Single Lever Washerless Faucet
A single handle faucet is always a washer-less type faucet. These faucets are different than compression faucets, which rely upon the application or relief of pressure on a washer when the handle is turned to control the flow of water. A washer-less faucet operates with a cartridge valve, ball, disc, or diaphragm method to control the flow of water. Both types of faucets are easy to work on and replacing the valve seat does not require technical expertise or skill with tools. Set aside an hour for this project.
Instructions
1. Turn off the water to the faucet by locating the main water supply to the house. It is usually next to the water meter where the pipes enter the house. Turn on the faucet handles to the on position and drain the lines of water.
2. Pop off the metal cap on top of the faucet by slipping a flat-head screwdriver under it and gently prying it upward.
3. Remove the handle from the faucet by unscrewing the set screw located on the top of the handle under the metal cap and pull the handle straight off the stem. If it is corroded and sticks, gently apply upward pressure at the base of the handle with a screwdriver and pry it off the stem. If it will not move, purchase a specialized faucet handle remover tool from the hardware store.
4. Grip the hexagonal packing nut with a crescent wrench, turn it counterclockwise, and remove it along with the bonnet nut on top of it.
5. Thread out the valve stem by using your fingers to turn it counterclockwise. If it is stuck, use a pair of channel-lock pliers to grip it above the threads and turn it counterclockwise.
6. Locate the valve seat inside the faucet body under the valve stem. Use a flashlight to determine if there is a square or hexagonal hole in its center or if it is slotted for a slot-head screwdriver. If it has a round hole in the center the seat cannot be replaced and instead must be dressed with a specialized tool available from the hardware store.
7. Replace the valve seat by using a specialized faucet seat wrench, available from the hardware store. It has both a square and a hex head. Simply insert the appropriate wrench into the hole in the center and turn it counterclockwise to remove the seat.
8. Apply a light coat of pipe joint compound on the threads of the valve seat. Screw the new valve seat into the faucet body by inserting the faucet seat wrench into the hole in the valve seat and turning it clockwise until tight.
9. Reassemble the faucet by following the dis-assembly process in reverse. Turn on the water supply to the house and check for faucet leaks.
Tips Warnings
Read through the directions for replacing the valve seat and assemble all tools and materials before beginning the project.
Some water valves for the main water supply to the house may require either a crescent wrench to turn a hexagonal nut or a long handled tool with a U-shaped tip that fits into a slot to turn the valve. This tool is available from the hardware store.
Apply steadily increasing pressure and penetrating oil to remove a stubborn valve seat; do not use extreme force that may strip out the slot in the valve seat.
