Is the cartridge of your mixer tap looking broken? Do you no longer remember when the last maintenance of your thermostatic cartridge was?
Then this article will help you!
The mixer tap is simply the faucet, which mixes the water, that is to say, makes it come out hot or cold. It is an household device that is absolutely essential and is mainly useful for your bathroom. The thermostatic cartridge is a part that must be installed inside the mixer tap, as it controls both the flow of water and also maintains its temperature.
Therefore, it must keep these features even if the water supplies are hot or cold. A cartridge that no longer works means a faucet that no longer obeys you… and we all know: it is a truly unpleasant experience.
That is why in this article, we will see:
- What are the main signs of a broken mixer tap cartridge ?
- Do water leaks warn about the cartridge?
- Do flow problems necessarily mean that the thermostatic cartridge is broken?
- Does the temperature give information about the reliability of the cartridge?
So now, let’s start right away!
What are the signs of a broken thermostatic cartridge?
There are different signs that will allow you to determine if a thermostatic cartridge no longer works. The mixer tap of a shower or a faucet will not work well at all if its cartridge is broken.
Since its role is absolutely essential, a cartridge that no longer works means a faucet that will not properly serve its purpose… and you want to avoid that at all costs! Thus, it is absolutely fundamental to see how it is possible to detect the first symptoms of a cartridge malfunction in the mixer tap.
This will allow you to know whether to consider a repair or replacement, or if it is your mixer tap that has a problem! So let’s start right away by defining the different signs of a damaged cartridge:
1. Water leak problem
A leaking faucet is always a bad sign. If your faucet leaks, it may be that your thermostatic cartridge is broken… Very likely indeed. In fact, it is somewhat the last sign of the problem.
The water leak often indicates a completely broken cartridge, in other words: it is high time to completely change your mixer tap.
2. Temperature problem
If the water coming out of your faucet is not at the right temperature, wait a few seconds: sometimes, it is simply the mixer tap working to balance the chosen temperature with the one arriving at the faucet.
However, if after some time, the water coming out still does not match the chosen temperature, then it may be a problem… To check, simply activate the thermostatic cartridge function by moving the mixer tap handle to each side.
3. Flow problem
If the water coming out of your faucet flows too weakly or too strongly, and you cannot adjust its flow intensity, then the cartridge may be at fault.
Flow problems are truly troublesome, as they can literally prevent you from taking a shower, cooking or even just pouring yourself a glass of water… The flow problem does not necessarily mean a broken cartridge: it can be due to other elements, including a mixer tap that does not work properly, or a somewhat weak water supply.
How to prevent the mixer tap cartridge from breaking down?
After seeing the 3 common problems related to the mixer tap cartridge, we now need to see how to avoid these problems. Since the thermostatic cartridge is directly exposed to strong temperature changes, it is a highly exposed part and therefore requires proper installation.
Let’s see how to install or repair your mixer tap cartridge.
1. Properly fix your cartridge
First of all, you should know that a leak or flow problem can come from a poorly fixed cartridge. It may have been badly installed, or simply shifted over time.
You will therefore need to take apart the mixer tap to check that the cartridge is properly installed. With the manual and a screwdriver, you should be able to do this, but if you are not sure: ask a professional.
2. Maintain your thermostatic cartridge
Since sometimes the problem really comes from maintenance, it is better that you learn to disassemble your mixer tap yourself. This will allow you to check that everything is fine and know how to react as soon as you see a problem, whatever it is.
To maintain your cartridge (and by extension your mixer tap), you just need to take good care of it. To do this, start by removing the thermostatic cartridge located inside the mixer tap, then descale it with a product specially made for this purpose.
After that, you can also put your cartridge in a bath of white vinegar : this will help clean your cartridge even more deeply. Once these steps are done, put your cartridge back into the mixer tap: you will see if the method was effective or not.
3. Replace your thermostatic cartridge
When all these tips do not work, and your mixer tap still does not seem to be working properly, it is possible that the cartridge is defective. But a defective cartridge does not necessarily mean you must replace it at all costs.
You can already maintain it properly and give it its vinegar bath, descaling and cleaning. If the system still does not work, then you will need to call a specialist. We recommend this because the problem may come from somewhere other than your cartridge.
If the diagnosis is that your cartridge is broken, then you will need to replace it. Nothing could be simpler for you, since you have learned to disassemble your mixer tap! Properly fix your thermostatic cartridge by tightening it well, and normally, the water should flow at an ideal temperature, at the flow rate you have chosen!
Properly maintain your thermostatic cartridge to avoid having to replace it!
In the end, you have learned in this article the main points to know about the mixer tap cartridge. You now know the 3 symptoms of a thermostatic cartridge that is out of order, and you also understand the urgency and relevance of each of these signs.
Indeed, a water leak is urgent, but a flow problem does not necessarily mean the cartridge is out of order. Likewise, you now know how to disassemble your mixer tap to maintain and replace your thermostatic cartridge…
So, all that remains is to wish you good luck!
