Fix a Single Ball Valve Type Faucet
The most challenging part of repairing a leaky single lever faucet is figuring out what type of faucet you have and how to take it apart. Once you have it apart you can take the parts to your local hardware store or home center and purchase a repair kit.

1. Identify faucet type: This type of faucet has a control lever on the dome-like top of the faucet. This lever moves in an arc because it is attached to a shaft coming out of the ball valve. Before you begin, turn off the water supply to the faucet by closing the stop valves under the sink or turning off the main water supply.

2. Remove control lever: Remove the control lever by loosening the set screw that holds it on the ball valve shaft. Look for the screw head on the underside of the lever. The head will most likely be a hex socket. A set of standard L-shaped hex wrenches (allen wrenches) contains a size that will fit into the set screw. Or, if you know the make and model number of your faucet, purchase the repair kit beforehand; it will contain a key that fits the setscrew. Loosen the set screw with the allen wrench and remove the control lever.

3. Remove ball valve and spout: Wrap tape around the cap assembly (dome-shaped ring at the top of the faucet). Use channel lock pliers to turn it counter clockwise then remove it. Wiggle the ball valve stem as you pull up. Both the ball valve and its cover assembly will come straight out of the faucet body. Next, remove the spout. Twist it back and forth as you work it up and off the faucet body.

4. Replace valve seats and O-rings: Inside the faucet body are the valve seats and behind them are springs. Remove the seats, springs and O-rings from the faucet body and take them to the hardware store or home center to be sure you get the correct repair kit. Replace all old parts with those of the repair kit and reassemble the faucet according to the directions in the repair kit. Save the set screw key.

Written by the editors of HouseNet.
Copyright HouseNet, Inc.

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