Single Handle Faucet Drip: Ball, Cartridge and Ceramic Disc Fixes
The short version
Lowe's Home Improvement shows how to find the source of a leak in a single handle faucet and repair ball, cartridge and ceramic disc types. A leaky spout points to damaged internal parts, while a leak at the base points to damaged seals. The steps cover shutting off the water, removing a stuck aerator, replacing parts or a kit, and flushing the lines afterward.
Full written account
A stuck aerator can be loosened with white vinegar: a towel soaked in it and wrapped around the aerator for about an hour. That is one of several steps in fixing a dripping single handle faucet, whether it is a ball, cartridge or ceramic disc type.
Finding the leak
The location of the drip points to the cause. A leaky spout means damaged parts inside the body, and a leak at the base means damaged seals around the body.
Preparation
Turn off the shut-off valves; if they are stuck, turn off the main water valve. Open the faucet to release residual water, close the drain and put a towel in the sink to protect it. After an hour with the vinegar towel, gently remove the aerator with the towel and pliers.
As the faucet comes apart, lay the parts out in order and take a photo to help with reassembly. Put the parts in a plastic bag to take to the store. One specific part can be replaced, but it is usually best to get a kit and replace all the parts. Buy a new aerator if yours is damaged. The directions are typical, so check the manufacturer's instructions.
Ball faucets
Loosen the set screw, take off the handle, then remove the cap. For a leaky spout, remove the cam washer and ball, noting how the holes in the ball line up with the faucet body. Use a small screwdriver to remove the seats and springs. For leaks at the base, slide off the spout and replace the O-rings, add a little plumber's grease, and replace the spout. Fit new seats and springs, put the ball back with the holes lined up, then replace the washer and cam and reassemble.
Cartridge faucets
Remove the cap, take out the screw and clip, then take off the handle and trim ring. Unscrew the retainer and pull out the cartridge. Insert a new cartridge and reassemble.
Ceramic disc faucets
Remove the handle and trim ring, unscrew the retainer nut and pull out the cylinder. Rather than repairing the discs on the bottom, it is best to install a new cylinder.
Finishing
For all faucets, turn on the supply valve slowly and, without the aerator, let the water run for a few minutes to flush out debris. A dirty aerator can be cleaned by soaking it in white vinegar, rinsing it and screwing it back in.
Questions this video answers
How do I tell where a single handle faucet is leaking from?
A leaky spout means damaged parts inside the faucet body. A leak at the base means damaged seals around the body.
How do I remove a stuck aerator?
Soak a towel in white vinegar, wrap it around the aerator for about an hour, then gently remove it with the towel and pliers.
Which faucet types does the video cover?
Ball, cartridge and ceramic disc single handle faucets.
Should I replace one part or a whole kit?
It says you can replace one specific part, but it is usually best to get a kit and replace all the parts.
What should I do after reassembling?
Turn the supply valve on slowly and, without the aerator, let the water run for a few minutes to flush out debris.
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