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2torial #0458:
Learn2 Fix a
Leaky Faucet
Drip...drip...drip...
It's three in the morning, and you can't sleep
anymore with that constant noise, can you? Well,
don't worry about fixing the darn thing tonight,
just throw a towel under the drip for now and go
back to sleep. In the morning you can fix the leak
in a more permanent way.
There are three general styles of faucets
around. The first kind is the one that uses two
different handles for hot and cold water. See the
instructions below for this type of faucet.
The second and third kinds both use one pivoting
handle for both hot and cold water. If it's a
"ball-type" faucet, with a rounded top, you can buy
a generic kit that contains special tools. Then
just follow the instructions below. If it's a
"cartridge type", with a squared-off top, it will
use one of a number of various cartridges.
Unfortunately, it's not possible to show each
maker's specific unit here. The box that your
cartridge comes in will contain directions for
installing it; just make sure that you get the
correct cartridge for your fixture. In any case,
make sure that you plug the drain before beginning
any repairs, so parts don't fall down it!
 Turn off the water
Ninety-nine percent of the time, you're going to
find a water valve right under your sink that
controls the correct faucet. If not, you're going
to have to follow the plumbing line to the nearest
one. When you have found that valve, turn it
clockwise until you can't anymore.
If the valve resists being turned, put a drop or
two of oil right where the stem disapears into the
large nut. Then use the wrench to loosen the nut
one complete turn, and tighten it back up by hand.
Wait for a couple of minutes and try again.
 Remove the stem
If you have a two handle fixture, there will be
a large nut right under the faucet handle. Then:
- Turn the nut counterclockwise to unscrew it
completely. If you're concerned about scratches
from the wrench, put some masking tape over the
nut before loosening it.
- Grasp the handle and turn it
counterclockwise, as if you were turning on the
water. The whole thing will lift out in your
hand.
- If you have a ball-type fixture, there will
be a set screw on the lower surface of the
handle itself. Then:
- Use the supplied hex wrench to loosen the
screw and remove the handle. Then use the
supplied special tool to loosen the plastic
adjusting ring from the knurled, rounded cap.
Unscrew and remove the cap.
- Pull out the ball assembly by tugging on the
lever thats sticking up.
 Replace the washer, and finish
up
You're almost home now! Use the steps below for
a two handled faucet.
- The washer is that rubber-like thing at the
bottom of the assembly in your hand. There will
be a screw holding it on. Remove the screw, and
replace the washer with one that's the same
size. Tighten the screw back on firmly, but
without damaging the washer.
- Reinsert the stem assembly, and twist it
firmly clockwise (don't overtighten it). Tighten
the large nut back into place.
- Turn the water valve counterclockwise to
open it.
- That's it! If the darn thing still drips, a
professional should be called in to polish the
worn valve seat or replace the fixture.
On the other hand, use the following steps for a
ball-type fixture:
- Using the end of the screwdriver, lift out
the rubber seats and springs. Replace them with
the new ones in the kit.
- Tug the spout off the base by turning it
from side to side and lifting up. Then use the
screwdriver to leverage the old O-rings off the
base. If they need to be cut off, make sure that
you clean off any remaining pieces. Roll the new
O-rings over the base to replace them.
- Re-seat the faucet by turning it from side
to side while pushing down. Place the ball
assembly back in there, and screw the rounded,
knurled cap back on.
Before retightening the adjusting ring with the
special tool, turn the water back on. Then tighten
the ring until no water leaks, but don't
overtighten it. Replace the handle, and tighten the
set screw. Thats it!
-end-
Learn More!
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