How to Fix a Leaky Kitchen Faucet with Two Handles
The faucet in your bathroom has started to leak again, and it’s driving you crazy. The constant drip-drip-drip sound is not only irritating, but it can also cause your water bills to skyrocket. Don’t worry – fixing a leaky faucet is easier than you might think. With a few basic tools and replacement parts, you…
The faucet in your bathroom has started to leak again, and it’s driving you crazy. The constant drip-drip-drip sound is not only irritating, but it can also cause your water bills to skyrocket.
Don’t worry – fixing a leaky faucet is easier than you might think. With a few basic tools and replacement parts, you can stop that annoying leak and return your bathroom and kitchen to a peaceful and quiet place.
Table of Contents
Most Common Cause Of A Leaky, Dripping Faucet?
If you have a leaky faucet, it can be a frustrating issue. The most common culprit behind this problem is wear and tear. Over time, the gasket or O-ring that seals the faucet handle to the faucet body can wear out, resulting in water leakage.
Another common cause of leaking faucet with double-handle is a broken or damaged washer inside the faucet handle. In newer ceramic disc faucets, a damaged cartridge can also cause leaks.
Regardless of the cause, it’s crucial to address the issue as soon as possible to prevent more significant and expensive problems down the line.
Before You Begin to Fix a Leaky Kitchen Faucet handle
It is crucial to locate and shut off the water supply valves on the water supply lines. Most faucets have shutoff valves under the sink with small, football-shaped handles or levers.
Simply turn the valve for the faucet you’ll be working on clockwise until it stops to shut off the water supply. In case your valves have levers instead of knobs, rotate them until they are perpendicular to the water pipes.
However, if you can’t find shutoff valves under the sink, don’t worry. You can still turn off the water supply to your house at the main shutoff valve.
After turning off the water, remember to open the faucet fully to release any water pressure in the water lines and let any water drain out.
This step is important to prevent any accidental spills and to ensure a dry work area.
What You’ll Need
- Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
- Allen adjustable wrench
- Pipe wrench or tongue-and-groove pliers
- Replacement cartridge
- Plumber’s grease
How Do You Fix A Leaky Faucet?
Step 1: Remove the Faucet Handle
Begin by removing the decorative caps on both handles and unscrew the handle screw with a Phillips screwdriver. Once the screw is loosened, simply lift the brass screw off the handle with your bare hands.
Step 2: Remove the cartridge Retaining Nut
Use a pipe wrench to remove the retainer nut and cartridge straight out of the faucet body. If the retainer nut is too tight, you can use needle nose pliers or tongue and groove pliers.
Step 3: Remove the Old Cartridge
Lift out the old cartridge from the faucet body and discard it. Make sure to check the old cartridge for worn-out components, such as a rubber seat or O-rings.
Step 4: Buy a New Cartridge
Look for a faucet cartridge that is an exact replacement for the old one and is made by the same manufacturer. You can find these at any hardware store.
Step 5: Install the New Cartridge
Apply a bit of the plumber’s grease to the new cartridge and insert the entire cartridge into the faucet body. Ensure the entire cylinder is covered with grease and the valve stem is properly aligned.
Step 6: Complete the Installation
Secure the cartridge by tightening the retaining nut with a pipe wrench. Reassemble all the components in the reverse order and check for any leaks. If everything looks good, turn the shut off valves back on and test the faucet.
Make sure to use the correct replacement parts, such as a new cylinder, springs, screws, new rubber O ring, and decorative cap. Additionally, use a bit of the plumber’s grease to ensure that the new cartridge is properly installed and there are no leaks.
Conclusion
Overall, fixing a leaking faucet with two handles is a simple DIY task that anyone can do with the right tools and replacement parts. The most common cause of a leaky faucet is wear and tear, and it’s important to address the issue immediately to prevent further damage.
Following these steps, you can stop that annoying drip-drip-drip sound and restore water flow from your kitchen faucet to its full functionality.
FAQ
How does a two handle faucet work?
A two-handle faucet has separate handles for hot and cold water, which control the volume of water that flows through their respective water supply lines. When the handle is turned, it raises or lowers a washer or seal that closes against a valve seat to regulate the volume of water.
What are the advantages of bathroom faucets with two handles?
Bathroom and kitchen faucets with two handles offer precise temperature control, safer use of hot water, less likelihood of sudden temperature changes, and better water flow control compared to single-handle faucets.
How to Replace a Delta Two handle Cartridge Faucet
To replace a Delta Two-handle cartridge faucet, follow these simple steps. First, turn off your faucet’s water supply to prevent accidental leaks. Next, remove the handle and unscrew the bonnet nut to expose the cartridge.
Remove the old cartridge and replace it with a new one. Once you have installed the new cartridge, reassemble the faucet and turn on the water supply. This should fix any leaks or other issues that you were experiencing with your Delta two-handle faucet.
Does every replacement cartridge come with a new screw?
No, not all replacement cartridges come with a new screw. Some Delta replacement cartridges include a brass stem unit for older style 2-handle faucets, roman tubs, and showers with a handle screw coming from the side of the handle. leaky double handle faucet
