How to Repair Ceramic Disc Faucets

You don't need to put up with the annoying sound of a dripping faucet. Ceramic disc faucets have two ceramic discs inside a cylinder that regulate the flow of water from your faucet. Sometimes small particles clog the disc apparatus, and you must clean it. In other instances, you must replace the cylinder. Always try to clean the cylinder before replacing it.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Slotted screwdriver
• Replacement ceramic disc cartridge (if necessary)

1. Turn off faucet's water supply. Place a cloth over the drain to catch any small screws or parts that may accidentally drop into the sink as you work.

2. Detach the setscrew that holds the handle in place. Lift off the handle. Pull the escutcheon cap from the faucet. You can now unscrew the mounting screws and remove the ceramic disc cylinder.

3. Examine the cylinder. Disassemble the cylinder. Clean the seals and the openings. Carefully pry the seals out of the opening in the bottom of the cylinder. Clean and rinse the seals and cylinder. If a seal is damaged, replace it.

4. Remove mineral deposits stuck on the ceramic discs. A drop of food coloring may reveal a cracked ceramic disc. If you see a crack, you must replace the cylinder.

5. Reassemble the faucet. Test the faucet for drips. Make sure the faucet is in the "on" position when you slowly turn the water supply back on. Too much pressure applied to the faucet too quickly harms the discs in the cartridge.

6. Turn off the water supply, if the faucet still leaks. Take the faucet apart again.

7. Replace the old cylinder with a new one. Reassemble the faucet, and then carefully turn the water supply back on again.

[mazmo32]

on 12/12/2008 Ok, so what if you've changed the cartridge and water is still seeping out from base of the faucet, underneath the cartridge and into the cabinet below?