Fixing Leaky Faucets
If you have a leaky faucet calling a plumber can be an expensive option, especially when you can do it yourself! The four main faucet types: Ball-type, Ceramic-Disk, Cartridge and Compression.
Most importantly, you must turn off the water before you do anything else. Usually, you will find the hot and cold water valves under the sink. Turn the valves clockwise to cut off the water supply. If there are no valves under the sink, then turn the water supply off for the whole house. Always ensure the drain is plugged to make sure parts don’t get lost.
Ball-type Faucet:
The ball-type faucet has lots of elements to it. It is highly likely a broken ball-type faucet will need multiple parts changing. The easiest thing to do is buy a whole new replacement. The replacement packs will come with a specialized tool for the job.
First of all, unscrew the handle. Then proceed to remove the cap and collar using a pair of adjustable pliers. Unscrew the faucet cam by using the specialised tool provided and take out the faucet cam, washer and ball. Using needle nose pliers reach into the faucet and extract the springs and inlet seal. Remove the existing o-rings and replace with new ones, making sure to cover the new o-rings in plumber grease. Replace with new springs, valve seats and cam washers as you install the replacement faucet.
Ceramic-Disk:
To begin with, remove the cap, lift the handle off and unscrew the top. Take off the escutcheon cap using a spanner, remove the disc cylinder. Underneath will be the neoprene seals, remove the seals and soak them with the cylinder in a white vinegar solution. If there are any visible signs of damage on the seals they will need replacing. Once reassembled it is very important to remember to turn the tap on slowly, otherwise, you run the risk of cracking the ceramic disk.
Cartridge Faucet:
Take off the decorative cap, undo the handle screw and lift off the handle. If applicable, remove the threaded retaining clip with a pair of pliers. Ensure the cartridge is positioned straight up, and then proceed to remove the spout. Dispose of the preexisting o-rings and replace, always remember to apply plumber grease to the new o-rings. Finally, reinstall the fixture.
Compression Faucet:
Start by taking off the decorative cap as standard. You now need to unscrew the handle and remove it. Use an adjustable spanner to unscrew the packing nut revealing the stem. Take out the stem using a pair of pliers, this will uncover the o-ring. If it's the seat washer that’s the problem, simply replace the rubber washer, it is located on the brass screw.
If it is the handle that leaks instead of the faucet it will be the o-ring that is the culprit. Remember to bring the o-ring with you to the hardware store to ensure you can get an exact replica. Make sure you use appropriate plumber grease when reassembling.
Most importantly, you must turn off the water before you do anything else. Usually, you will find the hot and cold water valves under the sink. Turn the valves clockwise to cut off the water supply. If there are no valves under the sink, then turn the water supply off for the whole house. Always ensure the drain is plugged to make sure parts don’t get lost.
Ball-type Faucet:
The ball-type faucet has lots of elements to it. It is highly likely a broken ball-type faucet will need multiple parts changing. The easiest thing to do is buy a whole new replacement. The replacement packs will come with a specialized tool for the job.
First of all, unscrew the handle. Then proceed to remove the cap and collar using a pair of adjustable pliers. Unscrew the faucet cam by using the specialised tool provided and take out the faucet cam, washer and ball. Using needle nose pliers reach into the faucet and extract the springs and inlet seal. Remove the existing o-rings and replace with new ones, making sure to cover the new o-rings in plumber grease. Replace with new springs, valve seats and cam washers as you install the replacement faucet.
Ceramic-Disk:
To begin with, remove the cap, lift the handle off and unscrew the top. Take off the escutcheon cap using a spanner, remove the disc cylinder. Underneath will be the neoprene seals, remove the seals and soak them with the cylinder in a white vinegar solution. If there are any visible signs of damage on the seals they will need replacing. Once reassembled it is very important to remember to turn the tap on slowly, otherwise, you run the risk of cracking the ceramic disk.
Cartridge Faucet:
Take off the decorative cap, undo the handle screw and lift off the handle. If applicable, remove the threaded retaining clip with a pair of pliers. Ensure the cartridge is positioned straight up, and then proceed to remove the spout. Dispose of the preexisting o-rings and replace, always remember to apply plumber grease to the new o-rings. Finally, reinstall the fixture.
Compression Faucet:
Start by taking off the decorative cap as standard. You now need to unscrew the handle and remove it. Use an adjustable spanner to unscrew the packing nut revealing the stem. Take out the stem using a pair of pliers, this will uncover the o-ring. If it's the seat washer that’s the problem, simply replace the rubber washer, it is located on the brass screw.
If it is the handle that leaks instead of the faucet it will be the o-ring that is the culprit. Remember to bring the o-ring with you to the hardware store to ensure you can get an exact replica. Make sure you use appropriate plumber grease when reassembling.