Tips for Repairing a Compression Faucet or Cartridge Faucet
Repairing the Compression Faucet
A compression faucet will only have a problem with leaks for only one of these two reasons: Either the washer is worn out or the valve seat is worn out.
Replacing the washer
Just take the handle off of the faucet. They are usually held on with a screw hidden under a decorative cap on the faucet. Then you should be able to see a spot where you can get the tip of a screwdriver under the cap to pry it off, and then you can simply undo the screw holding the cap in its place. Loosen this and remove the water valve by turning it counterclockwise. An adjustable wrench or a pair of Vise grips will work well for this part of the job. There will be a rubber washer that will be attached to the bottom of the valve stem. Just remove the screw holding the washer in place and then replace it with an identically sized, new washer.
Repairing the valve seat
When your valve seat is all worn out or corroded, then you should replace this as well. Simply take out the removable valve seat using an Allen wrench or with a valve seat wrench. Replace it with a brand new valve seat of the same exact size. If the valve seat is not replaceable, you can recondition it with a "valve seat dresser," which is an inexpensive tool that grinds away high spots, and these tools are available at most home stores or all plumbing supply stores.
Repairing a Cartridge Faucet
A cartridge faucet has holes inside the assembly to control both water flow and the temperature of the water. These cartridges will normally leak for only one of two reasons: either an O-ring has deteriorated or dried up or the cartridge is faulty or broken.
On single handled or double handled cartridge faucets, the first step is to completely remove the faucet handle and body by undoing any screws or small bolts holding them in place. These screws are very likely to be hidden from view under some sort of decorative caps and will either unscrew or require a small Allen wrench to remove them.
After removing these, the next step is to actually remove the cartridge. Most cartridges will have a locking nut holding it into place. Just unscrew the nut with an adjustable wrench and it should lift right out, but if it sticks, then use a pair of pliers to lift it out.
Your problem could be as simple as the O-ring around the cartridge having dried out or deteriorated over time, or the cartridge itself could be faulty or might have broken somehow. If the O-ring looks good, then you'll need to replace the cartridge itself. Take this with you to your plumbing supply or home store where you can get an exact replacement.
When you are replacing that cartridge, remember that it needs to be reinserted properly or the hot and cold will be reversed. Most cartridges have a flat side that faces the front, but to be on the safe side, read and follow any directions that come with your replacement cartridge. Then you can just reassemble the faucet and turn the water back on.
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