Repairing Guides

how to repair a faucet valve

by Dashawn Schmeler Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  1. Shut Off the Water. The type of faucet in your kitchen or bathroom may be a single or double handle, has a modern pull-down wand design or is a ...
  2. Remove the Handle. How you remove the faucet handle depends on your faucet type. ...
  3. Remove the Cartridge or Stem. ...
  4. Install New Cartridge. ...
  5. Reattach Faucet Handle. ...

Part of a video titled How to Remove a Faucet Cartridge - YouTube
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It using an allen wrench. Then lift it off twist the bonnet nut counterclockwise to remove it liftMoreIt using an allen wrench. Then lift it off twist the bonnet nut counterclockwise to remove it lift out the cam. Then the packing and ball valve remove the seats and springs using a small screwdriver.

Full Answer

How do you replace a faucet valve?

  • Begin by using a flat-head screwdriver to pry off the handle’s plastic cover (also called the plastic insert or index).
  • Unscrew the handle screw with a flathead or Phillips-head screwdriver as needed.
  • Wiggle the handle and pull it off. ...
  • Place a socket wrench over the bathtub faucet stem until it covers the hex nut. ...

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How do you fix a leaking faucet valve?

Start with the retaining nut, then look for other problems

  • Tighten retaining nut. If you're lucky, you can fix your leaking faucet by simply tightening the nut under the handle. ...
  • Remove the stem. Next, remove the faucet stem. ...
  • Replace washer assembly. Keep track of the parts as you disassemble the faucet so you can install the new ones in the same order.
  • Remove the vacuum breaker cap. ...
  • Vacuum breaker parts. ...

What is the cost to repair a leaky faucet?

What affects the cost of sink and faucet repairs?

  • Clearing a clogged drain: $150 - $200. ...
  • Clearing and repairing pipes: $120 - $170. ...
  • Professional tools for clogged drains and pipes. ...
  • Stopping a dripping faucet: $65 - $150. ...
  • Water temperature and pressure. ...
  • Fixing surface problems: $100 - $200. ...
  • Replacing your sink or faucet: $150 - $400. ...

How to repair fix outdoor water faucet easy simple?

Repair an outdoor sillcock faucet: Shut off the water at the plumbing branch or meter. Loosen and open the faucet top. Remove the stem. Replace the washer, apply plumber’s grease, and replace the stem. Turn on water at the branch shutoff or the meter. To attach a new spray hose, follow instructions on the replacement spray hose.

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How do you fix a faucet valve?

1:382:54How To Fix A Dripping or Leaky Double Handle Faucet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst take off the handle. Then unscrew the valve stem on the stem remove the old gasket screw. AndMoreFirst take off the handle. Then unscrew the valve stem on the stem remove the old gasket screw. And seat washer. Apply some plumbers grease.

Can you repair a faucet stem?

0:001:48How to Repair a Leaky Faucet Stem - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMake sure you turn the water off take your handle. Off. Then you can remove the stem you'll need aMoreMake sure you turn the water off take your handle. Off. Then you can remove the stem you'll need a crescent wrench or a pair of pliers. Once. You have the stem removed.

Can faucet cartridge be repaired?

Worn cartridges or rubber O rings often lead to leaks. By swapping in replacement parts, your faucet won't leak at the base or around the handles anymore. Replacing a faucet cartridge is a plumbing fix you can do in less than an hour. All you need is a few simple tools.

How do you fix a broken faucet cartridge?

1:433:02How to Replace Leaky Cartridges in a Bathroom Faucet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst align the tab on the new cartridge to the slot on the faucet. Now screw on the bonnet nut andMoreFirst align the tab on the new cartridge to the slot on the faucet. Now screw on the bonnet nut and tighten with the crescent wrench reinstall the handle and pop the caps back.

How do you rebuild a faucet stem?

4:265:29Faucet stem repair and replacement - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe correct seat is included in the package with each new stem prior to removing a seat you willMoreThe correct seat is included in the package with each new stem prior to removing a seat you will need to purchase a seat removal tool at your local store or use an allen wrench.

How do I identify a faucet stem?

It is easiest for us to identify your stem or handle needs by measuring your stem from the left where the washer is attached to the right where the handle fits on the knurled end (The Broached end). Broached ends are unique by manufacturer and is critical when identifying your stem or cartridge.

How do I know if my faucet cartridge is bad?

Signs that a cartridge faucet needs repair are water dripping from the spout, difficulty in adjusting the water temperature, hot water entering cold water outlets like toilet supply lines and inadequately heated water at some faucets.

How do you take apart a faucet cartridge?

1:502:51How to Remove a Faucet Cartridge - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt using an allen wrench. Then lift it off twist the bonnet nut counterclockwise to remove it liftMoreIt using an allen wrench. Then lift it off twist the bonnet nut counterclockwise to remove it lift out the cam. Then the packing and ball valve remove the seats and springs using a small screwdriver.

How do you change a single faucet cartridge?

0:402:56How to Repair a Leaky Single Handle Cartridge Faucet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst you will need to turn off the hot and cold water supply valve under the sink. Next you willMoreFirst you will need to turn off the hot and cold water supply valve under the sink. Next you will need to remove the single lever handle. This may require using an allen wrench to loosen the handle.

How do I stop my faucet from dripping?

5 Reasons Your Faucet Is Dripping Water & How To Fix ItDeactivate the Water.Disassemble the Faucet Handles.Detach the Valve Stem.Inspect the Parts of the Sink.Replace the Damaged Parts.Sanitize the Valves.Put The Faucet Together.

Are all faucet cartridges the same?

Today, most brands have their own specifications and parts. Now there is variance in stems (cartridges), valves, and splines. Because of this, you will need to know how to identify the brand of your faucet before you can fix it. Knowing what you're working with makes it easier to disassemble and fix.

Why is my faucet still dripping after changing the cartridge?

Your faucet may contain a ceramic, brass, or rubber seat that is meant to form a seal at the bottom of the cartridge opening. The seat can become damaged with use so that it no longer fits correctly into the hole in the cartridge, which allows water to leak. The O-ring may also become cracked and cause a leak.

How do you stop a leaky faucet stem?

Stop a faucet stem leak A new rubber washer under the packing nut usually fixes leaks around the stem and handle. If a faucet leaks around the handle, you either have a loose packing nut or a bad packing washer. First try tightening the nut with a wrench or pliers.

How do you fix a Delta faucet stem?

1:323:15How To Fix A Leaky Delta Two Handle Faucet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUse a wrench or channel lock pliers to loosen the bonnet nut make sure to note where the quarterMoreUse a wrench or channel lock pliers to loosen the bonnet nut make sure to note where the quarter term stop is set on top of the cartridge. And use a pair of pliers to grab the top of the cartridge.

How do you change a stem on a tap?

1:022:25How To Replace A Tap Washer - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo grab the spout of the tap with your other hand for leverage. Once the nut is loose lift out theMoreSo grab the spout of the tap with your other hand for leverage. Once the nut is loose lift out the entire tap stem. Step 5 replace the washer at the bottom of the stem you'll find the washer.

How do you remove the stem from a sink faucet?

2:218:06How do I replace the stem in my double handle faucet? Part 3YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe're going to get as much of that stem in the throat of these channel locks as we can and we'reMoreWe're going to get as much of that stem in the throat of these channel locks as we can and we're going to lift straight up that'll help you get it out.

Why do we need to replace a faucet?

Faucets are a key part of your home for an obvious reason: They dispense water. Therefore, keeping your faucets in working condition is of great importance. A number of things can go wrong with your faucets, from leaks to noise. Sometimes you'll need to replace a faucet altogether to solve the problem.

How to stop a drip from a faucet?

That seal is usually created by a washer pressed tightly against the faucet seat. Obviously, when the washer or the seat is not functioning properly, a little water can seep through and drip out of the faucet spout. To stop the drip, all you usually have to do is replace the washer or repair the seat.

Why is my water pressure low?

Uneven water flow, low pressure when the pressure at other faucets seems all right, or troublesome switching back and forth from spray head to sink spout can be caused by a malfunctioning diverter valve or by a restricted hose. To check the diverter valve:

Why is my faucet making a noise?

Most likely, however, your noisy faucet is caused by a washer that is either the wrong size or is not held securely to the stem. Turn off the water supply before starting on this or any other faucet repair job. Replacing the washer or tightening it should eliminate the noise.

Why does my faucet drip?

A drip is caused by seepage from the water supply. Remember the water supply enters your home under pressure, so there must be a watertight seal holding back the incoming water when the faucet handle is in the OFF position. That seal is usually created by a washer pressed tightly against the faucet seat.

How much money does a dripping faucet waste?

Yet many people ignore it and leave the dripping faucet unrepaired. That costs money. A steady drip can waste $20 or more in water in a short time. Multiply that figure by the number of faucet drips in your home, and you can calculate how much of your money is literally going down the drain. The waste from a dripping hot water faucet is even more because you're also paying to heat the water before it goes down the drain.

What is a compression type faucet?

Compression-type faucets: No matter what a compression-type faucet looks like, whether it has separate handles for hot and cold water or just one that operates both hot and cold, it operates according to certain basic principles. Here's how to disassemble a compression-type faucet and stop a drip:

What happens when you remove the handle from a faucet?

With the faucet handle removed, the inner valve stem or cartridge will be revealed . This part needs to be extracted from the body of the faucet. The technique for extraction will vary, depending on the style of the faucet and shape of the parts.

How to grease a replacement faucet?

With your finger, apply a small amount of silicone faucet grease to the body of the replacement faucet cartridge.

What is a cartridge faucet?

Cartridge faucets, on the other hand, generally use a plastic or brass cartridge assembly that pulls straight out of the faucet body. Sometimes there is a collar nut or brass retaining clip that needs to be removed to free the cartridge.

What is a compression valve faucet?

Common with older homes, compression faucets shut off the water when the faucet handle is turned, thus compressing a stem washer located within the assembly.

Why does my faucet drip from the spout?

Traditional compression faucets usually drip from the spout when a stem washer becomes worn out, dry, and cracked. The answer here is usually to simply replace the stem washer. A cartridge faucet, whether a single-handle and double-handle model, usually leaks because the rubber or neoprene seals along the cartridge become worn.

How to loosen a sink cartridge?

A thin retaining nut holds the sink cartridge in place. Clamp the adjustable pliers around the retaining nut. Turn counter-clockwise to loosen the nut. Turn out the nut the rest of the way by hand.

How much water does a dripping faucet waste?

And it's not just that: A dripping faucet can waste an incredible amount of water. One drip each second can waste up to 3,000 gallons per year. 1 That's enough to fill close to 40 bathtubs.

How to get water out of a faucet when shut off?

Once the water is shut off, open the faucet fully to release any pressure in the water lines and let any water drain out. If your shutoff valves have levers instead of knobs, rotate the levers until they are perpendicular to the water pipes or tubing (the direction of the water flow).

How to insert a new cartridge in a faucet?

Insert the new cartridge into the faucet body in the same orientation as the original cartridge, aligning any tabs on the cartridge with the notches on the faucet body. Push the cartridge all the way into the housing.

What is a setcrew on a faucet?

Some handles have setscrews on the side or rear. Others have a decorative cap (usually plastic) that conceals a screw that secures the handle. Your faucet may also have a removable lever that unscrews from the handle base to allow easy access to the handle setscrew. If your faucet has a decorative cap, pry off the cap with a small flathead ...

How many tabs does a faucet cartridge have?

Note the orientation of the faucet cartridge. You must reinstall the new cartridge in exactly the same way. Most cartridges have one or two tabs that fit into notches on the faucet body.

What is a compression type faucet?

If you have a very old two-handle faucet, it may be a compression-type rather than a cartridge. You'll know when you remove the faucet handle: Cartridges are usually plastic and are held in place with a metal retaining nut; compression faucets usually have a metal valve with a flat rubber washer on the bottom.

How to turn on water shut off valve?

Turn on the shutoff valve for the water supply to the tap by opening it counterclockwise all the way. Test the faucet for proper operation.

What is a two handle faucet?

Most bathroom faucets that have two handles are cartridge-style faucets. Each faucet handle (hot and cold) has its own cartridge, a valve that turns with the handle to control the flow of water into the faucet spout. If you have a very old two-handle faucet, it may be a compression-type rather than a cartridge.

How to tighten a valve nut?

Once the new valve is in place, reinstall the mounting nut, turning clockwise until the nut is hand tight. Then, turn the nut 1/4 to 1/2 turn past what you were able to do with your hands.

How to expose a valve?

With a large adjustable wrench, loosen the mounting nut, counterclockwise, to expose the valve (Fig. 4).

How to fix a faucet that leaks from the handle?

In some cases, you can fix this by simply tightening the retaining nut that's under the handle. Remove the screw in the center of the handle and pull the handle off. Try tightening the nut slightly (Photo 1).

What to do if your faucet starts leaking?

If you find that the faucet starts leaking again after a short time, the valve seat is worn and you should replace the entire frostproof faucet. If the faucet is attached with threads, you can simply turn off the water, unscrew the faucet and replace it with one that's the same length.

What happens if a faucet spout is leaking?

If your faucet still leaks, the stem may be leaking and you should replace the faucet. If your faucet leaks out of the spout when it's turned off, the washer is bad. On frost-proof faucets, the washer is located on the end of the long faucet stem.

How to access vacuum breaker?

Pop off the vacuum breaker cap to access the parts underneath. Pry from both sides with a pair of screwdrivers.

Where is the vacuum breaker on a frost proof faucet?

Most frost-proof faucets have a built-in vacuum breaker located on top of the faucet (Photo 4). If you see water dribbling out from under the cap when the water is running, it's leaking. Photos 4 and 5 show how to replace a leaking vacuum breaker. Some repair kits include the parts for this.

Can a frost proof faucet leak?

A leaking frost- proof faucet can waste a lot of water, but fixes are simple, whether the problem is the faucet stem washer assembly, the vacuum breaker, or just a loose retaining nut.

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