How to Repair a Leaky Delta Kitchen Faucet

The single-handle kitchen faucet is a popular Delta model.

Delta is one of the most popular brands of kitchen faucets. One of the most common styles of Delta faucet is the single-handle type. This type of faucet uses a ball-in-socket design to control the flow and temperature of the water. The rubber valve seats in the faucet sit atop springs that hold them tight to the ball, preventing leaks. If your Delta faucet drips while turned off, it's probably time to replace the valve seats and springs.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Allen wrench
• Channel-lock pliers
• Towel
• Flat screwdriver
• Replacement valve seals and springs

1. Close the water supply valves to the Delta kitchen faucet. Open the faucet to remove any residual water pressure.

2. Raise the handle of the Delta faucet. Remove the Allen-head screw from the base of the faucet handle. Pull the handle up and off the ball assembly.

3. Place a towel over the knurled metal dome covering the ball assembly. Grip the sides of the dome with channel-lock pliers and turn it counterclockwise until it is loose. Remove the metal dome from the ball assembly.

4. Pull the ball assembly out of the valve assembly. Pry the valve seats and springs out of the holes in the valve assembly with a small, flat screwdriver.

5. Place the new valve springs and seats in the holes in the valve assembly. Insert the ball assembly in the valve assembly, aligning the slot in the side of the ball with the post in the side of the valve assembly.

6. Place the metal dome on the ball and turn it clockwise until it is finger tight. Drape a towel over the metal dome and use channel-lock pliers to turn it 1/2 turn clockwise. Turn on the water supply to the faucet. Check around the ball assembly for leaks. Turn the metal dome clockwise, gently, until any leaks stop.

7. Place the handle on the ball assembly stem. Insert the Allen-head screw in the handle and turn it clockwise until it is tight.

Tips & Warnings

• Plug the sink to keep parts from falling in the drain during the project.

References

• Hammer Zone; Overhauling a Peerless or Delta Single-Handle Kitchen Faucet; Bruce W. Maki; 2009
• The Family Handyman: How to Repair a Kitchen Faucet
• Delta: Troubleshooting a Leaking Faucet