| Lowe's home improvement expert Mike Kraft shows you how to repair a faucet with two handles. Mike Kraft will guide you through repairing a cartridge, compression and reverse compression, and ceramic disc faucet. To repair a faucet, you will first need parts. You can either disassemble the faucet and take the parts to your local Lowe's, or you can by a faucet repair kit. You can also check the manufacturer's directions or the manufacturer's website for the exact parts for your faucet. First, turn off your water supply. Then turn on of the faucet to relieve any residual pressure. Close or cover the drain. Place a towel in the drain to keep the parts in order and protect the sink. On some faucets, you can remove the handle or knob by prying off the cap, removing a screw, and pulling off the handle. Others can be removed by unscrewing a set screw. Cartridge To repair a cartridge style faucet, you will first have to remove the retaining clip or retaining nut. Then pull out the cartridge. If your cartridge is damaged or worn, just replace it with a new one. Then reassemble the faucet. Compression and Reverse-Compression To repair a compression or reverse-compression faucet, start by taking out the valve stem. On the bottom of the stem, remove the screw and washer and the old o-ring. Apply a little plumber's grease on the stem and add the new o-ring. Then reassemble your faucet and test it for leaks. If it still leaks, that means you valve seat might be damaged. Remove it and ... |
