Step 3: Detach the Valve Stem After removing the faucet handle, you’ll be able to spot the inner valve stem or cartridge, which must also be removed. For compression faucets, you can unscrew the brass valve stem, while for cartridge faucets, you can pull it out directly. If you encou...
Clean out the old packing material from under the retaining nuts using a flat-head screwdriver. Wind new graphite string packing around the valve stem inside the nut. Wind the packing clockwise so it tightens when you screw the nut back to the faucet. Three or four windings should be enough...
Trying to install a valve seat and spring, every time I do it still leaks but more than before.. Leaky Faucet[ 1 Answers ] OK my faucet has been leaking so I decided to replace the washers in the handles Every diagram or picture I look at has a packing nut holding the stem down bu...
Expert DIY advice on how to fix a leaky faucet in the bathroom or kitchen, including how to stop leaks and drips, and how to repair plumbing problems.
Shut off the water supply to the shower and protect the surface of the tub or shower floor. Cover the drain to prevent accidentally dropping small parts down it. Remove the handle, trim, and sleeve, then use a plumber’s deep socket to extract the faucet stem from the valve body. Replac...
Cold water temperatures will make it worse, as the o-ring can shrink just slightly, or small bits of grit and debris can get wedged up around the stem o-rings, causing leaks. For this situation, I would first just reposition the valve. Shut off the pump and push down on the multi...
If the handle was frozen with mineral buildup (scale), and the faucet is a cartridge-type, there's a good chance the cartridge will be stuck, too. If you absolutely can't budge it by grasping the valve stem with pliers and pulling, you may need a cartridge puller. Like a handle pul...
The washer at the bottom of the stem is called a seat washer. This is the part of the faucet that gets compressed by the handles to close the flow of water through the faucet. It is the part that is typically responsible for a leaking faucet. Check to see if the washer is being hel...
Reassemble the faucet handle and test the water once you replace the O-ring. 4 Remove the seat valve washer. This is the upside-down brass screw. Either unscrew it by hand, or use a wrench to loosen and remove the valve washer. If your faucet is leaking, this is probably the main cu...