The cartridge of your mixer seems to be faulty? You don't remember when was the last maintenance of your thermostatic cartridge?
Then this article will help you!
The mixer is actually just the tap, which will therefore mix the water, that is to say, make it come out hot or cold. It is an absolutely essential household appliance that is useful mainly for your bathroom. The thermostatic cartridge is a device that must be installed in the mixer, because it controls both the water flow, but also maintains its temperature.
Therefore, it must maintain these characteristics even if the water supply is hot or cold. A cartridge that no longer works is a tap that no longer obeys you... and we all know: it's a really unpleasant experience.
That's why in this article, we will see:
- What are the main signs of a faulty mixer cartridge?
- Do water leaks alert about the cartridge?
- Do flow problems necessarily mean that the thermostatic cartridge is faulty?
- Does the temperature indicate the reliability of the cartridge?
So now, let's get started right away!
What are the signs of a faulty thermostatic cartridge?
There are different signs that will allow you to determine if a thermostatic cartridge is no longer working. The mixer of a shower or a tap will not work well at all if its cartridge is faulty.
Since its role is absolutely essential, a cartridge that no longer works is a tap that will not perform its role properly... and you want to avoid that at all costs! Thus, it is absolutely fundamental to see how it is possible to detect the first signs of malfunction of a cartridge in the mixer.
This will allow you to know whether to consider a repair or replacement, or if it's your mixer that has a problem! Let's start right away to define the different signs of a damaged cartridge:
1. Water leak problem
A leaking tap is always a bad sign. If your tap is leaking, it may be that your thermostatic cartridge is faulty... Or very likely. In fact, it's a bit of a last sign of the problem.
The water leak often indicates a completely faulty cartridge, in other words: it's high time to completely change your mixer.
2. Temperature problem
If the water coming out of your tap is not at the right temperature, wait a few seconds: sometimes, it's simply the mixer working to harmonize the chosen temperature with the one coming into the tap.
On the other hand, if after a certain time, the water coming out still does not correspond to the chosen temperature, then it may be a problem... To check, simply activate the function of the thermostatic cartridge by triggering the mixer on each side.
3. Flow problem
In the case where the water coming out of your tap flows too weakly or too intensely, and you cannot adjust its flow intensity, then the cartridge may be at fault.
The flow problems are really annoying, as they can literally prevent you from taking a shower, from cooking or even from pouring yourself a simple glass of water... The flow problem does not necessarily imply a faulty cartridge: it can be due to other elements, including a mixer that is not working properly, or a slightly weak water supply.
How to prevent the mixer cartridge from failing?
After having seen the 3 classic problems related to the mixer cartridge, it is now necessary to see how it is possible to avoid these problems. Since the thermostatic cartridge is directly in contact with strong temperature variations, it is a highly exposed element and therefore requires proper installation.
Let's see how to install or repair your mixer cartridge.
1. Properly fix your cartridge
First of all, it is important to know that a leak or flow problem can come from a poorly fixed cartridge. It is possible that it was poorly installed, or simply that it has shifted over time.
You will therefore need to disassemble the mixer to check that the cartridge is correctly installed. With the instructions and a screwdriver, you should be able to do it, but if you're not sure: ask a professional.
2. Maintain your thermostatic cartridge
Since sometimes the problem really comes from maintenance, it is preferable that you learn to disassemble your mixer yourself. This will allow you to check that everything is fine and to know how to react as soon as you see that there is a problem, no matter what it is.
In order to maintain your cartridge (and by extension your mixer), all you have to do is maintain it properly. To do this, start by removing the thermostatic cartridge located inside the mixer, then descale it with a product specially designed for this purpose.
After that, you can also put your cartridge in a white vinegar bath: this will help to clean your cartridge even more deeply. Once these steps are done, put your cartridge back in the mixer: you will see if the method has been effective, or not.
3. Replace your thermostatic cartridge
When all these tips don't work, and your mixer still doesn't seem to be working properly, it's possible that the cartridge is defective. But a defective cartridge is not a sign that it must be replaced at all costs.
You can already maintain it properly, and give it its white vinegar bath, descaling and cleaning. If the system still doesn't work, then you will need to call in a specialist. We recommend this because the problem may come from elsewhere than your cartridge.
If the diagnosis is that your cartridge is faulty, then you will need to replace it. Nothing simpler for you, since you have learned to disassemble your mixer! 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!
Finally, you have learned in this article what are the main points to know concerning the mixer cartridge. You now know what the 3 symptoms of a faulty thermostatic cartridge are, and you also know the urgency and relevance of each of these signs.
Indeed, a water leak is urgent, but the flow problem does not necessarily indicate that the cartridge is faulty. Similarly, you now know how to disassemble your mixer to maintain and replace your thermostatic cartridge...
So, all that's left is to wish you good luck!
