How To Fix Compression Or Stem-Type Faucet ?
If you have a compression faucet, it will have two handles – one for the hot water and one for the cold water. In order to control the pressure of your water, compression faucets use a system of seals and washers.
The working of the faucet is simple. At the bottom of the stem it consists of a rubber seal. It presses against the valve seat to block the water flow. Turning the handle the other way releases the seal against the seat and the water flows. However, compression faucets are much more prone to leaks due to the twisting motion which in time wears out the rubber seal at the bottom of the stem.
Since, these are more prone to leaks and fissures, let us see some steps about fixing them. First of all Turn off the water at the water supply under the sink. If you don’t see these shutoffs, you’ll have to shut off the main water supply. Next, pry with the screwdriver and open the decorative plastic cap located at the top.
Take your crescent wrench and remove the packing nut. Doing so, you can now easily pull out the stem. Some type of faucets consists of stem threaded in the faucet. Just rotate the stem in anti- clockwise direction and remove it completely.
Once you get the stem out, look for the rubber washer; the black round thing at the end of the stem. If you see a screw, get a screwdriver and take it out.
On finding the worn out washer, replace it with the new one. One can easily find these rubber washer from the nearby home improvement store.
If the faucet still leaks after you’ve replaced the washer, you may have to replace the valve seat, which requires a special wrench. The valve seat is located below the stem and can be accessed when the stem is removed.
Reassemble the faucet by replacing the valve stem and body, cover, handle and cap. Make sure to tighten the valve body into its seat securely. Restore the water supply and check for leaks. If you are unable to set it right, take professional’s aid.
Scott Rodgers is a writer with great plumbing experience all over the country. His splendid guidance has created business opportunities for a lot of West Hills Plumbers and Cardiff by the Sea Plumbers . Grab a totally unique version of this article from the Uber Article Directory