One-handled bathroom faucets don't have the washers you find in other types of faucets. Instead, they rely on O-disks, cylinders, and inlet seals for operation. They develop leaks less often than old compression faucets and are easy to repair. Ball and cartridge faucets usually leak because of worn O-rings or other parts.
Instructions
Fix a Leaky Ball Faucet
1. Turn off the water supply by screwing the water line tap all the way to the right with your hand (usually found under the sink, or turn off the main line).
2. Unscrew the faucet handle, using a wrench. Lift the handle off with your hands. Take off the adjusting ring and cap found directly underneath the handle. Use pliers if necessary.
3. Remove the cam, cam washer, and rotaing ball with your fingers. These fit directly under the spout. Remove inlet seals and springs with needle-nose pliers.
4. Cut off the O-rings with a utility knife. These sit directly at the base of the faucet. Fit new O-rings snugly in place with your fingers.
5. Reassemble the faucet in the reverse sequence you used to take it apart. As you go, inspect each part. If a part appears worn, replace it.
Fixing a Leaky Cartridge Faucet
6. Turn off the water supply by screwing the water line tap all the way to the right with your hand (usually found under the sink, or turn off the main line).
7. Turn the set screw (on top of the handle) to the left with your hands to unscrew the handle. Remove the cartridge, which lies directly underneath the handle.
8. Remove the retaining cap (if the faucet has one), using needle-nose pliers. The retaining cap is just underneath the cartridge. Remove the spout with your hands. It will come off with a little tug.
9. Cut off the O-rings with a utility knife. These rings sit at the base of the faucet. Replace the O-rings. If the O-rings are in good condition, the problem may be the cartridge. If necessary, replace the cartridge.
10. Reassemble the faucet in the reverse sequence you used to take it apart.
Tags: with your, with your hands, , base faucet, directly underneath