How to Repair an American Standard Kitchen Faucet
American Standard faucets contain a cartridge mechanism inside the handle of the faucet. This mechanism contains all the parts and washers that enable the faucet to disperse cold and hot water. When leaks occur, this part probably has worn out, causing water to seep through the handle area. You can easily replace the cartridge with a new one. As long as the cartridge is specifically for your faucet's make and model, the replacement cartridge fixes most stubborn leaks. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Shut the water valves to the sink, usually located underneath the sink inside the cabinet.
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2
Pry out the small plastic tab on the front of the handle using your finger or a small screwdriver. With an Allen wrench, loosen the set screw under this cap. Slide the handle off the base of the faucet.
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3
Loosen the cap (called the escutcheon cap) by twisting it left, and remove it. Unscrew the three cartridge screws in the top of the cartridge and remove each one by hand. Save these screws for later use.
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4
Pull the cartridge out of the base of the faucet and take off the small round washer seals. These form a seal between the base and the cartridge.
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5
Install seals in the bottom of the new cartridge by pushing them into the holes with your fingers (if there are no seals here already). Slide the new cartridge into the base after lining up the holes in the cartridge with the holes in the base.
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6
Replace the screws and tighten them with the Allen wrench. Replace the cap and tighten it by hand. Put the handle back on the appliance, insert the set screw and tighten it with the Allen wrench. Install the small cap by pressing it over the screw.
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