Fix a Disk Cartridge 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: A single lever cartridge faucet is found in many bathrooms and kitchens. This type of faucet has a control lever on the top of the faucet. 2. Remove control lever and escutcheon cap: 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. Use an L-shaped hex wrench (allen wrench) to loosen the control lever setscrew usually located under the lever arm. Remove the lever and pull the decorative escutcheon cap up and off the cartridge body. 3. Remove cartridge valve and replace: Loosen, then remove the 2- long screws on the top of the cartridge body and lift the cartridge assembly off the faucet body. Take the cartridge assembly to your local hardware store or home center and purchase an exact replacement kit. Install the new cartridge according to the instructions in the kit. Check that the seals are in place on the bottom of the cartridge. Also replace the O-rings around the faucet body to prevent leaks from developing at the base of the spout. Written by the editors of HouseNet. Copyright HouseNet, Inc. |