How to Repair a Leaky Delta Bathtub Faucet
Repairing a leaky Delta bathtub faucet is a simple project that the homeowner can accomplish in one to two hours. While there are different types of washer-less faucets such as ball, cartridge, diaphragm and disc, they all share common characteristics that make them easy enough to repair. The savings in water, energy to heat the water and plumber's bills over a long period of time will make the effort of repairing faucets well worthwhile. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Hex-wrench
- Adjusting ring wrench
- Channel-lock pliers
- Needle-nose pliers
- Cloth
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Instructions
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Turn off the main water supply to the house if there is not a separate turn-off valve for the bathtub. Locate the main water supply valve where the water pipes enter the house. Lift the lever and drain the water lines.
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Slip a screwdriver under the metal cover located underneath and at the base of the handle and pry the cover up and off. Loosen the set screw under the metal cover without completely removing it. Lift the handle off the faucet body.
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Loosen, but do not remove, the adjusting ring found under the handle with a Delta specialized wrench, available from hardware stores.
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Screw off the metal cover under the handle, by wrapping it with masking tape to prevent the metal from getting scratched and turning it counterclockwise with a pair of channel-lock pliers.
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Take note of how the cam and ball assembly fits into the faucet body. They will need to be reassembled in the same way. Lift out the cam and ball assembly.
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Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to remove the two seats, which are located in the brass base under the ball, and the springs underneath them. Scrub the brass base or seat with steel wool to remove all mineral build-up.
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Determine if the ball is worn or misshapen. It will need to be replaced unless the surface is smooth and round. Cam and ball assembly replacement kits are available at hardware stores with directions for installation on the package. Use a plastic scrubber to clean the ball of any build-up if it does not require replacement. Do not scratch or dent the ball.
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Replace the seats and springs with parts available from hardware stores. Replace the parts in the same way they were removed and according to package directions.
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Reassemble the faucet in the reverse order that it was disassembled. Be careful to align the slot in the side of the ball with the pin inside the faucet body. The key on the cam assembly fits into the matching slot on the body of the faucet.
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Turn on the main water supply to the house, purge the water lines of air and check the faucet for leaks.
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References
- Photo Credit faucet and dispenser image by Dragan Trifunovic from Fotolia.com
