How to Repair Sink Diaphragm Stems

Sink diaphragm faucets have one handle for hot and cold. These faucets can leak easily. Often leaks are found in the spout, the stem or at the base. Leaks are easy to fix. The amount of water lost with a leaky faucet can added up to a gallon a day depending on the severity. If you are handy with a wrench, you can do this repair yourself.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Swiveling disc
• Steel wool
• Phillip screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver
• Adhesive or friction tape

1. Oversee the procedure to turn off the water supply to the faucets. Drain excess water.

2. Undo the assembly of the faucet with a Phillips or flathead screwdriver. Lift the handle up and out of the sink.

3. Rub adhesive or friction tape around the packing nut—this will protect it from the Crescent wrench that you will use to remove the nut.

4. Engage the handle, as a tool to assist in the removal of the stem— if this doesn't work use your fingers, pliers or an adjustable wrench.

5. Retrieve the screw at the bottom of the stem, remove the old swiveling disc, clean the surrounding area and check to see if any other parts need replacing.

6. Massage the stem or screw with fine steel wool to remove any mineral deposits and corrosion—wipe off all residue from the stem or screw.

7. Screw the faucet back together without too much torque from the wrench or pliers. You do not want to strip the threads and cause the faucet to leak again.

Tips & Warnings

• Protect all surfaces from further damage.
• Make sure the water supply is shut off.

Resources

• Describes different types of faucets
• Get prices for the parts you will need