Repairing Sink Faucets
When Water Delivery is a Problem, Plumbing Diagnosis is Key
In each home, sink faucets will fail. Learn how to determine what kind of faucet needs to be repaired and how to replace washers, O-rings, cartridges, and diaphragms.
Repairing Sink Faucets
There are sink faucets in kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms and more. Since they’re so common, they don’t get the kind of recognition that they deserve. Some reports say that indoor running water is the one biggest thing that revolutionized domestic society as we know it.
Although sink faucets get little attention until they start leaking, they’re a major and fundamental part of homes, restaurants, and the hotel industry. But when things do go wrong (and they will), the most important thing to understand is the wide array of sink faucets available. Without being able to identify the faucet type, fixing sink faucets is impossible.
Fixing Different Types of Faucets
Compression Faucets – These are always doubled handled; this is a great staring point for identifying the faucet type. Simple, yet functional; the internal washer rises to let the water flow.
- Repair Tip – If the spout drips, change the stem washer.
- Repair Tip – If the handle leaks, change the O-ring or packing in the stem.
Diaphragm Faucets – These are also double handled.
- Repair Tip – If the handle leaks, replace the O-ring.
- Repair Tip – If both the handle and spout leak, replace the diaphragm.
Disc Faucet – These faucets can be either single or double handled. It has a pair of plastic or ceramic discs (hence, the name) that regulate the temperature and volume of water that reaches the user.
- Repair Tip – If the faucet malfunctions, either replace the seals or unclog the inlet ports. The discs are rarely a problem.
Rotating Ball Faucet – Always a single handle faucet, it gets its name from the use of a slotted brass or plastic ball which sits on top of spring loaded plastic seats. The handle rotates the ball, which in turn, adjusts the temperature and flow volume.
- Repair Tip – Leaking from the spout? Replace the springs and seats together.
- Repair Tip – Leaking from the handle? Replace O-rings and adjust the adjusting ring.
Cartridge Faucet – A single lever faucet, it employs a cartridge to control the water flow.
- Repair Tip – This one is a no-brainer. A simple assembly, when troubles arise, try changing the O-rings first. If this does not fix the problem, just change out the cartridge.
Essential Tools and Materials for Plumbing Repair
There are some things that apply to other areas of DIY but are essential for plumbing projects…
- Slip-joint or Channel-Lock Pliers – The holy grail of plumbing tools. Well, two pairs are great!
- Teflon Tape – Cheap but, oh, what a relief!
- A bunch of rags – Yes, have them on hand.
- Screwdrivers – Have all kinds on hand; this is no time to go searching.
- Nut-drivers – Many rubber or “soft connections” will use automotive style hose clamps.
