DIY Network

Water Saving Tips: Leaking Kitchen Faucet From "Ed the Plumber" episode DETP-206

Ed explains how to replace parts on the inside of the kitchen faucet to stop a leak.

Materials:

Needle-nose pliers
Screwdriver
Wrench
Faucet repair kit

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F

Repairing the Kitchen Faucet:

1. Place a rag over the drain to prevent parts from falling down the drain.

2. To repair your kitchen faucet, you'll have to replace the stems, seals and springs.

3. First, shut off the water at the stops under the sink and open the faucet to relieve pressure and to make sure the stops are completely shut off.

4. Next, remove the handle (figure A) according to the manufacturer's specifications. In most cases, you can pop off the cover cap and remove the screw.

5. Now, slowly pull the handle straight up until they're off the stems. Find the collar nut that locks the stem in place, then remove it with an adjustable wrench.

6. With pliers, grab the old stem (figure B) and slowly wiggle it back and forth until it comes out of the faucet body.

7. Take a pair of needle-nose pliers, then fish out the seal and spring from the bottom of the faucet body.

8. Repeat the same steps for the other handle.

Replacing the Seals:

When replacing the seals, it's a good idea to go ahead and change the stems and springs at the same time. This way, you'll practically have a brand new faucet on the inside. To do this, you'll need to buy a complete repair kit. You'll need the make and model of your old faucet to match everything up. Once you have the correct parts, reassemble your faucet handles.

1. Push the spring and the seal into the socket at the base of the faucet body.

2. Next, insert the stem into the faucet body according to the manufacturers instructions.

3. Install the collar nut while pushing down on the stem handle with your thumb. Firmly snug it up (figure C).

4. Do the same for the hot side, then put on the handles and make sure they turn in the correct directions.

5. Put the handle in the off position and reinstall the screws and caps.

6. Finally, open the stops and the faucet to check for leaks.

Leaking Silcock:

1. To rebuild a leaking silcock, the first thing you have to do is shut off the water either at an isolating valve or the main.

2. Remove the bonnet collar nut at the base of the stem handle (figure D) and slide it up the stem.

3. Then, grab the handle and turn it counter-clockwise. This unscrews the stem from the body.

4. Remove the screw and the broken or worn out packing washer at the base of the stem (figure E).

5. Match up an appropriate washer and new screw, then install them at the base of the stem.

6. Screw the stem into the faucet body (figure F) and retighten the packing nut.

7. With the silcock in the off position, turn the water main back on and check for leaks.

Tip: use an aerator to save water when using a kitchen faucet.

Now you can check the water meter activity to ensure that you've corrected all leaks.