What Tools and Equipment Do You Need Before Repairing Your Faucet?
When it comes to repairing your single handle faucet, there are lots of tools and equipment required, such as:
- Allen wrench
- Screwdriver
- Utility knife
- Nylon brush or used toothbrush
- Pipe wrench
- Disk cartridge (if required)
- New O-ring for faucet
- Heatproof silicone’s plumber grease
When is the Time to Repair or Replace your Faucet?
If your faucet is more than 8 years old, then it is the right time to change it because your faucet’s internal parts are getting damaged with constant use. And chances are, if your faucet is leaking from one spot, then it would soon start leaking from another point and unfortunately, the costs of leaking will be equal to the costs of buying a new faucet. So, before it gets worse, it’s better to replace your faucet for smooth usage.
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Should You Always Call the Professional to Repair Your Single Handle Faucet?
If water drips from the spout or the base area of the faucet and onto your countertops, then it’s possible to tackle these minor repairs by yourself. However, if the faucet drips below your countertops, then you should immediately contact a professional as this is a problem that can only be handled by experts.
Steps to Repair Your Single Handle Faucet
Now that you understand the right time to repair your faucet and the problem that is causing the damage, it’s time to repair your single-handle faucet and streamline the flow of water.
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Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply
Once you have gathered all the tools, it’s time to begin the process.
In the first step, you need to locate the cold and hot water fixture so you can shut off the valves and turn off the water supply. Now, these shutoffs are present under your sink exactly at the spot where your water supply pipes are joined with the flexible water supply tubes that are further leading up to the faucet tailpieces.
Most valves you see have knurled knobs and they rotate clockwise so they can shut off the water supply, while many faucets have lever-type valves and have handles with one-quarter turn rotation to shut off the supply.
Once you stop the water supply, you need to open your faucet so you can release the overall pressure and it drains out quickly.
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Step 2: Detach the Faucet Handle
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After turning off the water, it’s time to detach the handle of your faucet from the body and cartridge. In the process, you will find out that the mounting screw is concealed under some plastic or exists under the metal cap that covers the part of the faucet body.
If the faucet doesn’t have any kind of plastic cap, then the handle may be fixed by a hex screw on the side or rear portion of the handle. You can use an Allen wrench so you can remove the mounting screw, after that, you need to gently pull the handle off.
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Step 3: Remove the Disc Cartridge
When you remove the handle, you will find that the disk cartridge is exposed which means you can easily remove it now. Most cartridge styles feature screws or sometimes a mounting ring that can keep the cartridge in place.
If you also have this style of the cartridge, you need to remove its ring or a screw that can secure the cartridge before lifting it out. If it is sticky, it’s better to hold the stem with pliers so you can easily pull it out.
Once you remove the cartridge, check for all the leaks and damages. If the cartridge is cracked or damaged, then it means you need to replace it immediately. In case you are going to replace it, make sure you bring the old one with you so you can find the exact parts and pieces.
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Step 4: Remove the Seals and Clean the Ports
Now depending on the model of your faucets and manufacturers, the next step could vary. Sometimes, you find that the disc faucets are leaked as rubber seals in the end portion of your ceramic disk are damaged or layered with heavy mineral deposits.
So, it’s better to carefully check the bottom of the cartridge. Once you check, remove all the rubber seals from the water inlet ports with the help of a screwdriver. Make sure you don’t damage the seals. You can also use a soft nylon brush or an old toothbrush so you can clean the parts of rubber seals.
Do not forget to clean the ports at the end section of your cartridge. If these ports feature any substantial build-up of calcium, then you need to buy a highly powerful product that can last long.
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Step 5: Remove the O-Ring
In the next step, you need to remove the O-ring from the neck area of your faucet body. Also, make sure you are coating a new O-ring with layers of plumber’s grease, and then install it by adjusting it into the groove of the faucet.
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Step 6: Reassemble Your Faucet
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Once you remove the O-ring, you need to add the cleaned rubber seals back to their place. Also, place the disk cartridge back into the faucet and align the tabs on the cartridge with multiple notches existing on the faucet. If you find any mounting screw or cap, then it’s better to reinstall it.
Fix the handle and replace its decorative cap.
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Step 7: Open up the Water Supply
Set the handle of your faucet to the exact center open position. After that, turn the water supply on. When you find that the air is sputtering out of your faucet, then turn the handle towards the closed position. Do not forget to check if the faucet is leaking or damaged.
Special Pro Tips for Cleaning Your Single Handle Kitchen Faucets
Single-handle kitchen faucets are the breeding ground for viruses and bacteria, which means it’s extremely important to keep them clean and tidy.
If you want to make sure there are no bacteria and germs on your faucet, then you need to follow a strict cleaning procedure.
And for this procedure, you need a plastic baggie, vinegar, and rubber band.
Mix the vinegar with water, and then pour the mixture into the baggie. Now use the rubber band and attach this baggie to your kitchen faucet to submerge its head in the vinegar solution. Let it sit for 30 minutes. You can also keep it soaked overnight and then take the faucet head out, brush it well and rinse it again.
Repairing Your Faucet Can Save Money but Cause Problems as Well
Yes, that’s true. When you decide that you don’t need any professional help for faucet repair, then you need to follow the above procedures and steps carefully. However, if you think that this is something that cannot be done without a professional, then it’s better to get the help of experts who have years of experience in repairing single-handle faucets.
On the other hand, if you are feeling difficulty choosing the right faucet, then you can select from the extensive range of single-handle faucets available at KibiUSA. Their faucets are completely lead-free, feature powerful spray, and magnetic docking that address all your cooking and cleaning needs in the kitchen. You can choose from different designs, varieties, colors, and types of single-handle faucets that best suit your kitchen needs. you can also get the help of experts who can help recommend the best single-handle faucet based on your requirements and budget.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Kitchens
