Replacing a cartridge in a shower stall is considered perhaps the most common type of plumbing work associated with hydroboxes. The shower cabin faucet cartridge is one of the main parts that can become unusable when using a faucet. It is not necessary to immediately replace the entire shower mixer since you can change the cartridge yourself using the simplest and most convenient technology. The standard shower cartridge has 3 positions, so if one of them does not function properly, you can replace the main switch and restore the correct operation of the entire mechanism. But first you need to know the basic technical details and structure of mixers, mode switches and other parts in the design of the shower stall.
Cartridges for shower faucets can be devices for mixing and switching modes since everything depends on the function being performed. Therefore, when problems arise in the work, you must first take into account the main reasons by checking the design. Additionally, it is worth paying attention to the fact that each part in the mixer has its own working life, so you should not neglect the main rules of selection, maintenance and subsequent repairs.
Installation of faucets and cartridges for shower cabins
Installation of faucets and cartridges for shower cabins
Standard shower faucets can be divided into built-in multi-mode and universal, which are distinguished by the presence of a tube. Although the body design is different, the general components are identical. The mixing and mode-switching cartridges are very similar to each other, so we can distinguish the following components of such an element for the mixer:
- A rod for rotating the mechanism and ensuring the correct direction of water.
- A drum may differ depending on the body material, assembly and fastening methods.
- Working disks that are installed inside the drum to allow it to rotate.
- O-rings for a tight connection between the drum and all holes in it.
A cartridge for mixing water into a single stream is required for the correct temperature conditions, so do not neglect the need for timely repairs. The top uses a shower head faucet cartridge clamp nut, on top of which a mixing handle is installed. Using a cartridge, you can use the mixer in three positions depending on the water temperature, that is, it can be cold, hot or mixed flow.
Additionally, a holder of the mixer cartridge for the shower cabin is used to ensure a sealed installation following safety standards, so that the internal pressure does not break the structure. Moreover, such a part is required to attach a decorative ring so that the faucet matches the overall design of the shower room.
Decorative elements for the faucet may differ from each other, but the principle of their installation is the same, so no special efforts or skills are required.
Why can cartridges break in a shower stall?
Rules for replacing a cartridge in a shower stall
In 90% of cases, repair of the shower cabin cartridge is required due to poor water quality, since sediment is formed, which accumulates on the internal cavities, therefore affecting the overall functionality. Scale, sand and rust should also be included here since collectively these are the main destructive factors for faucets and all connecting parts.
The clamping nut in the shower faucet may become deformed due to mechanical load, the general internal cavity is deformed, and cracks and other damage appear, so replacement is necessary. If handled improperly, the discs in the cartridge can crack, which is why the latches, which in most cases are made of plastic, also break.
Several main signs indicate that repairs are required:
- The faucet starts to leak when the water is turned on.
- After turning on the water, it does not flow, and the handle is located in the open position.
- If the clamping nut in the shower faucet is damaged or has been torn off due to high internal pressure.
- If moisture appears on the surface of the mode switch.
- If you can’t switch modes or the system doesn’t work the first time.
- If the switching mode turned on does not correspond to the selected one, for example, cold water is opened, and hot water appears instead.
These are the main problems in the design of the mixer, so you need to choose the type of cartridge, since the problem may be in the mixing or switching device.
The only correct way out in such a situation is to remove the old shower mixer cartridge and install a new one. But even here there are certain rules on which the quality of the subsequent operation of a full-fledged mixer depends.
How to properly replace a cartridge?
How to properly replace a cartridge?
Any repair of a shower cabin mixer cartridge begins with dismantling the old device to prepare the place and carry out repair work by the basic rules. To do this, you need to remove the cartridge from the faucet and disconnect the handles, remove the decorative trims to prepare the internal cavity. All parts can be removed very easily, but the main thing is to follow the sequence so as not to break or tear anything off.
The nut securing the cartridge for the shower faucet can be removed manually, but the part may stick, so in most cases, you will have to make an effort. Pliers or a wrench are suitable for this, but it is important to use it carefully so as not to disturb the chrome plating, as this will lead to corrosion during subsequent use.
After all the parts are removed, you can manually remove the mixing cartridge, since it is simply installed in the seat, but the mode-switching cartridge is installed more firmly, so pliers are needed for dismantling.
As soon as all fasteners and parts are removed, the place must be cleaned of sand, limescale, and dirty impurities, since only in this way will the newly installed cartridge fully function by the specified requirements. As soon as the cartridge in the shower stall is replaced, you can attach all the additional parts and check whether the mixer works well so that full technical and functional reliability is formed.
Replacing parts in a mixer does not require special skills, but care and correct use of the tool is important to avoid technical problems in the future.
Recommendations for choosing a cartridge for the faucet
Recommendations for choosing a cartridge for the faucet
Selecting a cartridge for mixing or switching modes for a shower stall can be done easily and simply if you know the basic parameters since this ensures the overall reliability and tightness of the structure. The following characteristics are identified that can be considered basic:
- The number of modes of the old cartridge, since the new device must correspond to the previous indicator.
- The diameter of the base of the cartridge so that the new sealing device is connected to the system.
- The height of the rod, namely its visible part.
- The type of fastening, since the type of cartridge fastening depends on this since there are parts for slots and squares of different sizes.
When making cartridges, manufacturers try to use high-quality materials with additional processing to avoid the rapid accumulation of lime and various dusts. But even additional processing does not protect against technical problems, so you should carefully consider the manufacturer’s recommendations for working with the mixer.
