Ball-valves are the only types of faucet valves that use springs. The springs are located under the rubber seals in the hot and cold inlet ports in the valve seat, and they push seals against the ball to control water flow. When the faucet leaks from the spout, it's usually because one or both of these springs, or the seals to which they are attached, have worn out. Occasionally, the ball itself may be cracked or chipped.
Turn off the water before you service the single-handle faucet. The shutoff valves are usually under the sink. Turn both of them counterclockwise as far as they will go, then open the faucet to drain the water.
Unscrew and remove the handle. If the handle has a lever, unscrew the hex screw under the lever with a 1/8-inch Allen wrench. If it's a faceted plastic handle, pry off the cap with a flat-head screwdriver and unscrew the screw holding the handle with a Phillips screwdriver.
Rotate the collar counterclockwise to unscrew it. You can usually do this with your fingers, especially if you use rubber gloves to get a good grip, but you may have to use adjustable pliers. Removing it will reveal a plastic cam that you may have to unscrew with a wrench.
Grasp the faucet stem with your fingers and lift the ball out of the valve seat. Inspect it for cracks and replace it with a new one if you find any. Set it aside if it appears to be in good condition.
Insert the Phillips screwdriver through one of the rubber seals in the bottom of the valve compartment and pull out the seal. The spring should come with it. Replace the seal and spring with new ones. Push the narrow end of the tapered spring into the bottom of the seal, and then guide both parts into the valve seat with the screwdriver. Replace the other spring and seal in the same way.
Place the ball back into the valve housing, aligning the notch or arrow on the ball with the one on the housing. Replace the cam and, if it screws on, tighten it with a wrench. Screw the collar back on, then replace the handle.
Things You Will Need
- 1/8-inch Allen wrench
- Flat-head screwdriver
- Phillips screwdriver
- Rubber gloves
- Adjustable pliers
- New springs and seals
- Even if only one of the springs or seals is worn, it's a good idea to replace both of them, because the other one is probably not far from wearing out as well.
- Note the faucet model so you can get the correct replacement parts.
- Wrap a rag around the collar to protect the finish before you grip it with adjustable pliers.
- Loosening the collar holding the ball in place can get you scalded if you don't turn off the water first.
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