How to Fix a Leaking Delta Kitchen Faucet

Fix a Leaky Delta Faucet

A leaky kitchen faucet is one of the most common jobs a do-it-yourselfer can tackle. Most kitchen faucets have the same basic construction, which makes their repair a fairly straightforward task. Delta faucets are no exception. These are single armed faucets that operate with a metal ball controlling the temperature and flow of the water. What generally causes a leak are the seals around the ball. When these break down water seeps through causing that ever-present drip that must be fixed.

Things You'll Need

• Flat head screwdriver
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Adjustable wrench
• Delta faucet repair assembly

Instructions

1. Turn off the water to the faucet. Locate the shutoff valves and twist to the right to close. The valves are usually under the sink, but occasionally in the basement. Once the shut off valves are closed turn on the faucet on to fully drain the line.

2. Locate the plastic cap in the center of the handle and pry it off with the edge of a flat head screwdriver. Underneath you will find the holding screw. Remove this screw and pull the handle up and off of the faucet assembly.

3. Remove the nut that surrounds the faucet valve, called the bonnet nut. Use an adjustable wrench to remove it.

4. Pry out the rubber seals. First remove the white plastic cam that sits on top. It can be pulled straight off. The use a flat screwdriver and pry out the various seals, ball and springs. Discard the seals and springs, but place the ball in a cup for safekeeping.

5. Open your Delta faucet repair assembly and take out the replacement seals and springs. Reassemble the seals and springs around the metal ball. Cover the whole thing with the white plastic cam.

6. Reassemble the handle by reattaching the bonnet nut, holding screw and plastic cap. Then, turn the water back on at the shut-off valve and turn faucet on to test for leaks.

References

• • The Master Plumber: How to Repair and Rebuild a Delta Single Handle Kitchen Faucet