Mixing taps are present in millions of French households, and it is essential to ensure regular maintenance to avoid potential leaks and guarantee their proper functioning. For those who wish to carry out these tasks themselves, we have prepared this comprehensive guide on the various repair tools necessary to address any type of problem related to your taps. Haven't bought yours yet? Discover a wide selection of mixers (kitchen / shower / bath) on our shop.
Different types of problems encountered with mixing taps
Before embarking on their repairs, it is important to identify the common problems that can affect mixing taps. These include:
- Leak at the spout or base: this can be caused by wear and tear of the seals and internal mechanical elements;
- Malfunction of flow and temperature control: this problem is generally manifested by unexpected temperature fluctuations during use;
- Leak at the water supply hose: this can be due to improper tightening of the fittings or deterioration of the sealing joints between the different parts.
Essential tools for maintaining and repairing a mixing tap
In order to solve problems related to plumbing, various repair tools are necessary:
- Adjustable wrench: this tool is used to tighten and loosen the nuts that secure the tap to the sink or basin;
- Screwdriver: it will be useful for disassembling certain parts of the tap as well as adjusting certain internal mechanisms;
- Adjustable pliers: this versatile pliers will allow you to hold parts in place during tightening or loosen fittings;
- Seal kits: these kits contain various types of sealing joints to replace those that have been damaged;
- Special plumbing lubricant: this product will help ensure the proper functioning of the internal mechanisms of your mixer.
Specific tools for particular models of mixers
Some manufacturers also offer tools specifically adapted to their products. These tools greatly facilitate maintenance and repair operations:
- Special cartridge wrenches: they can be essential for disassembling and reassembling cartridges without damaging them;
- Disassembly and adjustment tools: some brands design specific tools to facilitate access and disassembly of the internal parts of their mixer as well as to adjust settings as needed.
The 5 steps for repairing a mixing tap
Now that you have identified your problem and gathered your tools, it's time to proceed with the repair. Here is the process to follow:
- Turn off the water supply: before any intervention, remember to close the shut-off valves located on the hot and cold water supply pipes to avoid any risk of unexpected leaks;
- Remove the external elements of the mixer: remove the covers, handles, and buttons to access the internal parts;
- Check and replace the seals: if you have detected a leak, check the condition of the various sealing joints and replace them if necessary with those in the seal kit;
- Adjust or replace the mechanical elements: tighten the nuts, check the condition of the cartridge and replace it if defective, adjust the stop (if equipped) to obtain the desired temperature;
- Assemble everything and check: once all the components have been inspected and corrected, reassemble the mixer following the reverse procedure of disassembly and then reopen the water supply to check if everything is functioning correctly.
Our 3 tips to facilitate the repair of your tap
Here are some additional tips that can help you successfully complete your repairs:
- Work with caution: to avoid further damage to your mixer, handle it carefully and do not use excessive force;
- Identify your parts and seals: when disassembling, place your elements next to each other on a cloth or non-slip mat to keep each element in view;
- Do not hesitate to consult online tutorials: many videos are available to guide you through each of the steps according to the model of your mixer.
Repairing mixing taps is an operation accessible to all those who have a few basic tools, and it can significantly extend the lifespan of these fixtures. Of course, if you do not feel comfortable with these tasks, it is always possible to call on a professional plumber to perform this repair for you.
