Step-by-step instructions
Is anything more annoying than a leaky faucet? Maybe not; But it's also well within your power to fix it yourself with Danco. Read on, to find out how.
Tools and supplies required: Flat head screwdriver, Phillips head screwdriver, wrench, seat removal tool (optional)
1
First, determine the source of the leak. If water is leaking from underneath the handle onto the counter, the stem of whichever handle is leaking needs to be replaced.
If water is dripping from the faucet, turn off the hot water supply valve under the sink. If water is still dripping, you need to replace the cold stem (right handle). If the water stops dripping when you turned off the hot water valve, you need to replace the hot stem (left handle). Once you’ve determined the trouble stem, turn off the water supply.
2
Remove the Handle by lifting off the Index Cap with a flathead screwdriver. Next, Remove the handle (so the stem is visible) by loosening the Set Screw by the screw counter-clockwise. Set aside the Handle, Set Screw and Handle Button to reinstall at the end of the project.
3
If you have a plastic stem, unscrew the top cap and pop out the stem. If you have a brass stem, remove the stem by using a wrench and rotating it counter clockwise until it threads out entirely. Take a look at the Washer which is located on the lower end of the Stem. If the Washer is squeezed flat or has a groove worn in it, a Washer Kit coupled with a new Faucet Seat will likely solve your problem. When replacing the faucet seat, you can remove and replace the seat with an Allen wrench or a seat removal tool. Turn the seat counterclockwise to loosen, clockwise to tighten.
Once removed, you will need to take your stem to your local home improvement store and use the Perfect Match locator system from Danco or use the online Stem Finder. This system makes it easy to find your replacement.
4
Once you have purchased your new stem, you can install it into your faucet
- Install a brass stem by rotating clockwise until it threads entirely and tighten with a wrench.
- Install a plastic stem by placing the stem into the handle base and screw on the top cap.
5
Now is a great time to upgrade your faucet’s appearance with universal metal handles.
How to install the new universal handles
- Place the handle adapter over the stem and tighten
- Place the new handle on the adapter and insert the handle screw into the washer then into the handle and tighten.
- If your new handle has an index button, place it on the handle.
Finally, turn the water back on to ensure the leak is fixed.
Bob Bonner –
Where are the installation instructions for DANCO part # 17312b (3Z-6H/C)? The packing material refered me to the Danco web site for the instructions.
Danco (store manager) –
Good Morning Bob,
Thank you for your letting us know that this product does not have proper installation instructions. Since our launch we have been adding more and more installation instructions as well as videos to help the DIY consumer in their projects. We have added...Read More
Clint Hanna –
This is a sales pitch, not an “how to do it”. A waste of my time.
Danco (store manager) –
Good Morning Clint,
Thank you for your feedback and letting us know that the “How To Video” and Installation Instructions were not helpful. It can be very stressful when trying to install a product and not have the proper information to help with your DIY pro...Read More
Plain O’ Bob –
I’ve used these repair kits several times over the years with good success, most recently this week. I do agree that the installation video is pretty comical in that it doesn’t address situations you will probably encounter. I can add some comments about what I&#...Read More
First of all, if you haven’t used the cut off valves under the sink to shut off the water, you would be well advised not to disturb them. The seals and packings in mine are completely fossilized from years of exposure to hard water. Turning the water off here will probably cause leaks and a second repair job. I always turn the water off at the water meter when servicing faucets.
Next, if you have hard water and the existing faucet valve stems have been in place for several years, lime scale build-up will keep you from being able to remove them from the valve body with your fingers like the video shows. After you have removed the handle and the nut that retains the stem assembly, reinstall the handle (without the nut). Pull up on the handle to remove the stem assembly, like using a corkscrew on a wine bottle.
You may have a similar situation with the rubber valve seat and spring. (I’m pretty sure that our faucet drips are caused by the rubber valve seat being frozen in place by lime scale. This makes it unable to slide in the bore and maintain pressure against the stem base.) If you use an allen wrench or other metal tool to remove the rubber seat and spring, be careful not to gouge the cylinder bore where the seat locates.
For the valve to work properly, the interior surfaces of the valve body where the rubber seat and the stem o-ring locate must be must be free of lime scale and smooth. I have used a mild acid solution (vinegar?) and a bottle brush to accomplish this. Then I neutralize everything with baking soda and rinse thoroughly with water (saved from before I cut the water off). I wouldn’t recommend trying to remove lime scale with abrasive like emery paper.
It will be a challenge get the rubber seat and its spring into its bore. I had success by sliding them onto a slender stylus like a scribe (or even a piece of rigid wire) and inserting the end of the stylus into the seat bore. You can then slide the spring and seat into place together. Press on the seat to make sure it slides freely in its bore.
If the valve body interior has been cleaned, you can insert the valve stem like the video shows. Note that you don’t need to heavily torque down the nut that retains the stem in the valve. It has nothing to do with sealing against water pressure. The o-ring on the stem accomplishes this. If you torque down the nut too much it will make the handle operation too stiff.
I hope this helps
Frustrated –
Very nice pictures of the UNASSEMBLED pieces. However, cannot find anywhere instructions on the order in which the pieces should be assembled for insertion. For example: which way does the spring go into the seat? Which end faces the cartridge? Etc…
Danco (store manager) –
Good Morning,
Thank you for reaching out to us. We are currently in the process of updating all of our pictures and including all alt photos along with assembled pictures to help further enhance installation. We apologize that this is not available at this moment.
...Read More
Mark –
Danco, quit repeating the same thing year after year. We need instructions that we can follow. Totally confused as to the order these get installed in. Spring-rubber-plastic cap?
Kat –
Very frustrating. What do I do with the three other pieces? Very poor directions. It’s Sunday, no customer service today- not customer service.