How to Fix a Ball Kitchen Faucet
Ball faucets are the most common type of faucets in kitchens, perhaps because the amount of water and temperature can be controlled with one hand. Ball faucets are named for their single metal or plastic ball inside the faucet assembly. The most common problem with ball faucets is leaks that develop from either the plastic cam which rests on top of the ball, or the springs and rubber seals just below the ball. You can buy a repair kits and follow directions that come with it to fix a ball faucets. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Turn off the faucet's water supply. Access the two water valves under the sink. Each of the two water valves has a single handle. Turn each handle in a clockwise direction to turn the water off.
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2
Lift the faucet's handle to access the handle's Allen screw at the base of the handle. The Allen screw holds the handle in place. Remove the handle screw with an Allen wrench, then lift the handle from the faucet.
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3
Loosen the cam nut to access the plastic cam and ball assembly. The cam nut is the cone-shaped piece below the handle. Note the slotted nut at the top of the cam nut. Grip this slotted nut with smooth-jaw pliers, then twist the cam nut in a counterclockwise direction to remove it.
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4
Lift the plastic cam out of the faucet assembly to expose the ball, then lift the ball out of the faucet body. Use the blade of a thin screwdriver to pry the rubber seals and the springs out of the faucet body.
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5
Assemble the replacement springs and seals by pressing each rubber seal onto its spring. Position each seal and spring assembly onto the tip of a screwdriver, then insert each assembly into its inlet.
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6
Press the ball into the faucet assembly. Note that the ball has a single peg-like key on one side of the ball. This key is designed to slide into a slot within the assembly, and ensures that the ball cannot be installed incorrectly. Slide the replacement plastic cam over the top of the ball, then position the cam nut over the plastic cam. Tighten the cam nut with smooth-jaw pliers.
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Install the faucet's handle by first positioning the handle onto the cam nut, then by installing and tightening the handle's Allen screw with an Allen wrench. Turn the faucet's water supply back on by turning both water supply valves in a counterclockwise direction.
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