Faucets with crosshead handles
When a faucet starts to leak, it is usually just the gasket that needs replacing. See the first image. Start with turning the water off, both the cold water pipe and the hot water pipe. Then follow these steps to easily replace the gasket (in ceramic or rubber) in a mixer with old-style crosshead handles.
- Thread out the ring in the middle of the crosshead, in this case with white details.
- Under that ring, a screw is found which you need to unscrew.
- Lift off the handle.
- Unscrew the cover that is threaded on the tap gasket.
- Using a suitable tool, thread out the existing gasket and replace with a new one.
- Then assemble the mixer in reverse order.
One-handle faucets
If you have a leaky one-handle mixer, it is usually the cartouche (the valve that adjusts temperature and flow) that needs replacing. See the other picture. Like all mechanical installations, this valve also becomes worn over time. It can also depend on how much lime there is in the water at your place. The lime can block and tear the mixer's internal gaskets after haing been used year in and year out. Start by turning off the water. Then replace the cartouche like this:
- Remove the index tray. Some can be unscrewed, for others you need a narrow tool to gently wiggle it.
- Unscrew the screw you find below.
- Lift off the handle.
- Unscrew the cover.
- Use a suitable tool to loosen the screw nut.
- Pull the cartouche straight out and replace it with a new one.
- Assemble in reverse order.
