Do you have a dripping mixer tap? Want to learn how to fix it yourself ?
This article is made for you!
Mixer taps, like any other plumbing equipment, can start to leak sooner or later. At that precise moment, it is important to act quickly to limit the damage that a leak can cause. The simplest solution is to repair it.
If you don't know how to do it, don't worry, we will teach you to:
- Disassemble your mixer tap
- Repair your mixer tap
- Clean your mixer tap
Prepare the toolbox and let's get started on repairing your mixer tap.
Let's begin!
Why is a mixer tap leaking?
There are several possible causes for a leak on a mixer tap. The most common are the following:
- Worn seals: The rubber seals in the mixer tap can degrade over time due to regular use, corrosion, or limescale buildup. The seals can then lose their watertightness and cause a water leak.
- Defective cartridge: The cartridge is an important part of the mixer tap that controls the flow and temperature of the water. If it is damaged or worn, it can cause a leak.
- Loose nut: If the nut holding the mixer tap in place is not tightened enough, it can cause a leak.
- Defective shut-off valve: The shut-off valve is the part that cuts off the water supply to the mixer tap. If it is defective, it can cause a leak.
- Blockage: A blockage in the mixer tap can also cause a leak. For example, a small object stuck in the cartridge or a buildup of limescale can prevent the mixer tap from working properly and cause a leak.
How to proceed with repairing a mixer tap?
Now that you know why your mixer tap is dripping, let's move on to its repair. This operation can naturally differ fromone mixer to another, but here, we will look at the basics of a classic and simple repair.
1. Turn off the water supply
Before starting any plumbing operation, it is important to turn off the water supply to avoid any risk of flooding or water damage. You can usually find the shut-off valve near where the mixer is located or near the water meter.
The shut-off valve is often located under the sink or washbasin, or in the cabinet of the bathroom. It is important to know the location of the shut-off valve before undertaking any plumbing repair.
2. Unscrew the mixer button
To repair a leaking mixer, it is usually necessary to unscrew the mixer button to access the internal components of the faucetThe mixer button may be held in place by a screw or simply snapped on.
- In the first case: you will need to use a screwdriver to unscrew the screw that holds the button in place.
- In the second case: you can remove the button by pulling it easily towards you with your hands or by using pliers or a similar tool to help safely remove the button.
Once the button is removed, you should be able to access the internal components of the mixer, such as the cartridge, to repair or replace them if necessary.
3. Remove the cartridge
If you have diagnosed that the cartridge is the cause of your mixer tap's leak, you will need to remove it to replace it. To remove the cartridge, it is often necessary to remove the retaining collar that holds it in place, as well as the screw that secures the cartridge.
You can usually remove the collar by unscrewing it with an adjustable wrench or pliers, then remove the screw with a screwdriver. Once you have removed the collar and the screw, you can remove the mixer tap cartridge by gently pulling it towards you.
It is important to note that the exact steps to remove the cartridge may vary depending on the model and manufacturer of the mixer tap, so it is recommended to consult the manual instructions or look for specific instructions online for your mixer tap model.
4. Replace the seals
If you have diagnosed that worn seals are the cause of your mixer tap's leak, you will need to replace them to fix the leak. The seals are usually found inside the cartridge, but they can also be located in other parts of the mixer tap, such as the base of the faucet or the fittings.
To replace the seals, you will need to disassemble the mixer tap, remove the worn seals, then install new rubber seals in their place. It is important to ensure that the new seals are the correct size and type for your specific mixer.
You can often find sets of seals replacement parts in hardware stores or DIY shops.
5. Clean the cartridge
Sometimes, the cause of a mixer leak can simply be a limescale deposit, limescale or dirt on the cartridge, which prevents the cartridge from functioning properly.
In this case, you can clean the cartridge to solve the problem. To clean the cartridge, you will first need to remove it from the mixer by following the appropriate steps for your mixer model.
Once you have removed the cartridge, you can use a toothbrush or a soft brush to gently scrub the surface of the cartridge and remove any deposits. You can also use a cleaning product to remove stubborn deposits.
Make sure to rinse the cartridge well before putting it back in place. If the cartridge is damaged, it is better to replace it rather than clean it.
6. Reassemble the mixer
Once you have replaced the faulty internal components or cleaned the cartridge, you can reassemble the mixer tap in reverse order in the order in which you disassembled it.
It is important to ensure that all parts are properly positioned and secured in place before restoring the water supply and using the the mixer tap. Make sure that all the screws and clamps are tightened properly to prevent any future leaks.
When you reassemble the mixer tap, you can also take the opportunity to lubricate the moving parts with faucet grease. This will help extend the life of the mixer tap and prevent leaks in the future.
What to do if the mixer tap leak persists?
We have now reached the conclusion of this article on the repair of a mixer tap. You now know the different steps to follow to repair a dripping mixer tap as well as the various reasons that can cause a leak.
However, if the leak persists, it is advised that you call a plumbing professional who will be better able to repair your mixer tap. Otherwise, you can also take this opportunity to replace and change the style of the mixer tap for your home.
