Single-handle faucets are often divided into three types: cartridge, ball, and disk (also called ceramic disk). The distinction between the three types has become blurred over the years, and in newer models the major replacement part for all three types may be called a “cartridge.”
MAIN TYPES. From left to right, a ball with its cap, a cartridge, and a (ceramic) disk. All three types have small rubber and other parts that can be replaced, but it is common to simply replace the entire innards with a sealed part that may be called a cartridge.
To make repairs, shut off the water and follow the instructions on the next page for disassembling. Once you pull out the insides, you can determine which type of faucet you have, and you can look for exact replacement parts. If parts are difficult to find, consider installing a new faucet.
SIDE MOUNT. Valves mounted on the side, like this one, are growing in popularity. Many models use disc valves, like this one. For repair purposes, the valves are the same; only the orientation changes.
Disassembling a single-handle faucet
To get at a single-handle faucet valve, you usually need to remove the handle, then a retainer ring or clip of some sort.
Before you begin disassembly, shut off the water by turning off the stop valves under the sink. Open the hot and cold valves to ensure that the water is shut off.
1. REMOVE THE HANDLE. If there is a plastic decorative cap, pry it off with a small flat screwdriver or a putty knife, then remove the screw that holds it down. On the type of handle shown here, raise the handle and use a small Allen (hex) wrench to back off the setscrew (do not remove it) far enough so you can pull the handle off.
2. REMOVE THE RETAINER. Unscrew the retainer ring (also called a collar). If you cannot unscrew it by hand, wrap it with a cloth to protect it from scratches and use a pair of slip-joint pliers.
3. REMOVE THE VALVE. Now you can easily get at the disk, cartridge, or ball. In this example, there is a plastic cap with a rubber gasket fitted to it on top of a ball valve. In the case of a cartridge faucet, there may be a retaining clip that you must remove first.
Ball Faucets
If you have a ball faucet, a repair kit for your model will include springs and rubber seats, and perhaps a new ball as well.
TIP: Pull the ball out gently and slowly, to ensure that the springs don’t fly out.
1. REMOVE THE SEATS AND SPRINGS. Use a nail set, awl, or small screwdriver to take out the rubber seats and the springs that are under them. Also remove any other rubber parts that appear worn. If the ball itself is scratched or pitted, replace it as well.
2. REPLACE THE PARTS. Carefully slip a spring into the opening, then press a seat over it and press until it seals tight. Or slip the seat onto the spring first, then push them into the opening as a single piece. Insert the ball so that its slot is aligned with the pin in the faucet body.
3. TIGHTEN THE CAP. Keeping the ball aligned correctly, add the cap, making sure it aligns with the notch in the faucet body (above). Taking care to keep the ball and the cap correctly positioned, press down with the retainer, then screw it on by hand.
Finish screwing using a pair of pliers as shown.
TIP: If a ball-type faucet leaks at the base of the spout, remove the spout and replace the large O-ring that seals the spout at the bottom.
Disk or Cartridge Faucets
A ceramic disk cartridge rarely wears out, but the rubber O-rings and gaskets do. Still, you may find that a repair kit includes the cartridge, just to make installation easier.
1. CLEAN AND REPLACE RUBBER PARTS. Remove the cartridge and pry out the rubber parts, which may be individual O-rings or a single gasket that goes around all the openings. Use a toothbrush or small brush and detergent to clean away scum and debris on the cartridge, then rinse clean. Apply plumber’s grease (which will come with the repair kit), then press the new rubber parts into place.
2. REASSEMBLE. Slide the cartridge back into the faucet body and reinstall any retaining clip. Hand-tighten the retainer ring (or collar). Replace the handle and fasten with a setscrew or hold-down screw. Restore water pressure and test for leaks.
Excerpted from Plumbing (The Taunton Press, 2016) by Steve Cory.
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