How to Repair a Leaking Faucet With a Single Handle
Repair a leaking faucet with a single handle by first identifying the type of faucet that is being repaired. A single-handle faucet is washer-less and is classified as a disc, cylinder cartridge or ball faucet. Each type is designed to operate with as little wear and tear on moving parts as possible which contributes to its long operation without maintenance. To repair a single handle faucet is a simple, by-the-numbers project which does not require a great deal of time and which will save money on water and energy. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Screwdriver
- Allen wrench
- O-rings
- Pliers
- Cartridge seals
- Pencil
- Ball faucet seats and springs
Instructions
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Disk Faucet
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1
Turn off the water supply valves under the sink and lift the lever to drain the water in the lines.
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2
Remove the handle by unscrewing the set screw located under the base of the lever by turning it counterclockwise and then lifting off the handle.
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3
Take off the metal cap under the handle by lifting it off or unscrewing it, depending on how it is attached.
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4
Remove the screws in the top of the cartridge and use a pair of pliers to lift out the cartridge with a twisting motion.
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5
Locate the set of seals at the bottom of the cartridge and use a screwdriver to pry them out. Scrape away and remove any sediment that may have build up in the area where the cartridge is seated. Take the cartridge to the hardware store and purchase the correct set of seals to replace the old ones.
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6
Reinsert the cartridge, taking care to line up the holes in the cartridge with those in the base of the faucet body.
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7
Reassemble the faucet, turn on the water and check for leaks.
Sleeve Cartridge Faucet
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8
Turn off the water supply valves under the sink and lift the lever to drain the water in the lines.
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9
Pry off or unscrew the decorative cap on top of the handle, remove the set screw located under it and lift off the handle.
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10
Use a crescent wrench to unscrew the retainer nut located under the handle and lift off the spout.
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11
Slide off the sleeve that covers the cartridge by simply grasping it with several fingers and lifting it off.
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12
Grip the retainer clip, located under the sleeve, with a pair of pliers and remove it to free the cartridge.
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13
Note the exact position of the cartridge, using the marking or the cartridge ears on the side of the cartridge as a reference, you can reinsert it in the exact same position. Use a pair of pliers with a twisting motion to lift the cartridge up and out.
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14
Take the cartridge to the hardware store, purchase the exact same type of O-rings and use them to replace the old ones on the cartridge.
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15
Replace the cartridge into the faucet body by lining up the marking on the cartridge with the ones on the faucet body.
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16
Reassemble the faucet, turn on the water and check for leaks.
Rotating Ball Faucet
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17
Turn off the water supply valves under the sink and lift the lever to drain the water in the lines.
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18
Use a Allen wrench to loosen the set screw and lift off the handle.
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19
Loosen the adjusting ring under the handle by turning it counterclockwise with a crescent wrench.
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20
Grip the cap and ball assembly with a pair of pliers and lift it out.
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21
Push a pair of long nose pliers or a pencil into each seat in the body of the faucet and remove the seats and springs. Take them to the hardware store and purchase the exact same type for this faucet. Scrape away the mineral deposits in the area the seats sit in and replace the seats and springs.
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22
Replace the cap and ball assembly by aligning the slot in the side with the pin in the faucet body.
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23
Reassemble the faucet, turn on the water and check for leaks.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Cover the drain so fallen parts are not lost.
Place a towel in the sink so falling tools do not mar the porcelain.
Lay out parts in the order in which they are disassembled to make assembly easier.
Do not use force to assemble or disassemble the faucet since damage may result to individual parts.
References
- Photo Credit lavabo image by Danielle Bonardelle from Fotolia.com
