How to Fix a Kitchen Compression Faucet
Compression faucets are most often faucets that use two separate handles for hot and cold water. When the water is turned on, a washer is lifted from the seat and the water flows. When the water is turned off, the washer is compressed to stop the water flow. Leaks in compression faucets are caused by worn out washers. You can learn how to fix a kitchen compression faucet and replace the washer yourself. This will save you money and get rid of that annoying drip. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Go under the kitchen sink, and turn off the hot and cold water valves. The valves are on the incoming water lines to the kitchen sink faucet. Go back to the top of the sink, and turn the faucets on and off to be sure the water supply is shut off.
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2
Remove the decorative cap on the top of the faucet handle. There will be a small slot that you can insert a small flathead screwdriver in and pop the cap off the handle. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the screw in the center of the faucet handle that secures the faucet handle to the stem assembly.
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3
Remove the nut that secures the stem assembly to the faucet body with a wrench. Place the faucet handle back on top of the stem, and twist the stem out of the faucet body.
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4
Pull off the rubber o-ring that is on the outside of the faucet stem assembly. Turn the faucet stem assembly upside down, and remove the screw that secures the washer to the bottom of the stem with a Phillips-head screwdriver.
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5
Take the o-ring and washer with you to the hardware store to purchase replacements. Buy enough for both faucet handles, and make sure the new parts match the old pieces.
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6
Set the new washer over the bottom end of the stem, and secure it with the retaining screw. Carefully slip the o-ring back into place over the stem assembly. Insert the stem assembly into the faucet body, and screw it in until it is tight.
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7
Place the packing nut over the stem assembly, and tighten it to the faucet body with a wrench. Place the faucet handle back on the stem, and use the retaining screw to secure the handle. Replace the decorative cap, and go under the sink to turn the water supply back on to the kitchen faucet.
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