Bathroom faucets are typically the most frequently used fixture in the home. Although these faucets are designed to last many years, even the best fixtures will eventually begin to wear out. The first sign is a telltale dripping that won't shut off. Solving this common plumbing problem requires a simple valve replacement, which will end that wasteful dripping.
Instructions
1. Close the hot and cold water valves in the cabinet beneath the sink to shut the water supply off to the bath faucet.
2. Remove the bath faucet's handle to access the valve cartridge. The faucet handle is removed by first detaching the handle's insert cap using the tip of a screwdriver or utility knife to expose the handle screw. Remove the handle screw with a Phillips screwdriver, then pull the handle off the valve cartridge stem.
3. Loosen and remove the cartridge valve nut with an adjustable wrench. Some faucet models retain the valve cartridge with a snap ring and are removed with snap ring pliers.
4. Pull the old valve cartridge out of the base, using pliers.
5. Insert the new replacement valve cartridge into the faucet housing and replace the nut or snap ring removed in Step 3, using an or snap ring pliers.
6. Reinstall the faucet's handle onto the valve cartridge post, then secure the handle's screw, using a screwdriver.
7. Replace the insert cap into the handle to cover the handle's screw hole.
8. Turn on the hot and cold water valves beneath the sink to restore the water supply.
Tags: valve cartridge, handle screw, snap ring, bath faucet, faucet handle, adjustable wrench