How to Take Apart a Kitchen Faucet
Within a kitchen faucet assembly are a number of rubber seals. These seals must be able to withstand high water pressure while simultaneously allowing the faucet's handle to move smoothly. Over time, these rubber seals tend to crack or become corroded from mineral deposits left by water after the water dries. The seals can be replaced, but the faucet must first be disassembled. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Towel
- Hex wrench
- Adjustable pliers
- Masking tape
- Phillips head screwdriver
Instructions
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1
Cut both the hot and cold water supply off at the two water control valves underneath the sink. The valves are located in the middle of the two water lines. Each valve is controlled by a single handle. Twist both handles in a clockwise direction.
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2
Place a towel over the sink's drain to prevent loosing small parts.
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3
Lift the faucet's handle up to expose the retaining screw. Twist the screw with a hex wrench in a counterclockwise direction to loosen it, then lift the handle off of the faucet assembly, followed by the faucet's spout assembly.
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4
Wrap the jaws of a pair of adjustable pliers with masking tape, then twist the metal faucet cap located on top of the faucet assembly in a counterclockwise direction with the pliers to remove it. The tape will prevent the claws of the pliers from scratching the cap's finish.
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5
Lift the plastic faucet cam out of the faucet assembly, followed by the rubber cam washer and the large rotating ball to reveal the valve seats.
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6
Remove the three neoprene valve seats and their springs to complete the disassembly. The three valve seats rest within the base of the faucet housing. Insert the tip of a Phillips head screwdriver into the center of each valve seat, then gently pry the valve seat of the housing. The valve seat's spring is located underneath the valve seat, and typically lifts out of the housing with the valve seat. If the spring does not lift out of the housing along with the valve seat, pull the spring out of the housing with the screwdriver.
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