Fixing a Two-Handle Washer Faucet | |
Most older two-handle faucets have a rubber washer that is compressed against a valve seat to stop the water flow. After a while, the washer wears out and allows water to pass between it and the valve seat. Fixing such a leak is easy. Turn the water off from below the fixture or at the main shut-off valve. 1. Remove screw cover and handle screw: There is usually a decorative cover in the center of the handle which hides the handle screw. Use a screwdriver to pry off this cover. Then remove the screw and handle. 2. Remove packing nut and stem: Use an adjustable wrench or a channel lock pliers to remove the large packing nut (turn it counter clockwise) at the top of the faucet body. Then twist out (counter clockwise) the valve stem. If it is stuck, put the handle back on to give you a better grip on the stem. 3. Replace washer: Look at the end of the stem that fits into the faucet. You should see a brass screw holding the old washer in place. If there is no screw, just a rubber washer, then you probably have a diaphragm type. Remove the screw and old washer. The washer is either flat or beveled but sometimes this is difficult to tell. Both types are squashed out of shape as they wear out, so the washers can be difficult to identify. If you can't tell what type of washer you need, look into the top of the faucet, the first opening you see is the valve seat. If its lip is angled, you need a beveled washer, otherwise purchase a flat type washer. Take the stem and old washer to the hardware store or home center and buy replacement washers. They are sold in kits that contain a variety of sizes and extra stem screws. Replace the washer and brass stem screw, then rub some petroleum jelly or light grease on the stem threads and thread the stem into the faucet body. Replace the packing nut and handle. Turn on the water and test. If the water still leaks the valve seat needs to be refaced. This is not difficult but you need a special tool so consult a plumbing manual or seek professional help. Written by the editors of HouseNet Copyright HouseNet, Inc. |