Delta makes a wide variety of home and commercial faucets, often found in planned community homes because of the combination of their quality and price. Delta faucets, while designed to last a long time without replacement, do require maintenance with a recommended replacement or cleaning of the cartridge and pressure rings every three to five years. High pressure and temperatures allow calcium and lime deposits to build up on the cartridge and , which rots the rubber on the rings and destroys the seal.
Instructions
1. Shut off the water main located beneath the bathroom sink. This will be one or two valves tied to copper pipes or a flexible metallic tube. Turn the valve(s) at least half a turn to the left (counterclockwise) to reach the off position.
2. Unscrew the base of the faucet (not the handles) with the adjustable wrench. Delta faucets have a circular bolt at the base that can be turned counterclockwise to loosen. Hold the spigot (where the water comes out) while unscrewing the base of the faucet at the same time to get leverage.
3. Remove the top of the spigot to reveal the cartridge and pressure rings (2 or 3 depending on model). There will be some additional water leakage when you remove this although the water main is in the off position.
4. Remove the old cartridge with the adjustable wrench. Pry out the old pressure rings with your screwdriver. Scrape off any of the old sealant from the base of the faucet with your screwdriver.
5. Place the new pressure rings at the base of the replacement cartridge and insert it into the faucet. Use your wrench to turn the cartridge clockwise until you hear it lock into place.
6. Apply a small amount of silicon based water sealant to cover any visible gaps above the pressure rings. Gaps can occur between the inside wall of the faucet and the rings. Do not cover the cartridge itself.
7. Replace the faucet and tighten it back into place with your wrench.
Tags: pressure rings, base faucet, cartridge pressure, cartridge pressure rings, with your, adjustable wrench