Fixing a leaky faucet is easy and saves money in the long run.
Leaky bathroom faucets faucet aren’t just annoying; they also waste water. A hot water leak also wastes the energy used for heating water. The replacement parts needed to repair a Delta ball-type single-handle faucet are widely available, so there’s really no reason to continue to listen to the sound of an unchecked drip or watch your hard-earned money go down the drain.
Instructions
1. Turn off the water supply to the fixture. If the faucet is on a lavatory sink, shutoff valves should be underneath. For a shower or tub, you may need to turn off the water supply to the entire house. Turn the faucet on to release remaining water in the lines.
2. Close the drain or place a rag or old washcloth over the drain to prevent lost small parts.
3. Remove the faucet handle. On most Delta lavatory faucets, this takes a 1/8-inch hex wrench to remove a set screw, though some models may need a standard screwdriver instead. For a shower, pop off the center cap and remove the screw beneath it. The handle pulls straight off once the screw is loosened.
4. Wrap duct tape around the jaws of a large pair of pliers or a pipe wrench to protect the fixture's finish. Gently loosen the dome-shaped outer housing of the valve by turning it counterclockwise, and lift it off.
5. Lift out the inner housing to expose the ball. The inner housing is the white plastic piece with a triangular hole.
6. Lift out the ball and set it aside. The faucet housing has three holes, two of which contain black rubber seals sitting on springs-these are the water inlets. The rubber seals are the most common wear item, and must be periodically replaced to prevent leakage.
7. Lift out both seals and their springs and discard. Clean the inside of the faucet housing thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris, such as rubber bits from old seals.
8. Clean the ball and inner housing thoroughly to remove hard water deposits (use white vinegar) or iron stains. Replace either part if it is damaged with parts from the repair kit, especially the inner housing; damage to its rubber gasket can allow leakage around the base of the faucet.
9. Insert new springs and seals in the two water inlets.
10. Swab the interior of the valve with a small dollop of silicone grease. This inert, non-toxic lubricant is not water-soluble and, unlike petroleum-based grease, will not corrode rubber or plastic parts.
11. Reassemble the ball, inner housing, and dome-shaped outer housing. A system of tabs and slots molded into the parts helps orient them correctly. Slip the handle on the projecting stem of the ball.
12. Turn the water supply back on and test the faucet in all positions. Turn it off and watch for leaks. Leaks in a shower may take several minutes to become apparent. Retighten the set screw in the handle.
Tips Warnings
Most Delta faucets have a two-part outer housing. A plastic inner ring turns independently of the metal dome to tighten the inner seal. If there is a slight leak around the base of the faucet, it can sometimes be repaired by tightening this ring slightly (turn it clockwise).
