How to Repair a Leaky Single Handle Ball-Type Faucet
Step-by-step Instructions
Your kitchen faucet gets a lot of use, so you want to keep it in tip top shape. If you find that your single handle, ball type faucet is leaking water, you can replace a few of its parts without spending a lot of time and money on a new faucet. The best part is, you can do it all by yourself.
Tools and supplies required: Allen wrench, wrench, smooth jaw pliers, screwdriver, cleaner to remove mineral build-up
Turn off the water supply to the sink. Remove the handle screw with an Allen wrench, and then remove the handle from the Faucet.
Loosen the cam nut to reveal the plastic cam and ball assembly. The cam nut is a cone-shaped piece below the handle. Find the slotted nut at the top and grip it with pliers. Turn the cam nut counter clockwise to remove.
Use a wrench to loosen and remove the retainer nut. Lift out the plastic cam and cam gasket to expose the ball and remove the ball from the faucet.
Remove the ball from the faucet assembly by lifting out. Then pry the rubber seals and springs out of the body with a thin blade. Before installing the new parts, thoroughly clean the inside of the faucet body with cleaner intended to remove mineral build-up or use plain vinegar.
Install the seats and springs FIRST. Insert the spring wide-end down then place the rubber seat over the narrow end of the spring. (Note: You may find it easier to assemble the springs and seats in this order outside of the faucet on a counter and then place this assembly onto the tip of a screwdriver and insert them into the faucet body.
Place the Ball back into the Faucet Assembly. The Ball may have a notch that fits a small peg inside the faucet. Align the peg and notch on the ball assembly to ensure proper installation into the Faucet. Install the replacement Gasket Cam and Plastic Cam over the top of the Ball and place the Cam Nut over the Plastic Cam, and then tighten the Nut with Pliers.
Reinstall the faucet Handle by placing on the cam nut and tightening the set screw with an Allen wrench. Turn water supply back on and test for leaks.
