Fixing A Compression Faucet

Compression or stem type faucet - This is a two-handle faucet design. With a single faucet, you can enjoy both hot and cold water as per the requirement. You can tell a stem faucet by the way it feels when you turn it off. You should feel a rubber washer being squeezed inside the faucet.

The working mechanism of compression type faucets is just very simple. But these posses rubber o- rings that tend to wear and tear with time. Washers in the hot water tap tend to wear out before those in the cold water tap.

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.

Loosen the lock-nut inside with a crescent wrench. Once the nut is loosened and removed, pull out the stem. With some types of faucets, the stem itself may be threaded into the body of the faucet assembly. You'll have to turn it counter-clockwise to loosen and remove it.

At the end of the stem you'll find the old washer on the end sitting in a valve seat. It will be held in place with a screw and it will look pretty well beaten up and crushed.

Remove the old washer by removing the brass screw and by taking a screwdriver into the screw hole in the washer, just pop the old washer out. Replace with the correctly sized washer. Taking the old one to the hardware store is the best way to fit a new washer.

Having replaced the washer if could not stop the leaks, well in that case unscrew the valve stem assembly from the housing. You can use an adjustable wrench, pipe wrench or channel-lock pliers. There are chances that it is faulty.

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.

Article Source: http://www.mushozoku.com

Scott Rodgers is an author with ample plumbing experience all over the country. His splendid guidance has generated business for a lot of West Hills Plumbers (Need one?click here!) and Cardiff by the Sea Plumbers (Need one?click here!).

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