Doing your own faucet repair may seem daunting, but once you learn the basics, modern faucets are pretty easy to fix. In fact, the hardest step is usually finding the right replacement parts. In this article, we’ll tell you how to find replacement parts and show you how to stop spout drips on the three main types of single-lever faucets: rotary ball, cartridge and ceramic disc. We’re showing kitchen faucets, but you can fix most single-lever bath faucets using the same procedures. We'll also show you how to stop leaks around the base of the spout. The tools you'll need vary a little depending on the faucet you’re repairing. You’ll probably need an Allen wrench to remove the handle. Buy a set of small Allen wrenches, and you’ll be prepared for any faucet. Most repairs also require screwdrivers and a large slip-joint pliers. Follow These Basics For All Faucet Repairs Before you start, examine the faucet closely to determine where the water is coming from. Leaks around the base of the spout require a different repair than a drip from the end of the spout.

Then turn off the water supply to the faucet. You'll probably find shutoff valves under the sink. If those valves don’t work or if you don’t have any, you'll have to close the main water valve to your entire home. After you turn off the water, open the faucet in the center position to relieve water pressure and make sure the water is shut off. Finally, cover the sink drain holes with strainer baskets or rags to avoid losing small parts down the drain. Pay close attention to the order and orientation of parts as you remove them. A digital camera or video camera is handy for recording each step in case you forget. For easier reassembly, set the parts aside in the order they were removed. When all the parts are out, inspect the interior of the valve for bits of deteriorated gaskets or mineral deposits. Use a cloth or fine nylon abrasive pad to clean the surface. Loosen mineral deposits by soaking them in vinegar. Slow water flow can be caused by plugged holes in the faucet body.

Use a small screwdriver or penknife to clean them out. Before you replace worn parts and reassemble the faucet, hold a rag over the faucet and open the water shutoff valve slightly to flush out debris that may have been loosened during the cleaning and inspection. After the faucet is reassembled, open the faucet to the middle position and gradually open the shutoff valves to turn on the water. Leave the faucet open until water flows freely and all the air is out of the pipes. If the water flow through the faucet is slow, the aerator (Figure A) may be plugged. Unscrew the aerator and clean it out. Take the Old Parts to the Store to Find Replacements You'll often find the brand name stamped on the faucet. And this information will help when it comes time to find repair parts. But in most cases, the safest bet is to take the worn parts to the store with you. If you have a Delta or other rotary ball faucet (Figure A), you’re in luck because you’ll find repair kits in most hardware stores and home centers.

Cartridges and repair kits for Moen “cartridge type” (Figure B) faucets are also readily available. But if you have another brand or a disc-type faucet, you may have to order parts, since there are too many variations for most stores to keep in stock. It helps to know the faucet's model name or number when searching for a replacement cartridge. Losing Weight Counting Calories Success StoriesOtherwise, take the cartridge with you to the store so you can match it to a photo in the parts catalog.Tattoo Meaning Weight Loss Plumbing supply specialists are also a good source of repair parts. Cheap Prom Dresses To RentIf you’re having trouble finding parts, call the manufacturer of your faucet for help. Basic Side Spray with Guide in Black

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Kitchen Sink Replacement Spray Head in ChromeOur apologies for the inconvenience. DIAMOND Seal® Technology features a valve embedded with diamonds to ensure like-new operation for the life of the faucet Meets standards set by Americans with Disabilities Act Touch-Clean spray holes allow for easy removal of hard water build-up Includes optional 10-3/4" escutcheon/base 1 or 3-hole 8 in. installation Pull-out spout swivels 120degrees for added convenience 59 in. long hose provides outstanding reach 1.80 gpm @ 60 psi, 6.8 L/min @ 414 kPa Register for an account Includes matching finish soap dispenser 2 or 4-hole 8 in. installation Includes optional 10-1/2 in. escutcheonThe pullout faucet is easy to fix. The typical pullout sprayer faucet consists of four basic components: the hollow faucet spout, the pullout sprayer wand, a flexible faucet hose and the chrome pullout hose. Most sprayer faucet leaks occur at the connections on either end of the chrome pullout hose and most pressure-loss problems are caused by debris or mineral deposits that clog the wand's aerator.

You can easily replace a defective or broken part with a new one in an hour or two. Turn off the water to the faucet. Locate the shutoff valves for the hot and cold water supply within the cabinet underneath the sink. Alternatively, turn the water off at the main shutoff valve. Find the small hose weight hanging from the chrome pullout hose below the sink. Some weights are comprised of plastic and are looped through the pull-out hose; other weights are brackets screwed to the hose. If your weight is screwed on, remove the weight, using a flathead screwdriver. If the weight is a plastic loop, leave the weight alone for now. Turn on the faucet and allow any residual water in the pipes to drain into the sink. Pull out the faucet spray wand from the spout and unscrew it from the chrome pullout hose. Be careful not to drop the small washer inside the nozzle of the hose end. Unscrew a very tight connection, using the adjustable wrench. Wrap a layer of electrical tape around the jaws of the wrench to avoid damaging the screw.

Pull a few inches of the pullout hose through the spout into the sink to prevent the hose from dropping into the cabinet. Pour equal parts of hot water and vinegar into a plastic bowl. Ensure it is enough to cover the sprayer wand. Allow the sprayer wand to soak in the solution for several hours so the vinegar can dissolve mineral deposits that may have collected around the small aerator openings. Go beneath the sink and unscrew the other end of the chrome pullout hose from the flexible, water-supply faucet hose, using the adjustable wrench. Remove the plastic hose weight, if necessary. Do not pull the hose through the spout from this end. Stand in front of the sink and carefully pull the hose out of the faucet spout. If the hose gets stuck inside the spout, push the hose back through several inches to loosen it. Continue pulling out the hose. Stuff a portion of the paper towel into the end of the new pullout hose. Alternatively, insert the plastic plug if one is provided in your hose kit.

Insert the plugged end of the new pullout hose through the faucet spout. Feed it through the spout until the end of the hose is below the sink. Reattach the cleaned or new sprayer wand by placing the new washer into the pullout hose end and screwing the hose to the threaded nozzle of the sprayer wand. Tighten the connection until it is snug, using the adjustable wrench. Do not make the connection overly tight as doing so can damage the threads. Dock the sprayer wand to the faucet spout. Go beneath the sink. Loop the plastic hose weight onto the hose, if necessary. Remove the hose plug. Reattach the pullout hose to the flexible, water-supply faucet hose. Tighten the connection until it is snug but not overly tight, using the adjustable wrench. Reattach the hose weight bracket with the screwdriver, if necessary. Turn on the water supply. Things You Will Need Work light Flathead screwdriver Adjustable wrench Electrical tape Paper towel White vinegar Plastic bowl Bucket Pullout hose and washer set Tip References Delta Faucet: How to Install a Pilar Pull-Down Kitchen FaucetDelta Faucet: Sprayer Hose FAQsAmerican Standard: Easy Touch Faucet Installation Instructions Photo Credits Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images Suggest a Correction