How to Fix a Compression Faucet
continued from page 1
With the water turned off, remove
the decorative cap from the knob. Place the parts in order of
disassembly to aid in reassembly. The cap may pry off or unscrew.
Use a small screwdriver or putty knife wrapped with tape to reduce
the risk of scratching the surface. If the cap is designed to
unscrew, it will unscrew in the direction opposite that the knob
turns. Next, remove the screw that holds the knob in place and
lift off the knob (and sleeve if any).
Next you must remove the packing nut. Use pliers or a wrench and turn the nut counterclockwise.
Lift the stem out, turning it counterclockwise a few turns if
necessary.
What you see now is the valve stem. At the end of the valve stem you will find a rubber washer fastened
with a brass screw. That washer should be smooth, flat and flexible.
Replacing the seat washer is simple, remove the screw that secures
it, replace the washer with an identical new washer and replace
the screw.
Inside the faucet body is the valve
seat. While the valve stem is out, inspect the valve seat with
your fingertip; it should feel smooth. If you cannot reach it,
use a flashlight and visually inspect the seat. If you see or feel pits or irregulaties, then it must also be
repaired or replaced.
If the valve seat has a square or
hexagonal hole in the center it can be removed with a seat wrench.
Unscrew the valve seat and replace
it with an identical part. If the valve seat has a round hole,
it cannot be replaced but it can be smoothed with an inexpensive
seat dressing tool.
Follow the steps backward to reassemble
the faucet and finish the repair.
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