How to Repair a Ball-Type Kitchen Faucet
Ball-type faucets are kitchen faucets with a single lever that turns on and off with an inside "ball" that helps the faucet handle rotate. Ball-type faucets are normally prone to more leaks than other types of faucets. The good news is that repairing a ball-type kitchen faucet yourself is not extremely difficult and can save you a lot of money over the cost of hiring a plumber to come out and fix it for you. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Purchase a ball-type kitchen faucet repair kit from a hardware stores. They can usually be found for under $5.
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Turn off your water at the source. Look underneath your sink to see if there is a shut-off valve. If there isn't, follow the main water pipe until you reach the main water source. Shut off the value by turning it counterclockwise.
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3
Cover the drain hole with a rag or drain stopper. This will prevent you from losing any parts down the drain, which will give you a lot bigger problem because you will have to take the pipes apart.
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4
Use an Allen wrench to loosen the screw on the faucet handle. Remove the handle by lifting it off once the screw has been removed. As you work, be sure to set each part in a straight line so you remember the order in which they were removed.
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Unscrew the dome on top of the faucet. If you have trouble removing it, wrap a rag around it and use pliers to gently twist it off.
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Remove the dome piece and take off the piece of plastic on top of the rotating ball. Inspect the plastic for damage and replace it with a new plastic piece from your repair kit if necessary.
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Inspect the rubber seal, or o-ring, on the inside of the plastic piece you removed. Replace it with a new rubber seal from your repair kit if it appears damaged or worn.
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Remove the rotating ball and inspect the underside for damage. If the metal around the holes appears to be worn, replace it with a new ball.
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Check the black rubber seals and springs on the inside of the faucet by removing them with a screwdriver and inspecting them for marks or abrasions. Replace them with new rubber seals and springs from your repair kit if any of them are visibly damaged.
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Reinstall all parts in the order in which you removed them and turn on the water. Your ball-type kitchen faucet should now be repaired.
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