• An 8-Inch Allen Wrench
• Channel Lock Pliers
• Flat-Head Screwdriver
• Needlenose Pliers
• Adjustable Wrench
The Parts You’ll Need
• If the faucet is leaking from under the handle, you’ll need to replace the cam and packing.
• For most other types of leaks, you’ll need to replace the seats and springs.
These parts do vary from faucet to faucet. Make sure to check your user manual for specifics on the parts you need to order. If you no longer have the user manual, call the manufacturer for more information on which specific parts to order.
Alternatively, you can take the parts into a hardware store and ask them to replace it. This process takes longer, as you’ll have to open the sink, remove the parts, then look through different stores for the right parts. Looking for parts this way can make the repair job a full day project, instead of a 20 minute project.
Getting Started
To get started, shut off the water supply. The on-off control to the water valve is usually located under the kitchen sink. Once the water is off, plug the kitchen sink so no small parts can fall down the drain.
Opening the Faucet
Start by taking the cover off the faucet. If there’s a cover, use a screwdriver to pop the cover off the faucet. Underneath, you’ll have the screw that’s holding the faucet in place. The screw will either be flathead, Phillips or hexagonal. While flathead and Phillips screws are easy to unscrew with a screwdriver, a hexagonal screw will require an 8-inch Allen wrench to unscrew.
Once the screw is out, you should be able to lift the handle off cleanly.
The Adjusting Ring
Under the handle is the adjusting ring. Adjusting this ring allows you to put more pressure on the parts underneath. Sometimes just adding more pressure using the adjusting ring is enough to stop a leak. To apply more pressure, use a pair of needle nose pliers to tighten it. Generally counter-clockwise is tighter and clockwise is looser.
If this doesn’t fix the leak, then you’ll have to continue with the parts replacement. Loosen and remove the adjusting ring with your needle nose pliers.
Twist Off the Dome
Once the adjusting ring is out, remove the dome itself. Sometimes this can be done with your bare hands, though often you’ll need to use an adjustable wrench. Place a cloth over the dome to avoid scratching the polish. Don’t put too much pressure on the dome, or it can be bent out of shape. Also make sure that you don’t turn the entire faucet while you’re turning the dome.
If the dome won’t come off, soap a cloth in vinegar and drape it over the dome. Leave it for 1-2 hours, then repeat with the cloth and wrench. This will help loosen the dome.
Stem, Ball and Cam
Removing the dome will expose the stem, ball and cam. If your kitchen faucet was leaking from under the handle, replacing the cam and packing should solve the problem. If your faucet wasn’t leaking from the handle, then you’ll need to replace the seat and springs.
To replace the seat and springs, remove the stem, ball and cam. Be careful not to lose any of these parts, as many of them are quite small.
Replacing the Seats and Springs
Insert the Allen wrench and gently pry out the seats and springs. The hot and the cold side will both have different sets of seats and springs. Set them aside.
Now, replace the old seats and springs with your new ones. Make sure these are the seats and springs designated for your model. To insert them, slide them onto your Allen wrench. Place the wrench into the hole and slide the seats and springs in. Use your finger to seal them into place. Repeat for the other side.
Now, replace the ball assembly. Make sure the pin on the ball is aligned to the slot on the valve. Replace the cam and packing (assuming they don’t need to be replaced.) Replace the dome. Do not tighten with a wrench – using your hand’s strength is enough. Finally, replace the adjusting ring and tighten it with a pair of pliers. Replace the faucet cover.
Now, test your newly repaired faucet and see if it still leaks. Congratulations! If you followed all the steps here, you should have a fully functional, leak-free faucet.
Author Bio – This guest post is written by Brett Thomas working for Plumbersstock.com
