Are you looking for ways to fix your kitchen faucet? A leaky or malfunctioning faucet can be really irritating. Apart from the annoying sound of constant dripping, a lot of water is also wasted. Single-handle kitchen faucets are generally easy to repair. However, complicated designs can make it difficult to repair. In this article, we will discuss the steps to repair a single-handle kitchen faucet with a spray hose by yourself.
How Does a Single-Handle Kitchen Faucet With Spray Hose Work?
Let's understand the functioning of the single-handle kitchen faucet before getting into the repair steps.
Basic Components:
-
Handle Mechanism: The single handle controls the faucet. It's connected to a cartridge or ball valve inside the faucet body. The moving handle controls both the temperature and flow of water.
-
Cartridge or Ball Valve: The cartridge or ball valve regulates the mixing of hot and cold water. As the handle is turned, it moves the cartridge inside, which makes the water warmer or cooler.
-
Spray Hose: The spray hose is a flexible tube connected to the faucet's spout. It provides a versatile water flow, converting a steady stream into a powerful spray. It is often retractable, ensuring easy movement around the sink.
-
Aerator: A small device called an aerator is attached to the end of the faucet spout. It adds air to the water flow, which reduces splashing and helps in conserving water. Some aerators are removable for cleaning or replacement.
Water Flow Modes:
-
Regular Flow: When the handle is placed at its default position, water flows out in a regular stream. The cartridge or ball valve is in a neutral position, which allows both hot and cold water to mix and flow through the spout.
-
Spray Mode: It diverts water from the main spout to the spray hose. The hose, with its nozzle, then releases a concentrated and powerful spray of water. This mode is useful for activities like rinsing dishes or washing the sink.
How to Fix a Single-Handle Kitchen Faucet?
1. Turn Off the Water Supply
Start by turning off the water supply to the kitchen faucet. The water control valve is generally placed under the sink, so turn off the water supply by rotating it in the opposite direction. In case there is no water controlling valve, you will need to turn off the main source of water supply. Once the water supply is turned off, open the faucet to release the pressure, and drain the residual water.
2. Disengage the Faucet Handle
Try to spot the hex screw that connects the handle to the faucet body. It is located beneath a plastic cap, or it remains uncapped. Use the screwdriver to unscrew it to loosen the handle from the faucet body. Alternatively, you may use a wrench to make the process easy.
3. Remove the Cartridge
Once you remove the handle from the main body, the cartridge is easily exposed. Though, in some models you may have to loosen some other screws to get to the cartridge. The cartridge may also be hard to remove in some models, and you will have to hold the stem with pliers to remove it from the disc. Check the cartridge, and if you notice any damage, replace it with a new one of the same size as the original.
4. Remove the Seal and Clean the Spots
This procedure varies depending on the model and brand of faucet. Most disk faucets leak because the rubber seals at the bottom of the ceramic disk wear out due to grit or mineral buildup. Use a small screwdriver to remove the rubber seals from the water inlet ports. Make sure the seal doesn't get damaged. Then, clean the seals with a soft nylon brush or an old toothbrush. Clean the bottom ports, too.
5. Replace the O-Ring
The O-rings are placed in the neck of the faucet body and are essential in making a leakproof seal. If the o-rings are old, you need to replace them to avoid faucet leaks.
6. Reinstall the Assembly
Start reassembling by placing the rubber seals, and then insert the disc cartridge. Replace the mounting screw with its cap, if any. Reattach the faucet handle and tighten the screw to correctly reassemble the unit.
7. Open the Water Supply
After you are done with all the steps, open the water supply and check that there is no leakage.
