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Repair A
Leaky Compression Faucet |
Before You Start
Make sure the main water valve is turned off either near the
base of the faucet or under the sink. Open all the lines to
drain out any excess water. Cover the sink with a towel or
cloth to stop any parts or tools from slipping down the
drain. You may also want to cover any wrenches or pliers
with tape or cloth to prevent any damage to the finish of
your faucet. When you disassemble to faucet place the parts
in order so they can easily be put back together. Last but
not certainly least remember to take the faucet name or
model number along with the old parts to the store so you
can identify the correct replacement part or kit.
Compression Faucet
If the faucet is leaking from the spout,
the problem is probably a damaged washer, seat, or stem. If
the faucet leaks from the handle, it is probably the O-ring.
However, to get to the O-ring you must remove the stem, so
the instructions are pretty much the same for both. Turn off
the water at the sink’s shut off valve located under the
sink. Place something over the drain in case a small part
falls in the sink while you are working. Turn the faucet on
to drain any remaining water. Pop the cap of the faucet
handle with a knife and remove the screw that holds the
handles down. Pull up the handles to expose the faucet
mechanism or stem. Remove the mechanism by using pliers to
loosen the nut of the stem. Do this on both handles. Take
the stem to a hardware store to find a replacement. Although
you can just replace the O-ring, it is a good idea to buy an
entire new stem to save problems in the future.
Replacing A Washer On A Compression Faucet
If you want to save some money, and you think the washer is
the problem; it is easy to change. Simply remove the screw
at the bottom of the stem and pry out the old washer.
Replace it with the new washer and insert the stem screw
until it is tight. If you replace the washer, you should
also replace the old valve seat. This is the round cap that
the stem fits into. If your valve seat is worn, it will
damage a new washer and your repair job will have been done
in vain. You can tell if your valve seat is worn by simply
rubbing your finger on the inside of the valve. If it feels
rough, it is time to replace the seat. Tip: Hardware stores
sell washer replacement kits with a variety of washer sizes.
Buy one and keep it on hand.
Tools: Phillips screwdriver, new washer
Replacing A Valve Seat On A Compression Faucet
To remove the old valve seat, use the appropriate size end
of the seat wrench. Insert the wrench into the handle end of
the faucet body and turn counterclockwise. Wrap the new
valve seat in Teflon tape and place it back in the faucet
body. The tape will prevent pressure leaks. Tighten it with
the seat wrench by turning it clockwise.
If a compression faucet leaks from the handles, replace the
O ring by following the instructions above.
Tools: Seat wrench (L-shaped), Teflon plumber’s tape |
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