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troubleshooting Credits: Michigan State University |
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Faucet Types
Faucets come in a staggering array of styles, colors, and shapes, but they all do the same thing--turn water on and off--pretty much the same way.
A compression faucet, common particularly in older homes, has a washer or seal that cuts off the water flow by closing against a valve when the faucet is turned off. These tend to drip from the spout when the washers wear out.
With compression faucets, hot and cold are controlled with two separate handles.
Other faucets called "washerless" don't have washers but do have O-rings that provide a seal.
They have a cartridge, ball, or disc mechanism that controls the water flow.
Disc faucets have a movable upper disc and a fixed lower disc; raising the upper disc makes the water flow, and lowering the disc shuts it off.
Cartridge faucets have a metal or plastic insert that seals the spout. Ball faucets are operated by a lever that aligns a slotted ball with inlets in the faucet. Most washerless faucets mix cold and hot water and have a single handle, though disc faucets may have two separate controls.
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Dripping Faucets
- Shut off the water to the faucet, either at the pump or where the supply enters the house which is usually on the side next to the street. It should be near the water meter. Some installations have a valve under the sink or lavatory and this is convenient.
- On some faucets the handle must be removed to get at the bonnet. To do this, remove the screw on the top of the faucet and remove the handle. Lay out all parts in the order you take them off so you can put them back in that order later.
- With a monkey wrench or adjustable wrench remove the bonnet.
- Remove the valve stem by rotating the handle in the same direction as you would to shut off the water. The assembly should come out.
- Remove the screw on the bottom and pry out the old rubber washer. Be sure to replace the washer with the same size and type. If you do not have a washer of the appropriate size you might try reversing the present washer. This would be a temporary solution especially if the washer is a flat disc and not a coned washer. Measure the diameter. For the first replacement buy a package of assorted sizes and remember what size you faucet requires.
- Check the valve seat with your finger to be sure it is not scored or dirty.
Remove seat if damaged with a Seat Wrench:
 - insert inside, press, pull the seat out (turn counterclockwise).
- Replace the faucet assemble in the reverse order you disassembled the faucet.
- Turn the water back on.
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Water Hammer
Ever hear a slamming or banging noise in your water pipes when someone shuts off a faucet? That sound is called a water hammer. It is caused by the sudden change of water flow, and pressure surges, which makes pipes vibrate.
Over time, recurring water hammers can loosen the mounting brackets that attach the pipes to the studs and joists in your home, leading to more movement and risk of leakage in joints and fittings. It can even cause a poorly soldered joint or fitting to completely break!
To minimize water hammers, secure pipes to prevent movement and reduce sudden pressure variations. Various devices are available that reduce the abrupt changes in water pressure.
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How to install:
Kitchen Sink
Bathroom Sink
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How to:
Repair a faucet. A step-by-step instruction.
Repairing Single-Lever Faucets
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Repairs
