# Category : Plumbing articles

## Replacing Your Leaking Cartridge Faucet

One of the most common repairs in the home is having to replace a leaking cartridge faucet. Despite what many people think, it is not difficult to do a cartridge faucet repair yourself, saving you an expensive plumber’s bill. It does not require any specialized tools. This guide shows you the tools required, and the process to follow in order to replace a leaking cartridge faucet.

### What is a Cartridge Faucet?

The cartridge faucet regulates the water flow that comes out of the tap. It can also control the temperature of the water. If you have a leak in your cartridge faucet, it is usually caused by a small rubber ring wearing out or the faucet itself becoming worn.

### What Tools are Required to Replace a Leaking Cartridge Faucet?

There are only a few main tools that are required when replacing a leaking cartridge faucet. You will need a screwdriver, a utility knife, and a pair of needlepoint pliers. You will also require some water pump pliers and a new cartridge.

### Do You Need to Turn Off the Water Before Replacing a Leaking Cartridge Faucet?

You will definitely need to turn off the water supply before replacing a cartridge faucet. You can choose to either turn the water off under the sink or cut it off at the main water supply.

### How do You Repair a Leaking Cartridge Faucet?

The first step is to remove the handle of the faucet by unscrewing the screws on the handle. The plastic retaining nut is exposed; this needs removing using water pump pliers. The faucet spout is then removed by lifting it straight up. You will see the cartridge faucet with a rubber O-ring around it. If you have not already purchased a replacement cartridge faucet, take the old one with you to the hardware store. This way you can make sure you get the correct one. The O-ring must be removed before you are able to use the pliers to remove the cartridge faucet. Put the new cartridge faucet in place and place the O-ring on the faucet cylinder. You may need to coat the O-ring with grease before you can place it back on. Place the faucet spout back on, put the plastic retaining nut on, and replace the handle. Turn your water back on to check that the leaking has stopped.

Do not be afraid of trying to repair or replace a cartridge faucet yourself. As long as you remember to turn the water off at the mains, you do not need to worry about your kitchen becoming flooded. Make sure you get the correct cartridge faucet as the one you previously had. Otherwise, you may find that it does not fit correctly and you may still have a leak.

- Posted on 28 Jul 2014
- By admin
- In Home repair

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## What is a Faucet?

Many of the issues you can have in the bathroom are related to the faucet. You need to know what it is, what type you have in your home, and what the problems are that you might face.

A faucet is a tap or a spigot. It is a type of valve that controls the release of liquids, mostly water in a regular home, or gas. The tap is connected to the water supply through a swivel tap connector attached on the water pipe. Faucets come in different forms, but they are usually made from hard materials, and can be easily recognized as they are used to turn on or off water or gas.

##### Where Will You Find Faucets?

Faucets are used wherever there is a need to turn water on and off at will. You will find them above the sink, the handle that allows you to open the water, or in the shower. You will usually find a faucet on the pipe that leads to the washing machine and on the pipe that takes gas to the stove. All water pipes have taps along their length. The tap is not necessarily placed where the water flows, but in your bathroom it should be handy and visible.

##### How does one Work, and how do You Know it is Broken?

The arrangement of hot and cold taps is standard. The hot tap is on the left while the cold-water tap is on the right. Some installations ignore this rule and this assembly is called a crossed connection. A tap will usually release the gas or water if you turn it to the left side, and will turn off the water if you turn it to the right side, but do test this as sometimes it is in reverse. You will know that a faucet is broken when you notice leaks at the base of the faucet, if it works with difficulty or remains stuck, does not move at all, or if nothing happens when swiveling it.

##### What Types of Faucets are There?

There are four types of taps or spigots: The ball, disc, cartridge, or compression faucet. The ball, disc, and cartridge faucets do not use rubber or neoprene washers. The compression faucet is very common, and the simplest type of faucet. The ball faucet has a single handle and a round, ball shaped base that is placed right above the faucet spout. The disc faucet also has single lever, but has a cylindrical base and can be moved sideways. Single handle cartridge faucets operate in up and down motions to regulate the water flow. If you move them from left to right, you can regulate temperature. Compression washer faucets have separate hot and cold-water handles. In order to regulate water flow you need to swivel the handles.

You have used many faucets for different reasons. If you are wondering what a faucet is, just think of it as the tap you are using to regulate water flow, or to turn on and off the gas. There are four main types of faucets. Faucets can break and cause trouble like leakages, or they can become stuck. Make sure you identify the types of faucets that you have in your home, and remember this in case you need to call a plumber.

- Posted on 28 Jul 2014
- By admin
- In House keeping

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