You Can Repair Your Faucets Easily and Quickly

It doesn't matter whether you have a Delta or a Peerless single-handle faucet; they are both made by the same company and are constructed pretty much the same way. Repairing these faucets is just a bit more involved than a standard faucet but you do not need a plumber to get the job done. A few simple hand tools and a repair kit and you can do the job yourself in about 30 minutes and save about $100 in plumber charges. These faucets use the patented ball-on-stick design which opens up pathways for the hot and cold water to flow through a single passageway.

You must first turn off the water supply to the faucet. If there is no cut-off valve under the sink you will have to use the main water supply valve and cut the water supply to the house. Make sure that the water is all the way off. Don't put so much pressure that you strip the valve threads. There is a small set screw to hold the handle in place. You will need a 1/8" Allen wrench to loosen it. If the screw is too tight or has corrosion just spray it with WD-40 and then apply a few drops of machine oil to break the seal.

When you remove the handle you will see a stick poking up that is attached to a ball. The dome shaped chrome piece is the part that holds everything in place. This piece is threaded to the faucet. Next to the dome is a plastic ring that has four notches in it. This ring can be adjusted by tapping a screwdriver very lightly with a hammer. It turns counter-clockwise and it will relieve the force applied to the internal parts. You have to exercise extreme caution here as turn it can actually rotate the entire faucet body and this can damage your plumbing. When you turn it, listen carefully. If you hear any other parts turning, stop immediately.

Underneath this piece is a shield-like piece of plastic that needs to be removed. The black and white section seals the top of the ball. This is the section where leaks will develop. Check it for any nicks or gouges. If it is fine, leave it alone. If not replace it. Lastly, replace the black rubber rings and the springs inside the assembly. If the rotary ball is damaged, replace it as well.

Now remove any debris from the assembly by flushing it with clear water and reassemble your faucet. When everything is back together turn on the water and let the faucet run for a few minutes to purge the air from the lines. It is not a bad idea, at this point, to turn all the faucets on for a few minutes. This will purge the air from your whole plumbing system. You should also be checking for leaks at the same time in all the visible plumbing in the areas where you were working.