There is probably no such person who has had to deal with a broken faucet at least once in his life. If you decide to repair the faucet yourself, then before you replace the faucet, you need to find out the reason for its breakdown.

You will find out what the reasons are, how to fix them, and how much it costs to change the faucet in our article.

There may be several of them:

1) 2) This tap may need to be replaced 3) 4) 5) 6)

You need to know what type of faucet you have installed. Then it will be easier for you to change the faucet in the kitchen or, for example, in the bathroom.

Replacing a kitchen faucet

Crane design - general characteristics

The tap (aka mixer) is designed to regulate the water supply to the required temperature. The required water temperature in the tap is achieved by mixing cold and hot water. There are several common types of faucets:

1.
Valve tap 2.
Lever tap

The design of a tap with two valves is quite simple, which consists of:

• main building,
• Two crane axle boxes,
• Spout,
• Two valves.

The valves are located on both sides of the tap and are screwed into special holes. These valves regulate the height of the crane box. The latter, with the help of a rubber gasket at the end, opens and closes cold and hot water through special holes inside the tap.

A single lever faucet can be of the following types:

1)
Ball valve in the bathroom 2)
Ceramic faucet being disassembled

How to change a faucet in a bathroom or kitchen - with valves

Let's say you encounter damage. And it doesn’t matter whether you need to change the kitchen faucet or the bathroom faucet - the repair needs to start with turning off the water. Your actions should be as follows:

1.
Replacing valve tap 2.

1. Remove the valve and unscrew the corresponding valve axle box.
2. Replace the gaskets and seal the threads with fum tape.
3. Carefully and completely screw the valve axle into place.

Important!
If the crane axlebox has become unusable, replace it

How to change the crane axle box?

For this:

This is how a crane axle box is replaced

1. Turn off the water and remove or unscrew the button (depending on which model).
2. Remove the screw. If it is very stuck, then lubricate it with machine oil.
3. Unscrew the valve axle counterclockwise.
4. Install the gasket.
5. Reinstall the crane box.

If you have a question about how to change a ceramic axle box valve, then this can also be done according to the instructions described above.

Replacing a ceramic tap (mixer)

How to change the crane axle box, video instructions can be found here:

If water is leaking from the water supply valve

1. Check how tightly the faucet axle is fixed to the mixer. If necessary, tighten it.
2. If everything is normal, unscrew the valve axle. Seal the threads with fum tape and screw the valve axle into place.

How to fix a leaking faucet? at your disposal on our website

Replacing gaskets in faucets

If the tap leaks where the spout is fixed

1. Unscrew the spout fastener.
2. Change the gasket.
3. Carefully reinstall the spout.

If the tap leaks where the hoses are fixed to the mixer

Check the integrity of the sealing gaskets. If necessary, replace them, as well as the hoses.

If the faucet is leaking where it is attached to the sink

Replace the gasket or “seat” the faucet with silicone.

If the tap itself is damaged

Then it also needs to be replaced

1) Close the hot and cold water valves.

2) Remove the flexible hoses from the valves that attach the faucet to them.

Removing flexible hoses

3) Unscrew the large nuts that secure the faucet.

4) Carefully remove the old faucet using an adjustable wrench.

5) Thoroughly clean the area where the old product used to be and install a new faucet. But before that, attach new hoses to it.

6) Tighten the nuts from the underside of the sink.

Tightening the nuts

7) Connect the hoses to the valves and secure them.

8) Let the water run and check if the faucet is leaking now. If necessary, tighten the nuts again.

Checking the tap for leaks

So, now you know how to change a sink faucet with your own hands. You don't need any special effort for this. You can see how to change the faucet, video instructions here:

In addition, you can watch a video with detailed instructions on how to change a bathroom faucet here:

How to replace a faucet with a lever?

If a faucet with a lever begins to leak where the hoses are fixed to the mixer or attached to the sink, then in these cases the instructions for replacing it are no different from those given above.

Replacing a lever valve

How to change a ball valve?

If the faucet leaks from the spout when the water supply lever is turned off or water flows from under it:

DIY ball valve replacement

1. Disassemble the tap using a screwdriver or hex wrench into its component parts, which are then cleaned of lime deposits.
2. If the gaskets are worn out, replace them by pre-treating them with silicone grease.
3. Reassemble the faucet in reverse order.

How to change a ceramic faucet?

1. Disassemble the faucet.
2. Remove the ceramic cartridge and replace it with a new one.
3. If the integrity of the tap is damaged, then replace it with a new one.

How to change a tap on a riser with water shutoff?

1. Shut off the water supply to the riser.
2. Drain the piping system. Having previously received the consent of the management company.
3. Wind a tape with a sealant or fum tape onto the threads of the faucet.

   Important!
   Wind in the direction the tap is screwed onto the pipe.

4. Screw the tap onto the pipe. If it twists easily, then add more fum tape, but don’t overdo it! The product must be twisted with some force.

How to change the tap without turning off the water?

• In a high-rise building (possible flooding of neighbors or basement),
• On the heating riser,
• And on hot water.

So, the order of work is as follows:

1) Prepare buckets, some rags and ask someone to help you. One cannot cope here alone.

2) Seal the threads on the new faucet and open it.

Sealing threads on a tap: stages

3) Unscrew the broken tap.

4) Run water through the new faucet.

5) Tighten the tap approximately 2 turns.

6) Close the new tap and turn it on completely.

How much does it cost to replace a faucet?

The cost of replacing a faucet directly depends on its type.

If you decide to entrust a plumber to change the faucet in the bathroom, the price “does not bite” - 700-1,500 rubles. And if you want to change the faucet in the kitchen. The price is reasonable - from 800 rubles. up to 2 thousand rubles

Is it possible to replace the shut-off valve without shutting off the water?

Do not practice on upper floors!
Don't do this with hot water and heating!

One of the site's readers under the nickname, stefano asked a similar question:

Tell me what to do. The house has a riser and water drains from polypropylene pipes. The crane on one of the branches fell down. Is there any way to replace it without shutting off the water in the entire house? And what is better to put? We turn off the water every day before leaving for work.

The first thing to do is to secure the pipes on which the meters hang. Meters should not hang on pipes.
To replace the faucets you will have to turn off the riser. You can, of course, install a backup one if this one also overlaps, but this is only as a last resort.

In your case, it is better to turn off the riser. If this is possible, then after disconnecting you will have to re-solder something here, namely: if you look at the photo, then after the meters you have two 90-degree bends installed, which take the pipe closer to the wall. With the same two outlets, take the faucet and meters to the wall immediately after the riser. Next, the meters need to be mounted on clamps so that they do not hang on the pipes.

For example, use these clamps:

They fit very well into the girth of the counters. After installation they are almost invisible.

As for shut-off valves, install reinforced valves from Valtek, or for example Bugatti.

There is material about shut-off valves here.

Replacements without overlap

If it is impossible to turn off the water at all and there is no device for freezing pipes

Then you need to be ready for water.

Never do this with hot water or heating! It is very dangerous!

If you decide to change or install duplicate taps without interrupting the water supply, then there should not be a room on the floor below that can be flooded. Even if you are on the ground floor, this does not guarantee that there are no rooms below. The basement may contain warehouses or commercial premises.

If you are planning to do something like this in a basement or in a private house, then go ahead.

Find a large container or prepare a pile of water-absorbing material. For example, there are a lot of expensive and high-quality towels. If possible, place a large container in front of the faucet.

Look for an assistant who doesn't mind being doused with cold water. Hand him a large rag or the same expensive towel and let him catch all the water coming from the tap into this towel, like a bull motodor.

You need to prepare the faucet you are replacing in advance, seal its threads and open it. Then unscrew the non-working faucet or what is after the faucet if you are installing a duplicate one. Now you can screw in the new one.

As an example, I am attaching several images taken “in greenhouse conditions.” All the threads in the photo are not sealed because this is a simple example.

Here we have a threaded pipe or an old faucet that doesn’t shut off, and water flows from it.

We take a new faucet and open it completely. We seal the thread and pass water through it.

Tighten it about 2 turns, after which the tap can be turned off and tightened the remaining 1 or 2 turns.

You can also screw a flexible liner or hose onto a new faucet and lower the other end of the hose into a bucket or bathtub. Most of the water will go through the hose. But something will still spill on the floor.

Anyone who undertakes this must understand the full responsibility of the actions, must be confident in what he is doing and must be physically strong.

The pressure can be quite high and you need to be prepared for this. It is better to find out what kind of pressure you are dealing with first.

Short:

1. Prepare the tap.

2. It was completely opened

3. Seal the thread

4. Twisted it by passing water through it.

Would be useful:

1. Hose

2. Large capacity

3. Assistant.

4. Rags

A breakdown of a kitchen faucet can occur at the most inopportune moment, when there is simply no time to wait for the arrival of a plumber. Agree, the ability to replace a plumbing fixture is useful to every home master. Moreover, to perform the work does not require special skills and expensive tools.

Before you change the faucet in the kitchen, you need to understand its device and get a clear idea of ​​​​the procedure. We will help you in these matters.

The article provides detailed instructions for dismantling old devices and installing new models, taking into account their design features. Having studied the material, you can easily cope with the work and save the family budget on calling a plumber.

The reasons for changing the appliance can be different, ranging from a decrease in its functionality due to the wear of individual parts, and ending with a replacement in order to fit the mixer to the general interior of the kitchen.

Regardless of the reason for the replacement, the process of dismantling and subsequent installation is almost the same. And the owner of the kitchen, first of all, needs.

The following parameters should be evaluated:

• design form;
• configuration;
• manufacturing material.

The design form is a choice at the personal discretion of the owner of the kitchen, but at the same time, when you are going to change the appliance, it is advisable not to deviate from the overall picture of the kitchen interior. The faucet configuration must match the installation method.

Recall that there are two common ways to install kitchen faucets:

• wall;
• desktop.

As a rule, in the kitchen, desktop faucets are used, designed to be located on the laundry sink panel or the side of the sink. Wall-mounted ones are gradually going out of fashion or are being practiced as part of elite kitchen interiors.

For installation in the kitchen, faucets with two separate taps for regulating the water flow or devices with a lever-type mechanism are mainly used. The latest designs are considered more convenient and are rapidly gaining popularity.

Also, the owner of the kitchen, who decided to change the plumbing, is given the opportunity to choose from two types of appliances according to the method of controlling the water flow. One view - designs with two taps (herringbone) and another view - where water is mixed with one lever.

The material for the manufacture of mixing plumbing fixtures is usually silumin, brass, bronze, ceramics. Devices based on silumin are less durable than brass and others.

Silumin mixers can be distinguished by weight and market price (they are lighter and cheaper). It is more practical to choose brass, bronze, ceramic products. Their price is more expensive, but they will last much longer, so in the long run, such products look more economical.

Faucet Replacement Instructions

A detailed description of the steps for reinstalling mixing equipment will help you avoid mistakes if you decide to replace it for the first time.

Tool and mounting kit

Dismantling and installation of a traditional kitchen sink accessory is performed using the following plumbing tools:

• adjustable wrench - gas key first number;
• wrenches (10*12, 13*14);
• socket wrench with deep stock (10*12, 13*14);
• wire coarse brush,
• fluoroplastic tape - PTFE.

When solving the problem of how to replace or repair a faucet in the kitchen, the installer must have a complete installation set. This is a set of all necessary elements: gaskets, connecting hoses, nuts, screws, washers, etc., which are usually sold with the device.

The manufacturer supplements any set of kitchen faucet with instructions that indicate the sequence of installation of such a device.

To dismantle or mount a faucet in the kitchen, you will need a small set of plumbing tools. Every owner in the house should have such a set. It is useful not only for installation, but also in the process of plumbing maintenance.

In addition to the installation tool, you will need household accessories: rags, a bucket or a basin. Thanks to these objects, it is possible to minimize the spreading of water remaining in the pipelines when the dismantling process is carried out.

It is advisable to have a miniature flashlight, since usually the replacement of a desktop kitchen faucet is accompanied by work in dark conditions - under the sink, under the sink.

Dismantling the kitchen faucet

First of all, the water supply (cold, hot) to the mixer is stopped - the line taps on the pipes of the centralized supply are closed. After shutting off the lines, you need to open the mixer valves and make sure that no water flows. If there is a leak of water, this indicates wear.

In this case, you will first have to replace the taps on the water supply lines and only then continue working in the kitchen.

Before starting work on the dismantling / installation of plumbing in the kitchen, it is necessary to block the water supply through the hot and cold lines. After shutting off the shut-off valves, check the reliability of the blocking by opening the taps on the old mixer

In the absence of water leakage, dismantling work can be continued. Connecting flexible hoses (40-60 cm long) are located under the sink, which must be removed.

The flexible hose is attached to the centralized line with union nuts. It is convenient to unscrew them with an adjustable (gas) wrench. Flexible hoses are attached to the mixer body with tubular fittings. Here, to unscrew the fittings, you need a wrench 13 * 14 or 10 * 12, depending on the modification.

After the flexible hoses are disconnected, it is the turn to dismantle the mixing device itself. It is held on the sink thanks to two hex nuts and a special pressure washer.

The nuts are screwed onto two long studs about 50-60 mm long. Therefore, when replacing, it is most convenient to use a socket tubular wrench. The attachment point is located in the lower area of ​​the faucet, so working under the sink is a common practice in most cases.

When the screws are loosened, the support washer is removed from the studs, after which the mixer can be easily removed.

There are three types of water taps: valve taps, ball taps and the new generation – touch taps. Everything breaks. Major breakdowns require specialist craftsmen, but some minor breakdowns can be repaired with your own hands. Replacing a water tap with your own hands is a doable operation. Sometimes it is easier to replace plumbing fixtures than to repair them. However, not everything is so neglected. If you look into it, you can fix the plumbing in your favorite bathroom yourself.

What a variety of valves and mixers can now be found on the market or in a store. Everything looks so reliable and of high quality, but in fact after a month it starts to leak. For high-quality work, the faucet must have chrome-plated insides and very durable rubber gaskets. But inexpensive models do not have this. Therefore, if the faucet leaks or stops working, you need to know how to fix it, because buying a new one is not always affordable.

Each type and type of cranes has its own advantages:

• single valve - supply only hot or only cold water;
• two-valve – water is adjusted manually;
• single-lever ball – temperature and pressure adjustment by turning and pressing the lever;
• thermostatic - with a thermoelement for self-regulation of temperature;
• non-contact - adjustment is made by a mechanical rod.

Valve products

This type of plumbing is known to everyone. These taps were everywhere 10 years ago. Now they also meet, but not so often. Most often, on such types, whether single-valve or two-valve, the gaskets wear out. Replacing it is as easy as shelling pears. New valves often have a poorly fitting gasket. This is also not a problem. First of all, you need to turn off the water. On a pipe or on a riser. Take a wrench or, as a last resort, an adjustable wrench. Use it to unscrew the nut on the faucet valve and remove the handle.

The mechanism itself is lifted and the gasket is checked. If it is damaged, cracked, or too loose in place, then it needs to be replaced. It often happens that when turned on, it starts to make a lot of noise. When opened, it becomes clear that the gasket is large or has sharp, unsharpened edges. In this case, the edges must be trimmed with a knife along the entire circumference.

The gasket for the tap with cold water is made of rubber, and with hot water it is made of very thick leather. Sometimes the breakdown is that the faucet has stopped regulating the water pressure and temperature. Most likely, it was the thread of the axle box that was worn out. Repair (replacement) is also possible manually.

To do this, you need to place two rubber pads with a total thickness of 6 mm on the erased area. If it doesn't help, then you need to change the spindle. Sometimes faucet handles begin to leak. This is also a thread issue. In this case, you need to tighten the bushing more. If the thread is in order, you just need to put more sealant on the bushing seal. The threads are twisted slowly and carefully in the direction of the thread, while helping with a screwdriver. Screw everything back.

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Ball systems

They have a fairly simple design: inside there is a hollow ball, due to which water flows from the supply pipes. It is held in a cartridge with rubber seats, due to which the ball is securely fastened. It's also quite easy to fix. Leaking of such a faucet most often occurs due to clogging in the rubber seats around the ball. Even the smallest, microscopic particle of debris, rust or sand from the water supply pipes can ruin the rubber gasket and completely disable the ball valve.

In this case, you need to unscrew the tap and thoroughly rinse all the gaskets. However, you must also not forget that, most likely, you will have to change the cartridge. A change in pressure in such equipment is a consequence of poor adjustment of the rod or clogging of the aerator.

The shutter can be opened and cleaned.

If the pressure has not changed, then the valve must be disassembled down to the stem. By adjusting the rod, achieve the desired pressure.

And it is best to install filters on the pipes supplying hot and cold water to prevent clogging. Of course, they need to be changed and monitored, but this is better than changing gaskets and constantly disassembling the faucet. Basically, water tap repairs are carried out in the following sequence:

• close the levers or shut off the riser using a valve,
• use a hex key to loosen the retaining screw,
• remove the lever, dome and plastic part,

There are rubber seals along the way. They need to be replaced, repaired or washed. Remove the ball from the saddles.

There are cracks in the ball and scratches. In this case, a replacement is necessary, i.e. repair:

• seats and springs, if necessary, replace,
• install the seals, having previously lubricated them with special lubricant,
• install and assemble the updated faucet.

When making such repairs, you need to remember that if the faucet is inexpensive, then the quality of the material leaves much to be desired. And therefore it must be handled very carefully.

There is also a touch option. However, the touchless faucet has an overly complex design. For leaks or other common problems, call a professional. Do the same when it doesn’t work out. Good luck!

Replacing a faucet usually means a complete replacement of the mixer (faucets are just valves). The reason for replacement can be very different, for example the need to remove something that is very outdated or broken. Replacing a water faucet, although it requires some manual dexterity, is still not an activity that cannot be carried out without the involvement of experts.

Let's look at how to change the faucet yourself. Moreover, the technology will be approximately the same for both the bathroom and the kitchen (adjusted for some technical features).

1. Turn off the water. This is not a replacement of pipes; there is no need to shut off the water in the entire riser; it is enough to close the valves that are located directly in front of the supply hoses.

2. Disconnect the supply hoses. If you plan to replace them too, you need to disconnect them from the pipeline. If you plan to leave them, then you need to disconnect them from the faucet tail. Please note that the bathroom faucet may not have supply hoses. Instead, it can be directly connected to the pipe terminals in the wall. By unscrewing the fixing nut of this connection (using an adjustable wrench), you will immediately remove the mixer.

3. In kitchen faucets, as a rule, it is necessary to unscrew the nut that secures the faucet to the sink. After this, it can be removed. If the faucet is very old and you have problems unscrewing the nuts, you can try dripping a little oil into the open thread or lengthening the wrench lever.

4. Having pulled out the tap, check the hole in which it was located. If necessary, clean it and remove old seals. As for the taps mounted directly on the wall pipe bends, it is also worth checking the condition of these bends, cleaning the threads from plaque and old sealant.

5. A new faucet is installed in the sink hole (with a mandatory sealing gasket). The fixing nut is tightened. The faucet in the bathroom is also attached to the pipeline outlets, and is screwed with fixing nuts (there are two of them, since the faucet is attached to two points - to the pipes with cold and hot water). If necessary, before tightening the fasteners, additional insulation in the form of a tape insulator can be applied to the joint (it does not interfere with the function of the thread and ensures high tightness).
Please note that your new faucet may have a slightly different distance between the inlet (aka mounting) channels, which would seem to make installation more difficult. However, as a rule, special adapters are installed on the pipe outlets, by rotating which you can change the distance between the outlet pipes, which will make it easy to connect almost any mixer. If there were no such adapters, they are sold in every hardware store (eccentric pipe).