The valve inside the faucet is responsible for controlling the water flow through the stem. Using plumber's grease on the new O-rings when you replace the old ones will help the rubber last longer and lengthen the amount of time that passes before you must service the faucet again. When the handle levers are connected to the faucet base, like on a centerset faucet, you cant make this mistake (its all one piece). They should be identical, mirroring the others position. Just when you thought you were done, you have a few extra steps. There should be shut-off valves beneath the sink. You might stand still and see how water starts pouring in and floods the entire bathtub and bathroom floor, only to ruin your whole day. The kitchen sink sprayer offers a dribble where once there was a spray. In fact, with cartridges in some faucets, brand-specific cartridge-pullersare needed. One of the main culprits is mineral deposits that build up and begin to cause issues. There are differing types of cartridge removal tools; an inexpensive plastic design is available or more expensive heavy duty metal ones. Faucets are a great example of thisone day you realize the faucet is difficult to turn, and wonder how it ever got that way. Take the handle assembly apart and pop out the diverter with a screwdriver and soak it in a bath of equal parts white vinegar and boiling hot water. Tom- any specific brand you recommend? Perhaps you may need to replace your old tub filler with a new one or attach a tub spout to a new bathtub. Turn the wrench counterclockwise to loosen the nut until you can pull the stem free. The main purpose of my writing is to share my experiences of helping others. A bathtub is one of the most relaxing and peaceful places that we have always loved. Place a towel over the drain so you dont lose any parts, and then you can go to town disassembling the stubborn faucet handle. Luckily, fixing the damaged or problematic bathtub faucet can be done at home without any plumbers help. Luckily, its not a complicated fix. 4. Call us at 1-800-PFAUCET (1-800-732-8238) or. I recently replaced the cam and packing, ball and seats/springs in my 10 year old single handle Delta bathroom faucet. It will stop any unwanted spillage and flooding of the bathroom. 16K views 3 years ago Fixing the hard to turn faucet, without shutting the water supply. When it comes to tap water, how hot is too hot--and what can you do about it? (Some brands of faucets have a surrounding sheath that encircles the horseshoe clip. This is usually the case for older faucets, as the internal parts begin to wear out, allowing the faucet to turn further than usual. The pliers accommodate a variety of nut sizes, and having multiple screwdrivers prevents issues related to damaging the screw head while you repair . 3 How to Remove a Bathtub Spout Remove them. Yes, I agree, they should definitely last longer than two years. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Rotate the. Sometimes, replacing the cartridge might be your best option. Modern bath and .css-3wjtm9{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.125rem;text-decoration-color:#1c6a65;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:inherit;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-3wjtm9:hover{color:#595959;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;}kitchen faucets are generally well engineered and can easily last a decade or more depending on what type you have and factors such as how hard your water is. A clanking, clicking, or mechanical sound signals a problem that needs to be investigated. The double-handed faucets are the standard ones and are also easy to replace. Put the handle back on without the screw and gently push it in the direction it needs to go. It does not leak from the spout anymore but it is much harder to turn and operate the handle. Check that the water is off by turning the faucet handles. Or your investment will be fruitless. In cases where the aerator is entirely blocked or crusted, it's easier to just swap the aerator with an inexpensive replacement available from hardware stores and home centers. WD-40 will help lubricate the faucet handle, hopefully encouraging movement. Your email address will not be published. You can accomplish the faucet repair without one, but using the removal tool makes life a LOT easier. Finally, turn on the water supply, test the faucet handle, and check for leaks. The handle should be moving normally, and now you can turn on the water supply once more and continue on with your day. The rubber O-rings inside your faucet wear out from age, exposure to air, and exposure to heat from the hot water flowing through the faucet. Another possible reason lies in the faucets cartridge, which can eventually develop problems that make the faucet handle hard to turn. You might not need any tools it depends on the type of faucet youre working with. This little trick was taught me by another plumber over 30 years ago. After the faucet is reassembled, the water is back on and you have tested it to make sure it works well, show off your work to your spouse or friends. 4. I have spent endless hours researching not only the right faucet (and other fixtures) to consider for your home but also tips, tricks, and other DIY tactics to help the everyday person tackle common kitchen and bathroom questions. The most likely culprit of an inconsistent water stream from a faucet is a clogged aerator--the screw-on screen that covers the mouth of the faucet. If you recently were tinkering with the faucet, whether it was repairing parts or searching for the brand, you may have over-tightened the screw. Notice anything? See any pieces of debris or broken pieces of the old cartridge in there? Plumbing Forum, Professional & DIY Advice. As you twist the faucet's handles, the turning of the valve stem increases or decreases the flow of water through the faucet. Use the plumbers grease to lubricate any threads you can see. If the faucet is old, you may need to replace the faucet. Replace each faucet part in the order that it was taken off. After shutting off the water and plugging the sink drain, remove the faucet handle. Thus, you may consult a professional plumber. Finally, turn your shower off and on and see if the water has stopped coming out when the faucet is in the off position. Lift the faucet handle into the "on" position. We not only bathe in the bathtub but also relax and make important decisions in our life. If they look fine, set the handle back on the cartridge in a slightly different position. Look inside the faucet body and locate the interlocking notches between the handle and the faucet cartridge. Excerpted from the Popular Mechanics book When Duct Tape Just Isn't Enough, published by Hearst Books/Sterling Publishing. Firstly, turn off the main water source for the bathtub faucet. When one handle is askew, it messes up the aesthetic. The main supply line valve should be in your garage or basement. Read Our Comprehensive Review, 7 Moen ioDigital Shower Troubleshooting Tips, Is Eurostream A Good Brand? While these pieces can wear out, I want to ask a question. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Lift off the handle. The good news is that you can save a lot of money by repairing the faucet yourself. Some common items that are used to loosen hard-to-turn faucets include plumber's grease, an adjustable wrench, Allen wrenches, tongue and groove pliers, and Phillips and slotted head screwdrivers. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker. If this is a Moen faucet, this is when you use the removal tool. If possible, find a brand name on the faucet handle or spigot. Odds are, when an experienced clerk sees the picture, he or she will know immediately what brand it is. Tip: Use penetrating oil to loosen stubborn screws or fittings. There is no screw on the handle in some cases, so youll simply need to twist the handle hub to remove it. When you use them, youre directly supporting me at no cost to you. Does the faucet leak water around the base of the spout? If they appear worn, you may need to replace the cartridge. Installing a new stem or cartridge requires you take the old one to the store so you can find a perfect match. Pry the handle cap from the center of the faucet handle with a small flat-blade screwdriver to expose the handle screw. Find the packing nut and loosen it with the adjustable wrench; then, you should. Carefully brush off the entire stem and remove all the debris properly. Fixing the stubborn faucet handle is something you will need to do sooner rather than later, as it could seize up and prevent you from getting water. Another possible reason lies in the faucet's cartridge, which can eventually develop problems that make the faucet handle hard to turn. The kitchen faucet is hard to turn due to the accumulation of minerals and deposition of dirt. Other times it is a type of round threaded cap that unscrews. Every time you go for a glass of water, you have to deal with a screeching faucet. Take a wire brush and scrub the rust off the faucet valve until the surface smooths out a bit. Does Price Pfister Have A Lifetime Warranty? Read Our Comprehensive Review. When the valve is damaged due to its long-time usability, you need to replace it. While holding the handle in place, test the handle movement by rotating the handle. Your friends are on their way over for a cocktail party, and the powder room faucet spits rather than streams. 4) Once the water is off, close the drain stopper on the sink. Send us your question. Firstly, try tightening the handle and see if it works or not. Is Franke A Good Brand? Raise the control lever on the overflow plate and turn on the water. It is a bit difficult task, and so, you need to prepare properly. When you see the bathtub water is constantly running, even after your 10th time trying of turning off the faucet, you need to fix the problem immediately. If so, use needle nose pliers to remove it. Next, turn the faucet handle on its right and move it until it comes off to reveal the stem. Remove the faucet's retaining nut, which may be located above the spout, if you need to apply lubricant to the base. Once the handle is gone, you will notice a large nut situated on the faucet valve. At times the stem may catch debris and waste deposits. Remove the small metal or plastic cap covering the Allen screw holding the. Inside the handle, you will see a stem. If the handle turns in the wrong direction, switch the two. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Turn off the water to the faucet before you take apart the handles to access the seals, which you can do using either the water valve handles found under the sink or in an access panel on the wall behind the shower or tub faucet. You should be able to move it easily enough, but if you cant, dont force it. If the faucet handle is still stuck, find the set screw and use an Allen wrench to . Thanks. Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. Figured it needed grease on the rubber gasket. We appreciate your feedback. Buy the Delta T4788-PR-LHP Lumicoat Chrome Direct. Think about it. Plus, someone might try forcing it into position, thinking the water wont shut off all the way if they dont. TSBPE License M-20731 |Site Map, extensive plumbing maintenance and repairs, From Low to Flow: Expert Plumbing Solutions for Water Pressure Problems, Shower Power: Unleashing the Latest Shower Designs and Features, Technology to Keep Your Home Safe From Water Damage, Plumbers greaseconsider both silicone grease and lithium-based, old-fashioned grease, Tongue and groove pliersthese can adjust to handle various sizes of nuts, Adjustable wrenchalso called a crescent wrench, Allen wrencheshexagon-shaped metal wrenches to loosen and tighten set screws, Ragsyou will usually find you need one more than you have, no matter how many you gather, Phillips head screwdriversmake certain to have several sizes on hand to avoid tearing out the screw head, Slotted screwdriversagain, have several sizes on hand to avoid tearing up the screw head. To remove the handle, take off the screw cover; use a screwdriver or Allen wrench to remove the screw. The best way to achieve this is, Your email address will not be published. But bathroom and kitchen faucets present so many more challenges. Turn the water back on, check for leaks, and ensure the handle is positioned correctly. Look the handle over, with a little investigating, it should be obvious. If you dont buy the correct cartridge, it might not work, or you could end up with a handle that turns in the wrong direction. Shut off the water supply to the faucet by locating the supply valves below the sink. There are a couple of causes that can result in hard-to-turn faucet handles. Most likely, while disassembling the faucet, you are going to drop a small screw or gasket and the closed stopper prevents the small part from disappearing down the drain. During this process, be careful not to damage the stem or the handle. Once you remove the faucet handles' retaining screws and pull off the handles, you must remove the valve stem or cartridge. * The threads on the aerator or spout are worn or corroded, making aerator replacement difficult. Their odd noises range from screeching, clanking and squeaking, and you may encounter spraying or consistency problems. Some faucet brands contain a plastic or brass ball here instead of a cartridge. Be careful not to damage the faucet body itself during this process. 9) You can now install the new parts and work your way backwards through the steps as you reassemble the faucet, remembering to replace all retaining clips and rings. You can make do with a pair of slip-joint pliers. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Dig through the debris and locate the valves. Heres what youll need: If you havent already, turn off the water, drain the lines, and cover the drain with a towel. This screw may be located on the bottom or side of the tap. When did it get hard to turn? These include: * When its finish is worn away and its handle discolored or cracked. You can also talk to one of our agents Monday-Friday, 8am-8pm EST by calling 1-833-355-0273. Nonetheless, at times the handle may get cracked. Use the screwdriver to make sure they're as secure as possible. Spray lubricant such as WD-40 on obvious points of friction. Required fields are marked *. Following, I have listed a few simple steps to help you repair a single lever faucet. Remember to turn off the water supply before you get started! Fortunately, or unfortunately, we cannot all become plumbers. The improper installation of the faucet causes the over-tightening, and the O-shaped ring is forcefully closed. Turn on the tap and let it run for 2 minutes before reading the temperature with either an outdoor or a candy thermometer--just hold it under the water stream until the temperature is stable. Constant kitchen faucet problems -- is this normal. 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