How to Repair Delta Bathroom Faucets

Delta makes a wide range of faucets and sinks for the bathroom and kitchen. Delta faucets operate on a cartridge system that controls the flow and pressure of hot and cold water to the faucet. Faucets are designed to last for a long time without replacement, but do require maintenance with recommended replacement or cleaning of cartridges every three to five years. Replacing the cartridge is often the easiest way to repair leaks or improve the water pressure for your faucet.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Adjustable wrench
• Screwdriver (flathead)
• Replacement cartridges (see tips)

1. Shut off the water main beneath the bathroom sink. This will be one or two valves on copper pipes or a flexible metallic tube. Turn them at least half a turn to the left (counter-clockwise) to reach the off position. (See warnings.)

2. Use the flathead screwdriver to pry open the caps on each of the water handles. This will expose a screw that needs to be turned several times (clockwise) to remove the handle. Remove the handles to expose the cartridges.

3. Attach your adjustable wrench to the left (hot) cartridge, which has a red ring at the top. Turn the cartridge a quarter-turn counter-clockwise to unlock it, then remove it.

4. Repeat Step 3 for the right (cold) cartridge, which has a blue ring at the top.

5. Use your wrench to insert the new cartridges, hot (red) on the left and cold (blue) on the right. Turn them a quarter-turn clockwise to lock them into place.

6. Thread the handles back into place, twisting them until they are tight. Tighten their screws with the screwdriver. Place the caps back on the proper handles and push firmly until they snap into place.

Tips & Warnings

• Delta cartridges can be cleaned instead of replacing them. Mix vinegar and water (10 percent vinegar) in a small bucket and allow the cartridge to soak for at least an hour to loosen up the calcium buildup. After soaking, scrub the cartridge with a wire brush to remove the calcium (white residue).
• Before beginning any plumbing project, make sure the water main is in the "off" position. Water in residential pipes can be hotter than 100 degrees, and it is held at pressure, so opening a faucet can cause hot water to spray all over the place, causing serious burns.

References

• Delta Leak Help
• General Faucet Repair