How to Ready a Leaky Faucet

Fix a dripping kitchen faucet with replacement parts.

Time

An hour or less

Complication

Beginner

Cost

Less than $20

Introduction

You tin prepare most whatever drippy single-lever kitchen faucet in near an hour. We'll prove you how. The repair is a lot easier than you might think, even for a plumbing novice.

Tools Required

Materials Required

  • Faucet repair kit
  • O-ring seals

Doing your ain faucet repair may seem daunting, but once you larn the basics, modernistic faucets are adequately easy to repair. In fact, the hardest footstep to fix a leaky faucet is ordinarily finding the right replacement parts. In this article, we'll tell you how to find replacement parts and show yous how to stop spout drips on the three main types of single-lever faucets: rotary ball, cartridge and ceramic disc. We're showing kitchen faucets and kitchen faucet repair for a dripping faucet, merely you can ready most single-lever bath faucets using the same procedures. We'll also evidence you how to stop leaks around the base of the spout and set up leaking faucets.

The tools you lot'll need for this how to set a leaky faucet project vary a little depending on the faucet you're repairing. Yous'll probably need an Allen wrench to remove the handle. Buy a set of pocket-size Allen wrenches and you'll exist prepared for all kinds of leaking faucets. Most repairs as well crave screwdrivers and a pair of large skid-joint pliers.

Projection step-by-step (18)

Step 1

Rotary Ball Faucet Anatomy

  • The diagram below shows the parts and assembly of a rotary ball faucet.
    • Note: We recommend that you buy a repair kit that includes the ball, springs, seats and O-rings for the spout, too every bit a small repair tool. With this kit, yous'll exist prepared for almost any repair.

Stride 2

Loosen the Allen Screw

  • Then turn off the water supply to the dripping faucet.
  • Lift the handle and pry off the decorative comprehend to expose the Allen spiral.
  • Turn the screw counterclockwise until it'due south loose enough to lift the handle upwards from the stem.
    • Annotation: If water is leaking out around the base of operations of the faucet handle, you may be able to fix the leak by removing the handle and merely tightening the adjusting ring slightly. Turn it clockwise with the spanner tool included in the repair kit. If the faucet drips from the end of the spout, replace the seats and springs.

Step 3

Remove the Cap

  • Unscrew the cap by turning information technology counterclockwise with a slip-joint pliers.

Pace iv

Remove the Rotary Brawl

  • Lift off the plastic cam and packing.
  • Lift out the brawl and inspect it.
  • Supervene upon the ball if it'due south scratched, cracked or visibly worn.

Pace 5

Remove and Supersede the Seats and Springs

  • Lift out the 2 rubber seats and springs with a screwdriver.
  • Drop the new springs in the recesses and press the new rubber seats over the pinnacle with your fingertip.
  • Marshal the groove in the brawl with the pin in the socket and driblet the ball in.
  • Marshal the lug on the plastic cam with the notch in the valve torso and gear up it over the ball.
  • Thread on the cap with the adjusting ring and tighten it with the slip-joint pliers.
  • Turn on the water to check for leaks.
    • Pro tip: If water leaks from around the brawl stem, apply the spanner tool to tighten the adjusting band until the leak stops.
  • Supersede the leaking faucet handle and yous're done.

Follow These Basics for All Faucet Repairs

Before you beginning, examine the dripping faucet closely to determine where the water is coming from. Leaks around the base of operations of the spout require a different repair than a drip from the end of the spout.

And so plough off the water supply to the dripping faucet. Y'all'll probably detect shutoff valves under the sink. If those valves don't work or if you don't have any, you'll have to close the primary h2o valve to your entire habitation. Later on you turn off the water, open the faucet in the eye position to save water pressure and make certain the water is shut off. Finally, cover the sink bleed holes with strainer baskets or rags to avoid losing modest parts down the bleed.

Pay close attention to the social club and orientation of parts as you remove them. A digital photographic camera or video camera is handy for recording each step in case y'all forget. For easier reassembly, fix the parts bated in the guild they were removed. When all the parts are out, audit the interior of the valve for bits of deteriorated gaskets or mineral deposits. Use a cloth or fine nylon abrasive pad to clean the surface. Loosen mineral deposits by soaking them in vinegar.

Tiresome h2o catamenia can be caused by plugged holes in the faucet body. Use a small screwdriver or penknife to clean them out. Before you supervene upon worn parts and reassemble the faucet, hold a rag over the dripping faucet and open up the water shutoff valve slightly to flush out droppings that may take been loosened during the cleaning and inspection.

Later the faucet is reassembled, open up the faucet to the middle position and gradually open the shutoff valves to turn on the h2o. Leave the faucet open until h2o flows freely and all the air is out of the pipes. If the water flow through the faucet is tiresome, the aerator may be plugged. Unscrew the aerator and clean information technology out.

Take the Old Parts to the Store to Notice Replacements

You'll often find the brand proper noun stamped on the faucet. And this information will assistance when it comes time to find repair parts. But in most cases, the safest bet is to take the worn parts to the store with you lot.

If you accept a Delta or other rotary ball faucet, you're in luck because you lot'll find repair kits in well-nigh hardware stores and domicile centers. Cartridges and repair kits for Moen "cartridge type" faucets are also readily available. But if you have some other brand or a disc-type faucet, yous may have to club parts, since there are too many variations for most stores to continue in stock. It helps to know the faucet's model name or number when searching for a replacement cartridge. Otherwise, take the cartridge with you lot to the store so you can match it to a photo in the parts catalog.

Plumbing supply specialists are also a good source of repair parts. If you're having trouble finding parts, call the manufacturer of your faucet for assist.

Cartridge-Style Faucet Anatomy

  • Cartridge-style faucet parts and assembly.

Step half dozen

Remove the Allen Screw

  • Gently pry off the handle cap with a knife.
  • Turn the Allen screw counterclockwise to remove it and lift off the handle.

Pace 7

Remove the Metal Handle Adapter

  • Unscrew the dome assembly nether the handle.
  • Unscrew the metal handle adapter and lift it off.
  • Elevator off the plastic pin cease.

Step 8

Take Out the Retainer Nut

  • Remove the servant nut by turning it counterclockwise with big slip-articulation pliers.

Step 9

Remove the Retainer Clip

  • Pry out the brass retainer clip with the tip of a screwdriver.
  • Grab the clip with pliers and pull information technology the rest of the way out to avert losing information technology.

Step 10

Twist Loose the Cartridge

  • Loosen the cartridge past slipping the plastic spanner cap (included with the new cartridge) over the cartridge and twisting it back and forth.

Step 11

Supplant Worn Parts and Reassemble the Faucet

  • Grab the cartridge stem with pliers and pull it straight up and out.
  • Supplant worn parts.

Step 12

Reassemble the Faucet

  • Reassemble the faucet in the contrary order.
  • Pull the stem up before inserting the cartridge.
    • Note: You may have to twist the cartridge slightly to line it up for the brass retainer clip.
  • Utilize the plastic spanner cap or the tips of needle-nose pliers to rotate the cartridge.
  • Slide the brass clip into the slots in the valve body to hold the cartridge in place.
  • Look for the pocket-size notch on top of the stalk and rotate the stem until the notch faces you.
  • Install the remaining parts and reattach the handle.
    • Notation: The directions that come up with the stalk volition help orient yous here.
  • Test the faucet.
    • Note: If the hot and common cold water are reversed, simply remove the handle, dome associates and handle adapter and rotate the stem 180 degrees.

All Well-nigh Cartridge-Style Faucet Repairs

Many faucet brands utilise a cartridge of some type. Hither we evidence how to replace a Moen cartridge, only the process is similar for other brands. To stop drips at the spout or right issues with hot and cold mixing, remove the cartridge and either replace the O-rings on the cartridge if they're worn or replace the entire cartridge. Accept the cartridge to the home center or hardware store to discover a replacement.

Replacement cartridges for Moen faucets include a plastic spanner cap that allows you to twist and loosen the cartridge to make it easier to pull out. Don't be surprised if the cartridge seems stuck. It may take considerable force to pull it out. Actually stubborn cartridges may require the apply of a special cartridge-pulling tool.

Ceramic Disc Faucet Anatomy

  • Parts and assembly of ceramic disc faucets.

Step thirteen

Unscrew the Handle

  • Pry off the decorative screw cover with your fingernail or the tip of a pocketknife.
  • Unscrew the handle screw by turning information technology counterclockwise with an Allen wrench.
  • Lift off the handle.
  • Unscrew or unclip the cap.

Step xiv

Remove the Disc Cartridge

  • Remove the screws that hold the disc cartridge to the faucet body and lift out the cartridge.

Step xv

Replace the Seals in the Cartridge

  • Inspect the cartridge for mineral buildup and carefully clean it out.
  • Then replace the safe seals on the underside.

Step sixteen

Replace the O-Ring Seals

  • Lift out the plastic disc (on some faucets) and supervene upon the O-rings under it.
  • Audit the holes in the faucet trunk and clean them out if they're clogged.

Ceramic Disc Faucets 101

Ceramic disc valves are merely some other blazon of cartridge. Discs inside the cartridge control the h2o flow. This type of valve is sturdy and reliable and rarely needs fixing. In fact, many manufacturers offer a lifetime guarantee on the cartridge. If yours is damaged, cheque with the manufacturer to see if information technology's covered by a warranty.

Leaks can result from faulty rubber seals or a cracked disc within the cartridge. Since information technology'south difficult to spot a croaky disc, and disc cartridge replacements are very expensive, it's all-time to start by replacing the seals and reassembling the faucet. Then if the faucet still leaks, remove the disc cartridge and take it to the shop to social club a replacement.

Early on versions of ceramic disc faucets may be more than fragile and can fissure if subjected to a boom of pressurized air. That's why it's of import to exit the faucet open as you plow the water back on. This allows air trapped in the lines to escape. When the water runs smoothly, it's safe to turn the faucet off. Manufacturers have improved the strength of ceramic discs on newer faucets to withstand air blasts, likewise equally annoying debris that may become dislodged from the inside of pipes.

Step 17

Repair a Spout Leak

  • Remove the handle and cartridge.
  • Twist and pull upward on the spout to remove information technology and expose the O-band seals.
    • Pro tip: The diverter valve controls water to the sprayer. Their appearance varies considerably amid brands, but you'll usually notice them under the spout. If your sprayer isn't working properly, kickoff clean it in vinegar or simply replace it. If this doesn't work, the diverter valve may exist clogged. If information technology doesn't simply pull out, contact the manufacturer or ask a knowledgeable salesperson for assistance with cleaning information technology.

Pace 18

Supercede the O-Rings

  • Slip the tip of a screwdriver under the O-rings to slide them out of the groove.
  • Install the new O-rings and lubricate them with plumber'due south grease.
  • Reinstall the spout.

Leaky Spout Basics

Leaks around the base of the spout are caused by worn O-rings located under the spout. All that's unremarkably required to admission these O-rings for replacement is to wiggle and pull upward on the spout to remove it.

Depending on the dripping faucet, you'll as well accept to remove the handle and other parts to access the spout. Exist persistent. The spout may be a lilliputian stubborn. Spout O-ring kits are available for many faucets, or you can take the quondam O-rings to the hardware shop or plumbing supply shop and lucifer them up with new ones. Call back to selection up a small toothpaste-type tube of plumber's grease while y'all're there.

Boosted Information

  • Effigy A: Brawl faucet parts
  • Effigy B: Cartridge faucet parts
  • Figure C: Ceramic faucet parts