diverter

The faucet is an essential element of every bathroom with hot and cold water supply. Thanks to him, the temperature of the water leaving the tap and its pressure are regulated. In addition, the mixer has a switch that allows you to redirect water from the tap to the shower. Like any mechanical device, the mixer is not immune from all sorts of breakdowns. Fortunately, its design is not too complicated, allowing, in most cases, to fix problems yourself. In the article we will consider the device of a bathroom faucet with a shower, repair of the faucet in the event of any breakdowns, and list the causes of malfunctions.

Consider how it is arranged with a shower. This will help to understand the principle of its operation, depending on the design. All faucets that can be used in the bathroom are divided into 3 categories:

1. Touch. The control element of such a device is a photocell that gives a command to turn the device on and off. Self-repair of such devices is very difficult, so it would be most rational to refer it to specialists.

2. valve. The device of the bathroom faucet with a valve-type shower is quite simple:

  • frame;
  • spout;
  • valves. Designed for manual control of the mixer;
  • axle box crane. They control the flow of water. Older models are equipped with rubber gaskets, while new ones have ceramic plates.
In the photo, the design of a valve mixer with a flag switch

Tip: Ceramic bushings are much more durable than older models, and they are much easier to manage, since the valve rotates a maximum of 180 degrees.

3. Lever. Recently, this type of mixer is gaining popularity. A typical lever model consists of the following elements:

  • frame;
  • spout (gander);
  • a ceramic or ball cartridge in which water is mixed. Ceramic cartridges cannot be disassembled. If such a cartridge has become unusable, the repair of a bathroom faucet with a shower will consist in replacing such a cartridge;
  • control knob that regulates the pressure of water and its temperature. Mounted on the cartridge lever;
  • a nut that fixes the cartridge in the housing;
  • a housing cover that covers the cartridge and is designed to give the mixer a more aesthetic appearance.

The main causes of mixer failures

If you carefully study the device of the bathroom faucet with a shower, its repair will not be difficult. It is only important to know the causes of breakdowns:

  • Unsatisfactory product quality. This is typical for products of little-known manufacturers who use low-quality components and consumables in their work;
  • Use of old consumables. For example, paronite or silicone gaskets last much longer than rubber products. In addition, they are less deformed and do not collapse from drying out;
  • Dirty water in pipes;
  • Increased water hardness affects the internal parts of the device, provoking the formation of deposits and cracking of the seals.

Major breakdowns and their elimination

Let us analyze in more detail what breakdowns can occur during the operation of a faucet with a shower, as well as how to fix a faucet in the bathroom on your own. Faults may be of the following nature:

Leak at the junction of the gander with the mixer body

This is the most common failure, as the gander constantly rotates in different directions, which leads to wear of the rounded rubber pad. This gasket is located in the groove of the gooseneck, so the gooseneck must be disconnected to replace it.

Actions are performed in the following sequence:

  • the fastening nut is unscrewed;
  • gander is removed;
  • the remnants of the old gasket are removed from the gander groove;
  • a new gasket is installed;
  • the goose is put in place;
  • the thread on which the fixing nut will be screwed is wrapped with 2-3 layers of FUM tape;
  • the gander fastening nut is tightened.

Leak from under the control lever

Such a failure is typical for single-lever mixers and is caused by a broken cartridge. The faucet needs to be disassembled and replace cartridge. In addition to this failure, there are several other signs of a cartridge failure:

  • the lever became difficult to control;
  • the temperature of the supplied water changes spontaneously;
  • no supply of either hot or cold water;
  • The valve does not close completely or does not open completely.

In this case, the cartridge needs to be replaced. Do-it-yourself bathroom faucet repair is carried out in the following order:


Important: There are protrusions on the cartridge body that must align with the recesses inside the body. Align them carefully. If they don't match, the mixer will leak.

Leaking valve of a two-valve mixer

The reason for the leakage of a two-valve mixer is the wear or destruction of the sealing washer located on the crane box. The destruction of the crane box itself may also occur. If the faucet in the bathroom is leaking - how to fix it quickly and inexpensively? Only on my own replacing the crane box or the washer on it. There is nothing difficult in this.

All work is carried out with the water supply turned off:

  • the plug is removed from the leaking valve;
  • the screw is unscrewed with which the valve is attached to the mixer body;
  • with the help of an open-end or adjustable wrench, a crane box is unscrewed;
  • the crane box itself or the sealing ring on it is replaced;
  • a new or refurbished crane box is installed in the old place.

Faucet-shower switch leak

There is another gasket between the faucet-shower switch and the body, which can be damaged. How to fix a bathroom faucet whose switch is leaking? Just disassembling the switch itself:

  • the button (switch) is removed, for which the stem is held in a fixed position with pliers;
  • the valve with the stem is removed;
  • the damaged seal is removed;
  • in his place new seal installed;
  • the switch is put together.

Repair of a faucet with a flag switch is shown in the video.

Malfunction of the button or valve "faucet-shower"

If the button does not return after being turned off, then its spring is faulty. It is necessary to disassemble the switch as described above, and then remove the broken spring. In her place new spring installed.


If the switch does not work, and water flows from the shower and from the tap at the same time, then the cause is cracked oil seal located on the switch stem. Necessary:

  • remove the button (switch);
  • remove the stem;
  • replace the seal;
  • assemble the switch.

Leak at shower hose connection

This problem occurs due to damage to the hose gasket. If the bath faucet is leaking, a do-it-yourself repair will consist in replacing this gasket. To do this, simply unscrew the hose nut by hand, and then remove the worn washer. In her place a new paronite washer is installed. Before tightening the nut, it is advisable to wrap a couple of layers of FUM tape on the thread. here.

Leak in the place where the watering can is connected to the hose

How to fix a faucet in the bathroom if there is a water leak at the junction of the hose and the shower head? Very simple. Under the nut located on the hose there is a round insulating gasket. It is easily replaced even without the use of tools.

Weak water pressure

If the water pressure through the mixer has noticeably weakened, while the neighbors have remained the same, one should suspect, first of all, aerator filter clogged located at the tip of the gander. You should unscrew it with your hand or pliers, and then check the pressure. If the pressure increased without an aerator, then the reason lay in its pollution. You need to gently rinse it under running water, and then screw it back into place.

Tip: It is often not the aerator itself that gets dirty, but the cleaning filter located at the entrance to the room. Therefore, if cleaning the aerator did nothing, then unscrew the filter and check the cleanliness of its mesh.

We found out how to repair a bathroom faucet with a shower with our own hands. If you use higher quality consumables, such problems will occur much less frequently.

Do-it-yourself bathroom faucet repair video

Comfort in the bathroom is created by the interior and supported by simple elements such as a faucet. Breaking it will spoil the mood for the whole day. Especially if the constituent element of the device breaks - the switch for the shower. Many wake up in the morning with a shower. Having understood the types of malfunctions, it will be possible to fix the shower switch.

A shower switch is available in many faucet devices. Plumbers call this part a faucet diverter.

This design of the mixer is convenient to use. They are in demand. The flow of water is directed from the tap to the shower and vice versa. Redirecting the flow of water by opening one direction and closing the other is the answer to the question: what is a faucet diverter.

If it is not possible to identify the problem, then it will not be possible to avoid replacing the structure. Without an identified cause of failure is impossible.

More often, owners are faced with the causes of switch failures:

  • leaks in a single-lever device;
  • water flow redistribution button closes;
  • observed from the tap and at the same time;
  • the water supply pressure has decreased;
  • there is a leak in the fluid control mechanism.

If the switch device is known, then it will not be difficult to find out what the cause of the breakdown is. Otherwise, it is better to contact a specialist. In work, tools are used only for tightening nuts. The remaining structural elements are disassembled and assembled by hand.

Switch classification

Knowing the types of switches is important, because the repair algorithm itself depends on it. Each type has its own peculiarity and must be taken into account when repairing the shower switch in the faucet. There are several types of switches:

  • spool type device;

Such a shower switch is installed on valve-type models. Its main difference is a plastic or metal handle. The switch is placed between the valves. The design found its distribution in Soviet times.

  • cork element;

The element for switching the water flow is in the middle. The device has an elongated shape. Cork with a cutout is the main part. When the part starts to move, the notch aligns with the water inlet and outlet, allowing fluid to enter the faucet area. The shower switch for the mixer is practically not found on sale. The model is outdated.

  • common cartridge;

Russian manufacturers prefer to install a diverter in a cartridge-type model. Parts for it can not be found. The faucet in the bathroom is complete.

  • button type (exhaust).

The function of the element is to mix the flows of cold and hot liquids.


Repair work

Each switch model is repaired differently.

Cartridge replacement

A leak happens in a rotary stem from a screw or axle box. Elimination is carried out according to the scheme:

  • Work begins with the removal of these parts with wrenches or adjustable wrenches.
  • The rubber seals in the rotary stem are changed.

Pushbutton Switch Troubleshooting

Breakdowns are due to two reasons:

  • If, when the water is turned off, the button does not switch from the shower position to the spout position, then the reason will be the wear or breakage of the spring. It is recommended to replace the spring. Its properties are restored with a rubber gasket. The gasket is installed under the screw.
  • Leakage leads to wear of the seal rings. The spout is turned off. This part is removed with a screwdriver inserted into the adapter area. With the help of the stem, the valve is pushed out of its place. The rings are replaced with new ones and everything is assembled in its original position.


Faucets are one of the weakest elements in the plumbing system. This is because even the highest quality of them with high reliability indicators will someday begin to leak. And, of course, he needs repairs. You can make it on your own. Bathroom shower faucet repair and diverter repair is not too difficult. An ordinary person can handle it, you just need to know how to repair a bathroom faucet with a shower. First of all, you need to understand the device of the crane, as well as understand the reason why the leak occurred.

How the mixer works

A mixer of a similar design can be of the valve type. Their work takes place a little differently, and it is important to understand this before starting work.

The composition of the valve mixer includes several valves. They rotate so that the owner can get the pressure of water at the required temperature. The design also includes a stainless steel housing containing . It is with the help of it that water with different temperatures is mixed.

The lever mixer is the most popular. It's all about its beautiful appearance and ease of use. To regulate the required temperature, as well as the pressure, one lever should first be switched to the side, and then up. Such a mixer consists of a body, nuts, a rubber ring, a replaceable one, a cover and a fixing bolt. However, such a mixer has a rather serious drawback. It cannot be repaired, because the case cannot be disassembled.

Repair of the faucet switch in the bathroom to the shower

Understanding that the switch needs to be repaired is quite simple. As a rule, it starts to flow immediately. At the faucet, the water is switched in various ways. It all depends on the type of specific switch. They are:

  1. push-button;
  2. spool;
  3. Cartridge;
  4. Cork.

And the most common among them are cartridge. Most often, their breakdown is the wear of the rubber ring, which is located between the housing and the switch lever. As a result, a leak is formed. It is easy to fix it, you need to replace the gasket. Do the following:

  1. Completely shut off the water;
  2. The lever of the body should be disconnected from the crane;
  3. The screw must be unscrewed from the switch;
  4. Then remove the switch itself;
  5. Change the old unusable ring to a new, high-quality one;
  6. At the place where the lever is attached, the FUM tape is wound onto the thread in several layers;
  7. Put the lever back in place and secure it with the screw.

If you have a spool switch, then most often it breaks the nut that fixes this same switch. Such a defect can also be repaired. It is recommended to do the following:

  1. Remove the mixer and completely disassemble it. It is necessary to unscrew all its parts;
  2. Pay attention to the thread of the nut, if it is worn, it is recommended to replace it with a new one. It is better if it is bronze;
  3. Take sandpaper and clean the nut inside, as well as all surfaces that come into contact with it;
  4. Lubricate all parts with grease;
  5. Reassemble the mixer.

The repair kit for the bathroom faucet with a shower is quite easy to assemble. Prepare in advance everything you may need, including new parts. All tools should be at your fingertips while you work. Remember also that when doing any work with the mixer, you should turn off the water to avoid even more water influx in case something goes wrong.

Things to keep in mind when doing repairs

Quite often, a leak in the place where the water switches from the bath to the shower appears for quite different reasons. Among them:

  1. Broken button;
  2. Water immediately enters both the faucet and the shower hose at the same time;
  3. The mechanism with which you can control the water is worn out.

If it's all about the breakage of the button, then this happens, as a rule, due to the wear of the gasket. You can solve the problem quite easily - replace the set of rings with a new one or fix the one that already exists. For example, you can lubricate old rings with gasoline. However, the result will be temporary and soon you will find a leak again. Therefore, it is still recommended to replace the rings with new ones.

Cleaning the aerator

A clogged aerator often causes a small pressure of water in the shower hose. An aerator is a device necessary for regulating the pressure of water. It is located in the place of the spout. To eliminate the problem, you should thoroughly clean the aerator.

Unscrew the aerator from the gander and rinse it under water. Please note that its pressure must be strong. After that, just put it back in place.

If after that nothing has changed, you should take a thin needle and carefully remove debris from the aerator. Put it back in place and check the result. If this does not help, then you should purchase a new aerator.

Prevention

Despite the fact that the repair of the mixer is within the power and it is better for an ordinary person to prevent the occurrence of problems with it than to solve them later. To do this, remember a few simple recommendations:

  1. Poor quality tap water is the first and foremost enemy of any modern plumbing. The substances that it contains, as well as mechanical impurities, can spoil even the highest quality and most expensive mixer;
  2. Do not allow solid particles contained in water to enter the elements of the product. The classic rubber gaskets found on conventional faucets are more resistant to such particles than those on ceramic discs. They get scratched instantly. To solve this problem, it is enough to install filters for mechanical cleaning;
  3. It is recommended to reduce the hardness of the water as much as possible. Excessive content of carbonates spoil not only taps, but also electric kettles, coffee makers and so on. To reduce the hardness of the water, you should purchase a softener filter.

All of the above recommendations will help extend the life of your faucet. Please note that you can make a rubber ring yourself. However, it will be short-lived. It is better to install such rings as temporary, and immediately change them to new high-quality ones if possible.

Many, faced with this problem, are wondering how to fix the bathroom faucet switch, which is also broken. To do this is quite simple. You need to have the necessary tools at hand, new parts to replace and clearly know what exactly needs to be done.

It should also be noted that when buying a quality faucet, you will significantly increase its service life and reduce the possibility of leaks. Don't skimp on plumbing. Otherwise, you will constantly have to spend money on repairs.

One of the main problems of the bath-shower faucet is the breakdown of the shower-spout switching mechanism. Sometimes the only solution is to buy a new faucet. However, in some cases, only the mechanism itself can be changed. How to do it yourself, we will tell in this article.

Symptoms of a breakdown in the shower / spout switching mechanism will be:

  • impossibility or difficulty switching the mechanism;
  • simultaneous operation of both the shower and the mixer spout in any position of the switch.

Shower / spout switching mechanisms are of the following types:

  • eccentric;
  • cartridge;
  • axlebox;
  • ball;
  • in the form of a separate block (for some types of one-arm mixers).

Required Tool

To carry out the work we need:

  1. Wallpaper knife.
  2. Slotted (flat) screwdriver.
  3. Wrench.
  4. gas key.

Replacing the mechanism for switching shower / spout

Ball switches are the most reliable, but, unfortunately, not repairable, so if you have a mixer with just such a switching mechanism, and it breaks, then you will have to buy a new one.

For cartridge, axle and eccentric switches, repair work will be as follows:

1. Remove the decorative cap on the shift knob. In some mixers, it is necessary to remove the plug with a wallpaper knife and unscrew the fixing screw that it closed with a screwdriver. In our case, she herself is such a screw. We turn it off.

2. Remove the handle.

3. Under the handle is either a box mechanism or a nut that secures the mechanism (cartridge or eccentric). We turn away.

4. We take out the mechanism. Box or cartridge are taken out entirely. For eccentrics, only one part will be removed - the eccentric itself.

5. To completely dismantle the eccentric switch, it is necessary to remove its inner part. To do this, unscrew the spout nut by hand.

6. Remove the spout down.

7. A removable part of the body will be found under the nut. It will have to be turned off. It is very difficult to do this. Wrap this part with a cloth so as not to damage the chrome coating during the dismantling process, and using a gas (not adjustable) wrench, unscrew this part by the body itself.

8. If you manage to do this, then the inner part of the mechanism will be easily removed from the case. In general, it will look something like this:

On the right - the eccentric part, turns away first, on the left - the inner. If it is not possible to remove the inner part, then you will have to change the mixer.

9. After dismantling, according to the samples received in the store, we buy the necessary spare parts and assemble the mixer in the reverse order of the work described.

To replace a separate switching unit, it must be completely detached from the mixer.

1. Unscrew the shower hose with your hands.

2. Unscrew the top nut securing the mechanism to the mixer body.

3. Remove the mechanism with a spout.

4. Unscrew the spout nut.

5. As a result, we get a switching mechanism.

6. We buy a new mechanism in the store and install it on the mixer.

Spout repair

We will not single out the problem of water leakage from under the spout nut in a separate article. However, this problem is close, in fact, to the topic of this article and occurs quite often.

There are two types of spouts - round and flat. Leakage of water from under the fixing nuts indicates the need to replace the annular rubber gaskets. To replace them, you need to dismantle the spouts themselves.

For round spouts, the dismantling process is described above in points 5 and 6 of the previous chapter. As a result, you will see two rubber rings on the spout.

Those are the ones that need to be replaced. The photo shows another white ring. It serves to secure the spout when tightening the fixing nut.

For flat spouts, the dismantling process is similar - unscrew the fixing nut and remove the spout. On the inside, two o-rings are also visible, which need to be replaced.

It will be more convenient to do this if you dismantle the inside. For this:

1. Using a suitable size hex wrench, unscrew the inner brass bushing.

2. We take out the bushing together with the nut.

3. Now the sleeve itself can be easily removed from the nut

4. Access to sealing rings is open.

In the end, once again, you should pay attention to the fact that almost all work on disassembling and assembling mixers is done by hand. Wrenches are used only for tightening already twisted connections. Excessive forces when screwing threads lead to damage, up to the complete destruction of the parts being tightened.

Every bathroom fixture must be in good working order. Providing maximum comfort for his family, the owner of the house occasionally has to repair the shower switch in the faucet. Although this is not the most fragile part, however, its malfunction will bring a lot of inconvenience.

The main types of switches

Repair of each type of switch has its own characteristic features. Before starting work, it is necessary to study each of the varieties. This will save the budget and repair the spare part as quickly as possible, taking into account the installation features.

Switch types:

  1. Golden type.
  2. Cork type.
  3. cartridge type.
  4. Exhaust (push-button).

The most common examples recently were spool and plug switches. Their design is quite simple. Switching is carried out by turning a small lever either 90 or 120 degrees.

Now spool switches are not sold on the domestic market. They haven't been produced for quite some time. Replaced by more reliable prototypes.

If an old mixer is installed, then with a high probability the switch from the shower to the spout is performed by the spool. It includes an eccentric and a barrel. A special rod with a protrusion begins to rotate, setting the entire structure in motion. A characteristic detail of this mechanism is a handle made in the form of a flag. It can be either iron or plastic.

Cork construction can be called an improved version of the previous type. The peculiarity lies only in the fact that inside there is a special cork made of brass. The length of the handle is from 7 to 10 cm.

The cartridge type of switches is by far the most common. Push-button (exhaust) varieties are very popular. Such mechanisms are much more convenient than older designs. An additional plus is the comparative durability of the elements. If you choose the option with a more expensive cartridge, it will last for many years. True, repairs are indispensable, since it sometimes leaks water.

Causes of breakdowns

In each individual case, the faults are unique. But there are also the most common failures. As a rule, you can independently disassemble the faucet in the bathroom, the shower switch.

The most common scenario is that water is supplied simultaneously from the shower head and spout. This means that the o-rings and rubber gaskets are out of order. For the same reason, water constantly flows from under the tap itself. To solve the problem, you will need a set of new rings and rubber bands. Replacement will not take more than 1 hour.

Poor quality materials

Rubber bands are not the only weak point in this design. Quite often, owners encounter problematic mixer operation even after replacing sealing parts.

Water seepage can be due to poor quality plastic or even iron parts. Therefore, you should carefully check the switch for damage. If wear of the rubber rings is found, a higher quality product should be purchased. To do this, you need to contact a specialized store, where an experienced employee can advise which manufacturer makes reliable seals.

It is recommended not to buy the cheapest faucets initially. The quality of the parts in them in any case will be low. It is better to buy a product a little more expensive and choose a reliable design that will delight the family for a long time with its uninterrupted functioning. You can take an automatic mixer, the operation of which will depend on the reliability of the sensors.

Dirt

The most common cause of all kinds of pollution is poor water quality. For the failure of this part, it is necessary that dirty water is supplied through the pipes for a long time. As a result, all seals become clogged, water does not flow properly and starts to leak from the bottom of the faucet.

In addition to internal contamination, switches can also fail due to external influences. Dirt can get on the product from the outside. If the faucet was not covered during the renovation in the bathroom, dust can quickly clog the connections.

Note! The way out is to often wipe the products on the outside and disassemble the switch from time to time if the water is periodically dirty.

hard water

Often, products stop functioning correctly due to the fact that too much flows through the pipes. The main disadvantage of this type of water is lime deposits. If the shower switch is leaking on a new faucet, the problem is in the water. The owners of the house need to be prepared for the fact that they will have to service the plumbing quite often.

The problem may also be that a small layer of salts forms between the gasket and the valve. If the part is not serviced on time, the layer of deposits will gradually grow and eventually completely block the channels. Therefore, it is better to clean limescale and salts in advance. So the owner can significantly extend the life of the product.

Trouble-shooting

Since there are many possible causes for poor switch performance, a few of the most common situations should be considered.

The deposition of salts and limescale can be quickly removed with ordinary sandpaper. It is better for this purpose to take the material with the finest abrasive layer. A professional cleaner will help improve the effect. But not everyone can find it in stores. Therefore, GOI paste can replace it.

If in the exhaust type of the product the return of the switch button to its original position occurs without authorization, you can shorten the spring a little. Literally 2 or 3 turns of the spring will be enough to remove for the mechanism to start working correctly. But this method does not always help. After the owner removes the shower switch on the faucet, in addition to the spring itself, it is recommended to replace the seal.

To properly perform the replacement, it is better to watch a few practical videos.

Required Tools

You can not start repairing a shower cabin without preparing for the whole process from start to finish. The main thing is the tools. To solve a certain problem, characteristic keys and other tools are required.

There is a standard set of improvised devices that will help repair the mixer in a matter of minutes:

  1. Flat screwdriver.
  2. Pliers.
  3. Breaker knife.
  4. Adjustable wrench (it is better to take a compact sample to make it more convenient to work with plumbing).
  5. gas key.
  6. Hexagons.

Replacement of O-rings

The push-button type of switches has become widespread, but it has several disadvantages. The main disadvantage of this type of design is the unreliability of the seal rings. All of them are made of rubber. And this means that untimely maintenance can lead to leaks.

Experts fix this problem in two ways:

  1. Fast - includes the process of stripping rubber products and softening them.
  2. Capital - change all rings to new ones.

If the shower switch on the mixer is broken due to the failure of the sealing elements, the following steps must be followed:

  • using a wrench, the switch is untwisted;
  • the stem is removed;
  • remove old rings. They are replaced with new rubber products;
  • the structure is returned to its original state. In this case, it is necessary to monitor the correct arrangement of parts in their places.

Switch Spring Replacement

The derailleur spring can break at any time, which is also a common problem.

The best way out of the situation would be to replace it:

  • remove the spout that flows along with the shower hose (using a wrench);
  • take out the adapter;
  • remove the screw and plug;
  • pull out the stem. It contains a spring;
  • replace the spring. Its price is generally low;
  • assemble the structure back.

Basically, the execution time of this operation does not exceed 40 minutes - 1 hour.

Note! When removing the spout, unscrew the nuts carefully so as not to strip the threads.

Prevention

Since the frequent causes of malfunctions and leaks are contamination of the switch with salts and lime particles, a kind of prophylaxis should be carried out. It consists in disassembling the device, cleaning and assembling the product. This operation should be carried out every six months to a year. Plaque will be deposited less often if you install a water filter.

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