How to Repair a Delta Sink Faucet

Save water by repairing all your faucet leaks

Delta sink faucets for kitchen, bath and bar are some of the easiest to repair. They require no special tools or training. Repair kits for most Delta faucets manufactured before 2010 are readily available at building or plumbing supply stores. New Delta faucet parts can be obtained through the Delta website. The simplicity and access to repair parts has increased popularity with plumbing contractors and homeowners.

Things You'll Need

• 1/8-inch Allen wrench
• Pump pliers
• Delta repair kit

Instructions

1. Shut off the water supply to the faucet. Under the sink, you should find two small silver valves on pipes coming out of the wall. While running hot and cold water, turn the valve handles to the right until all water stops flowing.

2. Remove the sink faucet handle. Using a 1/8-inch Allen wrench, remove a setscrew inside a port on the lower front side of the handle. You may want to block the sink drain to prevent losing small parts accidentally. Lift the handle off and set aside.

3. Unscrew the cap nut using pump pliers. The cap nut is the bell shaped top of the faucet. Remove it and place it with the handle.

4. Lift the ball assembly out of the faucet. The ball assembly consists of a thin plastic slip ring, a white slotted plastic guide called a cam, and a black rubber cam packing. Remove the small rubber seats and metal springs located under the ball using the allen wrench. Wipe away any mineral buildup or debris inside the faucet body.

5. Install the repair kit. Place each metal spring in the faucet base with the small end facing up. Insert the larger open end of the black rubber seats onto each spring. Set the new ball in position with the ball guide on the inside of the faucet body. Place the rubber cam packing over the ball, and then the plastic cam. Set the thin plastic slip ring on top of the cam. Slide the cap nut onto your index finger, with the same finger hold the cam in place and let the cap nut side down onto the faucet body. With your other hand, screw the cap nut on, turn it clockwise until it is set firmly. Tighten the cap nut with pump pliers. Slide the handle onto the ball assembly shaft. Insert and tighten the setscrew clockwise. Turn hot and cold-water valves on. Test for leaks.

Tips & Warnings

• These instructions apply to single-handle faucets; those with separate hot and water handles may use different technique.

• Use lubricating oil on the handle set screw if it is too hard to remove by hand.

• Apply a small amount of water-proof grease in the set screw when reassembling the faucet.

• The handle set screw can break off if it is heavily corroded and to much force is used to remove it.

References

• Delta: How to video
• Delta Faucet Trouble Shooting