Hot Water Faucet Repair

Too much hot water can scald you.

A hot water faucet that doesn't work properly can deliver too much hot water and can scald you. This is what happened to Al Moen in the 1930s, and he invented the single-handle mixing faucet as a result. You don't have to go to the trouble of creating an invention, though. If the faucet has two handles, you probably just need to replace a washer. If the faucet is the type that Moen invented, and only has a single handle, you may only have to clean it or replace rubber parts to get the water temperature back to normal.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Channel-locking pliers
• Tweezers
• Allen wrench

Instructions

Two-Handle Faucets

1. Turn off both of the angle stops under the cabinet to stop the flow of water to the faucet.

2. Unscrew the screw holding the handle to the faucet stem and lift off the handle.

3. Unscrew with channel-locking pliers the nut holding the valve stem. Turn the nut counterclockwise, then remove it and pull out the valve. Inspect the valve seat inside the faucet for signs of debris or corrosion that may be preventing the valve stem from seating correctly. Pull out this debris with tweezers.

4. Turn the valve over and unscrew the nut holding the washer to the bottom of the valve stem, then remove the washer and replace it if it appears worn.

5. Set the valve back into the faucet and tighten the nut back on. Then replace the handle and screw on the holding screw. Turn on the angle stops and check the faucet.

Single-Handle Cartridge Faucets

1. Turn off the angle stops, then unscrew the nut holding the handle to the faucet with a screwdriver or Allen wrench and lift off the handle.

2. Unscrew with channel-locking pliers the nut holding the valve assembly, or remove the holding pin by gripping it with the pliers and pulling it straight off. Screw the handle back onto the valve stem and use it to pull the cartridge straight out of the faucet. Note the orientation of the cartridge so you can replace it the same way.

3. Replace any seals or O-rings around the cartridge or in the valve inlets that are worn. Inspect the cartridge for obstructions that may be impeding water flow and remove these with tweezers or a screwdriver. Buy a new cartridge if the old one is cracked, chipped or overly corroded.

4. Replace the cartridge in the same orientation as it was when you took it out. Push the holding pin back into the hole to hold it, or screw the holding nut back on, and replace the handle.

Single-Handle Ball-Valve Faucets

1. Turn off the angle stops, remove the handle from the faucet, unscrew the holding nut and remove it.

2. Remove the ball-valve and inspect the ball for signs of chipping or breakage. Replace it if you find any.

3. Inspect the seal around the inlet and replace washers that are worn. Pry out the valve seat with a screwdriver and replace it if it is broken.

4. Reassemble the valve mechanism, being sure the ball and spring are correctly seated on the valve seat, and screw on the holding nut. Then replace the handle, turn on the water, and test the faucet.

Tips & Warnings

• If any part is so corroded that you can't turn it to disassemble the faucet, spray it with lubricant, wait five minutes, and try turning it again.

• If the water from a two-handle faucet is too hot, the problem may be that the cold water faucet is blocked or not working correctly.

• Be sure the water is off before you remove the holding mechanism keeping any faucet valve in place. If you don't, you will have to contend with an uncontrollable fountain of hot water, and you can be seriously scalded.

References

• eHomeResource.com: Repair A Leaky Ball-Type Faucet
• This Old House: How to Repair a Dripping Single-Handled Cartridge Faucet