How to repair a faucet box for the mixer yourself: simple instructions

The faucet in the kitchen is perhaps the most used device in the house. And, accordingly, breakdowns often happen to him. The reason that he lets water through when closed is the failure of the faucet box for the mixer, which, in order to avoid unnecessary costs, can be repaired with your own hands.

Crane-box: description and purpose

What is a crane box? This is a small but very important part of the mixer, with the help of which water is supplied and closed, hot or cold. The basis of the axlebox is a metal rod and sealed gaskets. The latter can be of two types: rubber or with movable ceramic plates. Based on this, there are two main types of crane-boxes - ceramic and having rubber inserts.

Two types of crane boxes: with ceramic gaskets and rubber

Ceramic box crane is considered the most reliable. Thanks to it, you can open the water for half a turn of the mixer flywheel. The design is based on a frame with two ceramic plates with holes fixed to it. These plates are located in special recesses. When turning the tap, the holes align or diverge, respectively, either giving the way to water, or blocking it.

The axle box with rubber inserts that wear out quickly is less reliable. And in order for water to flow from the tap, you need to make a lot of revolutions with a valve. The part consists of a worm rod attached to the flywheel on one side, while the other side is limited by a rubber gasket. The principle of operation is simple - with a rubber insert, the water supply is shut off and the flow force is coordinated.

We repair a ceramic crane box

The ceramic crane-box that has become unusable can be repaired by purchasing the necessary parts, or completely replacing it. Moreover, experts advise the latter option, which will take less time.

Reasons for repair may include the following:

• Ceramic plates were worn out. Their failure occurs infrequently, and the replacement of individual plates is a difficult and time-consuming operation, it is much easier to buy the whole part and put it.
• Foreign objects got into the space between the plates. In order to minimize such cases, it is advisable to install devices for cleaning water from impurities.
• A thread has been developed between the stem and the crane body. In this case, the entire part changes completely.

Before proceeding with the repair or replacement of the crane box, it is necessary to shut off the water supply in the apartment or house and prepare the necessary minimum of tools: screwdrivers (flat and cross), pliers, gas and cap wrenches.

Repair Preparation

To begin with, remove the flywheel from the axle box. To get to it, in the valve valve remove the colored decorative plug. Next, remove the flywheel by pulling it up. There is a bolt under the flywheel, turning out which you can remove the valve. Often, this requires the use of force, since water is constantly in contact with the parts of the mixer, and oxide forms on the metal, fastening the parts better than any glue. After removing the valve, first clean the thread and handwheel. Then we unscrew the decorative insert of the crane, using a ring wrench with a head at 17.

We remove the crane box in stages

Tip: in order not to scratch the surface of the tap when using the gas wrench, you can make a kind of gasket from a piece of dense fabric between the tap and the tool. But it is better to use a spanner.

At this stage, access to the box is already open. Using an adjustable wrench, counterclockwise, holding the mixer, unscrew the crane box. After that, be sure to clean the threads of the mixer, for which you can use the cord brush.

Further, if it is planned to replace the ceramic axle box, then we produce it in the reverse order and with utmost care. Tighten the screws gently so that the ceramic plates do not crack. The new axle box will fit into place without problems if the thread has been cleaned correctly.

Tip: the threads of the axlebox must be treated with waterproof grease so that the next time it can be removed without problems.

If there is no need to replace the entire axle box, then it can be repaired.

Situation 1: gasket wear

Deterioration of a ceramic laying in a crane box

Almost all problems leading to leaks are caused by wear on the silicone gasket. In the event that such a circumstance occurred, and the gasket seemed to be “hooked” in one place, it can be replaced. Or "repair." The mechanism of work is as follows: we unscrew the axle box from the crane and increase the height of the gasket. To do this, apply silicone to it with a thin layer. After returning the axle box in place.

Situation 2: getting between the plates of foreign elements

Any foreign particles, such as grains of sand, getting between the plates, violate the tightness of the axle boxes and lead to leakage. Here we act as follows: we unscrew the crane box and disassemble it. Ceramic plates are thoroughly cleaned and treated with a grease with water resistance. Next, return the axle box in place.

Important: ceramic plates must not be turned over during repairs! Because during the work, they got used to each other.

Case 3: chips on the surface of ceramic plates

In this case, building height will not help. The way out will be the replacement of both plates, but also with minor damage, their grinding is also possible. You can produce it with a simple pencil rod (always soft), then you should grind the plate.

Chip ceramic tiles in the axle box

Situation: erasing a plastic washer

Erasing the washer leads to the fact that the silicone gasket presses on the ceramic plates with the wrong force, and they do not press properly against each other. The way out is to put an additional sealant (for example, a layer of electrical tape) under the gasket or replace the plastic washer.

How to fix a crane box with rubber inserts

To repair such a part in most cases means replacing the rubber gasket. To do this, according to the scheme described above, disassemble the crane and unscrew the axle box. After changing the gasket and collect the tap. It will not be superfluous to clean all parts and threads.

Instructions for removing the rubber gasket from the crane axle box

Tip: before you go to the store to buy new parts, do not forget to bring a broken crane box with you. Sellers will help with the selection of suitable spare parts, while it is easy to make a mistake yourself, for example, with the diameter of the gasket.

Video: practical repair tips

If a tap leak has occurred in the house, do not panic and call the plumbers to the house. Repair crane box or its replacement can be easily done with your own hands. So you can significantly save your budget and feel like a master of the situation.