How to remove the faucet from the mixer

The mixer consists of several elements, each of which plays an important role in the performance of the entire plumbing fixture. One of these elements is the crane axle box. It is responsible for supplying water, regulating temperature and flow in general. All these processes can be carried out by simply rotating the valve.

Single-lever and double-lever faucets have brass fittings, which over time become covered with corrosion and plaque. Because of this, the equipment becomes unusable. Today’s material is devoted to how to repair a faulty part with your own hands.

What types of crane axle boxes are there?

This mixer element comes in two types: with a gasket and a rod or with ceramic moving plates. They differ from each other in the following aspects:

1. With stock. It moves due to the worm stroke and closes the valve hole with a rubber plug. When the gasket begins to rust, it can easily be replaced with a new one, since its cost is very low. The disadvantages of this type of device include the fact that the gasket will have to be replaced very often, since it very quickly becomes unusable.
2. Crane axle box with ceramic discs. In such a mechanism, you do not need to rotate the valve to open the tap, since it has one handle, which just needs to be turned to one side. The design of such a mechanism is not complicated: the rod is equipped with a disk with a hole, and the second disk (with exactly the same hole) is installed so that it is stationary. Just a slight turn of the handle is enough.

In theory, if the ceramic discs (in the second option) are broken, they can be replaced. Although it is worth noting that they very rarely fail, and replacing the crane axle box itself is much easier than replacing disks.

Reference. If we compare the first and second options, then the cost of a plumbing product with a ceramic faucet axle will be slightly more expensive. However, this product is distinguished by its convenience and increased comfort during operation, as well as a long service life.

If we talk about the disadvantages of the second option, then a ceramic product does not work well in hard water, in which there are many different solid particles, since they have an abrasive effect on the discs, thereby accelerating the destruction process, and this leads to leaks and repairs.

Before replacing the crane axle box, you will first need to select and purchase a new device. Sometimes you can make a mistake and purchase the wrong item. To prevent this from happening, it is recommended to remove the old element and take it with you. This way you can choose exactly the part you need.

This should be done because different elements are installed in each mixer. They differ in characteristics: thread length and pitch, size of the seating area for the valve, etc.At any retail outlet, the seller will help you make the right choice based on the sample that you took with you.

How to remove a faucet from a kitchen faucet

To dismantle the faucet axle box and carry out any other work on repairing the mixer, first turn off the water. Sometimes to perform this manipulation you will need to shut off the riser (for example, if there are no taps in the apartment). To make sure that you have turned off the water, open both taps a little (this manipulation will never be superfluous).

After that, take a screwdriver (preferably flat) and an adjustable wrench (size zero will do). Remove the flywheel; to do this, remove the cover plates and unscrew the screw. This way you open access to the stem.

The work plan will be as follows: before removing the crane axle box, loosen the lock nuts (use an adjustable wrench), then unscrew the crane box itself. To unscrew the rod, it must be rotated counterclockwise.

Now the crane axle box can be easily removed. As you can see, there is nothing complicated about this, which means you can perform these manipulations yourself without calling a master plumber, which will ultimately save your budget.

How to install a new crane axle box with your own hands

To install a new element, all of the above manipulations must be performed in reverse order, which will also not cause any difficulties.

Important! Remember - when installing a ceramic faucet, do not tighten it until it stops. This is strictly prohibited. You'll just break the disks that way. All you need to do is screw it tightly into the mixer and tighten the lock nut a little.

How to unscrew a faucet if it is stuck

As you can see, dismantling a crane axle box is not so difficult if you know how it works and listen to the advice of professionals. But if she is stuck, then it will be much more difficult to do this. There are several ways to perform this manipulation.

So let's take a closer look at each of them.

Chemistry

Apply WD-40 or another special plumbing product to the stuck part (vinegar will also work). Afterwards you need to wait a few hours.

Before dismantling, carefully wipe the part with a dry cloth and remove it. It will not be superfluous to boil the already removed part in a solution of water and soda for 20 minutes. This will help remove plaque that could have formed inside the crane box itself.

Thermal method

It is important to remember that you should only use it when chemicals or vinegar have not helped. All elements of the mixer should be treated with a hair dryer. Thanks to it, you heat the thread until the bolt moves.

Reference. Almost all faucet elements are made of different materials, so they have different degrees of expansion.

Tapping

This option is suitable if you are dismantling light-alloy crane axle boxes. There are no difficulties in this method. It is enough to lightly tap the mixer body along the threads. It is best to strike with a mallet or rubber hammer. In this simple way, you will remove all limescale deposits, and the jammed element can be easily dismantled.

Rocking the bolt

It should be used only when the edges of the bolt have been worn away. You need to grab it tightly with a pipe wrench and swing it until it breaks.The movements must be made carefully, without excessive effort, since this can only break the part.

Drilling

The latest option. It is considered a last resort and is used only in cases where none of the above options helped. The part where the bolt protrudes needs to be cut off (this is best done with a grinder or a hacksaw). Then use a drill to drill out the remaining parts.

At first glance, it may seem that unscrewing the valve axle and changing it is a difficult task. However, after studying the mechanisms and design of this part, you will be able to solve it yourself.