Step-by-step instructions for installing a mixer on a kitchen sink
Sometimes a mistake is made - instead of a product for the kitchen, one is bought that is suitable for the bathroom sink. The kitchen faucet always has a high swivel spout, and the water jet from the nozzle is directed perpendicular to the bottom of the sink.
In accordance with the laws of ergonomics, the most suitable option would be a ball mixer, which allows you to open and regulate the temperature of the water with almost one finger. The body of the mixers is made mainly of brass and simulin, covered with chrome or enamel.
On a note. A brass mixer is more expensive, but its service life is longer than similar products from simulin.
Of course, in order to install the mixer, you can invite a plumber, but it is quite possible to do this work yourself if you have a minimum set of tools:
- Socket wrench and open-end wrench (10 and 11 mm).
- Open-end wrench (22 and 24 mm).
- Gas key.
- Adjustable wrench.
- Screwdriver.
Installing a new kitchen faucet on the sink will take no more than fifteen minutes, and if a replacement is made, the time taken will depend on the degree of corrosion on the docking joints.
Preparatory work
The first step is to block the access of cold and hot water to the mixer with valves, which are usually located in the area of the riser. Then it is necessary to relieve the residual pressure by opening the valves of the mixer and disconnect the flexible hoses from the pipes with an adjustable wrench.
In order to remove the sink, you must first disconnect the sewer siphon by unscrewing the locking nut.
Next, you need to carefully remove the sink from the cabinet, after removing the fixing screws. The mixer can be attached to the sink with one large nut screwed onto the thread of the mixer. Or it can be held on one or two threaded rods screwed into the mixer body and secured with one or two small nuts (through a horseshoe-shaped fixing washer).
If the threaded connections are covered with corrosion or oxide, it will be very problematic to unscrew them. It is necessary to use anti-corrosion lubricant WD-40, and in the absence of such, you can use vinegar concentrate. It is necessary to apply it to the places of threaded connections and after half an hour proceed to dismantle the mixer.
Advice. If the use of chemistry did not give positive results, then the last option remains: carefully, so as not to damage the sink, cut off the nut with a grinder.
Mixer hoses
Important. You should not try to install used hoses, as over time the rubber loses its elasticity, small cracks appear that are invisible under the metal braid, and the products will not last long.
Mixer installation
Before installing the mixer on the sink, you should carefully read the instructions in the package. This must be done for the reason that it was written specifically for this model, that is, some changes can be made. The assembly is carried out in the following order:
- First, flexible hoses are installed on the mixer, which are sequentially screwed in by hand along the thread until they stop, then tightened with a wrench about two turns.
Remember. It is not necessary to tighten the elements too much for the reason that the integrity of the rubber sealing ring can be violated.
Then a large O-ring is installed on the mixer - a connection unit with a sink, you just need to thread it through the hoses
The mixer prepared in this way is installed in the technological opening of the sink.
- First option. Fastening with one nut.
- Second option. Fastening with threaded rods.
Mixer connection
The sink is installed in place and secured with screws.
Before connecting the mixer, the threaded pipe connection must be cleaned of rust and dirt with a wire brush. Make sure there is a rubber O-ring in the seat.
At the end of the work, all threaded connections are checked. It is necessary to open the shut-off valves in advance, in case of leaks, it is necessary to tighten the connection parts. If pulling the threaded connection does not correct the problem, then the rubber gasket should be checked and replaced.
A warning. When connecting hoses, remember that the cold water tap is on the right, and the hot tap is on the left. The handle of the ball mixer, turned to the right, opens cold water, and turned to the left, hot water.
Carefully inspect the end of the pipe threaded joint for possible burrs that do not provide a snug fit to the rubber gasket. You can remove them with a file.
